The Scoop...

WE'VE MOVED...

If you haven't been to the new site and blog... check us out HERE.

We won't be here anymore, so see you at the new internet digs! Don't forget to bookmark the new page!

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Our thoughts and prayers are with the many friends and family members of John Mybeck, who passed away this week after a courageously fought battle with lung cancer. In reading an article about John in the Post-Tribune, Munster Town Manager Thomas DeGiulio was quoted as saying  "John leaves his fingerprints and impressions on many things and many people in our town..."     I'm one of those people. Although I knew him for only a very brief time,  I'll always be grateful for his kind and caring words- his support and genuine character. 
With deepest sympathy-
The Latinovich Family.

The wind down before the wind up.

My husband just walked in the door, three children trailing behind, and a small bag containing a gesture of love for me. Art in America and Artforum. The real deal. I can't believe he bought me more magazines after the complaints I receive about how many magazines are on the coffee table, the end tables and any other empty surface needing company.  Nonetheless, magazines are something I look at/read/study/draw inspiration from/see what's going on the world/and overall enjoy. He feels bad for me, because I have no voice at all and after 4 days of this living-in-silence-land, it's getting old. Fast.  The good news is that my husband's been home and is more than happy to oversee and run a household of 5. The bad news, is that he's home because he's been laid off from work. 

I had genuinely and excitedly planned on taking my own little retreat from work throughout the end of December and early January but best intentions aside, I haven't gotten there yet. Just. a. few. more. weeks. With that said, loving what you do makes a big difference and I certainly fall into that category. 

I've had to sit back the past few days (being sick has rendered me useless)  and I've stalked facebook, put my Holiday cards in the mail (yes, I'm still sending those out) and watched my kids do all the things they want to do, that they know I can't yell at them for. In wrapping things up at ALP for the year, it's been a good time for reflection and future wishes. Hubby and I are hopeful he'll be working sometime soon, and in the meantime I'm going to treasure every second he's home. (Not to mention enjoy watching him check off EVERY single item on the honey-do list I so loving made for him). (Right hon?) 

So, my wish for you is this. It's that you find what you're looking for. It's that you find that you might already have it. It's that whatever you dream, whatever you hope to accomplish in 09'- that you do it.  As I recover (and that better start soon) it'll be time to wind up again, and implement my kids' favorite saying "Go Huge or Go Home". 

Cheers to a new year. Cheers to a good one, a great one, a big one! The best one!

Ann

Visions, surprises and lots of love.

Ever feel like the planets have aligned in some perfect sort of way creating a perfect chain of events? Yeah, that's what happened to me last month.

Since 1994, and for whatever reason, I've always had some sort of fondness for this tree lined path. Over the years, I've had a vision of a photograph I wanted to take there. It was one of those things where I'd pass the area, it would cross my mind, and I'd be onto something else before I put anything into action.  A few months ago, i was driving by, and told myself- that's it, I'm going to find someone to go there with me and make this happen. I was ready.

A few days pass.   Enter M.  

I photographed M. and S. last Spring after the birth of their first angel baby.  Anyhow, M. calls and says he wants to surprise S. with a photoshoot for a Christmas present.  Love it.  Excited to participate, and honored be part of the gift :),  I asked what location he had in mind for the shoot. I thought for sure, given the weather, he'd say he wanted it at their home.  Planets aligned, M. says he wants to do something different and  "have anything in mind?" 

There you have it. An amazing morning with an AMAZING couple and one angel baby A.  Thanks M.and A. for braving the elements. Thanks for being so open and willing to share in front of the lens. Thanks for being you. Cheers and Happy Holidays.

Ann

Here I go again...

I'm either going to come across as a lunatic, or as someone who, like most people these days, has too much on their mind, or maybe, even a little bit like Oprah. :)

When I started blogging years ago, I remember thinking about what I did and didn't want my blog to be. I didn't want it to be so self-absorbed that it would be a complete turn off. I didn't want it to be preachy (I've seen those blogs) and I didn't want it to be so impersonable  that people couldn't get any sense of the passion I have for what I do. I did know that I wanted it to be genuine and to mostly feature my work, along with tidbits here and there of the behind-the-scenes stuff at ALP. 

I write today about a topic that I wonder if it belongs on the blog at all, but I write it none-the-less because it's important to me. Take it or leave it. 

