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  • modern … real … artistic … playful … relaxed … life’s sweetest moments

  • Welcome to Sweet Pea Photography! Scroll down to find lots of current images, sneak peeks from recent sessions, info about blog contests, scheduling announcements, and my thoughts on all of the above! Or check out the tabs at the top, especially if you're interested in scheduling a session.  To get a glimpse of what a Family Session or a Beloved Session is like, just click on one of these awesome videos by Park Life Wedding Films... then sit back, relax, and enjoy the fun!

  • ..................................join in the fun of a family session..............................

  • .......................... or get a glimpse of a Beloved Session.........................

Yep, my schedule is FULL and the fall session frenzy is well underway here at Sweet Pea Photography – which means I’ve been shooting and editing a LOT and blogging none…. sorry about that!  Hopefully this happy post will make up for my absence! I think a session with six kids under the age of six really sums up “fall frenzy”, don’t you?! I’ve had the privilege of photographing several multi-generation sessions like this one already this fall, and more are to come — hooray!  There’s something so special about seeing grandparents interact with their grandkids, or adult children sharing their thoughts and feelings with their parents – and I’m the lucky one who gets to capture these moments to keep forever.  I love that.

I love this family… don’t you? I’m so thankful that I have the opportunity to work with families that truly enjoy playing together, and allow me to capture them being playful and silly and laughing and having fun… what a privilege it is.  I’m excited for lots of fun sessions like this one over the next few months – and it seems like lots of you are too!  At this point, I only have ONE session time remaining this fall in Champaign-Urbana … WOW! If you have been waiting to book a family photography session for this fall, don’t wait any longer!! Click on “session info” and then “availability” above to see what’s left, and then email me ASAP to book your session…

School has been back in session for a few weeks now, but my girls are still just as excited about it as they were on the first day this year… I hope your kiddos are having just as much fun!

Eden’s first FULL day of school was technically the day after Averhy’s first day – so here she is as an OFFICIAL Kindergartener!! She woke up that morning with the words “Mom, I’m so happy I’ve been smiling all night long!”

I am so excited to reveal this video – a collaboration between Sweet Pea Photography and Park Life Wedding Films – to give you a glimpse into a Beloved session… and after you watch the film, take a few minutes to read some reviews and thoughts that other couples shared with me after their Beloved experiences (you can click the links to view images from those other sessions too). Beloved sessions are an amazing way to capture one of the most important loving relationships in your life…

“Beloved” by Sweet Pea Photography from ParkLife Wedding Films on Vimeo.

Krystin and Mitch of Champaign booked their Beloved session soon after they got engaged (and now they’ve been married just over a month!)

Krystin says — “We had so much fun! The environment was relaxed, natural, and incredibly special. We would recommend this to anyone who would love a lasting reminder of the beginning stages of your life together.”

Mitch adds – “My wife and I absolutely loved our Beloved session with Allyson. Our experience felt more like a date than it did an engagement photo shoot. We had a blast spending the afternoon together, and the fact that Allyson was able to capture our interactions was more than we could have hoped for. Seeing the photos from our session was an experience we won’t soon forget. As much fun as the day was, we never could have imagined that the pictures would have turned out how they did. This was such an exciting time in our relationship, and Allyson truly caught those emotions in every photo. I cannot recommend the Beloved session enough as a way to truly connect with your significant other and have all the special moments captured for you.”

Mike and Melissa from Mahomet have been married for over 15 years, and shared their thoughts with me about their Beloved experience.

Melissa notes — “We have to admit that we a bit nervous before our session…nervous that it would feel really awkward. But Allyson made us feel so relaxed by asking us questions that we had to answer only to each other!  Our responses caused us to laugh, to remember sweet moments and ultimately resulted in very meaningful and fantastic pictures!  Fantastic because they really captured us as ourselves!”

