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New Beginnings Photography bio picture

About the Photog

I truly believe I have the best clients in the world!

High School Seniors are so much fun to work with I love and making them feel like a star for the day.

I'm inspired by bright colors and fashion mags (W and Voge can be found laying around the studio!)

I love all kinds of art and have my degree in Studio Art from William Woods University.

I'm addicted to coffee. I'll admit that the gals at Grab-a-Java have my large Vanilla Nut Creme ready to go every morning when I pull in!

Fabulous shoes are my Soul-Thing. I need a bigger closet to house my collection of heels.

My cat Gigi was rescued from a snowdrift last Novemer. She's adorable!

I love my fam and friends and feel so blessed to have their support!

My Fave Things in September | Photography Studio in Central Illinois

Before we begin, I have a little announcement: Yes, I’m a pushover. The Homework Assignment (aka 2011 Senior Photo Contest) deadline has been pushed back to Tuesday the 6th! ::insert teacher voice here:: You have the long weekend to take your photo and complete the assignment! It’s a super fun way to WIN a senior session and print collection!

Chicago headbands leboutain shoes ANTM15 Piranha 3D
Funky Headbands: My new favorite accessory! I love feathers, flowers, birdcage nets…
Chicago: I’ve got my ticket for Friday- it’s going to be fabulous!
ANTM 15: Not only do I love to see the fashion photos, but making fun of Tyra is just as entertaining!
Piranha 3D: Oh yes, I saw it. B movie fabulous!
Christian Louboutin Fifi: I adore these in silver and they’re a steal at $3,000! A girl can dream can’t she?

I got the drool-worthy shoes from my May Favorite Things for my birthday (from my dahling sister!) Aren’t they FAB!? (I’m secretly hoping that this is a trend… if I blog a fave pair of shoes, I’ll get them! Who’s signing up for the Louboutins?)
Photographer blue steve madden shoes

Nyki | Winchester High School Senior Senior Portraits

Miss Nyki traveled all the way from Winchester for her Senior pictures! She has so much dedication- running from Volleyball tournaments to Cheerleading and Softball practices and then carving out time for me! I adore her big blue eyes and *real* smile (because y’all know I don’t do fake smiles!) Here is what she had to say about her NBP experience:

My favorite part of the session was the photo shoot because of the creative process, I loved the experience! Everything went smoothly and I love all of my pictures- it was so hard to choose!

Thanks so much girlie- you’re a doll!

Razzle Dazzle ‘Em | CHICAGO Hoogland Center for the Arts

Chicago is one of my favorite musicals (along with The Sound of Music) and I couldn’t have been more excited when I was asked to photograph the cast members for some sexy, film noir, Bob Fosse inspired shots! The women are sultry and the guys are smokin’ (the show isn’t half bad either! wink wink!) Get your tickets asap- the opening Gala is this Friday and performances are 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, and 2 p.m. on August 29, Friday, September 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, September 4 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the regular performances are $20 for adults and $18 for children. Call 217-523-ARTS or go online at www.scfta.org!
Check out the rest of the cast on the Peek-a-Boo blog!

Billy Flynn Velma Kelly Roxie Hart Springfield ILHoogland center for the artsVelma Kelly and Roxie Hart at the hoogland center chicago signThe Hoogland Center dressing room chicago musical
What do you think- does Gus’ dressing room always look like this? ::wink wink::

Sarah | Rochester High School Illinois

We scheduled Miss Sarah’s session (unknowingly) on the hottest day of the year! She was such a trooper though- hiking through the woods, ignoring the bugs and even swimming through the lake. We’ve both agreed on two things: a) that wearing soggy shoes is the worst feeling ever and b) I should definitely hire a cabana boy to follow us around on photo shoots and fan us with palm fronds!

Homework | 2011 High School Senior Portraits

For most of you high school students, classes started this week. Personally, I’m in denial that summer is over- and probably will be until October. Since you’ll be bombarded with homework (most of it not much fun) I thought I’d throw in an exciting/creative “homework” assignment! I’ll award you with something better than a grade, the winner will receive a one hour senior session and a print collection valued at $500!

Want to win your senior photos with NBP? I thought so! Grab your cameras, start shooting and be CREATIVE! Here are the deets:

win senior pictures at new beginnings photography

Colin | Glenwood High School Senior 2011

As if I wasn’t feeling old enough… It’s hard for me to believe that Colin, whom I’ve known since he was about 4 feet tall and in the Christmas Pageant at church, is a senior in high school! He has grown into such a thoughtful, intelligent and handsome young man- and can I just say, wowza- look at those baby blues and genuine smile! Colin, thanks so much for putting up with me for an entire hour and enjoy your senior year!
high school senior brick wall car casual coolbright colors illinois senior blue eyessenior boy with piano and outdoor casual

Behind the Scenes | Rochester Illinois Senior Portraits

Wonder what it’s like to be on a photo shoot with me? Here is a little behind the scenes footage from Miss Rachael’s session! For the real experience, give me a call at the studio: 217-679-1757

Rachael in Wonderland | Rochester High School Senior Portraits

Introducing my muse: Rachael was one of my 2010 senior models and I have loved working with her and her family! After a bout with a yucky sickness, we were able to finish up her last senior session. It is so much fun for me to work with like-minded, creative clients and when I suggested an “Alice in Wonderland” inspired photo shoot, Rachel immediately agreed! Few people could have pulled off the “mad-hatter” hat tied with a polka-dot pink bow, but she worked it along with her 4-5-6 inch heels! Thank you so much Rachael, for trusting my (crazy-sounding) idea and for your beautiful face! If you don’t audition for ANTM, I will drag Tyra over to your house…
forrest tea party springfield IL polka dot dress vintage booksmad hatter tea party cental illinoisalice in wonderland mad hatter pink ribbontea pot with bright flowers yellow chairtea party with alice and the mad hatteralice in wonderland reading a book at a funky tea party

My Favorite Things In August | Illinois Senior Photography Studio

Alice in Wonderland: I am aware that it has been out for awhile, but I wanted some inspiration for my upcoming shoot (and Johnny Depp’s not bad either!). I love Tim Burton’s vision- it was creative and magical and inspiring!

The Beatles Love: This Cirque du Soleil show was incredible. There are no words. I came home with a huge bag of Beatles souvenirs- that’s how amazing it was! If you’re ever in Vegas, this is the show to see.

Starbucks Via: The slightly sweetened iced Via is awesome (this coming from a coffee snob) Although it is instant, it tastes like it was brewed. And it is the perfect way to cool off!

Forever 21: Vegas has the largest store- after 2 trips to the dressing room, a major dent in my bank account and 3 hours later, we almost saw everything! I love that they have looks straight from the runway and I can get funky, inexpensive pieces to add to my wardrobe.

My Birthday: August 12th, mark your calendars. I’ll be having a quarter-life-crisis!

Katie | 2011 High School Senior Portraits

Katie is such a doll and we had a blast during her Senior Model photoshoot! I am convinced she should audition for the next season of ANTM (They are casting- hint hint!). She worked it- even in the blazing July heat and we both got so excited just seeing the thumbnails on the back of my camera. I think these look even better- wouldn’t you agree?!