Let me be frank, I completely fall in love with the families I work with, even if we only worked together once. I always go back to so many of the galleries on my page. I've been so fortunate to work with incredible humans. However... my birth clients hold a very special part of my [...]
I got the call in the middle of the night, that there was a change of plans. Due to a specific test that came back positive, we now had to move to the hospital. If you have ever made a birth plan you know how much you set your heart of specifics and outcomes. You [...]
This session was rescheduled to this beautiful sunny morning, the previous day was dreary and grey. Incongruent with the vision my client had for the way she wanted her body and love captured. This session was a perfect breeze. Seeing these two connecting in front of my lens was pure sweetness. Their first baby. There [...]
Sometimes it feels like the fall is here and gone before you know it. On one of those warm fall days I got to play along with this family. The Evanston lighthouse beach is the perfect space for a little kid adventure. Just be warned, running in the sand is extremely tiring, ha. Nonetheless it's [...]
This was my third time working with this incredible family. Mr Luca is so dang sweet and a joy to work with, he was super excited to be an older brother soon! Late fall sessions are always a bit harder due to the cold, but we made it work quickly. I think this family's warmth and [...]
I got ahead of myself and I published my clients newborn session before their maternity session. Oh man. I was extremely eager to publish both of these sessions. Honestly working with this family is an experience! these boy always make me feel so welcomed and the job feels effortless. Since the beginning of my photography [...]
Before all of the gorgeous color fell from the trees I got to photograph this beautiful family after a few reschedules, we had a super wet rainy October. I am so glad the stars aligned and we got this lovely shoot. The day was warm and the sun was beaming and baby boy was happy [...]
This beautiful blended family was just so effortless and awesome to work with! As someone who has a big age gap sibling it was so cool to visualize what it was for my parents probably. Two sisters, both different and equally beautiful. My client picked the perfect wardrobe for everyone in the family. I think [...]
There is a big special place in my heart for this beautiful family! My beautiful friend Kayla had her 6th lovely boy and I couldn't be happier for them. They have this incredible energy about them, all of them sweet and so caring. Kayla and her husband are doing an incredible job. I love how [...]
Sometimes kiddos aren't as warm to me as quickly as their parents would want and that's ok. This little cute kiddo was a bit apprehensive to start, honestly the camera can be so intimidating. I always get the clients who's first comment is "what do I do with my hands" haha that is always something [...]
Sometimes I get lucky enough to see a baby twice in a season, this was one of those times. Sweet little sam's fresh 48 was a few weeks before this. Incorporating the Chicago skyline was pretty perfect for this boy. He was moving to the east coast along with his family so I think the [...]
As a lover of birth and babies I absolutely love a Fresh Baby session. For those not comfortable with the idea of birth photography as a concept in their lives, having a photoshoot with your tiny squishy baby is the next best thing. I can't be the only one that adores babies tiny mannerisms fresh [...]
I am always so beyond excited to work with this beautiful family. They are raising some sweet sweet boys and have now added a lovely little sister into the mix. I have photographed two of their births, and they have been one of the loveliest families to work with. Juni's birth was incredible and you [...]
Working with repeat customers for newborn sessions is so incredibly special, I love seeing little siblings join these incredibly families. I get to see how big older sister is changing along with celebrating parents into new challenges. Families are always evolving with time. Photographs serve as a beautiful reminder of those new days of discoveries [...]
If one thing can tell you about the thoughtfulness of this family, It would be that my name was kindly added the the names of birthdays on July 19th. I mean just how sweet is that also its the day I came in on call for this sweet baby. This was my second time working [...]
I'm always amazed at how much a baby changes insanely quick. Little G was a one of my precious and dear birth photography babies! he had some complications that made him spend a few more days at the hospital but ultimately I am so happy he is doing well. His nursery was Toy Story theme [...]
No matter where you choose to birth your sweet little being into this world, I am always so honored to be a part of the team. Birth photography is magical because you see so much strength and transformation. Sophia had a pretty laid back active labor, she did so well. First time moms birthing ( [...]
Sometimes I am invited into the most beautiful spaces, who are completely underwhelming compared to the lovely people inside. This family is no exception, they were so kind and gorgeous, I mean stunning! Grandma was the vision of beauty. But I love that I got to see her being taken cared of, the way her [...]
