Northwest Chicago Area Newborn and Family Photographer

Spring is finally here!

May 4, 2015

Just when you think winter is never going to end, things start to thaw and bits of green sprout up all around us. I’ve been keeping things low-key at Lens 2 Life by only accepting a few sessions here and there so that I can focus on other projects. Of course, teaching and my three kids always keeps me busy. I’m sure many moms can relate! But, this spring I chose to take on a few additional projects that are close to my heart. My background and undergraduate work is in art therapy, and while I am not an art therapist, I’ve had an opportunity to facilitate an art expressions group for a select group of students. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from both the students and parents, and it has been a very rewarding experience. It’s always nice to hear that I’m making a positive impact. 🙂 Additionally, for the first time, I am coaching Girls on the Run at the middle school level (called Girls on Track). It has been a lot of work, but so worth it. My daughter is a Girl on the Run at her elementary school and we are both excited to participate in the upcoming celebration 5K on May 17th.

I revamped my pricing for the summer and beginning June 1st my availability will open up greatly. If you are interested in booking a session you may do so right from the website, and since you took the time to read my blog, you can enter the promo code L2LP20 when booking your session to receive 20% off your session. Who doesn’t love a good deal, right!? If you have any questions, please email me at shannon@lens2lifephotography.com or message me through Facebook. If you leave a message on my website, it may be awhile before I get back to you as I do not check my website regularly. I look forward to capturing special moments of your little ones and families in the future!

By the way, these two cuties belong to my awesome stylist. If you are looking for a great cut and color, check out Rachele at Studio C in the InStyle Salon Suites in Algonquin!

A and A 2015 23

A and A 2015 20
A and A 2015 16

Mommy and Me Mini 2

April 25, 2015

Mommy and Me Mini 1

April 24, 2015

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2015

As Lens 2 Life enters its third year in business, I decided some changes were in order. After the holiday mini sessions, I realized that with living in the midwest I really can’t rely on shooting using natural light alone. Therefore, my first change will be the introduction of studio lighting. Now, I don’t want to get too crazy with artificial light, but I do find it necessary at times to achieve sharp and noiseless images. Once I introduced artificial light into my studio, I then discovered that there just isn’t enough room in my tiny studio to work! It was time to move into a larger studio. My husband and I had always threatened the kids that if they didn’t keep their playroom clean, we would take it away. Well, it was time to follow through, especially since that place is usually a disaster no matter what Pinterest organizational idea I tried! This week I moved my kid’s toys into my old studio, which Madison and Annie now call “The Girls Den” (poor Sammy), and I renovated the old playroom into a new, larger studio. I am hoping that in making these changes, I will produce more technically sound images as well as be able to move around more to get your little ones laughing and smiling for their shoot. There will be some other changes with packages and policies as well in 2015. While I am not ready to share that information just yet, I do plan to have my website updated with the information within the next few weeks. I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy New Year!

Out with the old and in with the new. My kids get a new play area or “Girl’s Den.”

The renovations begin. The walls and trim were painted. It took almost four coats to completely cover that blue, and new flooring was laid down.

The new studio is complete and I’m already moved in.

Picture of my niece taken with my new lighting. Isn’t she cute!? I look forward to seeing you in 2015!

Happy Holidays from Lens 2 Life Photography!

December 27, 2014

My husband and I are both the oldest of four children. We are also the first to have children on both sides of our families. Years ago when we first had Madison, our family get togethers were pretty low key as far as the kids went. I think back then it was more us adults who were like the kids! Who doesn’t love to get presents for Christmas!? Nearly ten years later, so much has changed. There are many kiddos at our family gatherings and lots of little cousins. It’s really fun to see all the of the kids running around and playing with one another. This year was a little different because we were missing family members due to trips, work, illness (It feels like the plague hit Chicagoland!) and, our newest member of the family, who was just recently discharged from the NICU after a three month stay. He was just so excited for the holidays he came earlier than he was supposed to! Despite our missing family, the kids still had a lot of fun and our family traditions of the Lost Reindeer (an old Polish tradition), a visit from Santa (AKA any uncle that’s willing to throw on and sweat through a Santa suit), and the anything goes grabbag White Elephant Gift Exchange were, as always, a lot of fun! As Lens 2 Life Photography enters its third year in business, there will be some changes and improvements, starting with a new first-floor studio. I’ll be sharing all of the information on these updates sometime in the first week of January. I hope you had a wonderful and healthy Christmas!

Gotta love technology

The kids calling for Santa

She’s terrified of the guy in the red suit and has no idea that its actually her father who’s dressed as Santa.

The Lost Reindeer was made by their great grandfather a long, long time ago. His jaw dropped, unfortunately, and he had to make a quick exit.

He loves his “cheese.” It took us awhile to figure out what he meant by that. (cheese = taking pictures)

Look how excited big sister (in the background) is while waiting for her siblings to hurry it up already! Yes, she looks like this in all of the pictures where she’s not unwrapping gifts.

Yep, this photo shoot is over mom. Let me take over!

My little helper

Clarification of game rules and guidelines