Chicago - Sidewalk Grate (B&W)

Chicago - Sidewalk Grate (B&W), a photo by Mark Sexton Photography on Flickr.

Merry Kissmas

Capturing Scripture ~ Revelation 3:20

"Open The Door"

Capturing Autumn ~ Grasses

Fall is such a colorful and beautiful time of the year... So many yellows, purples, reds, and oranges.

But, personally I enjoy seeing the many shades of tans, browns, and golds that often get overlooked. The best example of these colors are displayed by the many different grasses I see in perennial beds, along highways, by forests, and at the edge of water...

Capturing Birds ~ Black-Capped Chickadee

I know... I just posted an image of a black-capped chickadee within the last couple of weeks. But, while working at one of my gardening clients homes this past week I was able to capture one again.

I love working at this client's house because of the number of chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice that visit a feeder at the front of the house. They don't seem to mind me working close to them either.

I'm hoping to have an opportunity to capture a titmouse and nuthatch while working there this week.

Capturing Flowers ~ Honeysuckle Vine

Capturing a Chickadee ~ Happy Memories

If there is one bird that I can say is my favorite "childhood bird," it would have to be the black-capped chickadee... It always brings back so many memories of the house I grew up in on Harlem Avenue in Monmouth, Illinois.

We always had a bird feeder outside a large window by our family room, and more along the woods that lined our backyard. I remember watching many gold finches, cardinals, sparrows of all types... But my favorite to see was always the chickadees.

I love happy memories... It's amazing how a photo, new or old, can always bring back those happy memories.

That is why I'm a photographer... To help others, and myself, hold on to happy memories.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Capturing Michaela ~ Olympia High School Senior 2012

While shooting a family session the other night, I took advantage of some remaining light to capture the oldest daughter of the family, Michaela, a senior at Olympia High School. Some family sneak peeks will follow very soon, but first here are a few of Michaela...

Thank you, Michaela, for giving me the opportunity to capture your beautiful personality... I'm looking forward to our next shoot sometime soon (hopefully).

Capturing the Burchams

It was a little windy, but we made it work... However, with five beautiful kids and a loving mom and dad, how could it not work?

Brian and Val have been friends of ours for several years... I was thrilled when they asked if I could take portraits of their family. Here's a quick peek at the end result...

Capturing Seasons ~ Fall Leaves

Capturing Flowers ~ Morning Glory

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Capturing Flowers ~ Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Capturing Family ~ My Little Princess

LIKE & LOVE Mark Sexton Photography

LIKE Mark Sexton Photography on Facebook and you'll LOVE the rewards during September and October!

• A Simple Session (30-45 minutes) fee of $75 becomes a print order credit on orders over $225

• A Standard Session (up to 2 hours) fee of $150 becomes a print order credit on orders over $400

Fall is a beautiful time of the year for high school senior, family, and engagement portraits... Take advantage of this special during September and October by clicking on LIKE for Mark Sexton Photography on Facebook and then calling (309-838-2252) or emailing (clcmphotography@gmail.com) for an appointment.

Also, Christmas is just around the corner... I can create a custom made Christmas card using your portrait, personalizing your Holiday wishes that you send to family and friends.

Don't delay... LIKE Mark Sexton Photography and then call or email me today!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

September Portrait Special and ... CHRISTMAS???

September is such a wonderful time to be taking portraits... We're (usually) past the hot hot hot of the summer but not quite into fall. And by the looks of the forecasts we're going to have some excellent weather over the next couple of weeks as we enter September!

I'll be posting information about a September portrait special this weekend... Take advantage of this special and let others know, too.

Also...

Christmas is just around the corner 

Have you thought about Christmas cards? It's not too early. 

I can create a custom made card displaying portraits of your family...

Or how about handmade, solid sterling silver photo jewelry...

Or maybe start a new tradition with a special Christmas ornament...

Keep a watch for the September Portrait Special and don't forget... Christmas will be here soon (Ho Ho Ho).