I'm back sharing one of my favorite families! This session, from the weather, the outfits and the overall vibes and connection were perfection. Sarah is an incredible mother who honestly inspires me to be more patient and more kind every time I work with her. Her kids are so incredibly lucky to have such an [...]
Sometimes we don't need a lot of time to make a beautiful session a reality. We can get beautiful keepsakes via my MINI newborn sessions by focusing on connection, details and overall just attempting to have fun and enjoy all of the quirkiness of life. Who are the mini sessions best for? People on a [...]
Chicago summer is a lovely wonderful thing. Big deal in fact, so much that songs have raved about it. But before The beauty of summer, we go through this rough period of weather that tests us, our patience mostly. By late spring we are so tired of empty trees and brown areas just nearly on [...]
Oh failures, how bittersweet they are. I mean you never set out to fail, sometimes we self sabotage and it ends up being self professed thing. I truly believe that. I just couldn't find the drive to move forward with this project back in February, life has been a steady flow of up and downs. [...]
The greens peeked through just in time for this Spring time maternity session in Chicago. I have worked with this beautiful family before and it was amazing to see how much bigger big brother to- be had gotten. To get to take these images of them celebrating another big moment in their lives. Baby number [...]
As a photographer specializing in newborn sessions, I have had the pleasure of documenting countless precious moments for families. Each session is unique, with its own set of challenges and joys. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a newborn session at home with a delightful family and their energetic older brother. In this blog [...]
In this incredible time in the world, photography is accessible to everyone (well most everyone with privilege to modern technology) . Genuinely if you have a phone you have access to photographs, to memories. You can print and reproduce and gift images to love ones. You can be creative and develop a voice with your [...]
Sometimes schedules align and last minute photoshoots can become a cherished session. The Elmhurst park conservatory was a perfect background for this session. I photographed this sweet family 3 times in a single season. The cute cousins were an added bonus. In the heart of Elmhurst, Illinois, lies a hidden gem of natural beauty - [...]
I wanted to write this important blog post to reassure my clients and future clients who are not comfortable with their kids images online that there are ways around this. By now in my many years in this industry I've had plenty of request to not share or show my little clients faces. The session [...]
I got a chance to photograph my brand new niece on my latest trip to California. My extended family and I traveled to California to meet her and it was the loveliest time. We rented a huge airbnb my aunts and mom made breakfast everyday to my siblings and I, I mean we didn't eat [...]
Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, filled with emotions, anticipation, and boundless love. Today, I want to share the heartfelt maternity photoshoot. The Oak Park Conservatory has witnessed countless heartwarming moments, but one particular maternity photography shoot stands out—the session that captured the love and anticipation surrounding Danielle's growing family. Join us as we [...]
Newborn photography shoots are all incredibly special to me. I am always in awe and this quote always ring in my ear, "Babies are such a nice way to start humans". You can definitely say I am a baby person. If I see a baby at the grocery store and I manage to make them [...]
One of the most beautiful things this job has given me is the ability to see best friends come together. Whether it is about Parenting or the commitment of souls, seeing people come together in love is immensely special. Small city hall wedding elopements have the capacity to have some of most amazing images, their [...]
You better believe I left this session just elated from working with all of these beautiful ladies. We started our photoshoot together at the Colectivo coffee shop in Wicker Park. There I captured them enjoying each others presence. They read some fun questions and played cards with each other, tears were shed, loud belly laughs [...]
Are you looking for a unique way to capture special moments with your family? How about some street art? This unique style of photography can give you unique and beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. With vibrant colors and a unique backdrop, this style of photography is perfect for a family photo shoot that [...]
My heart was so full after capturing this beautiful family in their home. It was the first time in weeks that the sun came out in the new year, and boy did it come out! It added a layer to the beauty of this session. The sun has a way of always doing that. In [...]
You know I read something, it said that hating your ex is by extension hating a vital part of your child. I could never be that person and I am grateful that my ex isn't that person either. He begrudgingly goes along with my shenanigans. Photographs will always be an important part of my life. [...]
I photographed the beautiful Guzman extended family in Oak Brook this past fall, it wasn't a terribly cold day but it was cold enough. Thankfully teens seem to not feel any of it ever. It's quite funny. I will be brutally honest that showing up to a session full of Gen Z kids was intimidating [...]
