I can’t believe we’re here, so close to December and just about to celebrate Thanksgiving. As I prepare for our upcoming River Forest family photos, I’ve been reflecting on how things are looking different in the future for us. Perhaps this is too heavy and personal for my photography page, or perhaps it’s just what my clients need from me.
To see me is to go a little deeper into who I am. I want you to see the person behind the lens. Specifically, I capture the beauty of family because it is my passion. My own family is also my passion. If I am to live my one wild and precious life the way I want, then I guess I’ll have to be judged.
I am so grateful for my soon-to-be ex-husband who agreed to do this for me. In actuality, I know he knows it’s for them. While we may not have always modeled an incredible marriage, we will ensure they see unconditional love and friendship moving forward.
As I climbed out of the tub and shook my hair dry, I told myself: Maybe in a different life.
Isn’t that interesting?
As if I had more than one.
-Untamed
Reflecting on a Decade of Motherhood
My twenties started with having a baby boy and launching my business. During that time, I absorbed everything I could. In the last decade, I have also launched photographer communities and workshops across the United States. I taught others to find their voice and even dabbled in having my own magazine.
However, all of that would mean nothing without them. I was 21 when my son was born, shy of 22 by mere days. What an incredible journey it has been!
Beginning the Next Chapter
I am 31 now. The best part of getting older is realizing that you actually know nothing. Such a humbling thing to acknowledge! Within this nothingness, I will begin my next decade. I hope I can sit here at 41 still admiring all of the greatness that has come.
Therefore, I refuse to focus on the “what-could-have-been.” I hope I am forever a glass-half-full kind of girl, no matter what comes next.
The Story Behind These River Forest Family Photos
About this session: I will forever love our chalk wall. While I probably can’t recreate this in my new rental, we have drawn and played a multitude of fun games on it. Specifically, I’ve been surprised by love notes from my children written there. I have also seen some incredible art skills displayed on this wall. I don’t want to take all the credit, but maybe that is a little of me rubbing off on them!
In reality, we know all children are great artists. I am only happy mine constantly choose to share their work with me so often.
Location Scouting for River Forest Family Photos
Initially, I wanted to use the chalk wall as a backdrop for a few portraits then head out to find something different. I have driven past a specific green wall many times, always hopeful to have a session there at some point. Although some people struggle to see beauty in an “ugly” green wall, that is why there are people like me.
As a Chicago Family Photographer & mom I understand that the point of a session is not the background, but the love and fun represented in front of it. From a chalk wall to a green wall, I love how these images taken under a pathway in River Forest with my family came out. My sister even helped me take the group ones! I didn’t trust a tripod in the middle of a street with winds and cars flowing by.
Ultimately, I hope we can make this happen every year until my kiddos finally say no. I hope you all have an amazing bunch of holidays!
I have always loved scouting locations near the River Forest Park District because even the most unconventional spots, like this green wall, can hold so much character.
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