Laura Birkey Photography

James & Katie

2011-09-30T08:01:00.003-05:00

Friends and family and James & Katie: Photos will be available on October 20. Check back for the direct link!

2009 Review: The Rings

2010-02-20T07:51:00.003-06:00

Taking photos of the rings are probably my favorite part of a wedding day. Here are a few of my favorite from 2009. Stay tuned for more 2009 favorites next week!

And now, I'm off to find some sunshine in Puerto Vallarta! Wish me luck! ;)

2009 Review: The Couples

2010-02-14T12:40:00.007-06:00

As promised, here are a few of my favorite images of my brides and grooms of 2009. What a stunning bunch they are! Happy Valentines Day!

New year = new design

2010-01-29T17:07:00.005-06:00

Miss me?! I really have a long list of excuses for why I have not posted, but I think the number one reason I didn't blog this past summer and fall was because I hate/hated my website. But a brand new web page is a big commitment these days (even though my husband works in web!!) and I just haven't found the time to take that next step. Its still a priority, but rather than neglecting my site any longer, I decided to do a few easy updates to give the site a fresh look. Stay tuned this next week for a "year in review" and in this next year for an entire new look page!

And in the meanwhile, I thought I'd share a photo of Taylor and I from this past year when we visited the Grand Tetons. It was stunning!

Sweet Addison

2009-06-15T09:10:00.005-05:00

I photographed Terri and Mike's wedding in 2007, and now I've had the opportunity to photograph their sweet daughter. Addison is about 7 months and we caught her in the middle of a teething time. Nevertheless, we got some beautiful shots of her more serious side! To see more of our shoot, go here.

Liv-It Fit

2009-06-10T19:43:00.003-05:00

I met Becky last weekend to get some shots for her new personal training business, Liv-it Fit, named after her daughter Olivia. Her philosophy is that we need to be strong enough to manage the various challenges of our lives. We depicted that in this beautiful shot of her lifting up the sweet ballerina, Olivia. If you live anywhere near her in Aurora, I would absolutely recommend getting involved in her inspiring training regimen!

Nalia

2009-05-21T22:01:00.005-05:00

Nalia and her sister were another instance of 1-3 year olds doing exactly what they want during a shoot, and we still come away with some precious images. I cannot say every minute was easy breezy, but two very patient parents and adorable faces all around made this shoot a success. My favorite are the first and last, but they're all so adorable! To see the full gallery, go here.

Evan and Ellie

2009-05-21T21:40:00.005-05:00

Its spring, nearly summer, and as much as I'm looking forward to all the weddings this season, Im also looking forward to enjoying all the kiddos this year. Above all the subjects I photograph, they're the most real and honest of all. Lets face it, if you're between 1-3 years old (which both Ellie and Evan fall into) you're going to smile when you want to, laugh when you feel like it, fall as often as necessary (in mud preferrably) and be enticed by every thing in sight. And with parents as laid back as Nancy and Eric, there's no pressure to get the "perfect shot". We all agree, the best shot is the one that captures that little personality, on good days and bad.
This is just a taste of the day, but you can view the full gallery here.

Baby Month!

2009-04-10T12:10:00.008-05:00

April is baby month around me, and it has been a joy catching photos of these little ones posted on facebook and family blogs. But this week, we got to meet little Jonathon Michael, less than a day after he entered this world. I brought my camera along to catch a few shots of proud new parents, Dan and Kate. Here are a few to share, including my favorites: Jonathon and his great-grandmother, and one of Kate’s mother stealing a proud glance at Kate, who looks on in awe at her son.

Hey Jude - 8 Months

2009-02-24T22:22:00.005-06:00

Jude is back for his 8 month pictures, and I give you all permission to fall in love with his adorable face (and chubby legs)!! Ready..Set...Go!

Happy Baby

2008-12-24T09:36:00.003-06:00

I wanted to bring all my blog readers a little Christmas cheer today, and do so by sharing a few photos of my cousin's adorable son Simon. He turned six months around Thanksgiving, so we took a few photos to commemorate this very cute stage! Merry Christmas everyone!

