What is it that weddings and welcoming a new baby into your life have in common?  They are both major life changes that most people hire a photographer for– but they cannot be recreated later if the images don’t make your heart sing.  Many people want newborn photography, but the cost often dictates the photographer they decide to trust with the task of capturing their brand new little one and preserving those early days with your  for  when all the adrenaline, frequent sleep interruptions and whirlwind of visitors leave your memory of that magical time a wee bit blurry.  I remember searching for a photographer for my wedding– I wanted the best, because I would never hire another wedding photographer… makes sense, right?  Yet when my first little one was born, I didn’t hire anyone to capture her with all her newness– little back wrinkles that disappear so quickly, soft baby fuzz, pouty little lips and just how deliciously squishy she was.  Do I regret it? Absolutely.    I didn’t regret it until recently however, because I didn’t hire a custom photographer for my 2nd, or 3rd babies either– it didn’t seem like it was in the budget, we were new to town and my husband was deployed or getting ready to deploy… I had loads of reasons for not finding someone to photograph our newest family member.  Now?  Yes, I regret it.  Even with my own photography business, I never really understood the importance until my 4th little one arrived and I had another photographer capture him (because really, in that first week being hunched over a beanbag trying to pose him was much less attractive to me than say, a nap!).  Now I get it.  I have images of him that remind me just how tiny he was– and none of those with my other kids.  Sure, I have the pictures of daddy holding them in the hospital,  them being held by siblings, laying in the crib, etc… but none of those snapshots really captured the little newborn details that custom photography does.

When searching for a photographer to document this unforgettable time in your life, I try to encourage people to choose the right photographer for them based on the photographer’s style, the products & packages they offer, and their personality, rather than just their cost. There will always be expensive photographers and cheap photographers, but what is most important is that you love your photographer’s work– because that is what you will have to remember this fleeting time by.

www.dragonflystudiosphotography.com

www.dragonflystudiosphotography.com

www.dragonflystudiosphotography.com

]]> http://chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com/guest-posts/dragonfly-studios-newborn-photography-guest-post/feed/ 2 http://chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com/engagement_photography/fun-chicago-botanic-gardens-photographer-lisa-aaron/ http://chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com/engagement_photography/fun-chicago-botanic-gardens-photographer-lisa-aaron/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:42:48 +0000 Corlis Gray http://corlisgrayphotography.com/?p=987

Chicago Wedding Photographer | International Destination Wedding Photography

Here is Lisa and Aarons stunning Chicago Botanic Gardens engagement session.  They are such a fantastic couple together!  Although Lisa was VERY camera shy in the beginning, she quickly loosened up and became really relaxed as she gazed into Aaron’s eyes.  (I know, it sounds super cheesy, but it’s true..lol)  You can see more Chicago Botanic Gardens engagement photography here, by Chicago Botanic Gardens engagement photographer Corlis Gray.

Here is a sneak peek at Kari and Brent’s amazing outdoor Oswego wedding.  Oswego, IL is about 38 miles south west of Chicago.  This couple totally rocked my socks!  Fun, energetic, and most of all, in love!!!  We had an amazing time partying the night away during this Chicago-land wedding.

You may remember Kari and Brent from their romantic Chicago engagement photography session here.  You can see more amazing outdoor Chicago wedding photography here.

Here’s a sneak peek at Taylor and Tom’s amazing early fall wedding at the beautiful Danada House in Wheaton.  I love the intimate ceremony and the vintage styling.

What a fantastic couple!!!!  Mike & Corey were fabulous to work with and have become really great friends.  Here is a little sampling of their fantastic wedding that took place in Ottawa, IL.  The reception was at the Seneca Oak Ridge Country Club (a stunning place btw).  We had such a great time and got some fantastic shots at the Reddick Mansion located in historic downtown Ottawa.   Here’s a few of my favorites.    See more Ottawa, IL wedding photography here, and Ottawa, IL wedding photographer here.

See more Patrick Haley Mansion photography here.

This wedding took place at the beautiful Patrick Haley Mansion in Joliet, IL.  Lexie was such a beautiful bride her new husband Rich was a hoot.  We had a great time together.  We started the day at Lexie’s mothers beautiful Shorewood home.  Then traveled to downtown Joliet for some fun shots near the Realto Square Theatre.  We ended the day at the Patrick Haley Mansion where the ceremony and reception took place.  It was a beautiful day and we had a blast partying the night away with an awesome bride and groom.

Thank you Lexie and Rich for the great time and the new friendship!!!

Chicago Photo Booth | Downers Grove Wedding Photographer | Chicago Wedding Photographer

What can I say, I love backyard weddings.  Especially when they’re in small towns.  Everyone coming together, family, friends, neighbors.  It’s amazing sometimes how two people falling in love can bring an entire community together for one special occasion.  This wedding was shot at Goose Lake near Coal City, about an hour or so south of Chicago.  I love how they incorporated their love for lake life into their wedding.  Here are some of my favorite photographs from the day.  See more outdoor Chicago-land wedding photography here, and outdoor Chicago-land wedding photographer here.

I fell in love with this antique Cadillac De-Ville.  The shallow depth of field really draws your eye to the badge.

Here’s another shot of the car, this time with the bride sitting on the back.  I like the contrast of the white dress, black car, and the colorful bouquet.

