WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
____________

(actually two so far) for the music contest for my website!! ... details, photos and interviews on these talented artists to come VERY soon!!

I am still accepting all entries - the more fantastic music, the happier life (and my website) can be! To be considered, simply email me your band's information (or yours for all you solo artists out there) to amyaiello@yahoo.com

You MUST be a member (or management) of the band to enter.

Remember, the prize includes a photo shoot with me, your music and bio featured on my website, and an interview and feature slot on the Chicago Music Guide's site.

The FABULOUS Lucy
July 14, 2009
_____________

Lucy and I met at my first job out of college... we'll leave it at that! It has been since that time in our lives that we last saw each other, but through the 'miracles' of technology, we've kept in touch (good ol' facebook!).

Lucy is about to go back to London to be with her new husband, to make the story short. Before she left, I wanted to be sure to FINALLY get to do a photo shoot with her, as she is GORGEOUS, sweet, fun, outgoing, and unabashed (and that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all that is Lucy). We had the most amazing day together yesterday! She even encouraged me to get in front of the camera for a few shots!

Lucy, I cannot thank you enough for brightening up my day and my life. I cannot wait to visit you in London (yay!!!!)!!!

xoxo

~amy

Lucy asked me to cameo - I LOVE this one!






























Lucy encouraged me to join in the fun once again (THANKS LUCY!!!)

New Ways To Follow the Leader....
July 13, 2009
_____________

I've become a media sell-out! You can now follow me on twitter!

http://twitter.com/amyphotochicago

Also, don't forget to add me on facebook (both my profile and my fan page):

Fan Page

Profile

And finally, follow THIS blog!!! There's a link on the right hand side of the blog, or you can simply click below:

http://amyaiello.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default


I LOVE your feedback (hint hint) - it makes me grow as a photographer!

The Gang
July 12, 2009
____________

My brother has always been one of my best friends. His two best friends, Dann and Kyle, became brothers to me despite not even being related by blood. As a natural course of things, the boys' wives (Kim, Andrea and Jacqueline, respectively) have become very much like sisters to me. I love them all dearly, and am always comforted and filled with feelings of being welcome, at home, and cheerful when we're all together.

Love you all - thanks so much for today!

~amy

Andrea and Dann








My brother, Joe, and my sister in law, Kim













Kyle and Jacqueline































































And finally....

My brother realized that I hadn't made a cameo in any of today's photos, so he and I took a few pictures together. Making him smile a natural smile is probably THE most difficult thing in the world to do... but it was fun trying!! Love you, Joe!

Helen & Josh's Housewarming
July 11, 2009
_____________

I'm so proud of two of my dearest friends on the purchase of their new home. They have done an immense amount of work on the place, as it was just a mess from the previous owners. Yesterday, they had their official housewarming party. So many of their friends and family members came and went throughout the day.

I had a wonderful fortune to teach a little girl named Myah how to take photos with my cameras... well... as best as you can in a crash course, anyway. I think she did a great job for her first time! As a heads up, any photos with me in them were taken by Myah, as was the one of her aunt Donnee.

Congrats again, Helen and Josh! Love you both immensely - my life wouldn't be what it is without you two.

Me and Brian





Myah and Me





Me, compliments of miss Myah





Me, compliments of miss Myah





Myah's Aunt Donnee, compliments of miss Myah





Me, compliments of miss Myah





Myah jumping around




Josh is a goofball, but he can always make you smile!




Donnee and Josh




The Lovely Donnee




Even her shoes matched her shirt!




I think there's a future for this little one!




Donnee's Daughter, Madison




Donnee's Niece, Jada





Brian and Josh, on the roof...




Brian again...





Brian and the beautiful Helen





Miss Madison again...




Those burgers were REALLY good!




Couldn't resist this shot...

More Important Than Sleep....
July 9, 2009
_______________

My little cat-roommate decided that he was going to be extra cute last night (as usual), and "forced" me to take pictures of him playing in running water. This has become a regular routine, yet somehow, the idea of me taking photos hadn't entered my mind until last night. I hope these make you smile! It was worth me forfeiting sleep over!!