When L. turns 5

  These are the little neighbor children. When we hear their little voices outside my husband and I will often stop what we are doing to go and talk with them. One of their favorite topics is our dogs. We have two and it is their passionate desire to have one of their own. A couple years ago during one of our canine discussions Mr. J. informed my husband that they were going to get a dog. My husband was surprised and asked when. The older two promptly answered, "When L. turns 5."

We captured a little magic when one of our studio dogs stopped by to see her favorite kids.

Birthday Girl

Senior Session

Christmas Pictures

We have been busy little elves at the studio. Soon all of my clients will have their cards and gifts and things will settle down but for now here's a little peek at the fun we've been having.

Mr. M

Boat loads of fun! I met Mr. M. last year when he came for Christmas pictures. This year he brought his family.

If I am not able to post again soon I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Julie

Last Outdoor Session of the Year

Here's one of my favorite shots of the day. You'll have to wait until their Christmas card goes out to see any more! What a beautiful day. Who would have thought we would be out with no coats this close to Chicago in mid November.

It's Christmas at the Studio

Family Photography

The Twins Are 3!

I have been photographing these two sweeties since they were born. This year we decided to take it outside. Here are a couple of my favs.

More twin pictures to come. I have two more twin sessions today. Did you miss the beautiful fall trees this year? Be sure to book plenty early for next fall. Our sessions fill up fast.

Sports Picture Published!

I love taking sports pictures of the younger kids. Everybody in high school knows they will have senior pictures done. If you are an athlete you will bring your gear and get some great shots but nobody does it for the younger kids and they love it. I love to get them in here and make them feel like they could be in  the ESPN magazine. Well wasn't I surprised when, Christy Michals, the creative director from AllStar Magazine saw a shot from my last sports session and asked me to submit it? I couldn't be happier to share the November edition with you.

Congratulations to Dylan our Mettler Portrait family's rising sports star.

Check it out:

http://www.allstarmagazine.com/features/ASOTM.htm

Successful Halloween Bash

We had a wonderful time at the Halloween Bash and nearly doubled the donations to the Kendall County Food Pantry from last year. If you missed it and would like to be among the first to hear about it next year be sure to head on over to my website and sign up for my newsletter.
Our next big exciting event will be our fairy days. We have 6 new outfits that were custom made just for us. Please contact the studio if you would like a session.

Senior Pictures

Once upon a time I worked at Gymboree. I was at the mall one day with my three year old son and stopped into the store to say hello. One of my coworkers had at that moment gotten off of work. Her husband had come by to pick her up with their three year old daughter. We started to talk and it wasn't long before my son who had never taken his eyes off of the little girl with the big gorgeous eyes interrupted me to ask if we could take this little girl home with us. Can you blame him? Here she is all grown up and I am lucky enough to be able to take her senior pictures!

Candidate for Youth Governor of the State of Illinois

We would like to wish our best to Oswego High School student Thomas J. Clark who is running for Youth Governor of Illinois. Good Luck in Springfield!!!

Little Sports Stars

I love doing the sports pictures for the little guys. Last year we did this guys big brother and this year it was his turn. Do you have a young athlete at your house? Book a mini session with us.

Family Photographer

This cute little baby girl is one of my baby plan kids. One of the nice things about our baby plan is that family member's can be part of the session at no extra charge. This image is one of my favorite from our last session because we did this same shot when big brother was the tiny one and only!

You've heard our Saturday Halloween Bash is Booked?

Don't be sad. We still have appointments available on Sunday October 28th. Email the studio and help us stock the Kendall County Food Pantry. This session is free and includes 1 picture per family with a donation.

Youth Sports Pictures

Do you have a budding sports star? Don't settle for run of the mill pictures. Come on by for a mini session and we'll give your player the star treatment!

Homecoming Queen

Congratulations to Grace, Oswego High School's 2012 Homecoming Queen.
Thanks for coming Grace :) This shot was my favorite. She's so beautiful.

Halloween Charity Bash

Would you like to come to our Halloween Bash? This year we have had so much interest that we are adding a day. Please go to our website and click on the "for appointments" button. Time slots are in 15 minute increments. This event is free with a donation to the Kendall County Food Pantry and includes a picture! We have just opened time slots on Sunday October 28th. Check out our article in the Oswego Patch. http://oswego.patch.com/articles/oswego-photographer-offering-free-halloween-portraits-to-benefit-local-food-pantry  

www.mettlerportraits.com

Hockey Pictures, Senior

Here's one from last week. We may just be watching this guy in the NHL someday.

Homecoming Pictures

I realized after I set the date for the homecoming picture party that it was also the OHS parade. Did you miss our facebook party? Don't worry, we'll do it again sometime. Be sure to like our facebook page to be the first to hear about them.

Maternity Session

I love to do maternity sessions for families expecting their first baby. Look at this couple, do you think they are excited? Congratulations to them on the birth of their beautiful new baby. I can't wait to meet her. To see more of my maternity work check out the anticipation section of my website at www.mettlerportraits.com

Oswego Park District Swim Coach

Here's one from Tim's senior session. He's been swimming since 3rd grade and this summer was one of the wonderfully patient coaches for the Oswego Otter's swim team. Check out more pictures from Tim's session on our Facebook page.

