Annalee | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography





It all started during the fall sometime when I (Nick) was taking photos for an outdoor wedding shoot, I was clicking away on my camera at the guests, while they mingled and laughed about the new couple and old times past. Then it happened..

This smooth sultry singing voice kicks in, and the entire wedding party is vibrating with even more positive vibes. I start thinking to myself, "Wow, I wonder who this is singing on this CD they sound really good!". As I continue my coverage of the wedding, in the distance I look towards this huge tree, which is done up all in white lights for the event and I see this woman sitting there with pretty much a chair and a guitar. I thought this will make a really nice photo, and I aim for the shot. When I bring my camera into focus... I see that this woman is singing and that the incredible melody I heard earlier was from her!

This is is how I met Annalee. 
Annalee is an acoustic jazz musician keeping jazz alive in Chicagoland. She has been performing since she was a child, and when it comes to her performance; it is a definite head turner that pulls you in when you hear the impactful voice coming her. I highly recommend anyone in the Chicagoland to definitely check her out!

The images here are from the Cellar Bistro in Downtown Wheaton. For more images from this venue shoot you can see them at mpgenerations.com, under Artist Portraits. If you would like to find out more about the music of Annalee you can go to annaleejazz.com.

- Nick Peacock

Double Trouble.. | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

During the holidays, one of our clients got an unexpected surprise visit from her son and family with their 3 month old twins. Now as you can guess, trying to take care of two very active and alert babies can really keep you busy. Too busy to take pictures other than quick snapshots from your cell phone.  So when they came to see her, she called us immediately and ask could we possible fit them in for a portrait session.  We did and we had an absolute ball!  These boys were so very alert and strong for their age. Their personalities was as different as night and day, but overall very friendly. I just love that age.We took several pictures of them, alone and together in various positions and outfits.  My favorite were the tastefully nude ones of them showing their chubby little dimpled backsides.  I always try to include at least one of those.  I tell the mothers it is great to have when they are grown and you want to embarrass them if front of their girl friends.

After the session, we played around with some of the pictures and I came up with this idea.  From the moment I saw them in the tub together, i thought of the nursery rhyme, rub-a-dub-dub, 3 men in a tub, but in this case 2 men in a tub.  I thought it came out great and only wished I had put sailor hats on them at the time. Enjoy!

- Diane Miller

Picture Perfect Love Contest... | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

Love is in the air!


**(This contest is now closed)**


Beginning January 7th, MP Generations is holding the first, Picture Perfect Love Contest for Valentines Day!

The Picture Perfect Love Contest is all about your love story...whether you are a couple dating, engaged, or married. We want to know about that one special moment that made you fall in love with your partner. Just by simply telling us your love story and sending us an image of you and your partner; you are entered to win:
A free portrait session & free printed photos*! (prizes total valued at $300+)
*No additional purchases necessary or required*







Let MP Generations Photography help your special love story be heard..





*Entries must be from residents of Chicagoland Area*
**Winners will be notified by February 4, 2013**

**(This contest is now closed)**
Contest Rules
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
  1. Eligibility
    Picture Perfect Love Contest (the Contest) is open to legal residents of Illinois who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of MP Generations Photography and other companies associated with the promotion of the Contest, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  2. Sponsor
    The Sweepstakes is sponsored by MP Generations Photography, located in Aurora, IL.
  3. Agreement to Official Rules
    Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrants full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
  4. Contest Period
    The Contest begins on January 07, 2013 at 12AM Central and ends on February 01, 2013 at 12AM Central (the Contest Period). Entries that are submitted before or after the Contest Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Contest using any of the following methods: Online .
  5. How to Enter
Online: This method of entry will be available by emailing mpgenerations@gmail.com and
Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Sweepstakes Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. 
6. Prize Drawing
On or about February 04, 2013, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner via telephone or email on or about February 04, 2013. If the potential winner
following the cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
  1. Winner Notification
    The potential winners will be notified by email, mail or phone. Each potential Grand and First Prize winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim his/her prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes. The winners images will be displayed and will be the property of MP Generations Photography. 
  2. Prizes
    Grand Prize (1) - Free Portrait Session with Free Photo Package* (2; 8x10's, 2, 5x7's)
  3. General Conditions
    In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Contest is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non- suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorneys fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Contest, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d)application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Contest, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, the incorrect downloading of the application the processing of entries application downloadsor in any Contest-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorneys fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Illinois. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Illinois.
This is a RocketLawyer.com document.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsors privacy policy. 

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2013!

Well the Christmas holidays are officially over and we are already into the bright new year. We want to thank the many families who took advantage of holiday time to let us capture their family portraits. I particularly loved all the new babies with their proud parents celebrating their very first Christmas.  We also had some 'old' families and couples who were a lot of fun to work with.  But with the new year comes a whole new set of seasons.

I was in one of my favorite store the day after Christmas hoping to catch some holiday items on sale.  But to my surprise, all Christmas items were already gone and replaced by Valentine's day items!  Talk about getting a head start, this store was quick!