Little baby A was just so darn sweet during his newborn session at home. He still had all of the curliness of just being born with the loveliest of full hair heads. I gotta say that being able to capture a baby yawn is right up there for me along with a smile. He was [...]
Oh how I love Milwaukee! When the Patel family reached out for a session near me but told me they lived in Milwaukee I immediately jumped at the chance to do a photography session over there. Milwaukee is such a fun town and my kids adore this specific park! I mean we all do, I [...]
Ha. Whenever I tell a person interested in what I do that I photograph Births, they always think I mean birds. Perhaps it's a little bit of my accent (TH ending words are hard) and English is my second language. Then we have this little awkward exchange where I explain I mean BIRTH, humans giving [...]
I am excited to share this amazing session, I met little Arden and her parents last year during the maternity session in Oak park, so I thought it was fitting that we keep the local theme going. Oak park is the most beautiful town so we chose their beautiful architecture and streets for this session. [...]
a little self portrait inspiration. To be honest I feel like a broken record. I've exhausted myself with the self help and the self expansion. I didn't know such a thing existed. But I guess there can always be too much of anything, even if it's good. Maybe the best thing is acceptance. And I'm [...]
An early morning session at home. Without having to wrangle the kids out, without having to put on shoes on everyone, and wondering wether you forgot something. Relaxed, well sort off. We know life is chaos. We embrace it, we know it won't be perfect. But this, the time we have now is real and [...]
I'm sitting here binging Grey's Anatomy while catching up on blogging the beautiful sessions of 2022. This sweet boy did not help my baby fever, he was absolutely adorable, tiny and just perfect. He was a pro at the newborn scrunch, His doting parents were also perfectly sweet. Light emanated from all corners of their [...]
Octobers are such a wild card. Octobers can be an extension of summer or a rigid cold early winter. On this specific session day we got the loveliest weather on one of my favorite locations. The skies were perfection and this family's laughter echoed in the surroundings. They truly made my job so effortless. We [...]
It's so typically me to have white sneakers in gravel and dirt and completely ruin them immediately. I knew the terrain and I made those choices. sigh. I'm catching up on blogging. it's been a while since I added some personal work in my little humble part of the Internet. I've been enjoying my Summer [...]
I love Love. Being in love and caring about someone so deeply is one of the bravest things we can do as a humans. It is the way it feels to love someone, it is the way you think about them. Love is something we all have in common, it pushes us forward, it sets [...]
OMG! I am so honored to once again be present and be a part of the collective team for Hannah and Eric's second home birth. The thing about home birth is... that it's fucking magical. I do not downplay the fact that I am pumped. I see maternity sessions as this little pre party celebration.Perhaps [...]
This beautiful location has garnished some love from my clients. It is the perfect romantic backdrop for the celebration of love. Every time lately that I get asked what I photograph I am finding that my answer is just love. Love is the center of it all. Love is the fuel. Love is the vehicle. [...]
Doused in early morning sunshine and dappled light I photographed this beautiful two boy family. These boys are so so lovely. This is the second time I have worked with them and the littlest one is the one leading the stark differences from last year. He was now walking and communicating so much becoming his [...]
Every winter as I look out into the dreary environment Chicago ultimately turns into I think of sessions like this. Sessions full of beautiful blue skies and bright sunny warmth on skins . Sessions where the connection to each other is so real. I am in love with this amazing south shore Chicago session. While [...]
I had a little time in between early morning birthday coffee and my kids sleeping in til the absolute latest to come in this space to share a few words on my birthday. Birthdays are so special, and I do not take my ability to exist in this beautiful world for granted. I am in [...]
I photographed this sweet little baby's newborn session earlier this year and I recently got the chance to go see the tremendous growth that can happen in just 6 months. Time is so obvious to new parents, it moves slow at first with the struggles on new parenting.. but suddenly you're half a year into [...]
Brace yourselves, it's a cute one. Oh my my! these kiddos are completely adorable! they genuinely look like twins but birthed 3 years apart! I mean this whole family is absolutely adorable. Not to mention just the sweetest humans. I have essentially photographed all of their big milestones and I am so so lucky to [...]
This session was a complete delight, little Oliver joined his family earlier this year. I photographed his moms and dad's maternity session in Humbolt Park last year. Those maternity images and this newborn session are now huge new favorites of mine! They were an absolute joy to work with! they truly make my job feel [...]
