It is gray and rainy here today…and I am not complaining. It is one of those days where I have my fall music playing, candles lit, a large Teavana tea in hand, and a cozy beanie on my head.  I have cupcakes ready for a friend stopping over later.  I even managed to get the house cleaned early this morning.  Things have slowed a touch before October picks up again so I am enjoying every second of it.

I am working on the rest of this session and came across these. I had completely forgotten that I’d taken them.  A few frames of blur and light amongst the bright and shiny.  It truly is my most favorite way to shoot. …and in my quest to find the perfect image for photo wallpaper…well, one of these might just be in the running…

Much Love, 
Krysta xo

*Actions: Eye Candy and my own *

Just when I thought she couldn’t get any cuter….

Dress: Vintage from the 1950′s

Bow: Handmade (I wish we would’ve put it on her right away because I.LOVE.IT!)

Hair: Can you believe how gorgeous it is? …and she’s only three!

Actions: My own

Short on words today…..we are off to Minnesota for our baby shower!  It’s my first weekend in a looooong time where it will be all play and no work. I won’t even know what to do with myself!

Happy weekend all….more later.

Krysta xo

My Dearest Chicago -

Love you I do. For many reasons. Not just because of the way your skyline boldly greets me every time we drive into your beautiful city.  …and not just because of the quaint boutiques and row houses that line your streets or the bits of green sprinkled in between the stark concrete.  It’s not even simply because your deep dish pizza is out of this world…or because we dream of your double doozie cookies from Sweet Mandy B’s on a daily basis.   For all of these reasons you continue to wrap me up in happy every time my feet stroll your streets and avenues.  But for me, it’s really because of the way your buildings stand tall and proud…and the way the sun pardons itself and peeks in between those buildings.  It bounces and breaks and enters in small streaks only staying for awhile.  It moves and glows and makes me smile every time I see it dancing in front of me or reflecting off of your metallic walls.  I soak it up while I can…the perfect mix of sky and city…and I cannot wait until we can call you home for good.

My Dearest Elle -

Adore you I do.  Not just because your two missing front teeth make me smile big.  …and not just because you’ve got a tenacious, but gentle demeanor.  …but because of the way you stood in that glowy light…singing and dancing and watching the taxis go by.  I leaned over to your mama and told her I loved how you were in your own world…and that is exactly what I wanted to capture.  You just being you.  Thank you Sweet Girl. xo

Photographed at: The Elysian in downtown Chicago

Clothing and hair accessories: Wovenplay

Jewelry: Crewcuts

Boots: Minnetonka Moccasins

Actions: My own

We had five minutes left in the light of day. Five minutes.  I wasn’t worried. I knew she’d bring it. She always does.  I told her my vision was black and white and grainy and moody and edgy…pretty much how I would shoot all the time if I had my choice.  Five minutes and this is what she gave me and I love every bit of it.   And seriously…how cute are her nose wrinkles?

I have more coming from their family session. After we wrapped, Amber, her two daughters, Aja and Sophie, and Oscars’s mama Stacy and I went out to eat at the cutest little restaurant in Excelsior.  We sipped on hot chocolate, ate entirely too much homemade chicken pot pie, and listened to Aja and Sophie construct quite the stories with their little imaginations.  I love when nights like this come along.  Sometimes it’s not just the photos themselves…it’s the people and the experiences I get to attach to them.  Little bits of my life tucked away in images.  When I think of it that way, I feel pretty lucky.

Much Love,

Krysta xo

It is that time of year where I’m starting to feel the crunch. I always think summer is my busiest time of the year and then the end of the year comes and it is just as busy.   I have been getting a lot of inquiries about end of the year sessions.   With my maternity leave coming up, I am not going to be able to fit in all the full sessions I would like to.  So, with that I am offering Mini Sessions for the end of the year.  The sessions are already half booked so if you would like to book a session, please contact me as soon as possible.  You can e-mail me at krysta@krystamanthe.com to set up a session time.  I will also e-mail you more detailed information on the sessions.  Each session will last 30 – 45 minutes and will be held in Milwaukee.  A lot of you have also been asking about Christmas cards this year as well. Your Mini Session will include 25 Christmas cards with the option to purchase additional cards if you’d like.  If you have any questions about what to wear or what to bring, please include that in your e-mail. I am always more than happy to help you style your session so that it remains unique to you and your family.

…and can I just say how much I love love love fall so am so happy to be doing these sessions during my favorite time of year!

Much Love,

Krysta xo