Mike wanted to share a few more details — “Allyson is very good at bringing out serious, happy, and very happy emotions and let me tell you why… hours before our shoot, I was not getting along with my spouse. Imagine that – right before a family and couple’s photo shoot, I didn’t even want to be around my wife, let alone try and smile about it 🙂  But I went and after just a few minutes Allyson had us holding and laughing and even flirting. What a way to make up! The pictures were awesome. The experience was even more rewarding.  I’ll keep it a secret how she did it…”

Wow… reading all of those encouraging words will keep me smiling for days!  Thanks you guys! As one more way to encourage couples to try the Beloved experience, I’m opening up my fall schedule EARLY for Beloved bookings ONLY… so you can take your pick of all of my available session times this fall! Actually, let’s just do that right now, shall we?  Click here to view my fall availability, and then email me to reserve your Beloved session!

I had a fantastic time playing with this cutie patootie and her family a few weeks ago at their home in Champaign.  Her mom had warned me that this chubby cheeked girl is at that stage where mommy is #1 and separation anxiety has arrived… but we were all so pleased at how quickly she warmed up to me and my camera (though I was more than happy to capture the sweet snuggles that she loved to share with her mommy!)  I think the tickles from her daddy helped too… Thanks for a great morning together, and remember to leave a comment for this birthday girl here on the blog – after 25 comments, I’ll gift her a 5×7 print!

  • August 31, 2012 - 10:19 am

    Saul Dalnekoff - Great pix’s so well done and professial

  • August 30, 2012 - 9:48 pm

    Lori Harris - I love candid shots, taken so beautifully!
    They really capture the moment, I’m sure you’ll cherish as she gets older. That top one is adorable.

  • August 29, 2012 - 11:12 pm

    dawn smith - Love these shots and look at those teeth, just precious. How is she already ONE!?!

  • August 29, 2012 - 2:37 pm

    Fred Cooper - Love the black and white photos. Beautiful Baby Girl!!!

  • August 29, 2012 - 2:35 pm

    Bonnie Wells - Absolutely the best family ever!! You can certainly tell that Nora is loved to pieces!! I am so proud of my beatiful Daughter and my beatiful Grandaughter and of course my wonderful Son-in-law. How could you not just fall in love with these photos?

  • August 29, 2012 - 2:29 pm

    Bonnie Wells - You can certainly tell from these beautiful photos how much these parents love this beautiful chld. And, of course how could you go wrong with such a beautiful sweet subject as my Grandaughter!!!?
    Brings tears to my eyes.

  • August 29, 2012 - 2:14 pm

    Betty Lacy - All these pictures are just darling!!! What a lovely family.

  • August 29, 2012 - 2:13 pm

    Kim Harden - Oh my goodness! What a beautiful family and it looks like you had an awesome time photographing them! Absolutely lovely.

  • August 29, 2012 - 12:41 pm

    Hope - KBH and Jeff sure do make a pretty baby! sweeeet!

  • August 29, 2012 - 9:33 am

    Wayne Hale - Love the pictures…you guys are the cutest fam ever!!!

  • August 29, 2012 - 7:36 am

    Linda Rubel - Love them all!

  • August 28, 2012 - 8:35 pm

    Cyndi - Wondeful pictures!

  • August 28, 2012 - 8:00 pm

    Christa Lopez - This is fabulous!

  • August 28, 2012 - 4:48 pm

    Kathy Darr - Amazing photos! Nora is so precious 🙂

  • August 28, 2012 - 3:53 pm

    Linda Rubel - Love how you captured my sweet, adorable, gorgeous grandaughter!!!!

  • August 28, 2012 - 3:51 pm

    Kristen Hyman - So excited to get our storyboard! 🙂

  • August 28, 2012 - 3:10 pm

    Patti - Adorable!

  • August 28, 2012 - 2:58 pm

    Ellen - So sweet, not sure which is my fave. Nora snuggling with Mommy, I think. Love these!

  • August 28, 2012 - 2:41 pm

    Kim Cassel - Adorable!!!!!!

  • August 28, 2012 - 2:32 pm

    Nicolette - K&J- Beautiful pictures of your SMART daughter. Looking forward to seeing more photos of Nora.

