The blog has been neglected, but there is SO much to come soon. I’ll be updating like crazy. I have a ton to share, lots of new ideas, and an amazing opportunity on the horizon. Watch for all the new stuff to come! And remember to check back often. You never know when it might pay off!

In the mean time I would like to introduce baby L. I got to venture out to the Chicago-land Western Suburbs for this newborn session and when I saw little miss L my mouth dropped.  Now I have been around newborns for a while but when they are 4lbs 11ounces you just forget how tiny they can be.  Little L was the smallest baby I have photographed so far (she could not fit most of my hats because she was so small).   She reminded me of my littlest peanut so much that I wanted to put her in my pocket!  Mom and I had a lot in common and we had a great time talking and getting this peanut ready for her debut photo session.

Contact me at okema@clarereedphotography.com about shooting your newborn session.   Remember they are only this little for so long!! 

  Clare Reed Photography | Chicago Newborn Photographer

Life is happening so quickly around here these days, I know the blog has been quite neglected.  Many posts will be coming soon, as I have a LOT to update!!  This past weekend, I got to venture outside of Chicago to hang out with the most awesome parents-to-be.  I can’t wait for their little bundle of joy to arrive.   The newborn session is going to be ah-mazing!!!   I’m so excited to be documenting their journey into parenthood!  :)

I enjoyed photographing maternity sessions and I always encourage moms-to-be to have themselves photographed during this  beautiful time.  I love it so much that I am now offering a complimentary maternity session with every booked newborn session (details for that will be given this week so look out for it!)

Clare Reed Photography | Chicago Maternity Photographer

Since one of my goals this month is to get back to running I think its time to refresh my playlist. I find that I am much more motivated to run if I have my music plugged in to my ears.  Music motivates me,  gets my heart pumping,  and inspires me to keep going! But I must admit that my playlist right now is pretty old and needs to be refreshed.  So what’s on my playlist right now?  Beyonce,  Lady Gaga, Nas, Maroon 5, Bob Marley……Those aren’t all of them, but most of my favorites.

So tell me….what are your favorite songs to workout to? When you pull up iTunes….What’s on the top of your playlist?

 Clare Reed Photography | Chicago Newborn Photographer

This weeks layout was inspired by my hope to have my family’s photo session on the beach this year. Love love love this color combo!  This teal is one of my favorite colors – any saturated color is a favorite of mine, especially for a session outfit.  Its always a good idea to have layer,  I find that it seems to complete the outfit.  Love the look?  You can get it at Janie and Jack.  Want to know what’s really awesome?  Most of the items I pick out are on sale woot!   That”s right dress, cardigan, bow, and headband are all located in the sale section.  Better snatch it up quick before its gone!

 Clare Reed Photography | Chicago Child Photographer

Sooooo the summer pretty much flew by and we are back to regular schedules around here.  I have some fun sessions planned this month and I am so excited to capture these beautiful kids and families!   If you are interested in booking a session with me please contact me asap as available dates are being snapped up pretty quickly!  Because its always a good thing to plan goals I thought would start writing down my goals and post it here in the hopes that I will stick to them (a girl can dream can’t she?).   So here are some of my goals this month:

• Work out 3 times a week (I just entered a biggest loser contest so I NEED to do this)!
• Update my website gallery
• Get off the computer when my daughter gets home from school everyday
• Must try this pumpkin spice latte everyone raves about!
• Figure out cute Halloween costumes for my girls (we start early around here)
• Make 1 new recipe (and try to blog them)
• Complete my project of the month (and blog about it)
• Read 1 business book and one just for myself (I’d love some suggestions)
• Buy some cute new fall boots for myself
• Time to start planning my daughter’s 9^th birthday party!

 Winter 2012 goals

• Plan and book a photoshoot for my own family!
• Get my own Christmas cards together and mailed BEFORE Christmas!
• Complete the couch to 5k program again!  (and never take a break from running again)

 2012 goals

• Grow my business
• Become a runner!
• Keep my home clean and organized! (the dreamer in me)
• Post and complete my goals every month!

These are a few of my goals for a September what are yours? Leave a comment and let me know!

 Clare Reed Photography | Chicago Family Photographer

Looking at this photo its hard to believe my littlest peanut will be 6 months old in two weeks.  Sometimes I look at Reese’s newborn photos and wonder who is this baby?  She has already changed so so much.

Our littlest sunshine

Hello world again LOL!  I took a bit of a hiatus from photography last year but I am happy to say that I am back and very ready to get back to clickin my camera.   I’m so excited to finally have my blog  and facebook fan page moving I cannot stand it!  I am also refreshing my website so stay tuned for that as well.  My blog will be the place to check in from now on for sneak peaks, specials and any other news going on.  I love how large I can post the photos!  I hope you enjoy the new look.  And because a photo blog post is nothing without pictures here is a pic of little Matias at 11 days old.  I hope to share more of his pics soon.

I feel so blessed to get to watch  families  grow and capture these precious memories for them.  I am overjoyed to be able to do what I love and give to others at the same time.  My hope is that they love the memories as much as I do.