Chicago and a runaway model/ North Herts Portrait Photographer

Now, not a runway model but a run-a-away model.

I got to shoot our great friend Gino’s family whilst we were in Chicago.

But boy was Gianna hard to shoot. We had a beautiful golf course as our backdrop, and a rare sight for me, a beautiful sunset. Along with a vintage fire truck and some props bought by me.

But I had to work my socks off to keep up with her.

I gave up for a while and shoot Gianna’s beautiful mother Joanne

as you can see, they have another little one on the way soon. Another little girl.

and then I took a few shoots of the legendary Gino. Who is a great friend of our Brit, Gary Barlow. If only they could have joined us here for the Jubilee celebrations we might have got VIP tickets for the concert Gary is giving the Queen tomorrow.

I even finally got to meet Gino’s poor dad, Nino who takes in all my endless piles of parcels. Poor man, I don’t think he realised what he was letting himself in for when he said, I could send A parcel to his address.

I put a My Publisher book together for them, here. Gino said it bought a tear to his eye. Aahh.

I can’t recommend this photobook company enough. I have made several books with them and it is so easy and they are amazing. I wish we could get the deals for them here in the UK. They offer amazing discounts all the time in the States.

Chicago icons.

The weather was very changeable in Chicago. But at least it wasn’t as bad as it was in the UK. It rained the entire time I was away.

Originally it was forecast to be the warmest day, in the week I was there. But at the last minute the rain came in. I had already decided to take the CTA train into downtown Chicago. I wanted to see some of the famous sculptures that I had always missed out on.

The Picasso sculpture in The Daley Plaza.

I popped into the Magnolia Bakery to try out their cupcakes.

From there it was just a short walk to the Millennium Park. It was lovely and empty, due to the rain. I also started to walk towards the cancer survivors gardens in Grant Park. I had been told it was a place worth visiting by some of the other students on Karen Russell's Workshop. But as I walked over the BP twisting walkway. I realised I was all on my own, with a man walking behind me. So I stopped and walked back to where all the people were. I didn’t want to risk it. I’ll see it another day.

The Cloud Gate sculpture is one of the most famous icons of Chicago.

I also popped into the Cultural Centre to see the largest Tiffany glass dome.

Then it was back to the hotel, to find Hubby had bought some of my parcels home. The majority of the items were freebies. You would never get the offers here in the UK. I only had to pay for the shipping, which again is dirt cheap in the States.

I also bought some more bits to fill our suitcases. I had wanted a Smash book for ages. But as I haven’t been to any scrapbook shops in ages, I had never seen any here in the UK. It took me over an hour to decide which versions to go for.

I have bought one to put some of my photo-shoot work in to show prospective clients, and the other will be perfect as a mini album for my India trip later in the year.

We had a great week, catching up with friends and stuffing ourselves with all the beautiful food Chicago has to offer.

Chicago

I was lucky enough to fly to Chicago last week.

Along with London, it is my most favourite city in the World.

                                          I spent breakfast everyday in Panera. Always with a cinnamon scone on order and a Pepsi to undo my sleeping tablets.

 

 

Hubby was working all week, so we had just Sunday to spend together. We caught up with a work colleague of his, Mirela and her family.

We got to watch Cerasela at her ice skating practice and then had a little photo-shoot outside. It was very cold and I made them undo their jackets to make it look a bit warmer.

This was my favourite image of Cerasela that I took. Her mum, had told me she hates having her photo taken, but after the shoot she said, to her mum,“ that was cool !”

Then we headed downtown to Molly’s cupcakes.

Chris said his peach concoction was the best cupcake he had ever tasted.

Then we headed to Lincoln Park, to check out the Conservatory.

I mean that’s what old people do isn’t it ?

Then we had a walk around the zoo and I caught this funny shot.

He was a right show off……..

And here was another one.

and she didn’t have any knickers on !!!!!!!!

Is Heaven real?

Well,I think my husband and Son have found the nearest to Heaven for men.

My Husband was in Chicago for work,but on Friday they met up with old friends and headed up to Wisconsin.

My Son used to fly over each summer to spend time with a work colleague of my Husband  and his two boys.They always headed up to Bear Lake to spend a hedonistic,boys free for all.My Husband joined them once and a couple of years ago we all spent a few days there.

Bob and Sally own a stunning house on their very own island.

 

So guns were loaded up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well they are in America

The golf cart was loaded up three times with alcohol and the fridge empted of food to accommodate it.

 

   

 

 

BBQs and fires in a pit.

See what I mean man heaven.

 

Every type of water sports activity there at your beck and call.

That’s Bob and Sally's house in the background.The boys stay in the boat house.I would show you the pics of the rooms ,but I wouldn’t want to put you off your tea.

 

 

 

There was a new zip wire this year and Ryan took full advantage of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hubby found his own heaven.He LOVES cutting the grass.

So the highlight of his time on the island is always the sit on mower.

I was so glad to see that my tripod finally got some use on this trip.

Chris set it up and took these photos of the group.

There was one bit of Hell for Hubby.One night he had to share a bed with Glenn (4th from the right)

I would have loved to have seen it, as I am sure some of my readers would have (you know who you are)

Apparently he snored so loudly all night,that Hubby nearly went to sleep on the sofa!!!!!

Final instalment of “our ”Chicago holiday.

Right on our Chicago jaunt we are now up to Saturday.After spending the previous day sweltering in,in appropriate clothes,we thought  much more summery clothes were in order.

                           (No wonder I had trouble parking the car.!!)

But of course the weather had other plans for us.

So out came our trusty Pac-a -macs

We went to an area downtown in Chicago I hadn’t been to before.The houses and shops were amazing.It was definitely very upmarket.

We spent most of our time in this shop.

and then we went back to everyone's favourite restaurant for lunch/dinner,  LWoods.It has always been my families favourite haunt when we are in Chicago.So it was great to see that the girls loved it,as much as us.

A scene from Oceans 12 was filmed,just where we were sat.

By this time tempers were getting  bit frayed.I mean a week together!!!!!!!!

But finally some male testosterone joined us.My Husband and son, had just flown in for 10 days of fun.They came to say “hi” as we were off on a mega crop  at Archivers (5-11pm)I saw them just briefly for half an hour Saturday night and my Husband for breakfast the next morning (and to load his case with my 6kg of surplus shopping)

It was a shame at the crop as everyone kept to themselves,and didn't say a word to us!!Very different to our crops.

But we scrapped on regardless.I was none to happy when Sandra won a prize

And then Bloody Hilary won one!!!

so this was the point I abandoned them to go see my Husband and son………….

The next day we packed up the car,and headed downtown for The House of Blues Gospel Brunch.

It was a misty day uptown,and all the tall skyscrapers disappeared into the clouds.

The show and food were amazing,as it always is.A few tears were shed!!

So this bought our holiday to an end.

Off we went to the airport to find me and Hilary had been bumped up on the plane and poor Sandra remained in Economy.You know they always bump up the classy looking people.(I had my doubts though,with the cardigan Hilary was wearing!)

And to think,Sandra takes 2 hours to look picture perfect everyday.What a waste of valuable time.She could be using it to do something useful instead,like scrapping!!!!

Anyway,I hope you enjoyed our tales of our fun packed time in Chicago.

I returned to this.

Don’t forget to check out Sandra's blog for her take on our travels.