“It’s surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time. ” ~ Barbara Kingsolver

Shibuya Crossing. For our fabulous clients & families it’s one of our most requested photo locations. And it never ceases to be endlessly fascinating and of course challenging… The charm is of course what’s going on in the background and the parade of colorful characters we encounter. It’s never, ever, ever the same.  Never, ever pedestrian. Just so Japan. What is certain is that never know what we’re going to get. It becomes as much about getting that iconic series of Tokyo photos as it is about the ebb and flow of life across this most famous of scrambles.  People notice, people don’t. They walk on. Or they photo bomb with panache. We run as the lights flash. It’s a blur and a thrilling rush. This past weekend we were there again…on a Sunday…in Golden Week…Yes, we deserve all the ensuing challenges just for that…Apparently we just missed a flash mob…now that would have been something. So we have plenty of Shibuya madness to feature in the coming months. Today we back-track to last year. The warmth of summer still in the air for this beautiful Tokyo day in the city. With some of our very, very favorite people. For their Crossing story… Read more →

“I adore Chicago. It is the pulse of America.” ~ Sarah Bernhardt

Chicago…ahh…how we miss you…We had been so looking forward to photographing the Windy City, documenting fabulous people & telling their stories on our recent US visit. But honestly the entire week we were there saw some pretty terrific/horrific weather…cold, cold, fureeeeezing cold…bordering on uninhabitable. And a massive snow storm thrown in the mix. So we were somewhat apprehensive about how our Chicago Sessions would unfold. But that’s the charm of storytelling and living life in the moment. You simply never know what you are going to get. We were certain we’d be meeting some incredible people, though. And for that we were beyond excited…To meet treasured clients, now dear friends who went on to spread the word that we were on our way.  Which is how we met our featured (and spectacular) family today. We met as strangers and left as friends. And we simply cannot wait to see them all again. Wherever in the world that may be. And the day??? Well it couldn’t have been any more spectacular. Sunshine overload. Chicago…you put on such a show. And seriously blew us away. It was absolute magic in the heart of the city. That startling blueblueblue-sky the perfect backdrop for icons and the skyline that left us all breathless. This Chicago story unfolded effortlessly & beautifully. From the first image (which they are replicating as Charlie grows up) to the mad fun of reflections in the Bean, snowballs and of course what happens when it’s  BYO dinosaur… A series that is so perfectly them (& us…). Read more →

“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.” ~ Michelle Held

From blossoms to the beach, just mixing seasons, weather and life up a bit today…Loved seeing another favorite family for this late winter seaside session. A gorgeous Tokyo day with that most fabulous, iconic skyline just floating blissfully behind. Another episode in their epic Japan story, stopping time just for a moment to take it all in with giggles, love and some superior swings from Dad. Those little legs hurtling towards growing up with each step. Cannot wait to see where we collide next… Read more →

“There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

We’re celebrating today. As we get set for a marathon 5 days of photography bliss. We’re getting ready to welcome some fabulous couples to Japan for their 37 Frames Pre-Wedding experiences. It’s going to be a week of love. Even with the blossoms almost done…we have a few special locations with some late blooms just waiting for them…And so while we’re celebrating we’d love to feature one of our favorite families today. Thoroughly festive. We get to see them every year, and it is such a highlight of our whirlwind year-end. It gets better and more joyful each year. They know what to expect and also know we will do anything for the formal family shot (even it if means one of us…yes, ME, wearing at least 10 reindeer antlers…) We’d do anything for them…So with the official Family Photo done, we then get to do what we love, the story. Showcasing where they live, celebrating the seasons, the colors, the love in the air. Made all the better when you have maps and sunbeams to guide you… Read more →

“Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”
~ Zhuangzi, Nan-Hua-Ch’en-Ching, or, the Treatise of the transcendent master from Nan-Hua…

The blossoms continue to keep us spellbound in Tokyo. They are literally everywhere. Utterly mesmerizing. The colder weather making them a little more ethereal than usual. A magic has befallen on the city. And we are so fine with that. And here’s another kind of magic…a very fabulous family we have so loved documenting during their time in Japan. Each session together just gets better. This one from late last year. It’s now beyond the photos and a beautiful, treasured relationship. Although if we’re being completely honest this one started with a total, complete meltdown. We were all sure it might not happen. Little Will was done before he had started. But you know us. We never, ever give up. A few key words – magic, adventure, game, race and he was tentatively on the hook. Then after some “meditation” in the heart of the shrine, well we were all good to go (and new massive print for the wall a reality…I mean really…we’re not making this stuff up…this was all them…). We loved it from start to finish. The laughter, jumps, tearing around (the outside of the grounds) and the moments within. And then the most spectacular sunset to finish. They all so get us and it is always such a delight to get them. They are magic in a family x x x Read more →