Shelbi’s session started at the Japanese Gardens in Fabyan Park in Geneva and ended at her rural Elgin home.  We were not able to get into the Japanese Gardens because they were closed for the day but were able to shoot in the area around it.  It was a simply gorgeous day and a gorgeous area to shoot at, but it was very popular – there was at least 5 other photographers there and 2 wedding parties!  Shelbi has the most beautiful RED, CURLY hair!  Seriously jealous!

And then a little bit about Shelbi-

Thanks for a wonderful session Shelbi!

Jake’s session was held in his beautiful rural Elgin backyard.  They have gorgeous, LARGE trees and even a stream that runs through their property.  Thank goodness for bug spray because the mosquitoes wanted to carry us off!  Here is a little bit about Jake:

I have a couple more ’11 seniors that I need to blog because I’m starting on CLASS of 2012!  Feels so weird to type that! But let me finish up with the 2011 grads.  Up today is Ryan.  It was so nice to re-connect with him and his family since one of my sons played CDBL baseball waaaay back when with him and had his dad as a coach.  He is a member of the Burlington Central Varsity team where he is a pitcher and plays outfield.  Here is some more info about Ryan:

Jim’s session was held at his rural Elgin home.  The weather held out just long enough for the session and then it started to rain AGAIN!  So glad we were able to get the session in!  Jim’s little dog “Tank” followed us all around but then when it was time to get his picture taken he was suddenly “camera shy” but we managed to get some good ones with him too.  Here are some interested facts about Jim:

3 things people would be surprised to learn about you

I play golf

I like to fish

I like to play basketball

3 things you couldn’t live without

Food

Family

good weather

Fav movie or book

Inception

3 pet peeves

don’t have any

3 foods for a year, what would they be?

pizza

hot dogs

gyros

If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?

a vacation

If I had 24 hours to live, I would

finish my bucket list

Fav class or teacher in HS. Why?

CADD with Mr. Day

What are your after graduation plans (college & major, work, etc.)

Business at UW Whitewater

And then a couple “would your rather” just becasue they are fun!

• Would you rather
  never use the internet again
  X never watch TV again
• Would you rather
  X always lose
  
  never play
• Would you rather
  
  X get caught singing in the car
  
  get caught with your fly unzipped
• Would you rather
  be able to read everyone’s mind
  
  X always know the future

And some of my favorite pictures from the session.

and that is one of the best compliments you can give Jet. She is the starting pitcher on the varsity girls softball team that was 3rd in state last year. She is planning on continuing her softball career next year at Central Methodist University in Missouri on a softball scholarship. She is planning on studying pre-med/biology.

Jet’s session started at her home in rural Burlington in her gorgeous backyard forest. Her dog Brandy and Roo were in the pictures as well as her brother & parents. Since prom is next week she put her prom dress on (with the beautiful necklace and earings from her grandmother!) and trekked out back. Hope you have a wonderful time at prom Jet – you will look beautiful!

Gorgeous name – gorgeous young lady! Micaela is a senior at Kaneland High School. Her session was in her beautiful landscaped yard in Sugar Grove and also at a bridge at the local bike trail. We had the perfect day for photographs – cloudy, not too windy, not too cold. Perfect! The session was a lot of fun with a lot of laughter with her mom, many clothing changes, and her alpha “designer mutt” fur baby joining in for some portraits also! Micaela is planning on attending Illinois State University next fall with an undeclared major. Hope you enjoy your sneak peek Micaela!

Melissa’s session was at John Duerr Forest Preserve where she has been going to camp for the last 13 YEARS – first as a camper then as a counselor for girl scouts! Needless to say she knew all the ins and outs of the place and all the cool locations for pictures! It was one of the hottest days of the summer. We started early in the morning but by the time the session was over she was wiped! But she was a trooper and her pictures are gorgeous!

And against my better judgement (I’m a Cubs fan!!!) we took pictures of her dog Lilly and her Sox jersey and championship blanket for her dad. Don’t they look cute???

dis-ci-plined

de-ter-mined

–adjective

1.	resolute; staunch:

de-fen-sive

–adjective

1.	serving to defend; protective:

All these words describe Kayla.  She is enlisted in the Marines and leaves for bootcamp in S.C. in July.  She is in military intelligence with an emphasis on foreign languages.  She is an amazing young women and I am blessed that she chose me to do her senior portraits.  Kayla I hope you love your pictures – here is a sneak peek of a few!

Kayla’s session was done in her backyard and at the Great Northern Bike Trail.  Her dogs were so loveable – they wanted in the pictures until we wanted them to sit and then they wanted nothing to do with us!

Kayla has been in martial arts since she was 7.  She is now an assistant in the class and is revered and respected by the younger kids.  She is all about teaching self-defense to everyone. 

I was able to take pictures of my Dad’s new bichon yesterday in the comfort of his own home.  Skipper had just been to the groomers so he was all “beautiful”  or should I say handsome since he is a boy!  I had to capture Skipper in his favorite resting place – on top of the end table next to the couch! Goofy dog!   He is a gorgeous boy and is such a comfort and companion to my Dad.

We adopted a dog from the animal shelter this week!  I adore him.  He is such a sweetheart!  He is a golden retriever/collie (or chow) mix.  He is about 1 1/2 years old and weighs about 50 lbs.  He is definitely a people dog and is my new shadow (unless Sabrina is home and then he doesn’t leave her side!!!)  Here he is playing outside in the snow.  It is 10 degrees and he is having a ball but I am freezing – my fingers can hardly push the shutter.

I sure wish dogs could talk cuz I sure would like to know how anyone could give HIM up!