I photographed for about 2 hours, one on the beach and one at the beach house.  You can see all my favorites on their facebook album!

Thanks for having me out and I hope I get to work with your family again!

<3

Liesl Diesel

If you are a fan of Triumph bikes, check out Triumph Motorcycles on Facebook

And if you are a fan of me making ridiculous faces, check out some of Jeff’s Behind the Scenes shots on Flickr.

I did some very informal interviewing below for those of you who care about motorcycles (I have recently learned NOT to call them bikes, I’m getting better at it).

<3

Liesl Diesel

The Triumphs line up to pose for me while I test my lighting set up.

Liesl:  Mike, tell me about your bike, anything custom?

Mike: Well I have the the OFF ROAD exhaust which means that its a race only exhaust meant for the track. I eliminated the front signals and integrated them into the head lights. There is a fender elimnator on the back with custom braket and all foot controls, and it is powder-coated semi-gloss black.  The rims are pin striped with reflective tape.

Liesl: So, Mike, why did you pick that bike?

Mike:  I wanted it for two reasons …First was the bike and its’ feel and it’s what I was shopping for.  Second was that it was a special edition and there are only 500 that were shipped to the states, maybe less.  That black and gold combo.

Liesl:  So you liked that it was limited edition?

Mike:  Yes. The bike is not a common bike but the fact that it was that color combo made it better, and I like black.

Liesl:  Jeff, why did you pick the Triumph Daytona 675?

Jeff:  Because it’s beautiful, it’s different, the 3 cylinder engine sounds wonderful.  It has soul that japanese bikes just don’t have. I was looking for something sportier than what I had.  Also it’s a middleweight so i won’t get in quite as much trouble compared to if i had a larger bike. and it’s not so exotic that it would be very unreliable.  Should i keep going?

Liesl.  Yes! Have you done any customization to it?

Jeff:  Yes, I have a slip-on exhaust from two brothers racing and an aftermarket rear shock and aftermarket stuff in the front fork, that’s about it.

Liesl:  Mike, what is your favorite thing about having this bike, is it speed?

Mike:  It is freedom. In a car you feel nothing.  When you turn can you feel the thing move with you; it turns cause your body turns it, not just your arms.

Liesl:  So it’s like Old Spice? Wind, Ice, and Freedom?

Mike:  Yes.  like a mountain in my pants . . . Eagles and America and apple pie and watermelon.

Liesl: So Jeff, would you say you got this bike as a chick magnet?

Jeff: chick magnet? well, I thought girls might dig motorcyclists back when I wasn't one. Then I got one and it didn't really work like that, so then I went racing and thought girls might like that, but it didn't really work like that. Then I got injured racing and chicks dig scars, right? But no . . . So no, not really is the answer.

Jeff & Mike line up the bikes for me before the sun drops completely

Jeff actually trains other motocyclists how to go faster, both racers and street riders. Mike enjoys working on bikes and customizing them.

And in case you didn't notice, Mike is proud that his bike is black.

Boys and toys . . .

Jeff likes designer t-shirts, Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Mike enjoys wind, ice and freedom.

When models get like this, there is nothing for me to do but shoot them. In the face. For all to see.

]]> http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/triumph-daytona-motorcyle-portrait-photos/feed/ 1 http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/rachel-tyler-at-millennium-park-chicago/ http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/rachel-tyler-at-millennium-park-chicago/#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:10:58 +0000 Liesl http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/?p=2465 I always ask my clients what type of shots they want from their sessions, and when Rachel & Tyler picked Millennium Park, Chicago, I knew we could get a good variety of images in one location.  She told me she likes architecture, so I had fun taking a lot of city scene shots during their shoot!

You can see some of my other favorites on the reflective post, and a lot more on facebook!

Can’t wait to shoot their New Year’s Eve Wedding at the Elmhurst Art Museum!

See you both soon!

<3

Liesl Diesel

Rachel & Tyler play near the BP bridge while onlookers pass by

The sky was amazing that evening, I am so glad we didn't get rained on!

I have shot in this area several times, but it wasn't until my kids decided to slide down the bridge while we were playing there one day that I saw this angle and knew I had to try it on my next shoot. Luckily Tyler & Rachel were willing to walk through the flower gardens to get to this spot, I think it paid off!

The BP metal bridge is so fun to play with compositionally!

and the reflection and lines are killer!

swoosh! yay!

This is one of my favorite architectural shots from any portrait session, ever. I normally focus more on people but when Rachel mentioned she likes architecture, I thought why not take some photos like this? I hope this image is a gift she will enjoy, I know it will end up on one of my walls soon.

I like this blend of nature and city.

They were more than willing to dance on the park walk for me, so sweet!

I love the evening light!

Rachel & Tyler it was so great meeting you!

]]> http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/rachel-tyler-at-millennium-park-chicago/feed/ 0 http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/reflections-on-portraits/ http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/reflections-on-portraits/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:55:49 +0000 Liesl http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/?p=2582 This is part of a set that I shot for Rachel & Tyler’s engagement session. As I was editing I realized I had taken a lot of reflection images, which of course let me to reflect :) I am constantly photographing people I have never even met and make great effort to understand who they are so that I can capture their personality and spirit in the images they have hired me to take. It is really one of my favorite parts of my job, understanding people.  It’s the psychologist in me.

