Sports Sundays: Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew 6.23.12

 What an exciting back to back win at home for the Chicago Fire last night against the Columbus Crew. The Fire's teamwork led them to victory and of course, another amazing performance from their Goalie Sean Johnson. Sean Johnson had 8 saves! The game was so exciting that I seriously wanted to put my camera down to cheer. But I wanted to photograph Sebastian Grazzini, because this was probably his last game. Grazzini had an outstanding game! He assisted a goal made by Dominic Oduro in the 25th min. The first goal was scored by Marco Pappa 2 minutes into the game. If you missed this game, watch the highlights here.

  Here are some highlights of the game. I recently just purchased a Nikon AF 1.4x teleconverter and tried it with the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 lens last night. It was like having a Nikon 600 mm f/4. Actually it was really close I was shooting at 550mm f/4. You lose 2 stops when you add the teleconverter. The 400mm is much easier to carry than the 600mm, although I can barely carry the 400mm.  I was getting the stares and comments that the lens is bigger than me, hence the name lilgirlbigcam.  

Our fav Mascot - Sparky

  Pappa and the gang celebrating his amazing goal. (It was a little smoky since someone lit a smokebomb where I was shooting). 

  Gonzalo Segares received a red card when he slid into Columbus’ player Kevin George.

  Grazzini making a pass to Oduro for the Fire's 2nd goal.

  A few of Sean Johnson's saves...

  For more pics, please visit my gallery on my fb fan page. 

Sports Sundays: Chicago Fire vs New York Red Bulls 6.17.12

  What a beautiful sunny Father's Day at Toyota Park where the New York Red Bulls took a beating from the Chicago Fire 3-1.    

  Here are some highlights of the game.    

  Chicago Fire fans are the best!

  Bad call after bad call...yellow cards flying all over the place! 

  But the best part of the game were all the celebrations!

 The amazing goalie Sean Johnson! 

Keep it up Fire! 

Family Portrait Session: It's Game Time!

   Meet PJ, Michaela, and Darren. PJ and Michaela are big Chicago Bulls fans and they had asked me if I could take their family photos on the basketball court.  Of course, I said YES! 

Before we headed to the gym, we stopped by a few places in their neighborhood.  

  We got to the gym and it was time to play ball! The family sported their Chicago Bulls gear and Jordan kicks.  

  The best part of the shoot was when Darren came running to me to give me a hug. What a sweetie! Thank you PJ, Michaela, and Darren it was such a great and fun shoot!

  In a few days it will be Darren's Birthday.  Happy Advance Birthday Darren! Hope you had a fun time hanging out with me. I definitely had a blast photographing you!

Martha Mondays: Wilton Tent Sale

  Every year around June, Wilton has a huge tent sale.  This year the sale starts from June 1st and ends on June 19th.   My friend Debbie told me about this sale 3 years ago and believe me we always go and stock up on baking and kitchen supplies and most of all crafting stuff. Yes, they sell tons of Martha Stewart, EK Success, Jolee's and K & Company scrapbooking/crafting products. This place is like heaven for me.  If you get a chance, stop by and get some good deals. Basically all the products are about 30-50% off the regular price.  Visit Wilton's website for store hours and directions. Happy shopping!

  Here are some photos of my shopping trip.

  This is what I bought my first round.

  Scrapbooking/Craft Supplies