I've gotten a lot of e-mails regarding a topic I mentioned this summer after visiting photographer friends the Taufers. Inspired by Jed's weight loss, I agreed to follow what most would term a rigid way of eating in order to loose weight. It's called the McCombs plan.  Along with that, I started taking a thyroid pill, after finding out that my thyroid was close to not working at all. Needless to say, I lost weight quickly in the beginning, and up until a month ago, I hit a wall.  For whatever reason, over the past few weeks, be it out of frustration, feelings of elation, happy, sad, mad, glad, tired, wide awake, or whatever other excuse might come to mind, I've not followed the plan regularly.  I know to most this must sound completely not interesting, so if you find this true, read no further.

I love that the latest issue of Oprah's magazine is sitting here- with Oprah thin and thick on the front cover. It's a wonderful reminder as to why I've been following the McCombs plan.  I want to be healthy. It's my goal. I can't say I worry so much about being "skinny" to look good, but rather reaching that healthy weight to feel great. 

Sometimes I think my mind is a circus. There's constant activity. It's on overload, as my husband can attest. (Honey- how do you deal???)   But I write to you, whomever you may be, and to myself this morning, to say that I'm back on the plan. It's a commitment that has been easier at times than others.  This isn't one of those moments. One of the things I was really looking forward to this Holiday, was to knowing I was living at my best with my health plan. Over the past few days I questioned as to whether or not that would be a reality. As my kids woke me up at 5 a.m. this morning, I lay in bed thinking that we have choices. Life is full of them.  I've always believed the sky's the limit, and with that said, have always struggled in this area.  So, I humbly (and a bit begrudgingly) write today with a renewed commitment back to the good stuff. 

Enjoy this time of the year. It's filled with wonder everywhere- be it in the homes that are decorated with every colored light imaginable, to little kids like mine whose eyes glimmer with the hope that the Holidays bring.

As always, many blessings to you.

Ann

Santa's Workshop

The other day, a friend of mine referred to my studio as "Santa's workshop." She stopped by as wall collections were getting framed, prints and Holiday cards and lots of boxes were awaiting pick up. She also dropped off the biggest Pointsetta I've ever seen :)  

It felt like Santa's workshop. We had Holiday music cranked up, the cookies on the table and friends of ALP coming and going throughout the week.  I'll admit to feeling a little sadness when the product goes out the door- because I love seeing the ordered images in print- framed and in finished form. Consolation comes with the owners excitement over picking up their goods, and the joyful expression on their face when they walk out the door ready to decorate with art in hand. That's always a feel good moment.

I know a lot of you are wanting me to post images on the blog, and I swear I'm going to have a post-fest soon enough. To say that we've been going around the clock would be putting it mildly. Stay tuned- as the new year approaches- lots of good stuff coming this way.

I wanted to write because it's an exciting time, and in all the hustle bustle of the season, I wanted to again thank everyone that's been in front of my camera this year.  It's been a wonderful year and I have so much to be thankful for.

Many blessings as always.

Ann

Tis' the season...

Busy season that is. Life is great on this end- a lot of comings and goings- shoots and pick-ups and round the clock art making.  The winter grey Chicago sky is here and I'm again reminded how quickly it settles in during the month of November. The older I get the faster the time goes. Or is it the more kids I've had the faster the minutes pass?

Thanks to everyone that came to the opening of my latest fine art series entitled Drive-by's and Lonely Places.  It was great hanging out with new and old friends.  Jennifer, are you sure you can't remember how to do my hair EXACTLY like that again????  Whatever you do- it's brilliant :)

Okay everyone- late night editing... cheers to all and to all a good night.  Sharing one for now- see you tomorrow A. Can't wait.

Ann

Photographing Senator Barack Obama

Friday evening, I had the opportunity to meet and photograph Senator Obama while he was in town for his Wicker Park event. It was an honor personally, and a thrill as an artist to document history in the making-  all with a special backstage pass :)

Just a few for now-

Ann

Special thanks to the North Township's Treasury Office, the Mrvan family and Senator Obama.

For Sally...

Because you know I'd been waiting to take this photograph :) Congrats on the newest addition to your family.

Sometimes it's just so hard to choose...

which images to post. One of the things I enjoy most about my work as a photographer, is that there are always things I find I really like about each and every person I photograph. So, like most people ordering images, sometimes it's hard for me to choose too.

These kids were awesome to say the least. Here are a few for you C., until I see you in the morning :)

Best,
Ann