blog categories

WEDDINGS

PORTRAITS

PERSONAL

SENIORS

EDUCATION

Categories

Archives

STARVED ROCK STATE PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY Dana + Karl | Promised

After photographing so many past students, I have gotten really used to sharing about people who I have known for 7, 8, 9+ years.  It never is particularly easy to sum up that length of a relationship in a blog post..but I am used to it. This girl though?  The number is much closer to twenty years…way more than half my life…and that carries a whole different weight!  Dana’s sister was one of my closest friends growing up (and still is today!), and their house was the hang out house, so we just spent a lot of time together over a lot of years and changes in our lives.  I sometimes think I wouldn’t even recognize the dramatic, emotional girl I was in middle school and high school if I met her today, but the truth is that I am still her, I just have learned to control it all in my adult years…and Dana was witness to all that and so much more! 🙂 And even though she was a bit younger than me, I got to witness it all for her too.  She is a funny, engaging, down to earth, warm, tell-it-like-it-is, beautiful person…and she has found her match in Karl.  He is intelligent and equally as warm and engaging as Dana, adventurous but put together, and steady- he is perfect for her.  Because I moved quite far away from home, I haven’t gotten to spend a ton of time with Dana the past 10 years, or had the chance to get to know Karl well, but I could easily tell in our afternoon together what drew them to each other.

Because they wanted fall photos and this is my crazy busy season, we decided to meet in the middle of us somewhere that split the drive: Starved Rock State Park.  I have hiked there quite a few times in my life and have always absolutely loved it, and even though it is very different from my normal backdrop and photography environment, it was absolutely beautiful and so fun to make my style happen in somewhere so different!  I love these images– we chased the light, the bit of color we could find (of course I’m sure there is crazy beautiful color there now when typically it has all blown away!), and the views, and Dana and Karl hiked like champions in their dress clothes.  It was so much fun, and we cannot wait for their Starline Factory wedding next year! Dana and Karl, we hope you love these favorites- we loved our time with you! Thanks so much for meeting us and doing something a little more unusual for your engagement session!!

Love this on the left!! Favorite! Oh that genuine laughter!!! Look, there was a little true fall color!!The light just got better and better… Fav! Totally obsessed with Dana’s halo…on the side?! Amazing! I adore you guys and can’t wait to send your whole gallery soon!! 

To see more engagement sessions, click here!

Edit your cell phone photos with just ONE click to either "fix" an issue or add beautiful "flair" and style to your photo!

JILL GUM Everyday
Fix and Flair Presets

INTRODUCING

LEARN MORE

before    /    after

Click to leave a blog Comment!

  1. Erika says:

    These are beautiful! What an awesome backdrop.

  2. Erika says:

    These are beautiful! What an awesome backdrop.

  3. Linda Beyer says:

    Jill you captured the complete essence of Dana and Karl. You are an amazing photographer and an amazing person. I just treasure the memories of watching you girls as you became the women you are today!

    • Jill says:

      Linda, this is just the sweetest comment! I was so thankful for you as a kid, and continue to be! Can’t wait to catch up at the wedding if not before! 🙂

We love reading your thoughts! Please also feel free to share the post using the links below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I'm Jill, a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Chicago and Central Illinois, and available world wide! I'm also a photography educator, wife to my favorite person on the planet, mama to 3 amazing kids and an energetic Aussie, and obsessed with statement jewelry and all desserts (especially fruit pies!). 

As a past high school teacher, I have a major heart for education. After going full time in my business, I have built a business I love that gives me an almost 6 figure salary and allows me to be home part time with my kids.  I dream for you to run a business that enhances your life and lights you up, and I believe I can help you learn how to do it with a little hustle and a lot of heart!

click to learn more about me

Hello Friend!

Are you a Photographer?

Start HERE! 

Are you a mom/hobbyist?

Start HERE! 

You're in the right place!  As a past high school teacher, educating others is my life's work and a HUGE part of my business!  I have been teaching moms and hobbyists how to use their camera from first purchasing it all the way to coaching them into businesses of their own, and I'd love to help you as well, wherever you are (and whatever camera you have!).

I'm so glad you are here!  Teaching Photographers and other small business owners how to run more joyful, successful, and profitable businesses is one of my favorite parts of my business!  I specialize in working with photographers to make their goals a reality (or figure out what their goals should be in the first place!).  

error: Content is protected !!