The humans that I have seen come into the world will forever hold a very special place in my life. Little G is the latest baby I have been a witness to. He joined the club at his home birth. His birth was so peaceful and joyful, truly. So I knew his newborn session would [...]
I met Phoebes mom at a photo-shoot a few years back. Katie is so incredibly sweet and just a joy to work with, so I knew with the opportunity to meet her family they would absolutely reflection of that! and of course they over delivered on the awesomeness and their kindness! From this session I [...]
Here's part two of this beautiful story. Little baby Harry, who probably is not so tiny anymore was a sleepy little mister. An adorable perfect little boy. One of my favorite images from this set was the pets surrounding him. Welcoming little baby Harry to the family. It's always such a joy to work with [...]
WHEN DEATHTAKES MY HAND I WILL HOLD YOU WITH THE OTHER AND PROMISE TO FIND YOU IN EVERY LIFETIMERUPI KAUR \ Love oh love, you are my greatest mystery. I feel like I've been running to it and away from it my whole life. Watching the people I care about fall into love, fall into [...]
Indoor winter maternity session on the couch with the love of your life and your pup, I mean what could be better!. I got to capture the first half of Maddie's brand new life one cold dreary morning, the newborn session is soon to come. But I love how imperfect life unfolds. Welcoming a brand [...]
This lovely little family invited me into their space earlier this year. Two year olds and babies together are a challenge as always. It always amazes me how big toddlers are but how much they are still a baby in many ways. So many changes and the expansion of love and exhaustion. I can tell [...]
(All images are shared with permission) Birth has a way of shooting adrenaline coursing through your veins. I have been photographing babies entering the world for 5 years now and the elation of the birth day is still at 100! I got the text message that things were progressing in the morning. I was able [...]
My birth clients hold such a precious and special place in my heart. Being chosen to join someone's birth team is pretty amazing. I am so happy I was there to witness Kat and Eric work through the big mountain of birth in such a beautiful way . But before I share those, enjoy these [...]
When Char was 3mos I started babysitting her, My little one was about to be 3yrs old and so I had these two little ladies at home all day. Today these two are inseparable. Z takes care of her little cousin fiercely and Char adores her older cousin to pieces. & of course Char and [...]
Sweet little Lou and her parents were a complete joy to work with. This session was right around the holiday rush so I just got a chance to blog these beauties. She was wide awake for the first half then quickly succumbed to a nap. Her grandma eagerly helped during this session which is always [...]
What a little ray of sunshine this session was. I mean, when I say I love my job, I do truly mean that to the fullest extent. This session is a complete reflection of that. I was so happy that I got to know Arden's parents during our beautiful Maternity session together. I do hope [...]
These two wonderful humans welcomed two beautiful boys. One of them has the same name as my boy. It's so wild to see new babies coming into this world. With so much uncertainty in this world working with these tiny humans who are so dependent on us to show up for them is a pause. [...]
I'm grateful for the lovely evergreens that stand tall even when they shouldn't This beauty of a family reached out a little later than usual and I am grateful for evergreens who served as a beautiful backdrop for our session together in Oak Brook IL . The two amazing brothers were so funny! They are [...]
Holy wow! I did it, I finished. Nothing feels like how doing what you'll say you'll do feels. It has been so hard to stick with something that requires me to remember to carry a tripod. I hit a huge wave of indecision on day 3. After I overcame that hump I stopped over thinking [...]
On this cold dreary day in Oak Brook IL I photographed a superbly sweet and gorgeous family. They absolutely made my job feel so effortless. I am a firm believer that the location is secondary to connection , and I think this session proves that loudly. The Fall comes and goes so quickly that I [...]
Winter is the calm after the busy Fall season. It goes by rather quickly. I'm so grateful for that calmness but I like being in the thick of my client work the most. This year however I decided to embrace some personal work a little more for these restless days. The challenge was quite simple [...]
The Aguinaga family personality is as big as their home state of Texas. They were in town for some difficult days, but I love that they wanted to prioritize capturing the beauty of their family. They were a joy to work with and their positivity and good vibes are so contagious. We had a fantastic [...]
During what it seems the hottest day of the year I met this beautiful family for some maternity images. The kids were not completely down for the idea, I mean can you imagine being woken up from your cozy nap into a hot inferno of sticky summer weather for photos? Yeah I mean I don't [...]
