2010 was the year of families. I don’t believe I worked with one family who only wanted pictures of the kids. That is a remarkable turn of events from years past and I absolutely love it. As the photographer, I always suggest some amount of family pictures but I’m making it my professional goal in 2011 to make sure that I strongly encourage at least one photograph of the whole wonderful bunch! :)

I’ve been photographing this gorgeous family since the little guy was 10 months old. At the ripe old age of 5 he’s got the camera/photographer thing down. Don’t you think?

My main focus as a senior picture photographer is to give each student portraits as unique as them. When learning about Sarah, I discovered her favorite place was Wicker Park and the highlight of her 2010 summer was her first Lollapalooza concert (see bracelet still on weeks later!). We met in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood where I had the opportunity to capture Sarah’s beautifully strong presence in front of the camera. A photographer’s dream! Thank you Sarah and best of luck with the rest of the high school year!

Don’t forget seniors from Naperville North, Naperville Central, St. Francis, Wheaton Warrenville South, Glenbard South, Glenbard West, Wheaton North, Wheaton Academy, Benet Academy, Lisle Community, Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South receive a $50 print credit with their booked portrait session.

High school senior picture season is in full swing and I’m loving every minute being the photographer for the inspiring class of 2011. Don’t forget seniors from Naperville North, Naperville Central, St. Francis, Wheaton Warrenville South, Glenbard South, Glenbard West, Wheaton North, Wheaton Academy, Benet Academy, Lisle Community, Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South receive a $50 print credit with their booked portrait session.

One simple phone conversation with this adorable mom and I knew I would want to blog pictures from their session. Yep, even before the photo shoot, even before I met them or visited the location. The location was her childhood home and that is the sweetest thing I could ever wish to photograph.

This portrait session was photographed in May. Since I haven’t had time to keep up with blogging, I was going to start fresh with new sessions going forward, but this session in particular could not be passed up.

Class of 2011, now is the time to book your senior portraits! This year I will photograph seniors between July and early November at outdoor locations throughout Chicagoland. Special discounts and more information after this gorgeous Class of 2010 high school senior!

Book your portraits between now and August to receive a set of 50 wallets included in the session fee!

While I photograph high school seniors throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, class of 2011 graduates from the following schools receive a $50 print credit included in the session fee:

If you or someone you know is a Class of 2011 high school senior and would be interested in a complimentary senior portrait shoot, I’m your photographer!

There will only be a handful of complimentary spots available, so don’t wait. Send an email to hello@dawnm.com → tell me a little about yourself like what school you attend, what interests you (sports & clubs), include a recent picture and we’ll go from there.

This adorable little tot had this photographer running all over the place to capture these adorable spring portraits. These images were shot in April (I’m a little behind in my blogging!) and indoors. Got to love local conservatories!

Let’s dream about summer. Last year was the first year I used Millennium Park as a portrait location. It is definitely a fun and unique spot, but the photographer in me was discouraged by the crowds. Until one day I found the perfect family who was ready to meet at 7am for their portraits. Yes, 7am!!! Just perfect! Since then I’ve photographed families and children at the park at varying hours all with great success, but I owe the new experience to this adorably fun family of three.