Peoria Ilinois Senior Portrait Photographer, Summer Lynn | Morgan at Tanner's Orchard

Don't you just love the fall? There's something in the air that I think almost everyone catches...some kind of "fall fever" that beckons us to spend as much time as possible outdoors, go apple picking, admire the changing leaves and the crisp air, and, of course, feast on cider donuts. That last part might just be my personal favorite. So Morgan and I decided that the best place to do her photos would be someplace that had pretty much all of that (including the cider donuts). We headed to Tanner's Orchard and out we ventured into the U-pick area for red-apple-picking and pretty-picture-taking :) I had such a great time with you, Morgan!

(that last one there is a shout out to Morgan's boyfriend, with whom she was happily attending the homecoming dance later that evening) :)

Best,
Summer

Sigh No More |Ashley's Senior Session|

"Serve God, love me and mend
This is not the end
Lived unbruised, we are friends . . .

Love it will not betray you
Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be
There is a design, an alignment, a cry
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be " 

- Mumford & Sons

Ashley is one very special girl. Not only has she become my children's favorite babysitter over the last four years since we moved to Atlanta; I feel lucky to call her my friend also. And so it was an honor to do her senior portraits. We had so much fun taking these photos - even on the rainy day that it was! What a memory! Ashley is one of those girls that has been blessed with wisdom and maturity beyond her years, a sense of purpose, and a strong character. She is an idealist, a thinker, a musician, a reader (The Bible and Walden by Henry David Thoreau are her favorite books) and really, an inspiration to me. 

Ashley, I am so proud of you. Thank you for being the wonderful "you" that you are. Don't ever give up on your dreams. And as you get ready for a very exciting college adventure, always remember that everyone here at home loves you!

xo Summer

Monarchy of Roses

mmmK.
So here's the thing: Summer ♥'s Red Hot Chili Peppers.
And is super stoked that they are, like, back.

So (duh!) I had to choose one of their new songs as the dedication for this fabulous blog post.
Not to mention we were sooo loving all things floral during this shoot!
And the song does have the word "Roses" in it. Plus, don't you love that they spell "colors" like "colours"? So much better, right? Say it with me: Colouuuurs. :)

Yeah, you know you just said it.

"Several of my best friends wear, the colours of the crown . . .

The saviour of your light
The monarchy of roses
The monarchy of roses tonight . . .

We all want the rose you know
I said
Hey yeah
Show us love before you go . . . "

All this to say that even though this song might just be about some dude who can't make up his mind about the two chicks in his life, (or religion?? in general?) it still has an awesome catchy vibe that I couldn't pass up on.

So there ya go. That's my disclaimer. :)

And - hello??!! You know I had so much fun at this shoot. Just look at these girls! I could have literally posted a hundred gorgeous pics, because these Class of 2012 girls: Katie, Jen, Anna and Maria were like camera candy!

(I highly recommend the "group thing" if you are a senior this year. Its fun to take pics with your friends, and it brings out the natural YOU. Contact me for details on group rate specials!! Ok, I'm done with the shameless plug.)

On to the good stuff . . .

To Katie, Jen, Anna and Maria: Congrats! And ENJOY your senior year. You girls have so much light in your eyes and in your hearts - I wish you ALL the best!
love,
Summer

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (thats a movie title, folks)

So I know that I always do a song dedication for my clients, but this one's a little different ;)

This cute guy, Patrick Brouder,  is starring in the upcoming Walt Disney feature film The Odd Life of Timothy Green with Jennifer Garner and Ron Livingston.

The film is an enchanting fantasy tale about a childless couple who bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears . . .

Patrick plays the role of Dash Best, a musically -gifted wiz kid. Truth be told however, Patrick is himself a musically-gifted kid! He plays the cello and guitar, and loves anything having to do with music. It was so cool to hear this soon-to-be tween heartthrob (!) talk about his role in the film, what it was like to be on set, as well as what kind of music he is into playing. He even played me a Beatles song on his guitar, and instantly became my 7 year old son's newest hero ;)

So since his upcoming film is all about the magic and mystery that grows out of the Green's backyard, it made sense to do his photo shoot "in the green" as well. ( a.k.a. We played outside!!)

Congrats on your success, Patrick! I'm sure there is so much good in store for you. I had so much fun hanging out with you - You are definitely one cool kid. ;-)

-Summer