Fish Fry

As some may know, my mother has Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), but she is a great optimistic woman. We recently went out for a Friday night fish fry, and on the way out, Izzy took a seat. In my mother's usual positive attitude she told us that she gets to ride out and so does Izzy. (The photo was taken with my iPhone, so in case you cannot tell; my mother is in an electronic wheelchair, with Izzy sitting on her feet as she drives.)

Smiles

Happy Easter and Spring

We are back from Vegas and working hard. We spent some time with our families this weekend.

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Spring (and the warm weather is coming, I promise.)

Cheryl and I took Daisy and Izzy to see the Easter Bunny. Daisy immediately asked why "the Easter Bunny doesn't talk, Santa does?" I told her that he was tired from getting ready for Easter, she surprised me.

Smiles

Auto Show

I had the joy of going to the Auto Show with my family and parents yesterday. I always have fun seeing a 3 year old drive a car.

I had a couple of interesting experiences there... I had the Mercedes Dealer come up to me and talk to me intently. I have been going to the auto show for years and never really gotten the time of day from the luxury dealers. I found it interesting that maybe I have gotten older and more in the target market for these cars. I find it interesting to see who the dealers talk to, in that they are there to sell cars and they know that most people are window shopping. How they select who is a worth while prospect is interesting. Do they judge the clothes and see if they are?
Well I am not buying a Mercedes. I am happy with my Honda.

Have a great weekend and I hope to see you on Sunday.


Cheryl (my lovely wife) has found her dream car/truck.
And of course, I have taught Daisy to look when changing lanes.
Dad found out the price and told her that we cannot get one for her...

Snow Day

Well, with the snow storm coming in, most of us are staying home today. Eron and I will be in the office today. I will try to answer the phone.

Also, I upgraded Kate's computer and lost some of her emails. I apologize, but please resend any emails you may sent Kate in the last couple of days.

In light of this snow, I decided to blog about this last fall, when we went to the Zoo. These are some photos of Daisy, Izzy, and Eli.

Gracie

We welcomed Grace Evelyn into the world on 10/19 at 2:58. The first two pictures are from that day (thanks to Calfa). The rest are from her one week birthday. She has literally been a bundle of joy. Most of the time she's sleeping (except for 4-6 a.m.). Eli, our almost 3 year old, has been the most tender and caring big brother we could have hoped for him to be.

We can't wait to experience her growth, and, then again, we can. She'll never be this small again, so we are using this time wisely to cuddle her up as much as possible.

Elaine

Elaine is in labor. Woo hoo. I will keep you all updated. Keep your fingers crossed. We will soon be blessed with a new baby in the Front Room Family. . .

UPDATE

Baby was born 2:58pm, 6lbs 8 oz, 19 in
little baby girl

Please feel free to send congrat emails to eron@frphoto.com

Good Morning

(btw, photo taken doing 60mph out the window, not too bad eh?)

As I sit outside seeing the sun come up, I wanted to give you all an update. First there was a great sunrise this morning over Lake Michigan. We will be traveling to Florida and out of the office Thursday through Sunday, but people will be here to answer phones. . .

We will be having a major update to the website by the end of the year. Stay tuned for some really cool images.

We are going to have our Grand Opening early in next year. We are working hard on getting the space perfect for all to see it. The party will be open to everyone; Client, Friends, Family, and just great people like you.

Eron's wife is due with their second child any day now. I will post photos as soon as she is born.

Much love, hugs, and thanks to all of you. I am off to an event to photograph it.

Smiles,

Neil

Sarah & Tom

Daisy and Izzy's Birthday

Today is my lovely twins birthday. We are having a party in my backyard with a bounce house. This is going to be a surprise but a lot of fun. They are always soo excited to play in one.

The whole Front Room crew is going to be there with all of our friends and family. I am soo excited. I will add some photos from the event real soon. . .

Smiles

Janine & Jon

I had the pleasure of photographing my cousin's wedding. I love going to weddings, but when I can see all of my family around, I am amazed how beautiful life can be. Janine is a fun soul that makes me laugh. Even when she is all dressed in her beautiful gown, she can crack a smile and get the whole room laughing.

Janine and Jon are a really fun couple. They laugh a lot and therefor are filled with happiness and love. I know that they can get through anything with their unbreakable bond.

Enjoy and smiles,

MMM, Tacos

So I picked up some Tacos from a food vendor. They were great. Well, of course I got sick the next day and didn't grace Front Room with my presence. . .

I am feeling better now and no I haven't learned my lesson. I figured that if I saw a bunch of people go up to the cart, how bad can it be. I love food, especially authentic food. I will try again, sometime, just not anytime soon. (or at that vendor)

Back to the Rolaids. . .

Sunday Thoughts

So much is happening at Front Room lately, I am not sure where to start. . .

