2016 Photography Challenge: OCTOBER = Autumn Colors.

I knew the minute I pulled into the parking lot at Northwestern University with my friend Erin that this would be my October capture!

The scene was everything that you would imagine on a fall day... slightly crisp air, a wind that made the Lake quite ferocious and the colors of beginning of the leaves changing. 

I loved the rocks as well that add to the color of the brown/orange undertone of the water.

2016 Photo Challenge - SEPTEMBER: Expressions

I believe that one of most expressive parts of the body is the eyes, which is why I chose these two pictures for this month's challenge. (And of course, I couldn't resist sharing some more images of my adorable nephews - Isaac and Asher.)

Mysterious, happy, pensive, playful, kind.... and more:

Isaac

Asher 

2016 Photo Challenge - AUGUST = Summer Golden Hours

One of my favorite times of the day to take photos is during the golden sunlight! I thought I'd take more and have a hard time choosing.... but the month got away from me. Thankfully, I have my trusty  i-Phone with me at all times, and I was able to capture this shot while in St. Paul for the Twin Cities 3-Day at the most golden part of the day!

Divine Wedding

Feeling so fortunate to have captured my good friend, Meredith's wedding to an amazing person, Fred, this past weekend.... To be a part of the most beautiful and sweet moments among an awesome family (on both sides), was so wonderful.

I am so happy for (all of) them! So much love.....

JULY Photo Challenge = Summer Fun.

There's really no explanation required here...

I truly love these moments!

June = Travel (Photo Challenge)

I was fortunate to see one of the America's Cup races here in Chicago a few weeks ago. Not only was it really fun to see the one race that almost didn't take place due to the wind not cooperating, it was really awesome to just hang out on the water on a beautiful Chicago summer day.

At one point, this plane, smoke and all, gave us a show and at that point, I knew this had to be my June Travel Photo.

Photography Challenge- Street Photography: Traveling Musician

I captured this photo while at the Harrisburg Art Festival in Pennsylvania Memorial Day Weekend.  

I decided to not bring my "big" camera on this day, which I quickly realized was not the best decision as I wandered the streets of the fair. There were a few really wonderful photo opportunities that fit into the May monthly theme - Street Photography.

I decided to snap a few shots on my i-Phone as a back up.... including the photo I chose for this month:

I was immediately drawn to this scene. He called himself the Traveling Musician and yes, those are aviator googles on the top of his head. Just simply good stuff. 

I returned the next day to this spot with my "big" camera, in hopes that I'd capture this again, but of course, he wasn't there. So i-Phone image it is! 

2016 Photo Challenge - APRIL = SPRING COLORS

My family is often plays a part in my photography challenges... April was no different as my photo was taken while visiting my aunt, uncle and cousins in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.

When they announced that we were going to see the iconic "Rainbow Row" downtown, I knew what my image was going to be.... 

2016 Photo Challenge - March = Go Green

I knew I'd find my "green" in Portland when I visited my family mid-month. There is is certain kind of green out there.... I mean, all of that rain, just makes for amazing, lush landscapes! It's almost florescent - especially heading into spring.

I didn't have a particular vision for my photo (other than it being in Portland), until the moment we pulled up to my family's house after a grocery run.... I quickly ran into the house to grab my camera and persuaded my family to pose on the front porch (even Isaac who was dying to watch a video he just got!).... love them! 

The way the sun was shining (for only a brief few moments) was just perfect.... Highlighting the green grass and the green house.... and the non-literal "green" recycling bins on the side of the house. 

This green was meant to be.....

Amanda's Blessed Day

My sweet baby niece had a beautiful special day recently... her christening day.

Look at this beautiful child.....

And her big sister, Lauren on the special day... sparkles and all!