A New Beginning…

Hi Everyone -

If you follow my work and my blog posts you will be happy to learn that I have a new blog! This is officially the last post on this blog, but I hope that you will continue keeping up with Gleam Photography HERE!

Love, Olga                                                                                                                       Gleam Photography

Nunez Family – Outdoor Family Shoot

Another great fall photo shoot, this time with my neighbors.   Becky and I met one day, couple years ago, on the local playground where our sons enjoyed playing together.  Her older boy was the only child back then, and now they are a beautiful family of four.  Love these late fall pictures, where the leaves were almost gone, and colors were natural and serene.

P.S. Awesome job on the wardrobes Becky!

Altman-Smolov Family :: Outdoor Family Portraiture

Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore kids, and when I get a spontaneous hug from a child, well, that just melts my heart down to the very core. :)   Interestingly enough, this is exactly what has happened during the fall photo session with the Altman-Smolov Family a few months ago.  Not too long into the session, we were looking for a good place to sit down, and while I was examining the nearby foliage, the 2 year old munchkin came over and gave me the biggest hug!  Everything is history after that.

Thank you L & R for giving me the pleasure to photograph your wonderful family and especially your amazing son.  I think we can agree on one thing – boys are the best…but we might be a little biased!  :)

Mommy’s little guy :)

Goodbye – Au revoir – Adiós – Auf Wiedersehen – до свидания  :)

Buzin Family Mini Session

In celebration of Dylan’s 6 month birthday, the Buzins opted for a mini, half hour, photo shoot – what a great present that they will cherish forever! :)   <To find out more about Gleam Photography mini sessions, read a tidbit at the end of this blog post>

Boys are so much fun.  I have literally about 50 images of him playing with sticks, but I had to narrow down and pick my favorites – he’s kind of like a wizard here, waving his wand.  Abra-Kadabra… :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mini Sessions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mini sessions are a great way to “sample” a photographer to see if you like their style, personality, etc.  Gleam Photography mini sessions won’t hurt your wallet because I believe that people should be able to afford at least a little bit of luxury in their life.  My mini sessions are $100 for up to 30 minutes of picture taking.  At the end you get 5 digital images of your choice.   To book your mini photo shoot today, send an email to: info@gleamphotography.com

Mini sessions work great as gifts too!  Get a gift certificate for $100 and your recipient can use it on a mini session.  Voila! :)

Baby Sophia ~ Chicago Baby Photographer

It has been a while since this session but Sophia was such a great model that I could not keep these images all to myself.  Also, since most people tend to have boys these days, myself including, I find it refreshing to photograph girls, especially since I get to bring out all my girly accessories and play a little dress up.  :)

Meet gorgeous baby Sophia.

How sweet is this?!  After all the modeling Sophia decided to take a little nap. I love this picture, she looks so peaceful an cute!

And here with mommy and daddy :)

:: Gift Certificates ::

Long overdue, but finally here, and just in time for Valentine’s Day!  Gleam Photography is now offering gift certificates which can be purchased in any amount.  This year, surprise your special someone with a custom portrait session or get a few vouchers as gifts for friends and loved ones.  They truly make a great gift for any occasion. :)

To order yours, please contact me at: info@gleamphotography.com

Leah & Nick Expecting :: Chicago Maternity Photographer

A woman is never more beautiful than when she is carrying a life inside her.  Which, is the reason why I love, love, love to capture these glowing moments for new mom to be.  Of course, not all pregnancies are flowers and honey, but the mere fact that a woman is growing a tiny life makes her gleam and brings about the biggest smile to her face.  Her man, is likewise, extremely proud of  #1. his own accomplishment :) , and #2. of his beautiful woman, who is now transformed into a super woman.  Naturally, he can’t take his off his eyes off her, and neither can I….my finger remains tightly attached to the shutter and I click away.

This is one of my favorite maternity shots ever! (below)

Awesome location makes for amazing pictures… love this shot too! :)

Last but not least, a couple fun “outtakes”…

Pfeiffer Family Fun :: Lifestyle Photography

Another gorgeous day let us have all the fun during this photo session with the Pfeiffer family.  We started off indoors to get some shots of Burke’s room, and then headed outside for some family photos.  I have to say that I absolutely love taking pictures of children in their own room.  They are always proud to show off their toys while I unsuspectingly snap away and capture their pure, voluntary happiness.

Tongue twister not intended, though turned out to be a great coincidence.  Try saying “Pfeiffer Family Fun” five times fast and enjoy the pictures.  :)

The light was amazing that day, which gave so much life to these indoor images!

Love spontaneous rainbow in pictures..

Hello cutie pie!

This one’s for the frame :)

Baby Doll :: Chicago Family and Baby Photographer

It’s always a huge pleasure to work with such adorable children as Elena – and this year, I took her picture, not once but three times! This time, her parents joined in and made it a family session.  With her darling little dimples and the cutest haircut ever, Elena brought life and laughter to the photo session, which made my job so much easier. :)

Starting with some studio shots…

Isn’t she the most adorable baby!?  Sticking out her tongue (and drool) for full effect of cuteness :)

Then, heading outside to get some sun and fresh air…

This has to be my favorite image from this session…

And an awesome outtake of the above…

Serious face – Bam!

The fun begins once daddy is “in the picture” ;)

Thanks for brightening my day sweet Elena.  Hope to see you next year!

L+T+J :: Chicago Family Photography

I have awesome neighbors.  We actually didn’t know that we were neighbors until we spoke on the phone and decided to meet for a walk with our kids – to get to know each other and chat about the upcoming photo session. I was glad that met beforehand because I got to see the beautiful baby, and I so couldn’t wait until the shoot.

It was fall, and the foliage was absolutely stunning….and so was this family.

Without a doubt every parent is in love with their little baby, but I’ve never seen such awe that these new parents had for their handsome little man.  They just couldn’t take their eyes off him, and I don’t blame them – he is one gorgeous little boy with his mama’s eyes!

Trying on a new hat and not taking eyes of his mama – I love this image.

After J decided to take a little nap in my cozy basket, I quickly snapped a few shots of just the parents, happy, proud, and in love….