Instead of dad walking his little girl down the aisle, they rode together in an antique boat that he rebuilt himself just for her wedding.  It was really touching, and a little stressful since he was still working on it up until a few minutes before the wedding.  This was the maiden voyage.

I can’t say it enough, REAL SMILES, that’s what makes my job so wonderful.  It is just so satisfying to capture a true expression of happiness.

LOL.  I had to include this one, just because this was the only expression I could coax from this little guy the whole day.

An old dock, a beautiful sky, and two beautiful people dressed in all white wedding apparel.  What’s not to like?

Thank you guys for the really fun time and the boat ride…haha.  Me and Michelle had a great time!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

When it comes to beautiful ceremonies, this one takes the cake!  This beautiful wedding began at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL.  The ceremony took place at the exquisite church Queen of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church which is  located  LaSalle, IL.  Finally, the reception took place at Oak Ridge Golf Club in Seneca, IL.  As a Chicago wedding photographer I get the opportunity to travel to a lot of wonderful locations all over Illinois.  These are some of the best when it comes to rustic beauty!  See more Seneca Oak Ridge wedding photographer photo’s here, and Seneca Oak Ridge wedding photography here.

The natural light coming through the stained glass in this church was simply amazing.  It allowed me to shoot without a flash and capture all of the shadow and light detail.  What I love about this photograph is stunning shimmer of the gold wall.

Shooting from the organ/choir loft here gave me a different perspective and allowed me to capture more of the detail of this beautiful wall.

The shallow depth of field in this image draws your attention to the emotion in Audrey and Marks faces without losing the beauty of the background.

Here the architectural detail of the balcony adds to the drama of this high fashion group shot.

Getting down low and using the low sun to silhouette

Thank you guys for the wonderful time!  We had a great time taking the golf carts for a ride and freezing our butts off LOL.

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth Rental

Here is the classic story of two highschool sweethearts  dating for 10 years then finally taking the plunge.  Ok, so maybe that’s not so classic, but it’s a nice story anyways.   I could tell it was worth the wait by the way I kept catching these to gazing at each other like it was still puppy love.  They hadn’t let the years dwindle the fire that still burned uncontrolled within then.  It was very romantic.  The wedding and reception took place at CD & Me in Frankfort, IL.

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

We had a great time partying with you guys!  Thank you so much for letting us spend your special day with you.

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Frankfort, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

I couldn’t tell you where this location was exactly.  Our initial meeting place was going to be Gebhard Woods in Morris, IL, but when I arrived there the park was closed! Oh no! As usual I showed up about an hour early, so I started driving around frantically looking for another location.  Ben and Emily had expressed to me that they wanted a nature “theme” for their engagement session.  So I immediately thought back country roads, which aren’t in short supply in Morris.  I came across this parking area in the middle of nowhere that looked as though there were hiking trails.  I took a quick stroll and surveyed the area.  This was it!  A quick call to the happy couple and some, albeit, hazy directions and we were all set.  Ben and Emily were great sports and we ended up getting some wonderful shots.  See more Morris, IL engagement photography here.

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

It was a beautiful day with some beautiful people.  Thanks for all the fun you guys!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Morris, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

This amazing wedding took place at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL.  Just about an hour and a half southwest of Chicago.  Starved Rock has to be one of my favorite places for a wedding getaway.  The lodge is beautiful and the scenery is second to none.  This wedding was no exception.  I have to say, Laci and Ian are, what I like to refer to as, “beautiful people”.  We all wish we were as good looking as these two.  At least I do, lol.  It was virtually impossible for me to take a bad picture of them.  To top it all off, they were genuinely just good hearted people which made my job just that much easier.  For this Chicago wedding photographer, this is as good as it gets.  See more Ottawa, IL wedding photographer photo’s by Corlis Gray here, and Ottawa, IL wedding photography here.  You can also see Laci & Ian’s Chicago engagement session here.

I probably looked pretty silly from other people’s perspectives, but laying on the floor and adding a slight camera tilt, gave this shot a little edginess.

Here the shallow depth of field draws your attention to the groom gazing at his soon to be wife.

I love the very editorial look of this photograph.  The punchy colors ad to the drama of this photo.  Just a small note, this was NOT posed.  I just captured a really stunning moment of Laci gazing out the window of the trolley, just soaking in the days events.

Here the shallow depth of field and the sharpness of Laci really brings out her eyes.  They are almost mesmerizing.  It doesn’t hurt that she’s done some modeling either.  LOL.

In this image I placed a flash behind Laci and Ian as they were dancing to capture a silhouette of them dancing while using another flash to give a slight fill light.  With the long shutter speed I could grab some of the ambient light surrounding them and in the background.  I think it’s a wonderfully romantic image.

Ian and Laci, you are truly two very wonderful people, and I wish you all the best.  Your wedding was almost as rockin’ as you!

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

• Now I’m going to have to lie cheat and steal to find a way to afford the SEO video’s

Here's a screen shot from the "review things" movie.

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

Congratulations you guys.  I wish you all the happiness in the world!  And don’t forget you promised to name your baby after me LOL

Your Friend,

Corlis – Contact Me!

Joliet | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

Thanks again guys for being so fun to work with.  I can’t wait until the wedding!!!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Naperville | Wedding Photographer |Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Chicago Photo Booth