4th Annual Halloween Charity Bash

It's time to get your time slot for our annual Halloween Charity Bash. Please remember this event is free and includes a picture with your donation to the Kendall County Food Panty. Go to my website at www.mettlerportraits.com and click the "for appointments" button.

We would love for you to join our portrait family. I have been photographing Miss Bumble Bee and Mr. Shark since they were born!

Are You Ready for Homecoming Pictures

Would you like a facebook picture in your homecoming dress? We're hosting a picture party. Head on over to The Mettler Portraits Facebook page and like us for more details.

Senior Destination Sessions

Last year we headed to chicago for destination senior pictures. This year we added Ohio and 2 times visited the prison where they filmed the movie Shawshank Redemption. Next year we will be heading to Sunny California. If you are a junior this year and would like a senior session complete with memories to last a lifetime be sure to sign up for our mailing list and "like" us at the Mettler Portraits Facebook page.

My son, a senior, in the warden's office.

Chicago, 2012

I Do Not Shoot Weddings

This past Saturday my sister got married. Even though she knows I DO NOT SHOOT WEDDINGS she thought I might for her. Thankfully I had the good sense to say no. I leave that to those who can think well under pressure and remember to get a shot of the mother of the bride. That's right I did bring my camera but forgot to get any pictures of the mother of the bride, you know, my mother.  I am sharing my favorite shot of the day.

I had been looking forward to the wedding for so many reason's one of which was having our whole family together. I had the chance to get my camera all set up and grab my dad to get a picture of us. I'm sharing these also, mostly because they gave me a chuckle. One of my favorite comments that I will get from time to time is how my camera takes such great pictures. Here is my dad's first shot.

Let's try this one more time Dad. My camera doesn't focus for you. P.S. Don't ever tell a photographer their camera takes great pictures, lol!

Senior Pictures, The Girl's Got Style

I had so much fun taking pictures with Taylor. She's a girl after my own heart, she loves shoes :) She brought these boots, fun heels, and her ballet shoes. I'm going to have so much fun designing her album. For more pictures from her session check out our facebook page. She's not just a cutie, the girl got a 35 on her ACT! Go get 'em Taylor :)

Homecoming Pictures

Are you in high school and going to a dance this year? Mettler Portraits is hosting a Homecoming Picture Party. Be sure to like our facebook page and you'll be the first to hear the details on how to get your free facebook picture.

More Senior Pictures OHS

I had my ordering session with Jessica last night so I had to share one of my favorites. She has such beautiful eyes. Check out some more pictures from our session on the Mettler Portraits Facebook page.

Senior Pictures, Oswego High School

In 2013 my son will be graduating from high school. I don't post many pictures of my own family, mostly because when people see my website or blog I want them to know they are viewing my real work. I will sometimes get phone calls from people who are shopping around for a photographer. With the cost of nice digital cameras coming down everyone knows a "photographer". Are you looking for a photographer? Here is my advice:

Go to their website and blog.
Do they have them or do they just have a facebook page? This could be a sign that they are very new to the business.
When is the last time they posted a new session on their blog? Some photographer's post more than others but what you should look for is the same faces appearing over and over. If you live with someone your bound to get a few good shots every now and again. It's not like anybody is wasting money on film. Crabby face? Delete! These digital days a working professional photographer is probably posting something somewhere. Make sure you see a lot of different faces and you like what you see.

This concludes my public service announcement so now with full disclosure I'll be posting a few more pictures of my own son. I think he's a good looking kid but my husband thinks I might be a little biased.

Senior Pictures, Lake Park High School

Here's a little sneak peek from a session I shot with this beautiful varsity swimmer from Lake Park High School, the very school that I took my first photography class from.

Senior Pictures Oswego High School

These are just a few of my favorites from Caelee's senior pictures. If you have been on the blog or my website or facebook page you may recognize Caelee. I first photographed her when she came from one of my free facebook session and we ended up taking some pictures for her sweet sixteen in her fabulous red gown and again last year when she became my senior rep. She is a beauty for sure and I have so much fun every time we get together. Check out our facebook page to see more pictures.

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Buddy! How cute is this guy?!

Beauty Day

Are you looking for a fun girls night out? Grab a girlfriend and book a session. Every woman deservers a beautiful picture of themselves.

Halloween Charity Bash

Are we really getting ready to send the kids back to school? I'm not ready for summer to end but if fall is on the way then you better mark your calendar for our 4th annual Halloween Charity Bash. Bring us your donation to the Kendall County Food Panty and we'll supply the pumpkins and pictures. Once again we invite you to contact us for your slot.  There's plenty of time to fit us in. Our 10 minute appointments are all treats and no tricks. There is nothing to buy so tell your friends!!!

Baptism Pictures

I have fallen behind with my blogging and I am sorry about that. Summer is always crazy but in the best way. I have wanted to share this sweet little angel with you and I've finally found a spare minute.
Look how she says her prayers.

Blessings,
Julie

Just One of the Boys

I got a chance to see one of my very first baby plan babies recently. I can't believe he's ready to start preschool. I fell in love with this guy right away and have one of his newborn pictures as a studio sample. He's still charmin' the ladies.