Chicago at Night Time

On one of my last weekends in Chicago, I decided to spend an evening going around to my favorite landmarks in the city. Every since I've gotten my camera I have just wanted to capture the city's skyline. This was the last time I could do it and I am happy with the results. I am going to get a canvas picture and I think I might pick the skyline. It's been a great 2.5 years here and I am excited for the times I can come back and visit! I will definitely miss what this city has to offer.

Environmental Portrait

My brother Chris was kind enough to let me come over and take some pictures of him doing what he loves best, playing guitar. He was patient and even made some suggestions for me, which was super helpful. On this journey of learning photography, it's helpful to have people with patience who will let me figure everything out and let me be creative. Whenever I come from taking pictures of someone or something it just makes me more excited about doing photography! This was a great practice shoot for me and it was great to have it be with my big brother! Thanks, Chris you were awesome! :) Call me when you need your next album cover shot! I'm pretty cheap!

Navy Pier

On Saturday, February 11, I went out to Navy Pier to volunteer at a gymnastics competition representing the Special Olympics. It was a great event to be at and see all the little gymnasts. Made me wish I was that young and that in shape again! The highlight of my day though was going out along the pier and taking pictures. These were two of my favorites. I've never been on a ferris wheel and everytime I see the one at Navy Pier, I always want to ride it! One day it will happen....hopefully one day soon :)

Chicago Theater Edited in Lightroom

I've been learning the wonderful workings of Adobe Lightroom to edit photos that I have been taking. This is another of the Chicago Theater. Just brightened up the colors to make it stand out more against the blah colored buildings behind it. It's really fun to photograph all of these historical and well-known places. Chicago really had a lot to offer when it comes to photography!

Millennium Park Magic

One of my best friends from HS came to visit Chicago with her boyfriend. One thing they wanted to do was go ice skating in Millennium Park so of course I jumped at the opportunity to get some photo ops. This was a really sweet moment & I am happy to have caught it for them. I got many pictures of them skating around, smiling & having fun, but this one was pretty special. When they came around the curve, Sam took Kristen and planted one on her. It was spontaneous and beautiful. I hope they like the photos! :)

Elaine W. Mitchell

My dearest Grandmother passed away last week. As we are all still dealing with this loss, we remember the many many memories we have of her. All 18 grandchildren basically had two homes growing up, one with our own parents and family and one with our Grandma. We spent countless hours at her pool, spending the night, eating ice cream, attempting to beat her at Gin Rummy, reading books, playing Boggle and many many more things. My Grandma was what every child wishes their Grandma was. She was kind, she was funny, beautiful and sweet, and of course she always spoiled us as a Grandmother should. I will miss her more than she will ever know. I am so sad to lose her, but so happy to have those memories with her. My mother has so much of her mother in her and I can only hope that one day I can be the mother and woman that they grew into.