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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!

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Spring is right around the corner, and exciting things are ahead at Sweet Pea Photography!  (Okay, here in C-U it has felt like spring for most of the winter, but I am NOT complaining! But I am looking forward to longer days and sunnier skies, aren’t you?!)  I’m also excited to announce a Special Fundraiser Sale this month!! 

This year, it is my goal to use my talents and my business to more directly bring glory to God and show His love to people.  In light of that goal, I am really excited about an amazing opportunity my husband and I have been given this spring — to go on a mission trip to Ecuador with Compassion International. If you’re not familiar with Compassion, it’s a great organization that works through church-based children’s programs in Third-World countries to improve kids’ lives. From their website:

“Compassion’s ministry is focused on the individual child and his or her development. By working holistically with individual children to address their spiritual, economic, social and physical needs, we present every child with an opportunity to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.  Although entire communities may feel the positive impact of Compassion’s presence, our goal is to release children one-by-one from poverty in Jesus’ name. What happens in the life of a child ripples throughout their environment now and in the future. We believe that changed environments may assist children, but transformed children will inevitably change their environments.”

Our family has been sponsoring several children through Compassion for the past 7 years, and we can’t wait to serve some of them in person on this trip — and I would really appreciate your help as well.  First and most importantly, we covet your prayers for safe travel, good health, and that our girls have fun here at home while we’re gone.  Second, the financial burden for this type of mission trip is rather significant – we have already put $600 toward the cost of the trip, but we still have about $4400 in costs for transportation, lodging, meals, supplies, and other travel-related expenses. As one way to encourage others to partner with us and more directly use my gift of photography to glorify God, I have decided to offer a special sale during the month of March. Here’s how it will work:

Beginning March 1 and ending March 31, 2012, I will be offering a limited number of the following products at deeply discounted rates.  If you purchase one of these items, you will receive a gift certificate for that item, valid until June 1, 2013 – so you can save it for next year or use it this year – whichever you’d like! Each item is limited in number though, so once the limit is reached, no more of that particular item will be sold – so don’t wait too long or it might be gone!  Here are the items on sale during March ONLY:

Complete Digital Collection (all session images, full-res on custom USB drive)
$1000 (savings of $1000) — LIMIT ONE (1)   SOLD!!

Family Session AND 10-image Digital Collection (session + 10 full-res images on custom USB drive)
$700 (savings of $425) — LIMIT TWO (2)  SOLD OUT!!

5-image Digital Collection (5 images, full-res, on custom USB drive)
$400 (savings of $200) — LIMIT THREE (3) — ONE REMAINING!

$300 Gift Certificate, good toward session fee and all prints/products
$200 (savings of $100) — LIMIT FOUR (4) — SOLD OUT!!

All of the funds raised through this sale will go toward the mission trip expenses.  Also of note – this year, I will NOT be offering my usual spring gift certificate sale, so if you were planning on taking advantage of that, this sale is your only opportunity to get a really great deal this spring (and support a good cause at the same time!) If you have questions about this sale or are ready to grab one of these great items, call or email me right away!  Or if you are interested in learning more about Compassion or making a difference in a child’s life through sponsorship, I’d encourage you to visit their website and learn more.

And now, the moment you have been waiting for…. the March – May schedule is now OPEN (including 2 Saturdays in Chicago!) Click on the session info tab above, then availability, and you’ll see a list of all the available session dates and times for this season.  Then call or email me to request a time, and we’ll get it set up!  I’m looking forward to seeing your family this spring!!

Eight years ago, you made me a mommy for the first time.
Seven years ago, you stood up on your own – and I was so thankful!
Six years ago, you loved eating crushed ice from a plastic cup while sitting in a cabinet.
Five years ago, you became the best big sister I know (and you still are).
Four years ago, you embraced school with enthusiasm.
Three years ago, you mastered the swimming pool and the two-wheeler bike with courage.
Two years ago, you really learned to read on your own – and you haven’t stopped since.
One year ago, you were selected as a leader among your peers, and you handled it with grace.
Next year, I’m excited to see what you’ve done next!