Gloomy days and difficult light will always exist especially when you shoot indoors with natural light. This wintery newborn session was not an exception to those things. But we worked around the difficulties and achieved a beautiful session if I do say so myself. Sometimes all you need is a little window and a ton [...]
Lana and her beautiful family joined me at one of my newer favorite locations. I keep saying I have to bring my kids over to explore but I keep forgetting. I'm going to pin that to the top of my mind. I've visited this location in the summer and fall, I certainly need winter and [...]
Sometimes you get extremely lucky and you get to see your clients twice in one year, I had the pleasure to photograph this beautiful little baby's newborn session. To see how much my little clients grow is so cool. So much changes in a years time. We were all so glad for the lovely warm [...]
This summer I got to photograph my first ever twin session! a fraternal pair. Brother and sister were so completely adorable! I won't lie, I am dying with curiosity to know what they look like now even several months post session. Even with the added extra baby, this session was so calm and lovely. They [...]
Well in true Chicago and surrounding suburbs fashion we experienced every single weather stop in one day, the snow and sun and everything in between. I couldn't think of a better family to experience all of that with than with the Lopez family. If you want to be inspired for change and all of the [...]
These days for us are mostly calm now. We've arrived at the other side of one of the hardest years of our collective lives. Everyone is going through something. I know. The world is experiencing a shift. Inside our little family that shift was a big wave of so many things. At the start of [...]
Off the side of the road, can you believe it. Sometimes I get a little wacky. I have come to acceptance when it comes to locations in Chicago. I cannot get beautiful uncrowded beaches most of the time. I cannot build gorgeous mountains or views that do not exist. So I always try to get [...]
Fall really did spoil us with it's beauty this year. I arrived to this session and there was a young couple on a date, in a blanket overlooking the water. I give the guy kudos for planning that! I feel bad that I completely ruined their view. lol. I think they enjoyed the show I [...]
I've had quite a baby boom with clients recently. It's been beautiful to get to meet all these new expectant parents. There is so much excitement in the air for this new start. A new chapter. Marlow & Tarek are here celebrating their soon to be new daughter in these photographs. They were a blast [...]
I may be slightly biased, but families that invite me into their births are the most special to me. I mean that level of trust is unparalleled. I was there for the birth of little miss. There to witness Lacy be so strong and witness all of the love and devotion from her husband and [...]
Every time I photograph a family with a toddler and baby it takes me back. I was too once learning of a life with two. Thankfully I had commited myself to potty training my oldest, we did ok haha. At least we tried our hardest. So I can relate to the beautiful chaos. I often [...]
The number one thing I always hear from other photographers when I tell them I shot an extended family is ...dread. Ha! it's no secret that photographers are not fans of big family sessions. If you're not careful the whole session can be chaotic and unorganized. Big groups can be overwhelming. But this one was [...]
Hey there So this beautiful family was just the sweetest, and so adorable. Big sister is still very much a baby but in a tiny human body, lol that's a weird sentence but toddlers are that, and she reminded me why I absolutely love toddlers. I love that they exist in their own universe. They [...]
What a session this was! Full of fun, love and so much freaking rain. But with awesome clients like these we turned lemons into lemonade lol. I think that's the saying. Rachel and Brian are expecting their first baby, a girl. For their session we didn't have to venture out too far. Rachel had the [...]
I had a lovely, beautiful October morning with the Vyas family. I love when my clients ask if they can include the grandparents. As someone who adores her grandparents I think it's such an important thing to make time for. To have images with those who perhaps we don't see on a daily basis but [...]
Well as far as families go this one is a beauty! I arrived a little ahead of schedule and the hilarious thing was that another photographer had a beautiful family at the same location and thier client was wearing this same dress. I found it so hilarious and was wondering if we had gotten our [...]
I love that I include a newborn session with my birth photography. It feels most appropriate to get to see my wonderful birth families as a new unit. Babies change you forever, it's almost like your life before was missing them specifically. This little baby is so lucky. His big brothers are so so kind [...]
If you can imagine it this day was a dreadful cold wet morning. I had two sessions and a knee injury. Hectic awful day but with a wonderful ending. I limped through the whole session with Lynda but it was worth it. She reached out to me earlier this summer and I was immediately excited [...]
