As with most portrait photographers, I am in the midst of the holiday "rush". With the majority of my holiday deadlines in October, final deliveries of holiday cards and gift prints are now being made for sessions that were completed in September and October. With all that happening, I still am doing new sessions and regular studio stuff. I know that "stuff" is not very descriptive, but my days seem to get filled with it! Before I know it, it's 4:15 and I need to get out the door to pick up the girls.

One of the sessions that I had last week was the cutest little Santa. He's at the perfect age - sitting up well, but not crawling. From a photographer's perspective, it makes for a "easier" session. Where we set him, he stays put. The biggest challenge is to keep him entertained, laughing, and having fun. The minute babies start moving in the studio, it's a hilarious repetition of placing the baby in one place, having them crawl somewhere (usually right to my camera), then setting them back down. In one session, we can do that at least 50 times!

In the summer of 1997, my life changed forever. I met this guy named Karl and he had just returned from an extended graduation trip to East Africa, mainly Tanzania and Zanibar, but also some of the bordering countries. I have to admit, I could tell you all about the Kreb's cycle and nutrition biochemistry, but I was not very good at geography. So I just sort of went along with it...hmmm...Tanzania...cool.

Well, flash forward to the present, Karl and I have been married for ten years and he is back in Zanzibar again. We have ventured to Zanzibar four times since 1998, including a 5-month stint in the village of Jambiani in 2001.

During the stay in 2001, I managed to drop one of my telephoto lenses and was forced to use a portrait lens. Until that point, I mainly favored creating abstract images, colors, textures, etc. Then, with my new favorite (and only) lens, I found myself creating images of faces and personalities. Thus, the beginning of where and who I am today.

Many of my photos from Zanzibar are archived and not accessible at the moment, but I was able to find three from an exhibit I had five years ago. I thought it would be fun to post them and share part of my artist statement from that show. Just reading it makes me want to get back there soon.

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Directions to Zanibar

Go to Chicago O’Hare International Terminal and board aircraft bound for London Heathrow. Watch movies, drink wine, and try to sleep for 6 hours. Arrive at London Heathrow and wander around the airport or London suburbs for 12 hours. Board aircraft bound for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Watch more movies and attempt sleep for the next 10 hours.

Perhaps a glimmer of Mount Kilimanjaro will appear before you at sunrise. As you descend, the African sun begins to warm the aircraft.

Arrive at Dar es Salaam airport and stand in line for immigration. Greet the agent with Swahili, get your passport stamped and find your luggage. Attempt to locate a reputable taxi driver to take to you to the port for the sea ferry. Arrive at the port amid throngs of people trying to sell you a ticket and cashews. Hear the clicking of the coins in their palms. Buy your tickets at the ticket counter and board the ferry.

The high-speed ferry pulls out of the port and begins the last leg of the journey. After 90 minutes of jumping over the water, you see the old buildings of Zanzibar rise from the sea. The ferry steers toward the large ships full of multi-colored containers. Upon arrival, you must visit immigration again. Your passport gets stamped and you are officially in Zanzibar. Time to find your hotel and take a much needed nap.

Last month, my family and I had our family portraits taken by my friend Heather Krakora of Krakora Studios. It was quite a hilarious adventure! I have gained a new respect for everything my families go through before and during a session, particularly if they have more than one child.

Of course, I was at the stores shopping for some clothes the night before. Nothing that Adele had fit and matched what Estella had. Then, the morning was an adventure in getting everyone dressed and looking good by 9 am for Heather's arrival. With the way things were going, we were lucky that we decided to head to the park down the street and not drive somewhere.

The session went as most do with small children. Murphy's Law is the rule. We had no accidents, scratches or bruises to worry about. But, my three year old decided to pull every trick out of her hat to misbehave. My 9 month old decided that she just wanted to be grumpy. Scout, well, he just wanted to hunt.

I stayed relaxed, took a few deep breaths and just laughed at what was happening. I knew Heather would get something out of the session that we would like. Being on the other side of the lens was a great experience - I gained both a new perspective and some fabulous images of my family. Thanks Heather!

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And since family is the topic of today...while we were on vacation I took this picture of Adele on the dock in late August. I can't believe her first birthday is next month already.

The Purple Goose commercial is online and running on TV! Images in the beginning and end are mine. Enjoy!

Watch it YouTube

School's out on October 30 - so get the kids together and bring your family to the studio! These popular sessions are available one day only - space is limited.

You choose, black or white background. Plus, at the end of the session, pick out a funky hat from the Purple Goose (or even better, use it in your session!).

The Limited Edition Session fee is $329 and includes a 20-minute studio session, a Purple Goose hat, and four items from the small gift print category, including some very cool holiday cards. Call the studio soon at 831-1085 to pick your time - these sessions go quickly!

Session fee is due at the time of booking. Limit one hat per session (additional hats will be available for purchase).