So sorry! This is actually me, Valerie!

I am SO SORRY for all the emails and texts and instant messages you all have been receiving.  This has been a horrible experience for me and such a huge ordeal.  I'm still not even close to clearing all this up.  This deceitful person stole my identity and with that, took over my computer, all my contacts (emptied them from my "address" book program on my computer), hacked into my phone (!), changed the password to yahoo, flickr, facebook and the list goes on!  I have NO IDEA who this horrible person is and I have no idea how they got my passwords.  I've never told anyone but my husband my password and he doesn't even remember it, lol.  Thank GOD I have never done online banking and I do not check any credit card balances online nor have I ever registered online with any of my credit cards.  Lesson in this: don't use the same password for everything.  But ultimately, I have no idea how all this started and I believe something like this can happen to anyone no matter how careful you are.  No matter how you are connected and how little or less you do online, you are still susceptible just because you are connected to the internet period.  I know, it's scary!

Thank you all for the phone calls, texts, and so forth.  I still am unable to get into my mac email where I do all my emailing from.  I had to create this new account for the time being. But thank you for your understanding, for alerting me, and thank you for defending me as I know many of you have.  I'm sorry this person took over my accounts and brought you into this.  I'm not in the UK and I am safe and sound with Neil and my family.

Much love,
Valerie - the real Valerie

Sad News!!!

I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, I'm sorry for this odd request because it might get to you too urgent but it's because of the situation of things right now, I'm stuck in London United Kingdom right now, i came down here on vacation, i was robbed, worse of it was that bags, cash, cards and my cell phone were stolen off me at GUN POINT, so i only have access to my emails, it was such a crazy and brutal experience for me and i was hurt on my right hand, but i'm glad i still have my life. I need help flying back home, the authorities are not being 100% supportive, i have been to the embassy and the Police here in London, but they're not helping issues at all, but the good thing is that i still have my passport but don't have enough money to sort the bills and get my flight ticket back home, please i need you to loan me some money, i promise to refund it as soon as I'm back home, you can get it to me through western union. Valerie

I've Moved!!!!!

I've moved over here. This site will remain, but please join me at the new spot for the most recent posts.

Thank you, friends, family and customers for being so loyal. You are all the best!

And, don't forget . . . the new actual website is coming soon! Keep checking back! This is just the first step of much more to come . . . .

See you over here in the meantime!

Mommy and Me

This is me and my son, Noah. Let me explain the picture.

While doing self-portrait pictures, Noah decided to get in on the fun. Not understanding what I was doing, he thought mommy was being incredibly silly. So he asked if I would do pictures of both him and I. This is such a rarity because he normally is sooooo camera shy. I rarely get pictures of him posing, or even looking at the camera for that matter. So, I took him up on this offer in a heartbeat despite the fact that he had just played in my makeup and has lipstick all over his face. Gotta love children. Gotta love Noah.

Enjoy!

Kristin full of color

I just started downloading these pictures from a session I had today with one of my new favorite 4-year olds, Kristin. These are 2 that caught my eye immediately. Kristin will one day soon be my new next door neighbor. Too bad she doesn't like boys because she and Noah are so close in age. Maybe that will one day change. Actually, I have a feeling that will change much quicker than her mom hopes. Doesn't time just fly by? Regardless of her anti-boy antics, I look forward to shooting many pictures of her and her big sisters. What a great subject she is, and what a great day I had with her today.

Natalie & Bella.

Brand new site to come!

I have some exciting news! I will soon have a brand new site up in the wide world of websites with a brand new logo and design! I cannot wait! It's main focus will be children & maternity, but of course I will focus on wedding as well still. So, keep checking back for the link to the new site. It's going to be so fun with an added bonus of musical tunes for your browsing pleasure. Also, my favorite addition, a calendar so you can see when I am available so that scheduling your appointments will be easy as pie! How cool is that?!

Also, on the new house front, we just picked a builder, so I hope hope hope that we break ground very soon. (Crossing fingers!) So. . . lots of exciting things around here. I can't wait to update as new happenings take place.

Enjoy your winter days!