I love happy babies.  But really, who doesn’t?!  I had lots of fun playing with this little guy during his three-month session last week in Urbana at CU Studio Share, and his parents had a great time giggling and tickling him too… what a sweetie! Thanks for letting me spend time with your growing family, and I look forward to more fun sessions in the future!  Remember to leave a comment here on the blog or on Facebook and remind this kiddo how stinkin’ cute he is – because after 25 comments I’ll gift this happy fella a free 5×7 print – and that will certainly make his mommy and daddy happy too!

Oh!  One more quick reminder of the Beginning Photography workshop I’m offering this weekend – it’s not too late to sign up, but time is running out…. it’s going to be a great time so you don’t want to miss it!!

What: Beginning Photography workshop

When: Saturday, February 25th from 1:30-4:30pm

Where: CU Studio Share in downtown Urbana – 110 S. Race St.

Who: Anyone who wants to learn the basics of lighting, composition, and locations that will help you take great pictures!

Cost: $100 includes a workbook & goodie bag, hands-on shooting during the workshop, and a fun afternoon!

Bonus!!  This time I’m offering an option for you to take pictures of your very own kiddos during our time together (or if you just need childcare during the workshop, that’s an option too, and just 3 CHILDCARE SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!) Let me know asap if you want to take advantage of this and I’ll give you the details!

Click here to register online!  There are only 4 workshop seats remaining, so grab one before they’re gone!

  • February 22, 2012 - 11:59 am

    Anne Adelsberger - Little Harrison is just the cutest baby boy. Thank you for taking such amazing pictures. Sigh… he’s a heartbreaker.

  • February 22, 2012 - 11:51 am

    Julia Meek - Oh my goodness. He is SOOO beautiful!

  • February 22, 2012 - 11:16 am

    Julie Manley - He is a very handsome baby boy!!! Must take after his Grandpa Bob:) Just kidding Jackie and Will !

  • February 22, 2012 - 10:39 am

    Bob Aldridge - I am one proud Pops!

  • February 22, 2012 - 10:13 am

    Pat Hess - Gorgeous pictures! He is such a doll. Thanks for sharing.

  • February 22, 2012 - 7:42 am

    Ami Goedke - What a handsome little man! His eyes are fabulous!

  • February 21, 2012 - 10:32 pm

    Barbara Koritz - What a handsome little guy!

  • February 21, 2012 - 10:20 pm

    Evelyn Ehlers - Wow…..what big blue eyes…..so handsome.

  • February 21, 2012 - 9:02 pm

    Suzanne Aldridge - Amazing pictures. His personality shows through!! Just wonderful!

  • February 21, 2012 - 1:31 pm

    Christy - Look at those amazing eyes!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!  I hope you’re enjoying a day filled with hugs, kisses, snuggles, and other lovey-dovey stuff… As for me, I’m snuggling with my girls on the couch today because they’re not feeling so great.  Bummer. But the snuggles are good anyway, and it’s nice to just be inside and warm on this snowy day (though I not-so-secretly hope they’re feeling better by this afternoon so we can go sledding!!)

Anyway… as I was sitting here browsing Facebook, I realized that I haven’t made an official announcement on my blog about the second Beginning Photography workshop I’m offering this month!! Oops! My Facebook fans have gotten the scoop and are all excited, but perhaps some of my faithful blog readers hadn’t heard the news yet – so here are the details!

What: Beginning Photography workshop

When: Saturday, February 25th from 1:30-4:30pm

Where: CU Studio Share in downtown Urbana – 110 S. Race St.

Who: Anyone who wants to learn the basics of lighting, composition, and locations that will help you take great pictures!

Cost: $100 includes a workbook & goodie bag, hands-on shooting during the workshop, and a fun afternoon!

Bonus!!  This time I’m offering an option for you to take pictures of your very own kiddos during our time together (or if you just need childcare during the workshop, that’s an option too, for up to a total of 6 kids…) Let me know asap if you want to take advantage of this and I’ll give you the details!

Click here to register online!  There are only 6 spots remaining, so grab one before they’re gone!

Here’s a shot of our fun workshop group from January – I hope that you can make it this time!

