Joseph is One Year Old

Alan and Family

Mother and Son

Alan and Angel, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

I was able to capture my nephew and his mom sharing a moment over the weekend.

Opportunity Knocks

As many of you have heard already, I lost my job in the gas station industry on Thursday.  I have decided to take this opportunity to pursue my part time photography and turn it into full time.

I have had mixed emotions the last few days, part worrying about how the bills are going to get paid, part exitement about finally getting a chance to dedicate all my effort were I want, and finally relief that I don't have to deal with the negative aspects of the gas station industry.  In short I see this as an opportunity and I plan to make the absolute most of it.

The video posted here is a short summary of what I've been up to photographically lately.  I know there will be a lot more like to follow as I dive into this new adventure feet first.

I would also like to thank everybody over the last few days for your support.

Our Christmas Tree

Thanksgiving Weekend-0890, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

This year, we decided to go out and cut or Christmas Tree. We spent a wonderful afternoon at Luer's Tree Farm in Crown Point were we found the perfect Christmas Tree.

The weather couldn't have been better or worse. There was enough snow that Eric and Evan decided to throw snowvballs at each other and consequently got cold and wanted to be done.

All in all, I think everybody had a good time and we found the right tree and will be back with saw in hand next year.

A Couple of Monkeys

Thanksgiving Weekend-0666, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Eric and Evan at Lincoln Park Zoo the weekend after Thanksgiving. Evan was just exited to be in Chicago, but I think they had a pretty good time for the most part, despite not seeing many animals other than the ones we took there.

Happy Halloween

Mummy_MG_8372 Edit SO, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Here are Eric and Evan's Halloween costume pictures. Eric was a mummy and Evan a Dinosaur. Samantha made the costumes and did an outstanding job and both boy seemed to enjoy playing their roles for the camera.

Fall Portrait

I was given the opportunity to photograph Danielle, a very beautiful young girl. Although Danielle who is normally quite talkative at least so I'm told normally just stare's at me quietly hoping I won't talk to her, we were able to get some really nice portraits.

9 Months Already

Joseph 9mos_MG_8066 Edit SO, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

It seems like it was yesterday he was a newborn baby, and now I'm shooting his 9 month session already. Joseph's doing very well and is moving around pretty good now, but he really want's to stand up and walk.

Newborn

Lillianna_MG_7892, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Our neighbors Carlos and Desiree welcomed a new baby girl into their home just a few weeks ago. She is an adorable little girl. I want to thank them for allowing me the opportunity to photograph her.

2008 Chicago Marathon

I want to congratulate all of the participants in the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Especially my parents who completed their 2nd full Chicago Marathon and their 2nd marathon this year. It takes alot of hard work and dedication to run a marathon.

Amy and Paul's Bridal Shower

Amy and Paul_MG_4725-Edit, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Recently I took pictures at Amy and Paul's wedding shower. After the shower, I got to spend some time with the couple and make some formal portraits. This is one of my favorites from the session. It had been raining all day and I really didn't know if we were going to able to anything outdoors, but it let up just enough for me to take advantage of the water and get this shot.

I have also posted a few more from the formal session at www.johnsonsbasement.photoreflect.com.

Jacqueline

Earlier this summer, I had the chance to take some pictures of a family friend, Jacqueline. These are two of my favorites from the session. I want to take this opportunity to thank Jacqueline for her help, as I've learned a great deal from that day as well as from preparing them for print.

Maternity Session

Maternity, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Friday evening I was given the opportunity to do my first Maternity session. This is one of my early favorites from the session.

1st Grader...At Last

1st Grader, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

Today was Eric's first day of 1st Grade. I know for me it feels like just a few days ago we were preparing for Kindergarten.

Anyway, as you can see he is also tying his own shoes as well. What you can't see is that he will also lose his first tooth soon.

He said that he enjoyed his first full day of school and since he doesn't have anyone from his kindergarten class in his new class, he can make new friends. Those are his words not mine, I'm sure he'll do just fine.

A Visitor

Backyard_MG_2871, originally uploaded by mjphotos2007.

This evening we had a visitor. My first thought when I saw something big and fluffy in the tree was that it was a cat. Once I got a better look however it was obviously not a cat. I'm not sure he knew what to make of all the people watching him at first, but eventually I think he realized nobody was threatening him and he relaxed a little. I'm not quite sure what Eric and Evan knew what to think about a racoon in our tree either.

Fourth of July Parade

Eric and Evan got to participate in the annual Baring Parkway 4th of July Parade. They got to join the parade following two firetrucks and they got to cool off afterwards with the firetruck hose.

For the rest of the pictures please visit Flickr.com

T-Ball

I have to apologize, but the T-Ball season is almost over (only two games left)and I'm just now posting the first pictures. I have been busy helping as an assistant coach (see below)and haven't had an opportunity to take any pictures. Over the weekend Eric played against one of his best friends team, so I made an extra effort to take the camera and get some pics.

Eric is having enjoying himself for the most part. He is also doing very well. He knows which base to throw the ball to, even though there's nobody on that base expecting the ball. Anyway, he knows what he's doing and is having fun.

Lightning Bugs...Finally!!!

Finally...I've been trying to get this picture for at least three years. I wasn't even sure that the lightning bug would show up if I could even time the shot right. Everything finally came together and I got this.

Baby Joseph's Six Months

I photographed my nephew today for his six month pictures. He is a Christmas birthday so that means we are halfway to Christmas already.