Eeek I've been wanting to share the home birth of August for a while now, I've just been insanely busy enjoying life and capturing so many beautiful families. But at last ! I photographed mr. August's entrance into the world earlier this month. It was such an honor to have been there for this incredible [...]
A lifetime of love it seems for these two. They've been together a really long time and they are expecting their first baby together. My memory fails me but I believe it's been 15 years. Alejandra is a student at this gorgeous campus, The University of Chicago just blew me away and I have to [...]
Last March I was capturing little Ana's entrance into the world! & now they are expecticting their second baby! I am so excited for them. Little Ana is going to be a big sister. It was so much for to catch up and see how big she has gotten. Ellen looks stunning, and I'm still [...]
I've started to take on a few more events this summer and fall, and honestly it makes my extroverted heart so happy. I know we're all still being very careful about Covid but I love that families are still celebrating and gathering. Rishi and Minal, together with their families celebrated baby liam. The place was [...]
I'll forever be the mom who photographs my children sleeping I have absolutely no shame about it It's quite literally the calm before the chaos I'm catching up on sharing some personal images of mine. We're back in school and my summer routine is completely disrupted. I'm slowly getting back into a new one. We [...]
This sweet, beautiful family is expecting their 4th baby! Another girl to even things out in the family, which Big sister couldn't be more excited about. For this maternity session I traveled to Hyde Park , which has this beautiful bird watching post. We used a lot of the shade for the images before heading [...]
The newborn session of a beautiful boy in Aurora IL. I cannot believe they are now a family of seven, two weeks after I was at this stunning home to welcome Finnian I went back to capture them a little more relaxed and set into a routine. Well a sorta routine, I know the Lundes [...]
I photographed a beautiful 70th birthday in Willowbrook IL the other weekend. Once in a while I get to be a part of families gathering to celebrate one another in some special way. This celebration was so fun. Of course I got the green light to photograph kids being kids, which is always at the [...]
She did it! and I am so proud of her. Home birth will never cease to amaze me. Honestly. The knowledge of intuitive midwives, the power of family, the very which way strength shines. I sent these over to her and she said birth photography connects so much for her, especially in the blurry aftermath. [...]
This lovely family is getting ready to welcome their third sweet little baby! I am also going to be present to capture that momentous occasion. They are planning a home birth and I can't wait for the day I get the call that baby is on their way. For our maternity session together we were [...]
Baby Mara is 9 months old. Photographing pandemic babies. What a sentence that is right. I had a chance to work with baby Mara's parents as I captured their maternity session together. They choose to push back their newborn session and I completely respect that as this season of life has just been overwhelming for [...]
Visiting older clients is complety magical. Time is so beautiful isn't it. Whenever I get a chance to work with older clients again , I won't lie, it feels like I come full circle. To be validated in that way, to know how much my work means to them is a beautiful thing. The Colello [...]
Extended family sessions can be intimidating. Big crowds of people to photograph generally make me nervous. Last weekend I got a chance to photograph the Kindt family. I am happy to report that the nerves completely and quickly subsided as they were such lovely people. I mean they brought a cute pup, what else do [...]
At home newborn photography sessions will never get old Oh baby! Little Cullen is here, he arrived a week early and woah he is one big, beautiful boy! I was anxiously waiting for his arrival. I had worked with his parents just a month before capturing Allyson's maternity session in Evanston IL. & I have [...]
Baby number 5. If anyone can, this family is the perfect family for that and more. Their love runs so incredibly deep. This group of 4 boys is adding one more. Another beautiful, kind and sweet boy. Kayla is the perfect mom for boys. She raises them to embrace their wild an at the same [...]
It's been a hell of a rollercoaster of emotions on the road to this wedding, I'm sure. Having to push back dates and planning, just seems incredibly overwhelming. But at last! THEY MADE IT! The day started in the bride's childhood home in Aurora IL. I and my amazing second shooter (Jessica Rasmussen) captured the [...]
This is the recipe of lifesaid my motheras she held me in her arms as I weptthink of those flowers you plantin the garden each yearthey will teach you that people toomust wiltfallrootrisein order to bloom r u p i k a u r I bought myself some sunflowers recently. It's one of my favorite [...]
