Michelle

My first meeting with Michelle was a few years ago, photographing her brother’s senior photos, Michelle joined us for a bit of the session so that they would have an image for the family holiday card…even in middle school Michelle was at ease in front of the camera…her smile and laughter came easy…

Michelle’s passion has always been acting, and our session was setup for her professional head shot.   Lindsay (www.fabyouglam) my very favorite makeup artist, would be working with us for the shoot.

Michelle came in and the makeup session began…Lindsay and Michelle started talking about the shoot and Lindsay shared part of her life story…her career…traveling to New York…touring with the musical Grease…Lindsay’s life and Michelle’s dreams…

Michelle, again relaxed, beautiful and graceful as Lindsay effortlessly changed her look from casual to very classic…

I am sure MIchelle’s future will be filled with wonderful adventures…and that smile, light laugher and joy will always be a special part of this very special person.

Graduation Day…Shepherd’s College

The weather was just perfect for graduation…the rain from the night before made the grounds of Shepherd’s College full of deep, rich colors.  The greenhouse was overflowing with flowers and herbs waiting to be planted for the summer season.

Everyone was excited…it was the first ever graduation from a very special place.  Our son,  Rob had just graduated from college a week before…and I asked him to be my photo assistant for the day.  It was an event that could have been shot alone…but I really wanted to share with him something that I knew would be very special.

All the students began dressing…they were both nervous and excited…taking the last few minutes to review their speeches…time for a few photos with special teachers who had each shared in their individual journeys these last few years.

The ceremony was beautiful…younger classmates sang, words of accomplishments and bright futures expressed…proud parents watched as each of their precious children walked across the stage…

After the ceremony, the graduates walked outside, among family, students and former teachers…it was a perfect end…and an even more perfect beginning.

Shepherd’s College…Graduation

So the weather this month has been less than perfect…seems as though we are given small glimpses into what the summer months might be like and then we have days like today…windy, grey and not wanting to turn the heat on…again…

Last Friday was different…the sun was shining and it was almost warm outside…a perfect day for being outside and shooting.

I had the chance, again, to work with the students and staff at Shepherd’s College.  It was a special session…the very first graduating class of this truly amazing place.

I would like to thank Lindsay Garric  (www.fabyouglam.com) along with Amanda for providing an amazing makeup session for each of the five students.

To the staff and students…thank you for letting me be a small part of a big wonderful…

The Happy Meal

My shoot was scheduled, had all my gear, lights and bounces ready to go…but you really can never be ready until they walk in the door…sometimes they settle in and relax…and there are other times…

That was Saturday…and I was about to meet London…with the biggest eyes, mouth that still held its baby form, tiny cubby fingers…but it would not come easy…

After over an hour I knew that I had met my match…she was exhausted…then the Happy Meal came.  With those chubby little fingers wrapped around a steamy chicken nugget and that sweet mouth enjoying a coke…it dawned on me what the true meaning of a happy meal was…and it was wonderful!

Mother and Daughter…a portrait

For a limited time each year in my studio I set aside special time to shoot subjects so very dear to my heart…there is something that is so magical when your child places their arms around you…it never takes long to shoot….it is a moment, so personal, so special and so very loving….

Please feel to contact me for further details.

Soby and Hedda

Soby, Hedda and I met on a very early spring day… it really seemed more like late fall…the woods were muddy and we were all waiting for the rain to begin.  But, as spring does, the weather continued to change with the sun finally arriving….

Soby and Hedda were introduced by friends in 2004, but  began dating in 2008.  Their busy careers kept weekdays filled…Soby, a math teacher, makes the drive to south Chicago each day….when the weekends finally come it is their time…and those things they really enjoy…spending time in the kitchen preparing special meals or a quiet evening with a friendly, but competitive board game.

Hedda and Soby also share a love of gardening.  It is a family tradition for Hedda whose mother owns two local greenhouses.  Among the flowers is the garden was the spot that Soby chose for his proposal.

July is the date for the wedding…it will be “simple” as Hedda likes to say…me…I think it will be just perfect….

Images will be available for viewing at:

www.sales.ellencook.com

 

 

 

 

Exceptional Parent Magazine

Over the past two years I have been fortunate enough to work with a truly inspirational place...Shepherd’s College.  This school has been set up to work with students with intellectual disabilities preparing them for a life career and those skills vital to their future independent living.

Last week I learned than one of my images will be used as a cover for a national magazine…Exceptional Parent.  This magazine targets those with special need family members and the community that surrounds them.  This magazine has a subscription of over 500,000…the cover will be a powerful way to spread the word about this school and their exceptional mission.

In just a few months I again will return to Shepherd’s College  to photograph their first graduating class.  It has been a true pleasure working this a staff whose passion I have never experienced before…and the students who are, I am sure, on to amazing futures.