Just for fun ~ my snow boy.

I have to share this creation of mine, of my snow boy, Noah. This was after our first 3 or 4 inches. The 15 more inches were still to come!

Jack

Jackson . . . such a beauty. Reminded me so much of Noah when he was born - only bigger! Born to the most wonderful people ever, Kristin and Chris. I was blessed to see him the day after he was born and then again at 3 weeks old. Here are a few from that session. Thanks, guys, for having me up to shoot him. Here's to the first of a million wonderful moments with your new little guy.

Hugs and Kisses!

Nolan L.

My friend, Tracy, hired me to shoot her spunky little man, Nolan. What a cutie he is! So busy but so very fun! And did I mention cute?! He has the prettiest blue eyes and most adorable button nose. He looks so much like Tracy. A lot like his daddy, too, but I see a whole bunch of Tracy in him. He's about 4 months older than my daughter, reminding me of the fun busy days ahead of me again. It doesn't seem like that long ago that Noah was Nolan's age, but when I see what the age is like again, I really savor the chance to be a part of it again. I can't wait. Anyhow, here is a small glimpse of our morning session at Bill and Tracy's home. Thank you, Nolan, and thank you, Tracy!

3 week beauty

I had the pleasure of shooting a really sweet couple a few weeks ago who just had their first child, a baby girl, 3 weeks prior. I'm really pleased with the shots we got. We had a perfect day with the right amount of light coming through the living room window. Isn't she beautiful? And check out that dimple! To die for!

My Princess

I can't help but show off my little Princess every now and then. This is her. I shot this over the summer, so she is quite a bit bigger now. But it's a picture I just ran across. Isn't she a doll? I am biased of course, but she really is!

Looking Back . . .

I ran across this picture of moi a little over 2 years ago when I shot a wedding in Florida. Thought I would share.
So here I am hard at work. Darling hubby took this picture of me setting the stage for my bride, Kristin, and groom, Chris! What fun this wedding was.

Miami off - VWC still on!

As most of my current clients know, I was suppose to be moving to Miami next month. Well, a week ago we found out that our move is now off. Hubby is staying and potentionally getting more seniority at his job here in town. The higher-ups decided Miami was not for our family - they are really looking out for our well-beings after really evaluating the situation. While I was very disappointed because mentally, emotionally and physically I was getting ready for a life-changing event, I am secretly happy because this means I don't have to move my business and I don't have to worry about putting off any current or upcoming sessions or picture orders. So . . . please start placing those album orders - I am ready to take them all on once again! - and please don't hesitate to call me for your future photography needs. While I am still shooting weddings, I would like to start concentrating more on my on-location work with your children and families. God Bless and hope to talk to you all soon.

Kind words from a stranger

Not long ago I received one of the most heartening emails ever. It made my day, and today, as I reread it, it makes my WORLD. Thank you, Ashley, for sending this to me. It truly means more than you will ever know. I take such pride and passion in the work I do. I am so excited to know that people, guests (!), feel some of that passion.

Ashley, my bride, received this letter from a friend:


"Thank you SO much for sending me your pictures! Can I just say...they areabsolutely STUNNING. I can not even believe how amazing everything looked. From your equisite gown... to the beautiful flowers... to your make-up and jewelry. Everything... and I mean everything...looked absolutely beyond breathtaking. You looked absolutely gorgeous...words can't even express how beautiful you looked! Your gown... i am in awe of it. I'm sure the pictures didn't even really show how beautiful it really was. I am sure your wedding went smoothly judging by the pictures. I felt like I was actually there!!! Seriously... every single picture is amazing... I feel bad for you having to pick out your favorites... because I could never do it! They are all just really that good!

I know the pictures are beautiful and all because of the color and angles and physical beauty, but there is something about your pictures in particular that is extraordinary. I can actually see how genuinely happy you are. And with the pictures of both of you in them... it's obvious how in love you two are with each other. I think it's amazing that the essence of all that can be seen in your pictures. It's unbelievable. I just hope that one day I can have what you and Bryan have. You two are one of the best couples I have ever seen inside and out... you two are just perfect for eachother. You two share something magical, and it clearly can be seen."

