Fall at Blackhawk State Park

I spent most of October saying I wanted to get out and photograph the fall colors.  We've had A-M-A-Z-I-N-G weather this fall, so I've spent lots of time outside...but not with my camera by my side.  A few weekends ago, we finally made a quick trip to Blackhawk State Park for a walk, and I was able to capture a few images I am happy with...

(Pumpkin) Painting

Pumpkin painting in our house this Halloween season quickly became about painting everything else!

Steve & Amy -- Engagement Session

I'm so excited, and also extremely nervous, to be shooting my first wedding in June.  I am so blessed to have a lifetime friend who has enough faith in my skills to pass this wedding onto me since she was already committed to another wedding.  This will be my first wedding, and I hope it will lead to more opportunities in the future.

Today I met the couple who is granting me this amazing chance.  Thanks so much, Steve & Amy!

All Smiles, Anika

Taking pictures of children is no simple task!  I see some of my photography friends post these beautiful photos of kids that are all smiles and I am in awe.  Then I reassure myself that they've been doing this a lot longer, and like me, they probably have 30+ throw away pics for every perfectly captured smile.

When scrolling through pictures I took of my sister, my brother-in-law, and my niece this weekend I smiled when I came across this shot.  What started as a family photo turned into one of my favorite shots of one of my favorite little girls.  It was worth every missed shot, and every bribe we used to get her into the photos!

Loud Thunder

October is fast becoming one of my favorite months.  The colors are fabulous, and when the chilly mornings give way to sunny, warm afternoons, I melt!

I had the great opportunity to spend some time out at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with friends this month and fell in love with the scenery.  Views of the Mississippi River on the drive coupled with Lake George and the gorgeous fall foliage really makes my half hour drive worth every moment.

My friend Lindsey and I were fortunate enough to catch the spectacular reds, oranges, and yellows of these trees over Lake George just a week or two before the wind blew most of the leaves away.

A hike just before sunset may be my new favorite thing.