I had to bring the camera to work today to get some head shots of a few of my coworkers. I was not at all "on my game" ... was kind of rushed and haphazardly shooting. I got what we needed, but as I was editing the images out of the camera I was feeling like these faces look a little different to me. You know when you see someone every day, you don't notice the little things? We discovered Marcey (bottom) has a lazy eye, so I had to swing her to the other side so that didn't seem so obvious. I love capturing people, but in their natural state - portraits just put people in this completely unnatural smile. I hate that fakey smile. 
I did get one photo of Brad that completely captures who he is. It is the perfect photo of how I see him. That's a rare photo to get!! If you can't tell, he's kind of a smart ass, but in that genuine, funny kind of way. This is a 'look' we see quite a lot!
macaron class deux
Took in another French macaron making class, this time at Sur la Table. They just opened a store at a mall near me - so happy that I can now just run in and pick up my cooking/baking needs!! We had about 15 people in the class, a mix of singles, friends and mother/daughter groups. We made three macaron flavors - chocolate salted caramel, lavender with white chocolate ganache and hazelnut with praline buttercream. We certainly had fun, and learned a couple of new tips, but sadly each batch had some kind of problem. I have made many a macaron and know just how fussy they are - look at them wrong and they blow out - but some of the ladies were kind of grumpy about the whole thing. The chef was very apologetic and very sweet, but I do think they need to test the recipes a few times before getting all of in a class. AND they need to make larger batches - before our filling had set, the other groups had theirs filled and completely eaten. That was so odd to me ... eat a couple, but leave enough so that everyone has a few of each to take home. Ahh well... Here's the thing I really took away from the class. Practice makes perfect. It's not the equipment, it's all what feels good and works for you. And if you fail, try again.
P.S. How about those tatts? Crazy huh?
napa : phoned in : people
Just a quickie to share the iPhone photos from my lovely weekend in Napa with the girls... Such a beautiful area! We loved every second of our trip and I cannot wait to go back! Maybe we should make this an annual trip... just sayin'
kathryn
Check out this lovely photoshoot of my crazy talented and completely beautiful friend Kathryn! Kath and I have been friends since our freshman year of college. I knew she was a good designer then ... and so proud of what she has accomplished now. xoxo
Haen wedding
What a beautiful day! I shot my first wedding in ages for my dear friend Barbara and her husband Steve. I have the utmost respect for wedding photographers - this is seriously hard work! I took over 2400 photos - many burst shots, so lots to cut with eyes closed and folks looking the other way and such - and paired it down to just over 500 I felt best captured the day. I think there are some keepers for sure. Hands down my biggest photo challenge to date. I shot with three lenses - 24-70, 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.4. I am rather surprised at my gravitation toward primes ... LOVE the 50mm! Here are a few of my favorite photos from a beautiful wedding day in January! Thanks to Barbara and Steve for including me in such a special day and trusting me to capture some of the most important moments as you begin your journey together.
Charleston : take two
Spent the weekend with my friend Laura - a cold beach walk, rainy plantation visit and lots of food and drink with friends new and old.
And I had to grab a little video on Vine of the bubbles along the shore. I was a little bit on the fence about Vine, but it's actually kind of fun.
10 on 10 { feb 2013 }
I remembered! I remembered! Today I snapped a LOT of photos, but made sure to grab one per hour so I could be true to the 10 on 10 challenge! Spent the day at the Museum of Science and Industry, my favorite Chicago museum, with the Pittman's! I wanted to go to catch the Peanuts exhibit - and crazy -Holly, Jeff and Bella had never been before... what!?! They totally loved it. YaYa always knows the best places to go!
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| breakfast and facebook |
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| selfie after getting ready for the day |
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| allergy shot - four years of these and still counting - damn cats! |
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| Peanuts exhibit was really great |
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| I have always wanted an original Peanuts cel |
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| Sloane LOVED that piano. |
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| We watched the movie Born to be Free in the Omnimax Theater - it was fabulous! |
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Went on the U505 tour - the claustrophobic in me did not enjoy this much
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| 'twas a dreary day here in Chicago, but I really cannot complain ... rain in February is not normal |
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| target |
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| finalizing plans for birthday trip |
kiss by a rose
Have you ever applied your blush with a rose? Bella may be onto something here ..
sloane : 1 year old
Super sweet Sloane turns one year old with a candy themed party! She's such a girly girl - no cake smashing for Sloane ... no she looked at her cupcake and waited for someone to hand her a piece which she placed gently in her mouth. So stinkin' cute!
31 meat market scouting
Spent the afternoon with Barbara, Steve, Terena, Fernanda and more in the Fulon Market area brunching at The Publican and scouting for Barbara and Steve's upcoming wedding dinner at the Publican Quality Meats. It's a fabulous little butcher shop and eatery. The perfect place for the foodie couple!
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| spotted this on the way home and had Barbara snap a quick pic - too funny |