Testimonials

It is so fulfilling to "hear" people say these things about my work. It
just proves where my passion lies - in you, my clients! So thank you
with all my heart!


Valerie is truly and amazing person with a ton of talent. She did our wedding in July of '06 and VWC Photography was by far the best vendor that we choose for our special day. She went out of her way to take the pictures that we wanted and made every part of our day priceless.

Her work is so unique, she makes sure that every picture has a story behind it. She captured every emotion and by looking at our pictures we are able to recall with great detail every tear shed and ounce of laughter that we shared with our family and friends on that day. Valerie has a way of taking the simplest and most random events of the day and turning them into beautiful pictures!

I couldn't be more thrilled with the services Valerie has offered us. Not only is Valerie a great photographer, but a great person to have around on your wedding day! We had a ton of fun with her and our memories will last a lifetime. Thank you so much Val for all the hard work you have put into our pics and I hope you have a million more memories to make with other couples!!!
Ashley and Bryan B.
Champaign, IL
(Aww...thanks, guys. I had a great time at your wedding, too. And some of my very favorite shots are those taken at your wedding.)


Valerie and her photography are amazing! She had not started VWC photography when I got married, but she did take some photos for me on my wedding day just as a friendly favor. Now I look back and wish she could have taken them ALL! Her photos are so much more than just a picture, she captured all of our emotions and she took those candid shots that I really cherish more than all the traditional ones. Plus the quality was far above the professional photographer I had hired. Almost all of the pictures in my album and on display in my home are the ones she took. I am so glad she followed her dream and started her business, now the rest of us can benefit from all her great talent.

Natalie D.
Belleville, IL


Valerie has shot my daughter's newborn portraits, as well as numerous on-location sittings in my home. She does an excellent job at getting the unstructured photos by watching the children and trying to capture them at play and in their cute baby moments. She also does a great job thinking outside the box with photography by experimenting with different ideas that turn out great! We just love her and what she gives us forever in memories to keep.

Kori S.
Cisco, IL


You will not be disappointed if you select VWC Photography for any event! Val has such a natural talent! She does such a great job at "capturing the moment", it's just unbelievable! The work that she does is always, always top notch. I have never ever been disappointed and always look forward to seeing the end product. I am so very fortunate to have her along with her camera at almost all of the big moments in my life, for she is my sister in law. How fortunate for our family to have such a wonderfully talented photographer to capture all of the memorable moments we share together as a family! We have so many great shots, from candid photos on our wedding (which are some of my favorites from that day!) to pictures of our daughter, be they posed or just those great shots she shoots of Ella being Ella. I have recommended her to several people, and would not hesitate to send anyone in need of a photographer, for any occasion, to her. I am honored and privileged to have such a talent to rely on to always capture the best shots and to recommend to do the same for you!

Michelle C.
Norman, OK


Valerie photographed our wedding two years ago and I can’t say enough good things about the results! Her pictures really tell a story, and captured our day just as I remember it! More so, her photos are unique and pure. They capture everything from the nervous look on my husband’s face as he is waiting for the ceremony to begin, to our exhausted faces after a night of dancing! They are of the smiles on my friend’s faces, the pride on our parent’s and grandparent’s faces and of the funny dance floor memories- all as they actually happened. This was something that was very important to me when I was choosing a photographer, and it is just what we got. Valerie gave us the individual attention way beyond the call of duty! My husband and I are looking forward to Valerie photographing our children one day, and capturing our growing family for years to come!

Johanna P.
Chicago, IL


What can I say?...I LOVE VWC!!! When I think about getting pictures taken, I don't just want a cute picture of my kid, I want a memory. I want to remember expressions that my baby made that you wouldn't ever catch on camera in a studio. You catch them in the comfort of your own home. That is exactly what Valerie did. She spent one hour in our home. We have bath time, lunch time, and play time memories. Not only were the memories exactly what I wanted, the quality of picture was perfect. (lighting and detail excellent!) I just can't say enough good things. I couldn't be happier with our results.

