Zombie Halloween -Grayslake Area Photographer

This is our 9th consecutive year dressing up in a family themed costume.  We didn't have a traditional wedding so we thought this would be fun.  Our kids want us to do a real renew of our vows, this was kinda close... just kidding.  We love having fun at Halloween time.  Goodwill shopping for our costumes was an adventure.  That's what it's all about making memories together as a family.

It's been such a nice fall.  We scheduled this photo shoot when it was pouring rain out so we had to do it indoors.  I'll have to post pictures of our house too.  Mike did a great job this year with handmade props and decor. 

Fall family sessions are underway.  I've had some wonderful families so far! angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

Maternity Session - Grayslake Family Photographer

Hi there! It's been a while.  I'm still here :) Quietly trying to figure it all out. One thing is for certain, things are always changing.

My beautiful friend contacted me to document the wonderful change coming to her family.  Her little guy is expected in the next few weeks! What an exciting time!

I've been photographing Miss E since she was a newborn.  She has grown up so much!  

Beautiful mommy!

Love this funny moment between mom and dad. 

 Can't wait to meet your little bundle of joy!

angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

Thank you - Grayslake Family Photographer

Thank you to all my clients and friends who asked me to capture them last year.  I enjoyed spending time with you and your beautiful families.
"Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is."
This reality, this life, right now, is truly spectacular.

angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

New Year - Grayslake Photographer and Writer

At the end of last month I celebrated a birthday.  I've always loved the newness of birthday's and New Year's.  This year I felt a little different, hence the delayed post, I've made a real effort to appreciate the newness of every day.  Every day brings new possibilities a new set of challenges and opportunities.  That's what I've enjoyed most about this last year.  I no longer need a birthday to set new intentions in my life I can do it at any breath.

I also started shattering the ideas I have about myself by taking on things that I never thought I would do like coaching volleyball and being on the PTO board.  Opening myself to what the world brings my way instead of rigidly thinking "that's just not me" has been invigorating.  New opportunities are great for the brain and soul.

 I began my quest of "loving kindness" a year ago and plan to continue it into this year.  Showing loving kindness to myself has helped me through some experiences of physical and emotional pain. Impermanence has been a  guide and teacher more this year than any other year.  I have a feeling that the impermanent nature of all things will  have more of an impact with each passing year.

This year I plan on taking on a daily reflection of what is known as the three heavenly messengers: sickness, old age and death.  Sounds kind of depressing huh?  Well it's not meant to be.  Reflecting on these actually brings a deeper appreciation for every day life.  I'm excited to see where this meditation leads.

Every beginning starts with some other beginnings end.  This year is a new chapter or maybe even a new volume on my journey to continually searching for inner peace and freedom.  My intention is to fill those pages with meaningful interactions, loving kindness and wise actions.  After preparing a teacher breakfast this morning and having coffee with a friend I'm off to a good start....      
           

              

W Family - Grayslake Family Photographer

What do you do when your family comes over for Christmas?  Take Pictures. Every Christmas I get one shot of my family with my tripod.  It's a great opportunity as we are all gathered together.  I was invited into my friends home to take these while the extended family was over during the holidays.  

"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful.  It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.  No matter what."

"Family: Where life begins and love never ends."

"I think as you grow older, your Christmas list gets smaller and the things you really want for the holidays can't be bought."

"The best gift around the Christmas tree is the presence of family wrapped in each other."  

Thank you W Family for asking me to capture this years holiday spirit for you.  

You have a beautiful, fun family.  

angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

Peace And Joy - Grayslake Family Photographer

It's been quiet around here this month.  I stopped committing to new sessions Dec 1st as I felt the palpable stress of the holidays approaching.  I know it's busy season for photography, as I had several requests for sessions in December but I found my focus in other commitments.  I had to make the choice, where did I want my focus and energy to go this busy month?  Balance isn't about how many things I can do at the same time, it's more about how I feel.  Searching for my inner peace also means to organize my life in such a way where peace is possible.  That doesn't mean I sat around and did nothing this month.

Earlier this year, I decided I wanted to volunteer in my community in a very tangible way.  I had set out a plan but as plans sometimes go life took me in a different direction.  I ended up accepting the vacant role of Vice President of the PTO at my kids school.  This role had several responsibilities this busy month.  My favorite has been talking to local businesses in search for a new microwave for the staff at the school.  There is so much kindness out in the world and I really appreciate it when I see it in action. What began as my intention to give back to my community is turning into a wonderful journey of learning and love.

Love, which brings me back to Christmas.  Things are starting to come together in my home as finally preparations are being made. Presents purchased, cards sent out, calendars ordered and almost done wrapping. Gotta hit the grocery store in a little bit too.  I'm glad that I evaluated where my focus needed to be.

As human beings we all have one thing in common, we all want to be happy.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season!                        

W Family - Grayslake Family Photographer

This is the second of two posts today.  Make sure you check both of these great sessions out.
We had a wonderful session outside and indoors.  Did you know I do family sessions indoors at the clients home?  Working in a families home is great because that's where everyone is the most comfortable, even the shy little ones come around.

Mom is a friend from college it's always nice to see her and capture her growing precious family! 

Look at those eyes and those cheeks! Adorable! 

Happy Holidays W family! 

Thank you for asking me to come to your lovely home to take these.

angelclarkphotography@gmail.com