The Bean at Millennium Park is a very popular place for photos, and it’s easy to see why! The reflection is very fun to play with and the sculpture is a very well known landmark in Chicago. Rachel & Tyler took the train into the city to meet up with me at the park to shoot their engagement session!

It was a lovely evening and very crowded, but I like crowds in photos so that was fine with me!

The Bean!

It is fun to play with the bending architecture at the bean!

After the bean we went to the metal bridge, which also provides a perfect place to reflect on portraits!

Rachel has such a sweet demeanor. I think this image really captures her gentle beauty.

Tyler was confident and comfortable in front of the camera, which is really very rare for most guys!

When I look back at portraits I have taken I often see things I didn't notice when I shot them. I feel like this image shows the beautiful balance of Rachel's sweet spirit and Tyler's strong confidence. No, they are not both looking at the camera with big smiles for the photographer. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle and I think it shows in this image.

I love profiles!

We had so much fun walking around and finding spots to shoot, and I quickly learned that not only are they both super sweet people, but they have a great sense of humor!  I cannot wait to photograph their ceremony in September!

You can see more of my favorites on their facebook album!

See you both very soon!

<3

Liesl Diesel

Once we were oriented on where the Japanese gardens were we headed along the manicured paths.

Shahzeen has such a sweet and gentle disposition.

Have I mentioned that I seem to get the most beautiful clients?

I love Prem’s expression in this image, they were both so peaceful and kind and I feel it really shows in this photo.

So it’s not a big secret that my favorite color is green.  Well, orange is a close second, so when I saw this beautiful grass and Shahzeen’s head scarf I insisted that she sit down for me so that I could make some orange and green images!  Yeah, I’m selfish like that.

How cute is she!

We went to Montrose Harbor in Chicago for the shoot, which is where they had their first date!  They trails by the bird sanctuary led us to an incredible view of the city skyline and sunset, and lucky for me the flowers were also in bloom!

See all my favorites from the shoot at this link, and keep an eye on the blog for their wedding photos!

YAY!  See you both TOMORROW!!

<3

Liesl Diesel

]]> http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/justine-michael-make-faces-tomorrow/feed/ 2 http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/peter-karenas-riverwalk-wedding-portraits/ http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/peter-karenas-riverwalk-wedding-portraits/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:59:53 +0000 Liesl http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/?p=2309 Karena & Peter were the first couple to ever marry at the Moser Carillon Tower!  After the ceremony, when the weather permitted, we went for a jaunt around The River Walk in the heart of Naperville for a fun variety of portraits!  You can see all my favorites here!

<3

Liesl Diesel

One of my favorite portraits from the day!

Lovely bridge at the River Walk in Naperville, IL

This sculpture was perfect for their wedding colors!

I was SO glad the rain stopped so we could run over to this spot for portraits!

I loved the warm colors they chose

red shoes!

First wedding EVER at Moser Tower in Naperville!

Dharna & Samir prepared for their weddings and met up for a quick portrait session in their first outfits before the ceremony, then in the evening the whole process started over again.  I can’t decide which look I like best, but I know I love the variety and colors from both parts of the day!

I am working hard to catch up on blogging so there will be more photos posted soon!

<3

Liesl Diesel

Dharna's diamond and henna tattoo

This was Dharna's look for the first part of the day, very elegant and colorful with the traditional head covering

Samir & Dharna see each other for the first time before the ceremony

for the reception Dharna changes her look

Dharna adjusts her new hairstyle

I was so astounded by the light in this hallway.

I loved her hair like this!

Dharna has the most beautiful smile! It is contagious!

We had very little time but I found a little spot outside the hotel with great fill light!

Happy Mother’s Day all you wonderful mommies out there!

And to my mother, thank you so much for supporting me even when I do crazy things, I know you will always have my back!

You are the best mom on the face of the planet and I love you like crazy!

I got to take these photos of my good friends during a recent trip to Las Vegas, Red Rocks!

Tina & Aaron are sweet friends and also happen to be professional photographers, also!  View their amazing work at Vrai Photo!

So sweet.

Ayla smiles even when drool is oozing out her mouth, she has the best disposition!

Love you guys, see you soon!

<3

Liesl Diesel

]]> http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/hot-mama-in-vegas-baby/feed/ 1 http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/huntington-state-park-baisch-family-playtime/ http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/huntington-state-park-baisch-family-playtime/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 20:09:30 +0000 Liesl http://liesldieselphoto.com/blog/?p=1931

How awesome is it that I live on the beach?

Sometimes it feels like I’m almost cheating because when the weather is right, at the right time of day, it’s almost impossible NOT to get amazing photos!

The Baisch Family asked me to do a candid portrait session for them at Huntington State Park this past Wednesday, and it was one of those perfect evenings!

You can see all of my favorites on their portrait album on facebook!

Thanks for sharing your family with me, Dan & Laura!

<3

Liesl Diesel

Camden is suspended

Swinging Camden was about the only way they could get him from diving head first into the ocean!

Dan and Laura enjoy a millisecond of kid free time!

Grayden's best determined face!

Camden was all over the place!

Grayden brings me a gift of a newly found sea creature <3

Camden was such a mess by the end of this shoot, but he really did not care!

Grayden runs with me!

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