My husband and I traveled to Lake Como for part of our honeymoon. We ate, drank and photographed our way through this magnificent town. The water is still. The houses are magical. And the colors are dreamy. 

Dreamy Napa Valley. 

The last time I was in Barcelona, it was late Sept. 2001. I shot hundreds of photos. All in film. Looking back at these photos I see they were all grim, dark and sad, mirroring the moods of me and my travel mates. I went back to the city in 2012 and captured it in a completely different light. Joyful, geniune and full of soul.

As a first generation Polish American, Krakow holds a special place in my heart. Have you ever been to a place and felt something inside of you come alive? That's what I feel every time I step foot in this city.

Simple rustic treasures in Cannes, France. 

I was at an interesting stage in my life during my trip to Paris. I was in a place of discovery. Trying to figure out the next step in my life. Looking back at these photos, they clearly capture my mood - inquisitive and reflective. I spent 10 hours walking the streets of Paris and uncovered so many secrets within the romantic city.

 "Toilet paper was a luxury," my father - Bogdan - said as he recalled his childhood in Poland in the late 1950s. He took a long slow sip of his biala kawa and added, "I barely recognize this country."

My mother - Halina - recalls, "even twenty years ago we would bring suitcases filled oranges and flour for our family back in Poland. Back then, what we knew as ordinary was extraordinary."

That's when it hit me, what it means to be a first generation American. And why my brother and I are the way we are - hard working, humble, appreciative and yet we love the occasional splurge.  Without even knowing it, my parents instilled these values in us. They never told us to work hard. They never told us to take care of your belongings or to appreciate what you have. They just did, so we did too.

My journey back to Poland this year was extra special. As I tried to see it though my parents' eyes. Here's a taste of the beauty of today's Poland.  

The shooting options in Chicago are limitless. From the beautiful skyline to the glorious waterfront views to the unique people, it's far from the second city. It's my hometown and favorite place to shoot.

The Cheronis family is one happy bunch. Every time I shoot them it's nothing but smiles, laughs and adorable giggles.

These boys are charming. The older one tells stories. And the younger one poses, frame after frame after frame. I've photographed them for the past two years and it's been such a joy to watch them grow up and see their personalities evolve. These two boys are just delicious! 

She sings, she dances and and is oh-so-charming. This darling lil' Olivia was so much fun to photograph. Her personality is bubbling with energy!

Jack is my best friend's baby. Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks? Such a handsome fella. These are photos from him when he was one month, 9 months and just shy of one year.

This was my first maternity shoot. Lindsay was an exceptional model. She's absolutely stunning.​

Last week I stumbled upon a family photo on instagram with the tag #frontporchportraits, capturing families on their front steps .. and it inspired an idea.

Starting this week, I’m offering front porch photos in exchange for a donation (you pick the amount you’re comfortable donating) to the Maine Township Food Pantry, that’s helping families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit my facebook page for details on timing to set up your shoot! Stay safe and healthy everyone!