I know it is hard to think about today, especially if you were up late last night celebrating the new year, but now would be a good time to make a note to yourself, Valentine's day is coming.  Think about how great it would be to have some beautiful portraits of you and/or your loved ones to put on Mommy's desk.  Ha, I bet you thought I was going to say Daddy or your boyfriend, right?  Well that goes both ways.

Men when is the last time your significant other saw you looking like the fine prince she first met? Is the last picture she has of you in a suit is from when you were married?
Ladies, I know you are very busy, but wouldn't you like your man to have a beautiful sexy picture of you on his desk so that every time he looks up, he is reminded of why he needs to hurry home?  That goes both ways too!      It can be  new desk portrait or something for his or her eyes only. Or maybe you just want a portrait to remind yourself that despite the many roles we have to take on each day in this world, that inside you are still very much a man or woman?

Make an appointment for a private session and let us work with you to capture the inner, sensual, sexy you.  Got an idea of the look you want?  Contact us and we can work with you to achieve it.  From shy and demure to pinup-girl, together we can make it happen!

 - Diane Miller

Jen & James | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

Nick and I had the pleasure of photographing the joining of a really nice couple, Jen and James.  When we
first interviewed with them to discuss what they wanted for the coverage,
we discovered we had so many things and people in common.  Jen was a former sign language interpreter, an role I had held several years ago.  We were both so excited to learn this and our conversation quickly changed from vocal to sign.  James had been involved in Karate years ago and happen to
have worked out with and knew Nick's father from his karate days.  It just
goes to show, what a small world it was indeed!

The ceremony was held in a beautiful green
oasis with some of the most beautiful trees i had ever seen.  There was a
live guitarist who played softly in the background while sitting on a stone
bench under those trees. They started just as the sun was
starting to go down and the skies were  just beginning to change into a
beautiful golden glowing light.  The whole mood was relaxing and very
romantic.  The family dynamics were also warm and very accepting you could
tell everyone was very happy for the couple.  
It is always great when you find a connection to people in this business.
Now you aren't just a stranger taking pictures, but become a friend how
blends in with the other friends and family. It also helped that both Jen
and James families were some of the friendliest clients we have ever worked
with.  They made us feel welcome and part of the celebration.  You could
tell there was nothing but love them both from the guests and it made the entire ceremony seem more relaxed and special.
- Diane Miller

Rethinking pregnancy and self image | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography



In the past when a woman became pregnant she was at first thrilled at this new stage of life she was approaching. I remember examining my tummy during the early months anxiously looking for the first sign of my new status of mother-to-be.  Later as the months rolled by I became worried about my changing image, my attractiveness to my husband and how this pregnancy would permanently change my life.  Skin stretched like it never had before, new markings and i felt like I had lost the real me.  All of this was new and a little scary to tell the truth.  By the time I was in the last trimester all of that changed.  Now that I could actually feel the new life within me, my awareness and body sense changed into something wonderful.  I was a walking miracle and it showed.

 This is true for all of the pregnant women I have had the pleasure of photographing.  This is the time when people talk about how you just glow. And you do!  Your skin become super soft and smooth, your body lines and curves lush, inviting, your hair becomes thick and shiny and your every movement is more controlled and sensual.  You are truly a goddess at this time in your life.  This is why I just love Maternity sessions.




Whether it is the mother alone or with her partner and family, I just adore being there to capture the look, the feelings and the whole aura the mother-to-be shows to everyone.  Every pregnancy is a unique time in your life and should be savored and remembered, which is what I try to do in our sessions.  So when the babies have come and life has moved on, you will always have these images to remember your time as a beautiful, sexy life-giving goddess!

 - Diane Miller

Emma | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

We recently did a session with Baby Emma.  Emma is 4 months and very advanced in her motor skills. Her personality is dynamic and very active.  This was a little lady who had a lot to do.  I have to admit, she was teething (Already!) and so there was a lot of chewing going on.  Emma also was alert and very watchful of strangers.  The looks she gave us was as though she was sizing us up, judgement to come later!  Emma was almost the opposite of Zoey, with her very soft reddish hair.  And boy was she active turning over and scooting each chance she got!  When I tried to get her to smile using toys, she gave me a look that said 'Are you kidding me!"  And then she really started watching me hard.  It wasn't until Nick starting talking that she started to really shine.  Something about that deep male voice like her daddy's. Then when her big brother came and started dancing for her, she really started cracking up.  Yep this little lady knew that the men are just for her entertainment.

- Diane Miller

Meet Zoey! | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography



Recently Nick and I had a photo session with Zoey and her parents.  Zoey was approximately 3 weeks old and really beautiful.  A head full of thick dark hair and that sweet smelling cuddliness.  Although she was very young, she was already showing her personality.  Laid back, yet very observant her eyes followed everything going on around her.  But she was at that wonderful age when she has no fear of strangers so our session with her was easy going and yet fun.  Her parents were young and you could already see that Zoey had her dad wrapped around her little finger already.  What a terrific time to photograph a child.  She was so pretty in each pose and we ended her session with some pictures of her in her "jersey shore" pants.  Can't wait till she comes back at 6 months to see how she changes.

