Vday and the album winner

Who says Valentine's Day has to be a romantic, smoochy-poochy, I looooooove you kind of day? Is there a rule that says only Cupid gets to party on V-day? Isn't Valentine's Day a celebration of love in all of its forms?

 In case you don't know me personally, that's me on the left with my BFF and wedding partner-in-crime, Kelly.  We were working in this picture - showing wedding guests how to make a photo booth picture look cool.  We are so much fun, if I don't mind saying so myself.

Yesterday I read an article on Huffpost Living, Canada about a family who decided to celebrate love in all its varieties with a vintage-inspired family Valentine's Day photo shoot. Genius.  I'm dying to shoot a themed session. Who's with me?

Click here to read the full article.     Click here to book your photo session today. :-)

To share the love this month, I decided to give away an album to those of you who have supported me on this wonderful journey by liking, linking, commenting, or following me. Thank you so much - I felt the love. Kelly Cartwright...you are the winner of a PFL pocket album!  Shoot me an email/message and we'll work out the details.
  
Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy 2014!

Thank you for making 2013 one of the best years yet.  I wish you all peace, health, and happiness in 2014!

 

Print Comp

I just submitted my images for the Northcentral District Photographic Open Competition!  Submitting to print comp was never one of my goals when I started in this industry.  In my opinion, my clients were the only people who needed to judge the quality of my images.  "You like, I like."  My, how priorities and perspectives change with age and experience. 
Late last year I realized (as I was updating images on my website) that not only did I need to sit down and review my portfolio more often but I also needed to get my images in front of other photographers.  Pouring through the art that I have created was not an easy or emotionally comfortable task.  I'll admit, I winced at a few images in the 2009 collection, and I may or may not have cried when I opened up 2008 (wasn't that the year the economy tanked...it was a rough one for all of us).  On the flip side, however, I smiled when I saw how the lessons I learned early in my career shaped the images that came later.  My portfolio perusal turned out to be a positive experience. 
Whether I win, lose, or draw next week I'm just happy to have entered the playing field. 

This was in the 2009 folder. My lenses have gotten bigger since then, but I still fit into that blue dress!   ;-)

New year, new calendar...and a giveaway

I realize it is 2013 and most of you use your phone, computer, or other electronic device to do your scheduling, but what, may I ask, is wrong with a good old-fashioned calendar?  If you are anything like me, there is nothing better than seeing your entire month laid out on one piece of paper - ready at a moment's notice.  No need to wait for the page to load.  No need to charge your phone so you can see your week.  Just a nice grid, with a pretty picture hanging above your month ahead.  As a 'fan' of the calendar, I am giving away a Photography by Faye Licari 2013 calendar.  The lucky winner(s)* will not only get a 13 month PFL calendar but also several PFL coupons (discounted products).  Here's a small preview.

*How can you win one of these babies?  There are two easy ways to be entered:
1) Simply 'like' my Facebook fanpage and become a Photography by Faye Licari fan.  Leave a nice comment and you'll be entered twice.  ;-).    Once I hit 150 likes I will hold a drawing for my FB fans.  I'll hold a second drawing when I hit 200 likes.
or...
2) Become a blog follower.  You can follow me via email (bottom of this page) or you can join this site as a member (also at the bottom of this page).  I will hold a drawing for my blog followers on 1/13/13.

I want to thank those of you who have been with me since the start.  You have inspired me and encouraged me and helped me to live this wonderful dream. 
Peace, Love, & Pictures!
Faye

The Olivia Act

I volunteered at Leo's holiday party this afternoon.  At one point I looked up and saw those tiny Kindergarten faces in various states of holiday cheer.  I could hear Leo giggling at the ornament table, I could see Cameron enjoying himself at the puppet table, and I could feel the excitement in the air as the kids prepared for two whole weeks at home.  It was a wonderful afternoon, and I will cherish that memory as long as I live.

Not only did I leave the school with a much better appreciation for his wonderful teacher, but I also left with a very heavy heart.  I couldn't shake the reality that one week ago so many lives were shattered and twenty little faces were snatched away.  They won't be decorating Christmas cookies this year.  They won't be giving their teacher a gift and a hug before heading home today.

The Olivia Act was started by a photographer who had seen professional images of Oliva Engel, one of the victims of last week's shooting, and her family that were taken not long before Olivia was killed.  The photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous, was moved to give away a 30 minute family photo shoot and has challenged other photographers to do the same. Why a family photo session?  Because so often the years go by and we don't take the time or have the resources to stop and have professional family photos taken - photos that will one day be a cherished memory. 

Please nominate a family who you think would appreciate the gift of a free family photo session with me.  The session will take place in West Dundee after the New Year, and it will be completely free to the family being nominated.  They will also receive free full-res digital images.  Please inbox or e-mail their name, contact information and a brief summary of why you chose them to faye.licari@gmail.com and put "THE OLIVIA ACT NOMINATION" in the subject line. Please do not post their information here. I will take nominations until December 31, 2012. The winner will be chosen and contacted in early January 2013. I'd be grateful if you could please share this status with other families as well.

Peace, Love, & Pictures,
Faye

Partners in Crime

I don't mean to brag, but I have the greatest friends in the world.  Seriously.  They are all so different from one another but the one common thread is their passion for life.  I could call up any of my girlfriends and say, "Hey, let's go _____________" and I know every single one of them would be up for anything.
Enter Miss Header (that's what Leo calls her).  She is my neighbor, my friend and my partner in crime when it comes to being a mom.

