some favorites from yesterday

Editing is complete...here are a few images. Enjoy!

new year, new family session

This morning, I had my first family session of the year. The family & I have been in communication for several months preparing for our session, because we were awaiting a very special addition. Baby G made her debut the day before our family left town for Texas, so I had to wait a couple more weeks to meet her. At 3 weeks old, she was a pro! Her older brother was very excited to meet me, but his excitement didn't last long. I think he was a little shy or hungry or just, ya know, a 3 year old! Believe me, I know 3 year olds!! Kids are always unpredictable & that is what I love about photographing them. You never know what you will end up with. I give very little direction because I feel strongly that you will get the most genuine image of kids personalities if you let them be themselves. Today was no different. While preparing to take a picture of big brother holding his baby sister, he lifted his shirt "to feed her". It was such a natural, loving & real moment...I'm happy that I was able to grab it! 

2 day bogo

Remember that blog post where I mentioned my goal of organizing my family photos & getting them into books? No? Well, whatever...doesn't matter.  What does matter is this awesome deal being offered by one of my affiliate vendors, Mixbook. For 2 days, they are offering buy one, get one free site wide! I can attest to the beautiful quality of the products that they make because I recently ordered holiday cards & wall calendars from them and they were lovely! 

To receive this offer, click on the Mixbook logo below and enter BGO16 at checkout. 

As always, here is the fine print: 

ENDS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6

This offer is only valid with coupon code BGO16 and is valid for purchase of any one photo book, calendar, card, or canvas print item, to get one photo book, calendar, card or canvas print of equal or lesser value free. Mix and match items to get the item of equal or lesser value free. This offer does not apply to Mosaic or Montage. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, vouchers, Groupons, or applied after an order has been placed. Discount applies only to completed projects. To redeem this offer, please add 2 or more products to your cart. Free product items must be redeemed in the same order. No adjustments on previous purchases. Shipping and taxes will apply. Offer expires 1/6/2016 (11:59 pm PT).

holidays!

Here's hoping that everyone is having a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

harper

Today I got to spend a little time with one of my oldest & best friends. In & of itself, that is always a great thing...but today, I got to photograph her daughter Harper. She was so fun to shoot & totally laid back and easy going. I've got more work to do, but here are a few quick looks that I really like...enjoy!

photo books

A little over a year ago, I started trying to organize & "manage" the thousands of personal digital photos that are taking up space, doing nothing, on my hard drive. The bulk of the images are, you guessed it, of the kids. 

I have some of my favorites printed & framed and hanging around the house, but what to do with all the others? Every week, I try to carve out a little time to "clean" out the files. There are a lot of great images, but there is also a lot of crap (screen shots, funny memes,etc). I cull & edit, then begin moving them to a file that will later become a photo book. 

Over the years, I've made several books for other people. My goal for the next year is to make photo books that cover the first 3 years of each of the boys lives. Wish me luck!

With that in mind, I thought I'd share this deal from one of my affiliates*, Shutterfly. Through December 10 (that's just 3 days!), they are offering  50% off the first 20-pages of hard photo cover Photo Books and 40% off all other Photo Book Cover Types, additional Photo Book Pages and everything else using the code: FAVES40. *fyi: as an affiliate partner, I get small commissions from link clicks on my page...

Here's a link: Shutterfly

Here's the fine print: Offer expires December 10, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for 50% off first 20-pg hard photo cover photo books and 40% off all other photo book cover types, additional photo book pages and everything else through shutterfly.com, our mobile-friendly site or Shutterfly apps (only select products are available on the apps). Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on Make My Book services and fees, personalized postage stamps, prepaid plans, gift certificates, Videograms, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases and orders placed for in-store pick up. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale

update on charitable weekend sessions

So, even though the snow is falling this morning, the weekend forecast is looking quite agreeable on Sunday. At this time, I don't have any confirmed sessions on Sunday, so I was thinking that it might be more fun to move the sessions outdoors. One last hurrah before winter really hits us? 

All sessions would still be 15-20 minutes & all other terms of the sessions would apply, we would just switch the location to the Thatcher Woods or Mills Park.

This is a great opportunity to support a great organization in our community. Yesterday, I visited the Holiday Bazaar at the Food Pantry & I got a glimpse of the kitchen in action. There are people, young & old, working tirelessly to prepare meals for those in need. This event is a way to contribute to that. Every bit helps! No contribution is too small & it is greatly appreciated. 

