happy valentines day

I have to admit I'm not a Valentine's fan. I don't like flowers, least of all roses paired with a 50% mark up, I don't really do jewelry and I'm not a chocolate lover. My husband got off easy in this category and I do tend to remind him of this fact. Instead, we will probably be enjoying chinese food by candle light with our 3 rug rats = ) This has become our tradition as the kids think the candles are way cool and I'm relieved of cooking and cleaning duty! This year Valentine's day and the Chinese new year are on the same day so our little tradtion makes perfect sense = )

lifestyle photography - 1st bday

I have received some inquiries about lifestyle photography so I thought I'd share some images from a 1st bday party as an example. The wonderful thing about lifestyle photography is the options are limitless. It captures the uniqueness of the individual or family. The moments are real and unstaged. It's a story told through images. With that said, I'll let the images below do the speaking instead of me typing and you can form your own story =)

Happy bday Ms. N!!!

a great start

My camera has finally come out of hybernation! This was my first official session of 2010 and I couldn't have asked for better kiddos!

Enthusiastic - check!

Playful - check!

Adorable - check!

What more could I ask for? Not a thing. Mr. C was a ham from the get go! He lit up with personality in front of the lens and at times, had us all laughing! Be a judge for yourself and check out the image below. Can you see that little sparkle in his eyes paired with his little devilish grin = ) Oh my!

Big sis Ms. K had just as much personality in her. Bashful, serious, silly, etc.... you name it and I'm pretty sure we saw it (and captured it). I puffy heart her adorable dimple. I used to have a dimple, now it looks more like a wrinkle! Oh to have that beautiful dimple!!

And, to finish the session, look what they gave me. 100% all natural. I was actually trying to pose them and they did this on their own.

Welcome 2010 & New Year's Special

I have been M.I.A. online for quite a bit! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season! I know I did! It went by SO fast! It's been another fantastic year for Jill Riese Photography and I owe it to all of you, my clients, blog readers, supporters, friends and family. Without all of you, I wouldn't be here today. I truly love creating memories! What was once just a tiny business has exploded. Thank you!! I've spent some time reflecing on 2009 and have some great ideas for 2010 so stay tuned. A belated internet toast to all; may all your needs be met and dreams come true!

Also, I know there were a few families I just couldn't get booked in 2009. So, I'm having a very limited special, the New Year's special. Book a session with a friend or family member and split the session fee between the 2 of you. To qualify, the session must be booked AND photographed before March 31st. (Newborn sessions are not included due to the special nature of those sessions). There are 3 options available.

1. The lifestyle session - this is natural light photography in your home. Kids playing in their bedrooms, reading books, or taking baths. Or, families playing games, cuddling on the couch or having a ticklefest. It's tailored to your ideas!

2. Portable studio session - I come to your home with my portable studio for the session. See example below.

3. Outdoor sessions - For those willing to bear the cold (or wetness once it actually warms up come Feb or March). Get out the stocking hats, rainboots, umbrellas and let's go have some fun.

Please mention New Year's special when booking!

Baby times two

Are these tiny boys not the most precious! Oh my gosh! Born at 29 weeks, they spent a little time in the NICU but are pictures of health now. That dark hair and beautiful blue eyes! Are you ready to meet the duo? Here is Mr. I and Mr. L making their first debut = )

First up, was {I}




Now {L}...




It took a valiant team effort between mom and I to get these 2 sleeping at the same time but I'm SOOOO glad we did! Thanks J for being so patient! And most of all, thank you for sharing your boys with me!


After I was able to snap a few of them together, they decided to try and pull the blanket over their heads. I think that was their way of saying "all done"! Okay, I'll take the hint = )

happy turkey day

or for my vegetarian friends out there, happy tofurkey day. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, eating cranberries, watching a little (or a lot of football), and maybe, just maybe, catching a movie. So, to all my followers or people who stumble across this blog, have a blessed Thanksgiving!

You didn't think I'd just post words did you? Meet the "J" family. Our goal was to capture the family but I had to take some individuals and one of my faves is at the end = ) It was on the windy side and the sun couldn't decide whether it wanted to shine or not. At the end of the session, it was very apparent the sun did NOT want to shine but we made the most of our time!











Okay, one of my faves... As I was working with the boys I turned and saw this. I didn't get a whole lot of time to change settings and wasn't sure if I got the shot until I got home. I don't know about you, but I'm dying to know what he's whispering =)

you can run...

but you can't hide!! I think that statement holds 100% true for this boy. I give this little guy a lot of credit. Try as he might to avoid me and my camera, I am very good at catching kids with their guard down!

We started by playing with one of his toys. It was a sweeper with push buttons, lights and sang a fun sweeping song. Being the excellent sharer he is, we took turns. We found other great uses for it, too! Like brushing my hair, mom's hair and even my camera. Before you know it, he had had forgot that we were taking pictures (well at least temporarily). It did make a little appearance in one of the images below. I'll have to do a little photo fixin' on that one = )

Mr H you are one handsome 18 month old in your very dapper vest and big boy haircut!

A little sneak. Be patient and you'll see a glimpse of a smile...



Similar to above and the sweeper making a grand appearance. No smile yet.



Hmmm, what is this lady up to? Do I really trust her with my toy? Doesn't she know that's not what it does? Still waiting for the smile...



Not yet...


Here it is = )