Aiden and Alexander

2008-12-11T22:13:00.006-06:00

Just before Thanksgiving, I spent a morning in Oak Park with Aiden, Alexander and their family for some holiday portraits. We got the classic Christmas tree shot, then moved on to the fun part--watching the boys play! These boys were full of smiles and playfulness, which allowed me to capture their little personalities as they read books and played in the last of the fall leaves! Enjoy a few of my favorites...

By the way, if you're looking for an excellent gift this Christmas for a young family or an expecting mother, give them the gift of a very personal and real portrait session with Laura Birkey Photography. Use the "Email Laura" link to the right to obtain a gift certificate in time for Chistmas!

Kim and Chris

2008-11-11T13:26:00.004-06:00

When I met Kim and Chris this summer, I have to admit I was a little worried when Kim told me I was her 13th(!) photographer that she was meeting for a consultation. I could shed a little light on that and let you know that these are two math whizzes who met in college, fell in love, and now teach at the same school (cute, I know). But I think what made this collaboration "click" was more than just the calculations and analytical graphs comparing all the eligible photographers (I jest, but maybe?) but the fact that it was a natural pairing of values and vision for their wedding day. While Kim and Chris might not be the most spontaneous couple I know, they do share a long lasting commitment to one another and are very genuine and loving people!

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from their engagement session, which were taken along the Naperville River Walk!

Amy and Matt

2008-11-11T12:58:00.005-06:00

Not surprisingly, my blogging has dropped off in the past month with an unexpected rush of fall photos before the inevitable (and now plaguing us) cold! With a little luck, I'll be sharing many of these wonderful shoots with you all in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Amy and Matt are a beautiful couple headed out on their journey of marriage. I've known Amy and her family for a long time, but this was my first time meeting Matt. From just our short time together at Cantigny Park, I can see that these two have been well paired. It will be an honor to capture their marriage vows and celebration next May! Enjoy...

Alex and Elizabeth

2008-09-28T22:11:00.007-05:00

Alex and Elizabeth got married at the Danada House in Wheaton, which was a perfect site for their morning ceremony and brunch reception (the food was delicious!). The beauty of the day was matched only by the sincere commitment displayed by these lifelong friends, Elizabeth and Alex, taking one more step together.

When I met the couple in early spring, I knew they would be a fun couple to photograph, and I was not disappointed! The day ended with a bowling party at LuckyStrike in the Yorktown Shopping Center, and for many fun photos, the bridal party remained in their wedding attire!

I love this shot that John
got of Alex reciting his
vows before the ceremony!

Matt and Maggie

2008-09-15T10:27:00.008-05:00

My cousin Matt and his bride Maggie had a beautiful backyard wedding at the house where Maggie grew up, in a small town in Massachusetts. They could not have asked for better weather, and the event was a wonderful success. It was good to be at another family wedding and to witness together the love and commitment that Maggie and Matt have for one another. May God bless you in your journey together!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day!

Seeing Double

2008-09-11T22:11:00.004-05:00

When I was in Boston this August I had the joy of meeting my cousin's baby twin girls, Megan and Emily. In the short time I spent with them, it was fun to see their little personalities, even at 8 weeks old! Megan was not extremely cooperative and Emily mostly slept, but they were both wonderfully sweet.

To see more images of these two, check out the "Online Photos" link on the right of this page. Select "Baby Photos" from the listed events, then choose the "Megan and Emily" gallery on the left side . Enjoy!

p.s. My favorite is the last image in this post! Please comment if you think you have a good caption for it!

A blast from the past...

2008-09-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I was the second shooter for my friend Rachel. It was only when we were on the way to the wedding that I found out who the bride and groom were, but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the groom and his family were long time friends of my family!
It was a beautiful day, complete with a firetruck ride and plenty of fun from the bridal party! Many blessings Ben and Mandy!

Sweet Tea

2008-08-21T21:49:00.006-05:00

I love taking pictures of children, because they're either totally honest, or obviously fake. With Tea and Sierra, all of their expressions were 100% honest (a la photo #6 below) and in their honesty, they were superbly sweet. The focus of our shoot was on Tea, but I also loved the shots we got with her mom, from whom I expect Tea inherited her sweetness! Enjoy!