If you aren't able to make it to the photo sessions, consider donating or volunteering. Here is a link for donations: OPRF Food Pantry

do good, feel good

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” 
― John Bunyan

With Thanksgiving in our rear view mirror, many of us begin preparing ourselves for the next round of holiday craziness. It's easy to get carried away...I'm guilty of overindulgence, in every sense of the word.

After the birth of our first child, Jeff & I became overwhelmed by the amount of "stuff" we received. Especially during this holiday season, we receive so much for which to be grateful.

It was after Oliver's first Christmas that we began to search for ways to give back, even in the smallest way. We do what we can, when we can, with what we have. 

With that in mind, we are asking for others to join us in giving a little something back. Sound good?

Here's the best part: Not only will you get five beautiful images, but a portion of your session fee will be donated to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. AND, if you bring 5 non-perishables or a winter coat for donation, you will receive 2- 5x7 prints. Win-Win, right?

All sessions will be held indoors, in a lovely River Forest bungalow, generously offered by P&P Construction of Oak Park. There will be 2 set offerings to choose from. One will be a simple, portrait set, good for families or a group photo. The other will be a balloon set, best for kids only.

The fine print:

Sessions must be paid in full to hold your time (paid via Chase Quickpay or Paypal, or a check can be dropped off)

Because this is a charitable event, half of your fee is non-refundable should you need to cancel

to book your session & get more details: joey@littlebittyproductions.com

charitable mini sessions...

We are planning 2 days of charitable mini portrait sessions and will be posting details very soon...Keep some time open on December 5th or 6th so you can be part of this fun event!

Wishing all a lovely & thankful holiday with friends and family!

you are doing great things!

Before focusing full time on photography, I had a job with an appreciation deficit. It can be soul sucking, not to mention emotionally & mentally debilitating. It certainly didn't make me want to be a better employee. 

After a recent exchange with an unhappy client, I began to second guess my decisions, my work & myself. When you are creating work for someone, be it photography or spreadsheets, it can feel deeply personal when the work is not received as you intended. I stewed over it for a day (maybe more...) and then I just had to move on. As much as I would love for everyone to love the work that I create for them, it's just not going to happen. 

And then today, I received this message from a client: "I love the pictures!  Many thanks! We'll call again in the Spring for another photo shoot."

It's short & sweet, but so incredibly encouraging & spirit lifting!

No matter what type of work you do or what daily situation you find yourself in, remember to show appreciation to people. It's simple & can have a huge impact and best of all, it takes very little effort. Selfishly, it can also feel amazing to let people know that you think they are great. Go figure.

So...

I'm thankful for my family, friends and ALL of my amazing clients. You are awesome! 

mostly boring, but incredibly helpful information for clients

In the days when I only used film, clients would occasionally ask for negatives. The answer was simple: no. As the creator of the image, I retain copyrights to my work. My work, at that time, was in the form of a negative. So, the explanation was typically well-taken & understood. 

Digital "negatives" or files, are a different animal. When I am shooting for a client (and most other times), I shoot RAW. I do, on occasion, have clients who ask for the RAW files. My answer remains the same: no. 

I think that most people think that RAW simply means "unedited", but it's more than that. I came across an article that explains it so much better than I have ever been able to do. Click on the title to read the article on The Phoblographer: This is Why I Won't Give You My RAW Files.

Enjoy!

morning head shot session & a change of plans

Did you know that little bitty productions shoots head shots? It's true...corporate, casual, actors...you name it! Let us know what your particular needs are and we'll do our best to make it happen!

Head shots don't have to be boring. In fact, they can be a lot of fun. I had plans for an outdoor, location shoot this morning, but the weather had other ideas. Instead, we found a lovely indoor space & I got to spend the morning with Maeve, creating some head shots that I hope she will love. She has been involved in theatre from a young age, so it makes sense that she is a natural in front of the camera. 

riverside and home again

Another beautiful weekend and 2 beautiful families to photograph. Here's a sneak peek...

inching into the holiday season...and a great offer!

I really try to avoid all things Christmas until I have fully digested my Thanksgiving feast. I don't want to hear Christmas music or see trees or see Santa at Macy's. I just don't.

But the day after Thanksgiving? I drag my family out to find the perfect tree, hang the lights, and I get started with my holiday gnome mantle-scape. Oh. Yes. I. Do.

I also begin planning holiday photo gifts & cards. 

To help with holiday budgets, my affiliate partner, Tiny Prints, is extending 40% off to my clients. (Full disclosure: as an affiliate partner, I receive compensation for clicks on the affiliate link provided...think: money for extra fruit snacks for my kids, but not that pony they've had their eye on). Details below:

To redeem this offer, you must use my Tiny Prints storefront: https://www.tinyprints.com/storefront/littlebitty 

At checkout, enter the code TPPH9CFEC4. Use the money you saved to buy yourself something nice!