- Diane Miller

Babies Babies Babies!


I love babies!   I truly love babies.  So cute, so cuddly, so soft and that baby scent just makes me want to just hold and rock them.  So you would think that photographing them would be easy and quick for me…..HA!  Don't let them fool you.  Each baby is born with it's own very distinct personality.  That's where the real challenge comes in.

- Diane Miller

Leah | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

We did a really fun photo shoot of a young lady named Leah recently. Leah
had lost a lot of weight and really wanted to show the new and improved
"Leah".  Leah was so warm and friendly and her personality was really as
sharp as her 'new body'.  As in all of our sessions, we try to make the
client as relaxed as possible to let the real person shine thru and I think
we really succeeded with Leah.  Not only did we have so many laughs while
talking and posing, but you could really see it in Leah and she relaxed
enough to let us capture her many sides.  (Fun, Sexy and simply
beautiful!).  When she changed into a white and peach short set, all I
could think of was 'wow she is really a pin-up" kind of beauty and that was
the look we went for in several shots.  Because she brought several outfits
we were able to capture her progression from just playful (in ball cap and
jeans) to a grand Diva.  Great session and we all ended up with pictures we
love.

 - Diane Miller

Future Expansion of Mpgenerations - Literally!


Although it seems we haven't been very active lately, we are expanding. Nick and Family are expecting a new baby (Maggie Diana) in the next few days. Everyone is so excited and Grandma is getting her cameras (yes as in multiple) ready for the newest baby star. We know she will be beautiful, cause that is an all around family trait! (Beautiful, Smart, and full of personality) Like all of my children and grandchildren. Don't hate me cause that is just the way we roll.

We did a quick pre-birth portrait session a couple of weeks ago and here is one of my favorites:

- Diane Miller

LeeAnn S. | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

On my rare occasions of free time, I noticed that one of my friends posted a lot of pictures day after day and sometime multiple times a day. So I made a note to check out this gallery of posted images. I was shocked to see a huge variety self photos ranging from artistic, colorful, and even moments of pure emotion brought to life; the only downside I saw was that they were taken from a cellphone. So I decided to contact my friend, LeeAnn and offer her my services to help her capture these moments on a much larger scale and quality and see if we can enhance that magic I had potentially seen.

LeeAnn was definitely responsive to having a photo shoot focused on her and since we both were anxious to get started date planning went immediately . With the outside being strangely nice and bright for September, I decided to have this shoot outside in a huge open space. LeeAnn admitted she was nervous at first about how to position, pose, smile, and everything that normally comes with having your picture taken. Once she understood how I shoot differently, she became more relaxed and we simply became two friends having a conversation while a camera took pictures.

LeeAnn did not disappoint, there was literally a moment where her natural positioning as she talked, became  poses us photographers beg for from their clients and here it was exuding from her. Several times during the shoot she spotted something inviting; a fence, a tree, hanging branches. I merely encouraged her to be herself and do what she feels. Seconds later she youthfully climbed, swung, and emphasized her personality in movement. This was a very special almost timeless shoot for me that I was thrilled to be a part of.

- Nick Peacock

Andreas Communion | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography


We just recently did a really fun shoot on a REALLY hot day! The church was beautifully setup with lots of children doing their first communion. Our subject was the very beautiful Andrea, who was full of smiles and joy despite the weather.

- Nick Peacock

Site Update!!!

Hey everyone! MP Gen has just made some remodeling improvements and we will be adding in some new features, like our new blog! Here you can see what projects and photos we are currently working on as well as a heads up for any session specials coming!

- Diane Miller & Nick Peacock

Adain coming soon... | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

Today was such an incredible day out, the sun was shiny with barely a cloud in the sky. Originally I had planned the Adain shoot for the studio but outside was definitely calling. Once the mother-to-be Lisa showed up, she was nervous at first, granted we were in the center of a park and additional attention from others is common when a camera is on you.

Yet after a few clicks of the camera, Lisa really seemed to enjoy the shoot. We laughed as Adain seemed to know exactly when his picture was going to be taken and gave his mommy a kick repeatedly. Lisa held in the lil mans kicking and gave me some of the best images I have taken. I'm happy to say that mommy loved her images and I'll remember it as one of my favorite shoots to date.

- Nick Peacock

Jake | Chicago Western Suburbs Photography

Today we had a very fun shoot with the very photogenic Jakob!  Jakob was all smiles and very bright eyes the entire session. We did several shots with letter blocks and Jakob wanted nothing more than to knock them down. Every time a block flew, Jakobs eyes seem to say "Boom" and was quickly followed with by a huge smile. Jakobs session was  heartwarming and his personality really shined from those big blue eyes.

- Nick Peacock
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