And here they are again as Mr and Mrs

2008-08-09T17:58:00.004-05:00

As predicted, Madeleine and Josh's wedding day was very fun and meaningful. I loved Madeleine's dress, because not only did it look phenomenal on her, but it was her mother's dress, unaltered! Also meaningful, was (as mentioned before) the couple's clear and unquestioned commitment for one another. It was great to spend time with both their families to see where that commitment and love was first taught. Many blessings to you both!

Madeleine and Josh

2008-07-24T19:33:00.008-05:00

Madeleine and Josh were a lot of fun to hang out with on our engagement session a couple weeks ago. They are two very genuine and loving people who have decided to make this lifelong commitment to one another. The storm clouds were rolling in throughout the shoot, but as you can see, it made for a great backdrop! I'm excited for the wedding...this Saturday!

More of Madeleine and Josh's engagement session, and other galleries can be found by clicking "Online Photos" just to the right of this post. Enjoy!

Hey Jude

2008-07-11T11:56:00.005-05:00

Jude was not the most cooperative subject, which was why I was so thrilled with the results of our newborn session. Greg and Kara did their best to soothe Jude when he was wailing, or gently stir him when he was sleeping like a log. But Jude was a stubborn little guy. Nevertheless, we did have success, and baby Jude might just have a career in baby modeling! :)

I love this first picture, because Kara's face embodies the joy that I know she and Greg share with holding their firstborn. The next picture, captures their dog George, who likes to play hide and seek with baby Jude. They're going to be good pals later on.

Chandler and Blake

2008-07-01T22:33:00.012-05:00

Despite the rain and humidity, Chandler and Blake's wedding was one of the more animated and fun weddings I've shot. As you will see, these families really know how to put on a party. Chandler and Blake totally threw my expectations with their passionate attention on one another throughout the day, and their effervescent spirits. May you both be blessed in the start of your new journey together!

Leah

2008-06-21T07:09:00.005-05:00

What I appreciate most about Leah and her new parents, is the sweet sort of simplicity in which they live their life. It made the newborn photo shoot all the more enjoyable, because not everything was, well, perfect. But sometimes the lack of perfection is what makes a piece of art or a person so beautiful. I am very pleased with our results, because what Mary and Nate can now remember about this first month of Leah's life, is the simple reality of parenthood. This little family moves back home to England this weekend, so with this post, we bid them farewell!

Kate & Family

2008-06-16T16:23:00.008-05:00

Last weekend I had the joy of shooting a coworker's family photos. They were quite a cooperative and photogenic group! Kate turned 1 this June, and was extremely effervescent in front of the camera. Happy Father's day, Jeff!

Ellie At Four Months

2008-06-01T22:03:00.007-05:00

It is always such a joy to shoot the beautiful Guyer children. However, due to the 1 minute or less attention span of 2 year old Evan, and the unpredictable nature of an infant, we felt a realistic goal was to get at least one shot of the siblings together, and a couple shots to capture Ellie's contagious smile. I feel that we more than met our goal, thanks in part to the help of my husband, who captured Ellie's attention with energetic movements behind me. It was also fun to catch a few precious moments of the free-spirited Evan as he played.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-25T08:42:00.010-05:00

Yesterday I had the fun of going out on the golf course for Taylor's first time out this season with his new clubs. Being as we live on a golf course, he's been itching to get out and take the first few swings. He graciously put up with me hovering over him with my camera, but only when there were no other golfers around ;). Here's our favorite "shot".

Beautiful Kathryn

2008-05-04T16:42:00.004-05:00

My lovely and talented sister-in-law Kathryn Grace modeled some of that grace for me in this shoot. We had limited time to use the Academy's studio, so we did not get to shooting some of the more technical things that she is capable of. Nevertheless, I love these shots of Kathryn doing her warm-ups and stretches.

Spring and New Life!

2008-04-28T21:50:00.012-05:00

Over the weekend, I felt inspired to get outside and capture some of the beauty that is emerging all around, bit by bit each day. I think these are some of my favorite weeks of the year (next a couple gorgeous weeks in fall) when life is peeping out of its hibernation, eager to rejuvenate our thawing bodies.