Yesterday, you made me smile when you insisted that you weren’t really five until 9:13pm because that’s when you were born.

A few days ago, your bedtime prayers – so full of pure trust in God in spite of your fears – nearly made me cry.

Last week, you had your first skiing lesson and made me so proud because you had lots of fun even though you fell down.

Last month, you were so brave at the doctor’s office, and you continue to be an example to me of staying calm even when you feel yucky.

Last fall, you left me speechless with your mature understanding of good behavior = avoiding bad consequences.

Last year, you were four, and I carried you down to breakfast nearly every day (because I love your hugs & snuggles).

Today, you’re five and I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

New babies are so much fun, and when they’re welcomed home by excited siblings, that’s even better!  I had lots of fun playing with this family at their home in Champaign a few weekends ago, as they celebrated the arrival of this sweet baby girl. Big brother and big sister love her to bits, and mom & dad are pretty smitten too!  Thanks for letting me hang out with your family and capture some special moments for you. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek, and the rest of your proofs will be ready very soon!  Remember to leave a comment here on the blog or on Facebook, because after 25 comments I’ll gift a 5×7 print to this lovely family!

 

  • February 4, 2012 - 8:33 am

    Christy - So Sweet!

  • February 3, 2012 - 8:19 am

    Mary - Adorable!!

It’s February, and love is in the air…. and I just LOVE capturing that feeling in an image!  That’s why I’m excited to announce a special Valentine sale this month for all of you lovebirds out there…

2012 Valentine’s Day Beloved Sale!

Here’s the scoop… simply book a Beloved Couple Session in February, and receive a $100 print certificate AND two mini-accordion albums FREE! What’s a Beloved Couple Session you ask? Well, let me tell you! A Beloved Couple session is specially designed for couples, and gives you the unique opportunity to spend time with the love of your life, simply enjoying each other and reflecting on your relationship. During the session, I’ll guide you with some fun questions to think about – but mostly I’ll get out of the way and quietly capture your moments of real connection and love!  The session will last about an hour and is very relaxed, laid back, and fun.  The session fee ($500) includes a 6×6 album with 20 images from your session, and for this month only it also includes a $100 print certificate and 2 mini-accordion albums.

This paragraph is for the guys out there… (wives, go ahead and forward this to your hubbies… it’s info they really NEED to know, right?) Let’s be honest – I’ve been married for almost 12 years and I’m sure I’m like many of you – there aren’t many images of “just the two of us” other than our wedding day!  And that’s just not right. If your spouse is your best friend, your partner in life, your most trusted ally… that is something truly special.  Cherish it and capture it, so that your children and grandchildren will always remember it too! (Plus, I can promise you two things: 1 – your wife will LOVE this type of unique and meaningful Valentine’s gift much more than a box of chocolates, and 2 – I will make sure it won’t hurt one bit, and you’ll even have FUN!)

Just to tip the scales, here are some images from Beloved sessions I’ve done over the past year.  When you’re ready to book your February session, just email or call and we’ll set it up!

The holiday break is over and I’m back!  I’ve enjoyed the past few weeks away from Photoshop, but 2012 is here and I’m ready and rarin’ to go!  The winter schedule is open, my first Sweet Pea Photography workshop is this weekend (only one spot still available, if you want to grab it!!) and the first few Beloved Family sessions of 2012 are under my belt.  It’s going to be a great year, and I’m excited to spend it with your family!

It has been a while since I’ve photographed this family, and boy oh boy have these girls grown up!  I love that during the first two years of your kiddos’ lives, as they physically grow and change so dramatically, I get to watch that process with sessions every 6 months or so. But, it’s also neat to see the dramatic cognitive changes that happen over the course of a year once they get older and our family sessions naturally spread out a bit… which has definitely been the case with these then-quiet-now-chatty girls!  They talked my ears off with their sweet voices and funny stories, and I loved every minute of it. Thanks for a fun time at your new home in Mahomet on Saturday (can I please have your kitchen??) and I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks.  As always – share them with your friends on Facebook because after 25 comments I’ll gift these girls a 5×7 print!

  • January 27, 2012 - 9:29 pm

    Christy - Look at those amazing eyes!!