Family

The Stephensons // Eagle Point Park

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I am so glad we decided to push this shoot by a day, Friday was turning out to be a pretty dark and gloomy day so I proposed we push it so that we could get some good light and they were totally flexible. The forecast said there would be sun on Saturday so we went with it. Do you see all this luscious warmth coming through the trees? Not to mention we were days out from December and we didn’t even need coats, the sweaters were perfect.

This is a special family to me, Kira, the mother, has been a dear friend of mine since we were in middle school. We both love cooking, wine, family, friends and OPRAH! Kira and Ricky met while serving our country and after coming back from tour, they got married and had three babies–one of which is not shown, Max. He is a sweet angel who left this earth too early. Kira has taught me so much during all of this painful time and her strength and positivity is second to none. What’s so special about these photos is that after Kira saw them, she expressed her gratitude to me for capturing them and she pointed out how present Max was on this day, you can see him in little light bubbles and rays shining through on each of them. I felt him too that day. I really had fun capturing this amazing family, I hope you enjoy these!

J

Cousins // Dubuque

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I was back in my hometown of Dubuque, IA over the 4th of July weekend and had the privilege of shooting Nixon and Nova. Nova is the daughter of one of my best friends and Nixon is the son one of my husband’s best friend. So going up to meet them to do a photo shoot was just like hanging out. It was a really good time filled with lots of laughs. Everyone contributed to helping capture the moments including impromptu Itsy-Bitsy Spider sing-alongs. These two cousins only see each other a few times a year as Nixon lives in San Diego and Nova lives in Iowa. Since they are both only children, they are like brother and sister complete with kisses and wrestles. Only 3 weeks apart, these two were a whole lot of entertainment including the moment we had them “cheers” with mommy’s and daddy’s wine/beer. 🙂 I hope you enjoy these!

J

Oglesby Family // Iowa

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I had the pleasure of shooting my first family this past Saturday and what a beautiful summer night it was. We chose dusk as the appropriate time for summer outdoor photos since the temperature would be cooler and the light much sweeter.

The Oglesbys were a joy to photograph, plus they’re easy on my lens. I was back in my hometown of  Dubuque, IA for the long 4th of July weekend and what a beautiful weekend it was, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. I would say the first family shoot was a success for both me and their family!

I hope you had a fantastic 4th of July! Enjoy!

LeFevour Family // Elmhurst College

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As a photographer, you hope your subjects are adventurous, have an open mind and most importantly, just want to have fun. This beautiful family of four did just that. I was so happy they asked me to shoot them, full of energy, smiles and the interaction between them all was absolutely awesome. We met at a clearing at Elmhurst College, just outside of Chicago. The October day was beautiful, crisp with a warm sun. Here are the photos of the LeFevours. I hope you enjoy!

J

Harris Family // Dubuque

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Last weekend I was in my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa and I had the pleasure of meeting and shooting the Harris Family. Sarah reached out to me in hopes I would be in Iowa soon and it just happened to work out. I think we landed the last beautiful fall weekend, the light, the leaves, everything was still and beautiful. There are three beautiful boys in this family with a lot of energy, Will is 4, Cole is 3, and Ted is 1. 3 boys under 5, makes for constant entertainment. 🙂 These shots were taken at one of my favorite places in Dubuque, The Mines of Spain – a nature park on the Mississippi with lots of trails for hiking. I hope you enjoy!

J

O’Neill Family // Dubuque

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It’s been quite fun having my last three shoots at Four Mounds Inn in Dubuque, IA because it’s where I married my love. I had a great time shooting Remy Bear with her parents, Maggie and Dennis who were in the midwest visiting family from Brooklyn, NY.  Enjoy some of these sweet family photos. <3 J

Ludovissy Family // Iowa

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What a fun shoot this was, triplet 14 month olds. Each with a very different demeanor and personality. 2 girls – Jordan and Taylor, and a boy – Brady. It was definitely a challenge to even photograph them in the same frame since they’re now walking and moving all over the place. They had each of us running around after them! It was the most perfect summer evening, warm with abundant sunshine. I photographed them at a nature reserve outside of my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa. We really had fun doing this shoot and what a beautiful family! I cannot wait to photograph them as they get older, triplets are my new favorite! Hope you enjoy these images!

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J