Sincerely,
Kim S.
Decatur, IL


We chose VCW photography because Valerie is close to family. After seeing her examples we loved her style and she really clicked with what we were looking for. We knew she was definately the right photographer for us after we took our engagment pictures. Our photographs were fantastic and we loved every single shot that she took. When it came time to shoot our wedding Val was wonderful and so much fun! We felt really relaxed and the photographs show that. We had full confidence that Val would capture our day perfectly and she did! Our pictures were wonderful and look like they could be in a wedding magazine. Val really captured the more photojournalistic style we were looking for and did not wear us out with tons of posed pictures. Every single person who has veiwed our proof books have fell in love with the pictures just as we have. Val was wonderful to work with and I would recommend her for any event.

Christina & Joel W.
Mansfield, IL


Valerie has been our family photographer for 4 years now. She has the unique ability to capture all the important moments in ways that are timeless and yet unexpected. So many photographer’s children pictures look the same, with just different people. Yet Valerie has a knack for making each picture she takes look unique in its own special way. I know as my children grow older that I will always be able to look back at the pictures Valerie has taken and be reminded of of exactly how they were on that day.

Alexis J.
Fuquay Varina, NC


Val has a gift, such a talent for photography. She is able to capture, not
only the perfect pose, but the perfect emotion and memory. She is not
just your average photographer who has you turn to the left and tilt
your chin down. She has great ideas and knows just what to do to bring
out the perfect photo. She can make anyone feel beautiful. What is so
amazing about her work is that when you receive your prints you will
actually feel again that moment in time when the picture was taken. She
helps you document priceless, special memories of your life. I am glad
that I have her not only as my photographer but my friend. My favorite
picture that she shot of me was when I was smoking a cigar. It was a
surprise gift for my husband. He is a big cigar fan and Val was able to
shoot the perfect shot for a perfect birthday gift. Thanks for sharing
your talent, Val.

Jen R.
Hattiesburg, MS


Valerie formally photographed my wedding in December
2003--just weeks after having her first baby (like she didn't have
enough on her mind at that time!). Both her work and her work ethic
were phenomenal. When we received the proofs from our big day just
after our honeymoon, my husband and I were thrilled to see the results
of Valerie's much-beloved career. Because our wedding was in December,
we had aChristmasy theme, and Val played on that, taking unique shots,
such as one of the bride and bridesmaids on a walkway amidst the snow,
with each of us ladies wearing the jacket of the groom's party--I've
yet to see another picture like it. She took traditional shots, as
well, but added a classic element by doing some of them in black and
white; those pictures will always be my favorite!

What is so impressive about Val's photography--other than gorgeous shots--
is the work ethic shecontributes to the end result. Valerie's mind seems
to be in step with the inner workings of a camera; for some reason
(probably talent!), she can picture how every scene will look in print,
which allows her to work quickly and effectively. Unlike some wedding
photographers, she doesn't spend a great deal of time rearranging people
in the shot or taking pictures that "just won't do." She knows ahead of time
what will work and can also think quickly on her feet, taking both great posed
and candid pictures without wasting time or film. She's also a "people
person," so even people who hate to be photographed can be cajoled into
smiling when they see her smiling back at them.

Valerie also informally photographed my daughter's first birthday party.
I was so busy that day that I wasn't sure what pictures Val took until I
saw the prints. She captured moments of my daughter and of the party
that I just absolutely treasure: my daughter's trepidation at eating a cake,
her fear of the "Happy Birthday" song, as well as those little details that made
the birthday unique to my daughter--the cake, the guests, and the love of a
great friend and extraordinary photographer! The biggest moments in my
life will hopefully always have "VWC Photography" stamped on the corner!

Andrea B.
Peoria, IL

Picture of a Picture of a Picture

I found this picture of a bride and groom (Ashley & Brian) from this past summer, while designing their wedding album. Sometimes I just shoot things, later see them, think 'wow, what an interesting picture with endless potential!', and then my creative juices just flow. So here is my creation, pictures of a picture being taken of a picture. Kinda neat, eh?

"Picture of a Picture of a Picture"

2006 Favorites