Sizzlin' Summer Simple Sessions

It's the perfect time to get end-of-summer pictures... families, couples, children, grandparents with grandchildren, teen friends... Let me help you remember your 2011 summer with a simple session during the month of August.

A "simple session" lasts no more than 30-45 minutes... Quick and painless (especially for kids).

All you have to do is call or email me with a first, second, and third choice date/time for a Wednesday or Saturday in August... I'll call back to confirm one of your dates/times with information on a location. An email will follow giving your date/time/location confirmation for your session. Dress should be “summery” and very casual... And only an attitude of FUN will be allowed :-)

Here are the details:
* Up to 20 image proofs
* Proofs available for online review within 3-days
* One favorite image professionally printed in the following quantities and sizes:
- one 8x10
- two 5x7's
- eight wallets
(Additional prints of the "favorite" image and all other images are available for purchase at regular print prices)
* Cost for the session and prints is only $125 (due at the time of phone confirmation by credit card; receipt emailed immediately after transaction)
* Prints will be delivered no later than ten days after the order has been completed

Capturing Leah ~ Summer 2011

Originally I was going to do a photo session with Leah in her prom dress... But, after two proms and weather issues trying to schedule our session, she decided she was tired of wearing her prom dress... So, I asked her to bring whatever she wanted... which turned out to be a backseat full of clothes in her boyfriend's car... I LOVED THAT!!! :-)

I've known Leah for awhile and have watched her at church develop into a beautiful, God loving young woman. Her mom is a friend of mine and assisted me as a "model" for some one-on-one photo instruction I received a couple summers ago from another Bloomington/Normal photographer, Jackie Haggerty. Leah graduated from Tri-Valley High School this past May and will be heading off to college this fall.

This session was a blast and the images turned out AMAZING... Take a look and see what you think.

Thank you, Leah, for an AWESOME photo session with you (and Wyatt). And good luck as you head off to college and beyond!!!

Capturing Love ~ Gary & Michelle

About a year ago I had the opportunity to shoot an engagement session for my nephew and his fiance ... That was well before I had started this website, so I haven't had a chance to share some of the beautiful photos.

Gary contacted me today and asked for a specific photo to use as his staff picture on the church's website where he's a worship leader... I was thrilled to send it off to him tonight and I look forward to seeing it on the website.

Capturing Summer Flowers ~ Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy'

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Capturing Hope ~ Psalm 62:5

Capturing Flowers ~ Iris In Rain

Capturing Jeanette

Jeanette and I know each other from church where we both have been involved in creative arts. I did a family shoot for Jeanette and her husband Jeff about a year ago and she recently asked if I could do some head shots of her for her theatre portfolio. Needless to say I was thrilled that she asked me :-)

And, although the day that we chose to meet was rather breezy, we had several images that captured Jeanette nicely. Here's one of my favorites...



Thanks for asking me to do your images, Jeanette... and good luck with your future stage roles.

Capturing Flowers ~ Iris

Capturing Lilacs

Standard Session @ Simple Price

To kickoff my photography business during 2011 I'm offering my Standard Session at the Simple Session price... That's a 50% savings on your session price.

To find out more information on what's included in a Standard Session click on Investment above or contact me at 309-838-2252 or clcmphotography@gmail.com. Or you can schedule an appointment by clicking HERE.

Capturing Flight ~ Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Capturing Love ~ Jeremy & Lesley

A couple of months ago I received a phone call from my cousin, Jeremy... The purpose of his call was to announce his engagement to Lesley. Laurie and I couldn't have been more thrilled to hear the news!!! Laurie had known Lesley for a couple of years... they had traveled to Morocco together on a missions trip in 2009. She already knew of Lesley's deep passion for Christ and her desire to lead a life pleasing to God.

I have always known Jeremy as a very strong and faithful man of God... trustworthy, sincere, and loving are just a few words that come to mind to describe him... oh, and an unbelievable father to three boys.

I was honored to be asked to take their engagement photos... and even MORE honored to be asked to take their wedding photos on June 11th.

Here are just a few of the images from their engagement session a couple of weeks ago...

Capturing Spring Flowers