Got caught in a crazy rain storm today. Had to snap a few shots while stopped. I just love water droplets in photos. And a bonus lightening strike!! What are the odds that I would catch that?
worlds largest camera
Last weekend I made my way over to see the worlds largest camera - currently sitting in 2 N Riverside Plaza as part of the art installation "Butterflies & Buffalo: Tales of American Culture. Let me just say it's AMAZING! The camera is crazy big and beautiful and the photo output incredible! Really amazing detail for prints of this size. I cannot wait to see how this project comes together!
Want to know a little more? Check out their video on Vimeo!
Butterflies & Buffalo: Tales of American Culture from Butterflies & Buffalo on Vimeo.
chicago clickin walk
(see mobile pics here)
Processed the "big camera" photos today so I could get everything posted on the Clickin Mom's forum - my first posts to the forums (eek!). A few others have posted and I'm really enjoying seeing everyone's take on Chicago's architecture! The crazy ones to see are the camera phone pics - we all walked the same streets and with all the different apps and filters, very few look the same. So much fun! 
Here are a few of the ladies in action at Union Station! 
clickin walk : phoned in
I met up with about 30 other women who are members of Clickin Moms for the 2013 Clickin Moms Walk. I have only been a member of the group for a few months and, sadly, have not really taken advantage of the resources they offer. But, I am always up for a photowalk so I met up with the Chicago group in Mary Bartelme Park for a walk to the river, union station and back. I met some great ladies and am looking forward to their take on the city. Here is a sneak peek via iPhone 5S!! 
stacation : four
stay : fourcrepes @ the market on the MCA plaza modern art @ the museum of contemporary art shopping @ topshop, west elm and the amazing jayson home and garden
Started the day at the MCA (it's free on Tuesday's for IL residents!) and stumbled on a little farmers market out front. So I picked up a crepe and took in the scene before heading in to see some modern art. Still find most modern art confusing - meaning I do not always understand the statement the artist is making. Even the photography is a stretch sometimes. That said, they had two full rooms devoted to comic strips - that was fun - and a few works by Paul Sietsma that I enjoyed. 
Then I popped into Topshop for the first time - I see outfits online and TV that often reference Topshop, so I wanted to see if they had anything that would appeal to me. I'm not very "trendy" with my style - more sport classic, more Ralph Lauren ... know what I mean. But, I did find a couple of pieces of interest (still in shades of black and white). Then to West Elm where I picked up a couple of kitchen goods - I could really buy everything in that store! 
And Jayson Home ... it's a must for any interior design fan! It's wicked expensive, but beautifully curated and they have even started bringing in Flea market finds. Today's funny flea - life preservers. Now... I want to see where those things end up! 
trampoline time
Spent last Saturday in Chesterton with the Pittmans. We took in the European Market, the Popcorn Fest over in Valpo and a little quality time in the back yard jumping on the trampoline and snapping a few photos. Let me tell you, it's a challenge to focus on a moving object when you are moving too! I couldn't believe how comfortable Sloane was on the trampoline - running, jumping, summer salts - so stinkin' cute! Oh and that hair, OMG that hair! Hello static! 
This photo says it all ... Fun! Fun! Fun! And a little out of focus... oh well still my fav!
headshot : pittman
I would not consider myself a portrait photographer, but now and then I will make an exception to shoot friends and family. I give huge props to photographers who photograph people for a living! It is enormously difficult to get a natural face and smile out of someone ... even when you know them really well. I snapped a few of Jeff over the weekend and got a few I think will fit the bill for his professional needs. Well, maybe not the laughing shot, but that is the most genuine shot from the series, so I had to share that one too.
Lake Murray
Had a client take us out on their boat on Lake Murray tonight. Man is it beautiful! Surrounded by pine trees, you can actually smell them after a hot day like today. Incredible. And they have the perfect lake house - the view from the living room is unbelievable! So thankful for these kind of opportunities! 
beach bum
I have become a real beach bum this summer... dunno why, but I am glad I am finally taking advantage my proximity to the beach. I especially love it when the wind is coming in over the lake, makes waves that look and sound like the ocean. It's a really great "second" if you know what I mean... 
beautiful day @ the botanic garden
So, I am not a huge flower person... but I do love the Chicago Botanic Garden. Marcey and I met the Robinson's there to spend the most lovely day wandering the different gardens. There was so much in bloom - pretty much everything looked great except for the roses, they were just past their time. I really think I should try to make it up there once each season. Next up would be Fall foliage ... putting that on the calendar now! Till then, enjoy some pretty flowers!
Oh and I almost forgot about the crazy lilly pads! That may have been Elliot's favorite of the day...