Happy 30th Birthday Brother!!!!

While I was home last summer, I didn't dare waste the opportunity to photograph my siblings. I don't get home that often anymore and photos have now become my obsession, my memories and my keepsakes. We are all growing up so fast and I just feel the need to document our lives and family every time I'm home.
My brother is only three years younger than me and we literally killed each other growing up. I was the spender and he was the saver. I was the sporty one and he was the farmer. We clashed until he reached the ripe aul age of 16 and got into music. He bought cool DJ equipment and I got into trouble on a daily basis for using it and burning the best ever mixed cd's for my disc man. I remember him placing things in a particular way in his room so if it was moved he would know we were in there. I always seemed to fail at this task, and if only I had the phones and technology of today, I could have taken a photograph to replace items correctly. Then again if I had the phone then I wouldn't need the disc man much.
My brother was the thorn in my side, my punch bag until he became stronger, my dj and my chauffeur. Growing up and passing the teenage years helps, his friends become my friends, we went to nearby colleges and he came to our parties and drove my friends and I home on the weekends (mostly because he had a crush on one of the girls). He has become more sporty throughout the years and even goes GAA games now. When we took him to his first ever GAA game, he stood with his back to the game watching the tractors in the field nearby, I thought there was defo something wrong with him. He has become an unreal rally driver although of all sports he had to go into one of the most dangerous. Some of his videos can be found here and here.
He has helped me through rough patches and we have listened to each others heartaches. My photography started because he helped me purchase a camera I could not afford, again the saver saves the day. Moving away has brought us closer, I guess because I am not there to annoy him all the time and steal all his stuff, that's Emma's job now and she's doing great at it. He is the best brother any one could ask for. I cant wait to live near my siblings again and see them more often. Happy 30th Birthday brother, we will all celebrate this weekend.

Chicago!

The windy city holds up to its name as it was as cold as Montreal with daily temperatures at -18C. The city is very easy to navigate, between the El train (elevated train), the loop area and walking mostly, I never found myself lost. Lake Michigan is absolutely massive and the bursts of cold winds that made its way from there were both cruel to ones skin and teeth chattering. Constant stops for heat breaks are a must in the winter, I would design my own walking tours but made sure there was a Macy's or Garrett's Popcorn (this is a must if you are in Chicago) nearby to stop into and hide from the cold.
Willis (Sears) Tower is the tallest in the west. Standing above 103 floors gazing at views of Chi-town, was both amazing and petrifying. I felt the building sway a few times and it would put the heart out through you. The glass box, which you can step into is not for the faint of heart either. I tip toed my way into it, while others lay on it and did hand stands. The views were amazing, we could see all the way to Indiana and our guide pointed out where E.R was filmed, where Oprah's studios were and the United centre where the famous Michael Jordan (#23) played.

I visited a few other neighbourhoods as well, just to get out of downtown. Jen, my favourite tour guide in Chicago took me to a Mexican neighbourhood, the Pilsen Historic District where we had some amazing tacos for lunch. After we walked the streets to see the colourful murals of Pilsen. Next stop, chinatown, very much like our own here in Montreal. The snow was bucketing down at this stage and refuge in the Field Museum was a must. Dinosaurs, lots of them, I liked this museum but its geared more for children which is great if you have them and need a place to go.
I really enjoyed my time in Chicago. I will be back but this time in the warmer summer months, there are too many parks and beaches that lay under snow in the winter. The pro's of my winter visit: I was well equipped for the weather, no crowds, no lines. The Con's: Snow, not much happening in the winter, beautiful parks lay empty, no boat rides or tours, not one team was playing while I was there. Chicago overall seems like a much better summer spot, oodles of parks and beaches, outdoor spots, free summer concerts and a bustling Navy Pier.

This here is a light display to music at Chicago O Hare airport.

Sarah and Lindsay!!

Sarah and Lindsay, I cannot thank you enough for braving the cold for your winter wonderland engagement shoot in Parc Lafontaine. Montreal is absolutely gorgeous once the snow starts floating down. We are so excited to shoot your wedding in May sans snow. Well done to Pnut (the cat) on her first photo shoot, she is quite the model.