On the topic of new life, I know many women around me are expecting this spring and summer. Let me know if you're interested in new born pictures for your birth announcements, or some precious 3 month old shots when your baby begins to smile! I'm very eager to expand this portion of my offered services, and feel that you'll enjoy doing the portrait sessions in the comfort of your own home.

Enjoy!

Lunar Eclipse

2008-04-14T20:44:00.005-05:00

I don't claim to know much about night photography, but it has always interested in me. When I was younger I'd enlist my siblings in my projects by having them dance around with sparklers and flashlights, while I took a long exposure with a tripod. I think I got a few good shots that were exposed correctly, then but they're now buried in boxes of stray photos and archived 35mm negatives. Several weeks back we had a lunar eclipse, which inspired another tripod adventure. Enjoy!

Just an FYI, you can click on each photo to view its full size.

The above two photographs were exposed for about 2-4 seconds, with the aperture wide open and using a tripod.

In this photograph I did not use a tripod, so you can see the movement my hand made as I tried to hold the camera steady. (The squigglys are stars!)

Hot Beans in Love

2008-03-30T21:17:00.009-05:00

In February, I did a little photo shoot for the below pictured comedians for their upcoming "comedy cabaret" event in Chicago. Benji and Frankie Beans are the two characters who's honeymoon was nothing short of corny and ridiculous. It's a different pace from most of my wedding and engagement shoots, but undoubtedly a fun one! I thought you might enjoy a few..

For more information about this event visit their Blog or MySpace site!

Which came first?

2008-03-21T18:56:00.004-05:00

These two photos were taking exactly one week apart, from our scenic back porch. The problem with Chicago weather is, you can't quite be sure which came first. In this case, the above photo was taken last Friday, while the below photo was taken tonight. Happy Spring everybody.

Brian and Kate

2008-03-09T20:50:00.013-05:00

Brian and Kate were married in Australia last September, but celebrated with friends and family last Saturday night in a beautiful barn in Ann Arbor, MI.

Kate and Brian display their secret handshake which involves a thumb war.

I think the question was "who's the bigger trouble maker?"

The honored parents of the groom.

Some of my devoted blog readers. :)

I think they're calling this the "prego dance".

Classic moment.

Brian's family is Polish, so on top of having some delicious pierogis, we enjoyed watching a few enthusiastic polka dancers.

Ellie

2008-02-26T20:26:00.010-06:00

Right out of high school I worked at The Picture People, but quit when I learned all I could in such a cookie-cutter business. I'm excited to launch this part of my business because it allows me the chance to capture the precious looks on young children faces as they begin to experience this great big world.

I just could not choose between these two precious shots.

At this young age, it is exciting to think of what personality will emerge in just a few short months.

Chillin'

A peaceful moment among many not so peaceful.

Sometimes children portraits are not picture perfect, but regardless, a memorable reality is portrayed.

Christmas Tree

2007-12-07T10:08:00.002-06:00

Apologies for no recent posts! It has been a busy fall in Foster Care, but I'm eagerly anticipating a time where I can devote more of my time in the profession I love...Photography. Please contact me for pricing on 2008 wedding packages, and your other portrait needs! www.LauraBirkey.com (not the blog) is in the planning stages of being re-vamped to better suit this growing business.

And now on a personal note with holiday cheer...

Every year my husbands family goes to Pinecrest Farms in Michigan to cut down our own fresh smelling Christmas Tree. This year Taylor and I decided to pick the largest, well-shaped tree to compete with the Marshall Field's Walnut Room. Proportionally, I think we've got them beat. ;)

Two explorers in search of the perfect tree...

That's my Paul Bunyan.

Our tree still, the last time it stood on its own.

Marshall looks like he's in pain.

Beautiful sister...

Our tree is in the middle :)

After tree-picking, we go into town to the Drier's Meat Market that has been in business for over 100 years. Their pepper stick and aged cheddar are a real treat!

It is debatable as to whether we will get another tree this size. After we brought it in, Taylor wished we had only bought a 4 foot tree. (We had to drill into the wall in order to secure the tree properly.)

I, on the other hand, find it very romantic. Taylor snapped a shot of me enjoying the view from another angle.