Tiny Prints Terms and Conditions:

Offer expires 12/31/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates and personalized postage stamps. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.

sam & evangeline

I know I take a lot of photos of these guys. That's not going to change any time soon...

Sam is old enough to tell me that he doesn't like photos, but I still have time with Evangeline. Even though one kid was tired & one wasn't feeling well, they put up with me long enough to get a few snaps.  

catching up

I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the editing tunnel & that is a beautiful thing. Let's just say that 7 shoots in 1 weekend might have been a bit overboard...but it's all good and now it's on to the next round! I'm trying to complete all edits from this past weekend so I can head into next weekend with a clean slate. I'm looking forward to a laid back weekend of make-up soccer games and a manageable schedule of 3 shoots. The weather has really been on my side lately...and I've been so lucky to be able to meet and photograph so many great families! Here's a peek from 2 recent family shoots...

apples & pumpkins

The weather was unseasonably warm this past weekend. I was sort of bummed because we had plans to visit an apple farm and a pumpkin patch and in my mind, we would be dressed in sweaters and sipping hot cider or hot chocolate and we would be feeling autumnal (can you feel autumnal?). 

Short sleeves and sunshine aside, we had an eventful day. I got to photograph my favorite subjects and it inspired me to add another day to the fall mini sessions. I got such a great response to the previous mini sessions post, that I am almost booked solid. Yay! And Thanks!

So, if you weren't able to schedule a session on the 18th or 25th, I'm also offering sessions on November 1. 

here's the scoop: sessions are 30-45 minutes. included with your session are edited, high resolution image files and an 8x10 print. the cost is $150. 

spaces are limited. to book your session, email us: joey@littlebittyproductions.com

fall mini sessions...

what's not to love about fall? the air is a little more crisp and we get to pull out our cozy sweaters, the farmers market offers a multitude of amazing goodies (apples! squash! brussels sprouts!) and the landscape changes from lush green to vibrant shades of gold, yellow & orange. autumn is magical. some of my favorite photos of my boys were taken while playing in piles of leaves, trying to find their way through a corn maze or just climbing on the pumpkins at the farmers market...

forgive me for getting carried away...

fall is also a great time to make photos. early & late day light seems more beautiful...cheeks seem a little brighter...

if you are looking to get a head start on your holiday cards or just thinking that it's time to update your family photo, we've got you covered. we are offering mini photo sessions in oak park (or nearby) on october 18 & 25.

here's the scoop: sessions are 30-45 minutes. included with your session are edited, high resolution image files and an 8x10 print. the cost is $150. 

spaces are limited. to book your session, email us: joey@littlebittyproductions.com

the space between

I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. ~Willa Cather

recently, my family suffered a great loss. the death of my granny was a blow to most who knew her, especially family & close friends. though she had been having health problems in the past year, she seemed to bounce back, as is (was) her nature. she was a tough broad & she fought until she was just too tired to fight anymore. at 88 years old, she was ready for her next act. i was privileged to sit with her in her final days and talk to her without any back talk (i guarantee you, that was a first). 

she was an amazing person who lived for her family and loved fiercely. there was never a question of who was in charge...she was the shot caller, the ball buster, and the person who told you things that you might not want to hear. I disagreed with her a lot, but i'm not saying she wasn't right a lot of the time. she spoke her mind, whether or not you wanted to hear it. it's who she was & she made no apologies about it.

in the days following the loss, my grief has led to a focus on my grandfather. At 88, with health issues of his own, my grief has shifted to worry as i think about the days ahead and how they will look for him, without his mate of 70 plus years. to say that it breaks my heart would not begin to describe the feelings i have. their life together was full and perfectly imperfect. they celebrated great highs and devastating lows. they were steadfast in their love of one another and of their family. to be part of the life they made is a privilege. 

granny's office

granny's grandma & granny's parents

my great-grands cupit & heim

young granny

the space we leave

as a child, i loved to pretend to put on perfume from these bottles

coffee warmer

more perfume bottles

the gown i saw her wear most often

granpawgee playing cards

good to know...

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. –Benjamin Franklin

i'm often asked about the cost of photo shoots, specifically; where does the number come from? I've been asked to break it down to an hourly amount and explain why hiring a photographer costs "so much". 

recently, our dear friends at art house images wrote an insightful & informative blog post that relates to the question of pricing, among other facts of interest. i asked nancy if i could share her post & she happily obliged. 

you can check out their site here: https://arthouseimages.wordpress.com

enjoy!!