I remember Heather calling me last June and asking if I wanted to take a trip down to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  I called my mother-in-law to ask if she could watch the twins - because surely I couldn't handle taking all three kids down to the city - but she was unavailable.  As I picked up the phone to tell Heather I couldn't possibly make the trip, something dawned on me.  I had two choices.  I could either shelter my boys and myself from the challenges that would surely be waiting in the 'outside' world, or I could face those challenges and teach my boys how to behave and function in public.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, I chose the latter option.  My life is exponentially better for having made that choice.  Thanks Miss Header for giving me the boost I needed at just the right time.
Here are a few snapshots of Leo and Claire splashing in the fountain and making wishes as we were leaving the Shedd.

Then they decided to dip their feet in the water. 

And, really, once you've got a foot in you might as well just go ahead and have a seat.

Last week we headed over to Hawthorne Hill Nature Center in Elgin.  I have passed that place thousands of times, but I never knew it was there until recently.  It is a hidden gem and I plan to make it one of my go to photo locations.  Beautiful!

I usually bring my point and shoot camera on our outings because six kids is a lot to keep track of in large crowds, but last week I was feeling brave and decided to try to document our outing with the big guns.  I'm glad I did. 

Emily is just too much.  She's got personality plus.  I was bribing her with my McDonald's yogurt for the following pictures:

Enough pix, Miss Faye.  It's time to hand over the yogurt!

Thank you very much.

Leo and Claire were in their glory catching more frogs than they could count.  They were so excited when they caught a "double frog."  Ahem.

Wondering if he'll turn into a prince?

Emily and the boys are only seven months apart.  I think Emily has a thing for Jake.

And I think Jake has a thing for Emily.

Then and now.  I took the top picture almost two years ago.  My baby boy is getting so big.

Nothing to see here, just a flipped stroller and a couple of crazy mommies.  Notice Heather clutching Owen (he's two months old) and chasing Jake for me?

Miss Header, so glad you are my friend.  I can't wait until our next adventure.

Speak for the trees

I took Leo to see The Lorax a few weeks ago and it was, by far, one of the best movies I've seen.  Leo and I had read the book prior to seeing the movie, and during our first read he asked, "Mommy, why are you crying?"  Oh, Dr. Seuss!  That whole "Unless" portion just got me.

"UNLESS someone like you

cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better.

It's not."

-Dr. Seuss

I don't want to spoil the message for anyone who has not seen the movie or read the story, but I will say that sometimes it takes a children's book to open an adult's eyes to the problems of the world.  Today is Arbor Day.  I plan on planting a tree with my boys and running around outside.  Who knows, maybe we'll see Mr. Lorax!  :-)



Laundry Time

Our washing machine bit the dust last week.  It wasn't a total biting of the dust, however, as we can still do laundry.  We just have to be sure to throw down three or four towels to soak up the water and suds that leak from the door of our beloved front-loader.  Our new washer will be here in one more week.  In the meantime we are scraping the depths of our closets to avoid flooding our house.  I found these cute shirts in Jake & Bode's closet this morning, and I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures.  They are taking this world by storm...as well they should.

I think it's funny that only Jakey has my curls so far, considering they are identical twins.  Poor Bode is a little behind on curls (and weight).

What Bode lacks in size, he sure makes up for in charisma.  This boy is a fighter!

Big brother Leo was busy playing with the 'big kids' today and flying kites with Daddy, but he did stop for this quick shot.  He amazes me every single day.  Not once has he lashed out at the twins or shown signs of jealousy.  His only complaint is that they can't run and play big kid games yet.

Don't forget to 'spring' forward tonight!  Peace.

Patience

Patience, I admit openly, is not my greatest attribute. My failure to practice the art of waiting, being calm, and showing self-control (keeping my mouth shut) has gotten me into trouble in my personal life more times than I care to count. Luckily, I'm good at admitting my mistakes and I'm no stranger to the phrase, "I'm sorry." The fact that my husband loves me and my friends understand me sure helps.

But patience is a persistent little word, and it's something that pushed itself to the forefront of my life eighteen months ago when I was put on bed rest during the challenging pregnancy of my twins, Jake and Bode.  Patience gave me no choice.  I had to wait for my boys to hit milestones in my pregnancy.  I had to be calm when the doctors gave us frightening reports.  I had to show self-control when I could see the dust collecting in my bedroom and hear my son Leo complaining that Mommy was always "laying around."

As a photographer and business owner, patience is one of my strengths.  It is, perhaps, the most important 'tool' that I bring with me to any shoot.  Weddings often run long, family shoots often have one sick or shy family member, and newborn shoots often coincide with an unexpected nap or an unanticipated feeding.  In my professional life, I don't mind waiting for moments to unfold because the end result is best when given time to grow. 

And so I ask you, dear readers, to be patient with me as I give my image an overhaul.  You may have noticed that the blog looks a bit different...more changes are coming to the look and feel of the blog.  I've also made a few updates on my Website  Rest assured, my passion for photography has not changed.

Wedding season kicks off tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to an exciting year!

Oh, and thanks for your patience :-)

Perla Love

I don't know if it's because I already have a son and I now realize how unbelievably priceless life is, but I just M-E-L-T when I see my new niece, Perla. She is perfect. So sweet, so innocent...such a girl. Love her!
Perla is the perfect mixture of her mommy and daddy. She's gonna give 'em hell some day. I can't wait to watch her grow. But, for now she's content being a super sweet, lovey little baby.

How cute is her little birth mark!?and her little hand?!?

Leo has a hard time with the 'r' in her name, so for now he calls her "POO-ya" or just "Baby Cousin." She doesn't seem to mind.

Laura, my sister-in-law, and I are HUGE fans of the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child book by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. If you want a happy baby, then you MUST buy it! Not kidding, it will change your life. Skip the case studies and turn to page 195!Laura was born on Valentine's Day, so her middle name is Love. Laura now shares that middle name with her daughter. Perla Love, your auntie loves you! Can't wait until our next photo day:D xoxoxo.