Last week completely unplanned and stupidly so, I drove to California. If you don't know that's 31 damn hours. Was it impulsive? probably. Do I regret it? HELL NO. Would I do it again? Absolutely, but perhaps with a little more planning and more time to and back. I should also mention that my kids [...]
Just wanted to write a little thank you. To all of the families who have invited me into their lives and spaces. Yesterday I got an email from Peerspace, it's a website where you can book spaces to teach, celebrate and host amongst other things. They named me one of 10 best Chicago Newborn Photographers. [...]
Catching up with repeat clients is so lovely, I fist met little miss Rosie in her babyhood. Now there is a stark contrast in who she is now. She's a lively and busy toddler who kept us on our toes. I love how excited she was to see the ducks and the reminder of kids [...]
Allyson told me she fell in love with this location for the way it brought both of their stories out of it, and that's kind of my favorite thing about the session. She's from Indy and the sand dunes connected her to it, and Connell grew up in Evanston. It is just that more special [...]
I cannot believe how lucky we got with this incredible warm day. It was such a joy to see big sister Selah again, she is this little rain of sunshine, who just smiles and is so cooperative the whole time. It's one of my favorite parts about working with kids, their curiousity. We got to [...]
A few times a year I am hired to go capture significant celebrations. Baptisms are so special. The way I try and capture them is strictly more domumentary but I do get to sneak in some moments to capture one of my favorite subjects, Motherhood. This sweet little babe was unfortunately too tired for much [...]
Well hello there. I dragged my kids out for some self portraits and a new adventure. You want to know something.. it felt amazing. I've missed getting behind the lens, I used to do it so damn much before. It always felt like it pushed my growth. I think I'm currently stifling my creativity. So [...]
When you have both a dope sister photographer you have to fly her out immediately obviously! . I won't lie and say there wasn't awkwardness. I mean a couples session is meant to me intimate and full of connection, trust, love, hands on each other etc... and with your sister there, I'm sure it felt [...]
Oh these kids! I call them kids because this is my sister and their partner. Karen is the COMPLETE opposite of me they are 8 years younger and at some level we joke that my parenting started w them. We have spend our whole lives at odds. I've always been all about swallowing the heck [...]
I am happy to say that I both a baby person and a dog person. & sessions with both are some of my favorites. I have to say that Big brother pup Norbert (so in love with his name) and adorable baby Reese did not dissapoint. Newborn sessions can be so comical because of their [...]
One of my favorite things about this job is the storytelling. With some families I have the joy and honor to capture full stories. I meet them right when they find out their life will change in the near future and I get a chance to see them at the different points in the road [...]
I had the absolute pleasure to get to capture the joy of this beautiful family. They are expecting their second child and can you see the look on big sister's face? She was such a wonderful kiddo. She's awaiting the arrival of her brother. From our session together I learned about her favorite snacks and [...]
Each birth I attend is this beautiful unfolding story. My clients are all different, lighting can be diffent. Comfort levels too, Dynamics etc. First time parents however seem to all be the same. They are all at the precipice of a life changing moment, unlike anything before. I can sense the nervousness and the hesitation. [...]
hello 2021 I can't believe it's a whole new year already. While yes, things are still dicey when it comes to photo sessions and more at home- work, I finally got to photograph my first at home newborn session since the pandemic started. I am the opposite of a homebody, so I'm so grateful for [...]
Well this session was a big surprise. I do believe this was my first big family session without any babies. It also made me think about the direction of my work and how to incorporate my personal work as my kids get older. I do think it's a thing of beauty to still want to [...]
Sweet December is here, and the time to meet this sweet little baby is nearing. Time has absolutely flown by. I've been pregnant a number of times and have given birth just twice. Both times it was a defferent experience. I brought those babies home and I was a different person. After my son I [...]
I cant believe we're here, so close to December. Just about to celebrate Thanksgiving. As I mentioned in on my previous post 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, [...]
The absolute most kind of people also happen to be the most beautiful. We did the math during their session and I have been photographing their beautiful family since before little miss E was even alive. How insanely special is that. I've seen two of their stunning homes and have seen the kids go through [...]
I heard something recently. It said " dreaming is a form of planning". It resonated wildly with my soul. Everything I've ever wanted started as a dream. Me with my wild expectations. Most of the time when I would voice my dreams to others it would sound like I lost my damn mind. It always [...]
