Mond Family // Galena

I had the pleasure of shooting Darcee and her family at their home in Galena. Their home was built in 1856 and is so beautiful. Their backyard is where most of these shots were taken–we shot in their garden where they grow their veggies, on their tree swing, on the back patio and watering the plants in the front yard. One week after I shot them, Siesta-their beloved pooch, passed away. I was lucky enough to have captured them with her before she was set free. I know they’ll miss her dearly and we’re all grateful she was there for these photos.

Eben got little Huxley to put his face in the hose stream. Too good. This family is the best and I’m lucky to call them friends. Huxley’s shirt let us know how old he just turned and Darcee’s glowing belly let us know there’s a healthy growing baby in there. So happy to have captured them on a perfect summer evening. I loved this shoot and had a hard time choosing only a few shots, so I might have showcased a few more! I hope you enjoy these!

J

Riecks Family // Iowa

I love getting referrals from people, this was a family of four that I was referred to so we had never met before. We met at The Mines of Spain, a beautiful nature preserve in Iowa along the Mississippi River. If you know anything about Iowa summer nights along the river, you know that they’re beautiful but full of mosquitoes! Beau and JC were the friendliest and most un-shy children, we had such a great time! I hope you enjoy these family photos!

J

Stoffel Family // Iowa

This was my first family shoot with this many family members! The Stoffel Family is made of a mom and a dad and their 2 daughters and 3 sons along with their own families. We had met in the morning of the 4th of July at a nature preserve outside my hometown in Dubuque, Iowa. We got some great shots of the individual small families and then some great group shots of everyone. I even got them to agree to all get into the freezing cold creek! The water temperature might have helped  add to the great energy. 😉 I hope you enjoy these photos!

J

Vogler Family // Christmas in Iowa

While back in my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa for the Christmas festivities, I had the pleasure of shooting the Vogler family. The mother Michelle was the older sister of a grade school friend of mine and so it was really great getting to know her own family. Her husband is Jeff and together they have 2 little ones – Collin, 3 years, and Hudson, 3 weeks… hello polar opposites! Oh, and I mustn’t forget their boxer, Daykin, who on every photo opportunity was trying to get front and center between the family and my lens. It was pretty hilarious. It’s always so cool to get to be so intimate with a family and to see their dynamic first hand. Pretty cool part of my job. 🙂

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

Coming Soon!

This is my new blog, so I'm in the middle on transferring from my old, thanks for your patience!

 

In the meantime, check out my instagram: @jcastanedaphotography

xo!