Destination Wedding #1 PARIS

2007-09-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

After a splendid week of enjoying many of Paris' treasures (nutella crepes, Versailles, and moules frites, to name a few), my husband and I joined the Jacobs and the Modahls for the marriage of Ashlee and Martin. They were married at Bois de Boulogne, once a royal hunting ground, and later a place where many of the Impressionists (most notably Monet) would paint and smoke cigars. (Someone mentioned it was also the location where Napoleon was married, but don't quote me on that.) It was a colorful small island in a large park (2.5x the size of NY Central Park) to the northwest of the city centre. Aside from the beautiful wedding that took place there, some highlights were: the peacocks that freely roamed the island; the odd man dressed in blue spandex, a blue cape, and blue plastic beak who was followed around by a camera crew; and the very professional maitre d' and waitstaff who served our meal with elegance and pride. Thanks to the Jacobs and Modahls for successful efforts in creating a nearly perfect wedding day!

A little pre-nuptial kiss.

An old rickety elevator in the Jacob's apartment building that made me feel quite claustrophobic!

The ferry we took to get to the island.

You'll just have to believe me on this one, but that is the Eiffel Tower standing in the way distance.

It rained and no one complained.

Perhaps my favorite picture from this day. They were such a fun couple!

It was the most colorful wedding I shot all summer.

As luck would have it, Martin was an hour and a half late for his wedding. Martin had left before the rest of us in order to be at the wedding site an hour early, but had difficulties with Paris transportation and "helpful" Parisians. Above, you see Martin comforting his worried bride.

Kissing. Isn't that why we come to weddings?

It was a happy moment when our maitre d' served the cheese.

Caught.

One of these was our appetizer (foie gras) and the other was our dessert. Needlessly to say, I enjoyed one far better than the other.

Grandma Gums and Jane had a blast attacking the couple with rice.

Again, with the Paris transportation system. Our ride never came and we had to walk a ways to find le metro.

My first destination wedding was a success! Please contact me via my contact form if you are planning your destination wedding and would like a price quote!

Ernesto and Nitza

2007-08-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

Nitza and Ernesto were married on June 9th; it was a bright sunny day to start my wedding photography career! The couple sincerely enjoyed one another on this day and I enjoyed capturing moments of that love throughout it. They are also great dancers, which is why I ended up including so many of the shots of them dancing in this post! I also chose a lot of black and white or sepia photos to show in this post, but there was definitely some beautiful color in their wedding. Hope you enjoy some of these photos to follow!

This was really one of my favorites!

My other favorite shot of the day!

And for Nitza and Ernesto, it wasn't a show; they were simply having a great time!

Nitza and her Papi.

A sight we're seeing more and more!

Thank you Nitza and Ernesto for including me in your day!

Kevin From Heaven...

2007-08-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the energetic Emily Glancy (former), I have had a cute little song in my head this week that starts out with "Kevin from heaven, the one I adore..." And thanks to the occasion of Emily marrying her heavenly Kevin, I was inspired to get my blog started: I wanted a chance to display some of the pictures right away and to report on this amazing wedding that I was honored to play a role in!

It was a "cute little backyard wedding" that was in no way "little" and "cute" doesn't quite do it justice. I loved the time I got to spend with this unique and so terribly sweet couple and there wonderful families on this splendid August day in northern Michigan. Kevin was a patient and loving groom (very helpful, I might add) and Emily was a very animated bride who eagerly pursued her guests, and on more than one occasion, stole the stage from the band to sing her own tune. Kevin and Emily, I hope these pictures and the ones to come will adequately capture the excitement of that day and both of your charming personalities!

Those are some cute toes!

Kevin sent Emily a little present right before the ceremony: A pair of Heelys. If it weren't for the grass, I think she would have tried to roll down the aisle!

Throughout the day, it was evident how much Emily adored her family!

The first of many songs she sang for us!

Yes, they did tie the knot with these rings.

The Glancys had an awesome idea of bringing a automatic photo booth where guests could take pictures throughout the day and have a little keepsake to take home. Needless to say, it was a hit!

Best wishes to you both in your new life together! I hope to see you both again soon!
>Laura<

Welcome! Bienvenue!

2007-08-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the new Laura Birkey Photography blog! I'm glad you found your way here. Please contact me if you are interested in wedding photography and/or an engagement session, portraits, or anything else that's on your mind! Thanks!