Still Life with Harry's Bottle | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Fine Art Photography

This photograph may seem simple in appearance, but holds a weight of meaning that requires explanation.  I captured this image at about 1 o'clock in the morning, after several emotional hours, lying there with my 5 month old son, Harry.  A realization had washed over me that my summer with him was ending.  We would both have to separate from the morning chats in bed, the daily explorations of new sights, sounds, sensations and tastes, the bright eyes and many kisses, my constant amusement, his soft hair, his smell.  As the pain became crushing and tears rolled down my face, I looked over at him in the moonlight.  Finally, I could make this photograph after months of creative block.  His bottle, entirely illuminated by the moon.

Goldstein Family | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Family Lifestyle Photographer

I was invited to photograph the Goldstein family by their only daughter, Barbara, whom I have worked with for a few years.  This was a rare occasion, in which her brother's family was visiting from Hawaii, and I was honored to be able to capture it!  We decided to shoot in her mother's gorgeous backyard near Glendale, with flowers in full bloom!  Her mother even cut me a bouquet to take home!  Barbara's son, Elliott, was just about to turn 2, and he was quite the character, chasing after his older cousins, tugging his grandfather's trousers or greeting his father with pure joy as he arrived from work.

Just before the session, Barb caught me parked down the road with my new puppy in tow, because my husband and I were showing our house at the time.  I had planned to leave her in the car for a majority of the session, but the Goldsteins were totally okay with keeping her in the backyard with us!  Elliott was mesmerized by her, but had to build up some courage to get close...

The session went by quickly with lots of laughs and lots of smiles.  I felt so blessed to get to know this family better in their intimate, backyard session.     

Valentine's Self Portrait // Fontana, Wisconsin

I captured this self portrait on the way to the pool during our stay at The Abbey Resort.  Searching for heat on one of the most frigid days of the year...