First, we had another amazing weekend, with Eron and I shooting at St. John's Cathedral / Art Museum and Calfa and Mark shooting at Pier Wisconsin (Pilot House). The venues were stunning and perfect. But the clients out shown everything. (Photos coming soon)
Everything we do is mutli-layered. We are not only documenting the wedding but get the inner working of the relationships. We are so blessed to have clients that allow us to see their inner workings. To see the why exactly they fall in love. We get to know you all so well and we are so grateful. The hugs that we receive, the "thanks" and the joy from being there is immeasurable. I cannot thank our clients enough. You really do become part of the Front Room Family.

Our new studio is coming together. We hope to have it completed soon, and then the big opening party; that everyone is invited to attend.

Overall we are very happy and honored. We love our job and cannot thank you enough for your support.

(On a side not, I saw the Bourne Ultimatum. Good movie. I reccomend that on the big screen for a nice night of popcorn and eye candy.)

Sunday thoughts

So, I have been very lucky. In that, I am blessed with a great family and a job I am passionate about. Lately, I have noticed what amazing people my clients are to each other. Watching all of the families interact. In that the way in which they express their love for one another in front of my eyes is amazing.

I saw a couple of completely different examples of this last week with my clients. It started with a portrait of a rescue dog and witnessing the owner’s tenderness with her.
I then photographed a family (which we are photographing a wedding for this weekend, stay tuned, it is going to be killer…) Seeing the parents interact with their daughters was breath taking. In that they were not just parents, but great friends.
Then, I photographed a high school senior and her mom. Seeing the tenderness in her mom's eyes as she watched her daughter being photographed. Then to see the two interact as they laugh together.

All of these people took time to appreciate the love around them. To stop their day and realize the beauty in front of them.

Well, hopefully this isn't turning a little to cheesy. (If so, I will stop) But through these ever so brief descriptions, I have realized that beautiful people surround me. Each and every one of you has an impact on my life. You remind me to love my family just a little more and appreciate the world.

Thank you and Smiles

Janine & Jon

Calfa's Birthday

YEAH, today is Calfa's Birthday. Please feel free to send her an email with a Birthday Wish to: calfa@frphoto.com

We love her dearly so and hugs or wishes are very welcome.

Also we call her Calfa, for that is her last name. However her first name is Erin, so. . . I found this on a shoot and waited to post till today.

Birthday

So today is my birthday today. I am going to take off and have breakfast at the Original Pancake House with my kids and parents. I am addicted to their Dutch Boy pancake, mmmm.

I also received a kickin new gas grill. It only took my dad and I an hour to set-up. Just give me call to come on over for a BBQ.

Smiles

Police Concert

So Cheryl and I went to see the Police in concert at Wrigley on Friday. The concert was great. They were so on that night. The whole band played perfectly and Sting's voice was great.

I saw the concert for Live Earth the next night and Sting's voice was off. I feel very lucky to have heard them at their current peak.

My wife wanted to bring a camera, but I wussed out, because I didn't want to want to get caught and have the camera confiscated. Surprising that a photographer would be so cautious on bring a camera somewhere.

So I am sorry to report with out any photos, but if you have a chance to see them, the concert is soo worth while.

Smiles

Cheryl's Birthday

Yeah, today my lovely wife Cheryl is not 30 anymore. I always love to flood her email with birthday wishes, so please feel free to email cherking@brandeis.edu with a birthday wish. It doesn't matter if you know her or not; she is the love of my life and I would like all to celebrate.

Eli

It was long overdue, but we finally got the family in the studio for some portraits. Of course, EIi isn't too interested in sitting still right now, so it was a bit of a challenge for Neil. But, in the end, we all laughed a lot and we now have some precious images of our family in it's current configuration.

It's always a special treat when we are able to put our time and energy into pictures of our own families. I know the rest of my family will be grateful to see these. I hope you enjoy them, too.

Eron

Happy Father's Day

I had a wonderful day with my family and parents today. Realized how amazing of a life I am living.

I must say "thank you" to my beautiful and talented wife that made me a father. I would be a husband with her, but because of all that she does, she gifted me with two amazing girls, that warm my heart always, I am also a father.

Also, a big "thank you" to my parents. Without their love and support, I would not know what being a parent is. They taught me to love, showed me tenderness, and brought laughter to my life.

So as much as we are grateful to our parents on these holidays, we are also to remember that our families, no matter who they are, are the reason we feel love, laughter, and joy of life.

Smiles


Izzy on a swingGrandpa pushing Daisy, with Grandma in the background
Daisy on swing
Daisy having fun with Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa

I have had some crazy weeks lately. We are very busy at Front Room, trying to get everything ready to move the studio, play with kids, oh and sleep.

I went the park with Daisy and Izzy to play with Grandma and Grandpa. I was playing around with one of the photos in photoshop last night, and wanted to share.


So, the whole reason this photo got me, at 2am list night, was that Daisy has such a great smiles in the photo. Her laugh and smile brought a smile to my face. So even though I am working some crazy hours, I realize that those fleeting moments in life can bring happiness again and again.