Last time at this year I dragged my little family out to a beautiful field for some photographs. I didn't get to book a photographer early enough and therefore I took these myself with the use of a tripod and self timer. Would absolutely not reccomend it's so tedious. Oh did I mention coyotes came [...]
Im completely in love with this location. Let me just start by saying that. Sometimes you get little victories and surprises by taking the time to venture out some way out of your comfort. So much of what makes a good photographer is their ability to connect their clients to the enviroment. Love was certainly [...]
This past weekend was just incredible weather for sessions and exploring. I had a chance to catch up with the lovely McCallum family and they brought along her sister and family. Karissa is such a kind and wonderful soul, she is just one of those inviting people that I think everyone should have in their [...]
I took on this beautiful elopment of sorts a few months back. Jordan and Lupe were, like most couples just trying to wed in this weird situation of a year. Sorrounded by their extended family and friends and practicing safety protocols they wed in a beautiful ceremony. Lupe looked insanely beautiful, I mean look at [...]
So we managed to see a few beautiful elk cows in the grass on this lovely morning. I love when I meet new families especially close to the holiday season. I learned that Mama is a native to Minnesota and Dad is originally from Wisconin so naturally baby was not even going to be remotely [...]
Oh how this year will live in infamy for all of the plans it's destroyed and the amount of plans that have changed because of it. But in the midst of all of that is a ton of opportunities to see and live life a little differently. I have seen numerous Covid weddings and they've [...]
A few weeks ago I did this beautiful session at 3:30 pm. Why is that relevant? well if you're a photographer, then you know how difficult brighter light can be for a session especially with little kiddos. They move fast and they're unpredictable. Most of the space in this location was also very open. But [...]
This post is a little departure from what I usually blog, beautiful families with tiny humans who bring so much joy. But I think throwing something different at you is something you can handle. May even be necessary. I've been exploring what my womanhood means to me. & I probably shoud have shared self portraits [...]
This last December, which now seems like ages ago due to the changes in Covid and our collective struggles and lives. I photographed this lovely surprise wedding for Emily + Clark. No one was aware that they would be a part of being present for the unifying ceremony of their lives. It was such a [...]
I came back to visit with this little lady the day after her birth. It was so worth it to be able to see her lovely face again with a little less puffyness and much more calmness. I would honestly recommend a fresh 48 if you budget doesn't allow for a birth package. It did [...]
“Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.”― C. JoyBell C. Birth is such a high. After every single birth I leave with a little bit of strength and joy. It's absolutely joyus to see a birthing human relish in their [...]
I know I've written before about how insanely special it is to be a part of my incredibly beautiful families journies. I have been capturing this beautiful family for a few years now. From little miss A's birth up until now and the end of her nursing milestone. The Radford's are such a unique and [...]
Much of our adventures go undocumented nowadays since Im so busy with work and life, I have to make it a point to come back to this. My big boy will be 9 already at the end of the month. How on earth is that possible. It feels like just yesterday I was bringing him [...]
Woa I loved visiting with this lovely family that I hadn't seen since their baby boy was one! Now here he is in his brand new roles a a big brother. Also can I just say that Downers Grove is insanely beautiful. I honestly felt like I was in a different state. I also had [...]
One of the biggest compliments is when a beautiful family returns to work with you. I was so incredible honored when I knew that even though thier travel time would be long they were willing to make the trip to have our shoot together. They are raising some incredible fearless girls, with so much love [...]
I am so damn honored to have seen this family twice this year. I cant believe how gorgeous and big baby L has gotten. I met this family back early this year as I was a backup for their home birth. They blew me away with their kindness and just how excited they were to [...]
I met Lacy at a starbucks with her little family, as they were on the hunt for a photographer. I was honored to have been able to interview with them. From the moment I met her her beautiful positive demeanor just drew me in. We went through our year checking in, I photographed her maternity [...]
I've know the Esmaels for quite sometime. I've followed the on Social Media and I have loved seeing their family adventures and also just watching them become the beautiful family that they are. So when Courtney reached out for family photographs I was ecstatic. We had a blast playing and shooting in the tall fields. [...]
What an absolute joy was this family. They had the sweetest back story, and one of the amazing and most funniest things is that they both have the same name. They were a part of a Dockatot campain to celebrate all kinds of different families. Baby O was so calm and beautiful. You could see [...]