  • August 28, 2012 - 2:21 pm

    Crystal - Oh my gosh–that top photo!! LOVE it! 🙂

I’m so blessed to photograph beautiful kiddos all the time, but there are some kids whose playful spirit is just as beautiful as their sweet face… and this lovely girl is one of those special kids.  (And I have a feeling her new baby brother will be too!) Thanks for a fun newborn photography session at your home, and I’m already looking forward to next time!  Oh – and leave a comment for these sweet-spirited kids, because after 25 I’ll gift them a free print!

 

  • August 21, 2012 - 6:16 pm

    Celeste - Beautiful pics

  • August 21, 2012 - 4:40 pm

    Judy Steffen - Great smile and looks like she is delighting in having her picture taken!

  • August 21, 2012 - 12:38 pm

    Carmen - Such precious pictures of two beautiful children! Love!

  • August 21, 2012 - 12:27 pm

    Anna - Adorable pictures of adorable children!!

  • August 21, 2012 - 11:51 am

    Bobbe - Two cute kids!!!

  • August 21, 2012 - 11:09 am

    Lesley Fleming - Beautiful pictures of two very beautiful kiddos! 🙂

  • August 21, 2012 - 10:31 am

    Meredith Olson - <3 these!

  • August 17, 2012 - 9:11 pm

    Erica - *Love me some gorgeous Ponder babies!*

  • August 17, 2012 - 8:26 pm

    Mary Ellen Harris - Awesome pictures and beautiful babies 🙂

  • August 17, 2012 - 6:33 pm

    Edith Glines - What very cute picutures of your babies. Your lil girl is very photogentic.

  • August 17, 2012 - 2:00 pm

    Jenny Trimmell - Beautiful children! And excellent (patient) photographer!

  • August 17, 2012 - 1:30 pm

    Kate - Awesome pics!! Love them!!

  • August 17, 2012 - 1:16 pm

    Stacey Wierman - I know these cute kids!! Beautiful pictures!!!

  • August 17, 2012 - 12:22 pm

    Amy - You are blessed! Beautiful babies!!

  • August 17, 2012 - 11:55 am

    Bobbe - These children are soooo cute. If they were mine, I would hold and play with them all day!!!

  • August 17, 2012 - 11:02 am

    Karen - Love them all!!! 🙂

  • August 17, 2012 - 10:52 am

    Amy Hiles - BEAUTIFUL Babies!!

I had so much fun spending the afternoon with this big-brother-to-be and his mom & dad a few weeks ago… and I can’t wait to meet his little sister in a few more weeks!  He is such a sweetheart, and I’m sure he’ll do great with the transition into being a big brother.  Thanks for a fun session, and good luck with the next few weeks!  Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment here for this great kiddo, because after 25 I’ll gift him a free 5×7 print!

  • August 28, 2012 - 5:53 am

    Pam Taylor - Hi Charlie, you will be the best big brother ever. I can’t wait to see your sister. Take care of mommy and daddy too.

  • August 10, 2012 - 10:22 pm

    Ranee Ray - Hi Charlie!

    We loved all your pictures with Mommy and Daddy! Won’t be long now till your little sister will be here to share in your life. You are going to be the Best Big Brother any girl could want. Helping your sister have fun, will be your special job.

    Looking forward to spending time with you and your new sister very soon.
    Love ya, Grandpa and Grandma Ray

  • August 9, 2012 - 11:04 pm

    Tara Burdell - Charlie you are such a handsome boy!!! Love your smiles; they are contagious. I enjoyed the pictures and will definately have to get one. You will be the best big brother ever and your sissy is so lucky to have you!
    Love you bunches!
    Auntie Tara
    xoxo

  • August 9, 2012 - 4:43 pm

    Christina Hedrick - CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😉 You will be the best big brother a girl could ask for!!! Can’t wait to watch you both grow!

    Love,
    Cousin Christina

I love photographing this family every year!  This time we headed to one of my new favorite locations around Champaign-Urbana, and spent the morning giggling, exploring, tickling, and laughing (all in spite of the 90* temps!  Whew!) Thanks for another fun family photography session, and I’m already looking forward to next time… but for now, just leave a comment here on the blog for these happy boys, because after 25 comment I’ll gift them a free 5×7 print!

  • August 27, 2012 - 2:33 pm

    Molly - That is one good looking family! 🙂