Category: at home maternity photography

  • Farmhouse Maternity session in Chicago IL

    Farmhouse Maternity session in Chicago IL

    There’s something about a farmhouse that makes room for real life to happen kids running through tall grass. A windmill catching the last light, siblings tangled up in a hallway hug because someone started a wrestling match. That’s exactly what unfolded during this farmhouse maternity session Chicago families will recognize the honesty in the moment they see it. This family is so near and dear to my heart, they are one of the first families that believed in my photography business. They consistently invited me into their beautiful lives for over a decade.

    This family came to me wanting something different. They wanted their story to unfold and just have a cool vintage vibe. Since we’ve worked together for over a decade it was so much fun to see the boys in some vintage outfits. They are the sweetest five boys. Mama was glowing in her last weeks of pregnancy, and a farmhouse that felt like it had been in the family for generations. So instead of lining everyone up and asking for smiles, I let the afternoon do what afternoons like this do: Just be.

    A white vase filled with colorful wildflowers, including blue and orange blooms, placed on a table with a textured cloth. In the blurred background, a dark wooden door and a piece of furniture can be seen.
    A pregnant woman standing outdoors, looking upwards with her eyes closed, surrounded by blooming flowers and a clear blue sky. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    A decorative shelf featuring an assortment of items including picture frames, a wooden cutting board, a vase with flowers, and various small ceramics against a light-colored wall.

    Planning a Farmhouse Maternity Session in Chicago

    A farmhouse gives a maternity session Chicago couples just can’t get in the city.. room to run, breathe, and be a little wild! The boys took off into a field of wild grass the second we arrived (of course they did), and honestly? That became one of my favorite frames of the whole day. The windmill way off in the distance, the farmhouse all soft and dreamy behind them, and a bunch of kids just being kids. No direction, no “look here,” no fuss. Just pure joy doing its thing

    Inside, the light was doing all the work for me. I saw the mirror, the window, the balloons. and I couldn’t resist framing mama right in that reflection while she looked out at the light. Is that a little staged? Sure, lifestyle photography always has a hand in it! But her expression, that soft smile, the way she’s just existing in that moment? That part’s all her. That’s the magic of this style I set the stage, but the realness is never something I can fake.

    A couple stands affectionately on a porch, framed by an open doorway, with a lush green field in the background. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago

    By the time we got to the “let’s get ready” chaos suspenders being adjusted, shoes kicked off, a toddler mid-sprint toward the dinner table. the whole house felt alive. That energy is the entire point of a documentary-style farmhouse maternity session: showing up as you are, and trusting that “as you are” is more than enough.

    If you’re picturing something similar for your own growing family, a countryside setting like this one might be exactly the backdrop your story needs.

    A young boy with short hair and suspenders peeks out from under a dining table, smiling. The table is adorned with a light-colored tablecloth and has a vase of flowers on it. Wooden chairs surround the table, set in a cozy indoor space.
    A close-up portrait of a man and woman touching foreheads and smiling at each other, capturing a moment of intimacy and connection.
    A white shirt hanging on a clothesline between tree branches, with a blurred background of foliage. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    Pregnant woman in a white dress holding her belly, standing in a green field with flowers and a wind turbine in the background.
    A vintage white blouse with delicate embroidery and a lace collar laid on a dark surface, with soft natural light coming through a nearby window.
    A young child sitting in a wooden chair, receiving hair treatment from an adult using a spray bottle, with a stuffed animal on the table nearby and natural light coming through a window. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    Baby clothes hanging on a line with pink balloons in a grassy outdoor setting.
    A group of young boys playing together indoors, engaged in a playful moment. They are dressed in casual, vintage-style clothing and are interacting closely, with some boys hugging and climbing on each other. The setting features wooden floors and a cozy home atmosphere. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    A group of children and adults playing together in a grassy field, with a windmill and a tree in the background.
    A pregnant woman in a light-colored dress stands by a window, gazing out and holding her belly. Her reflection is visible in an oval mirror. In the foreground, a young boy in suspenders stands still, looking slightly serious.  Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    A child wearing binoculars peeks out from a window while a pregnant figure stands nearby, captured in black and white.
    A pregnant woman in a flowing white dress stands beside an open door, leaning against the frame while looking thoughtfully outside in soft black and white. Farmhouse Maternity session Chicago
    A child with curly hair wearing a white shirt and brown pants runs across a room with wooden flooring, near a dining table. Sunlight filters through sheer curtains, illuminating the space.
    A low-angle black and white photograph of a boy looking down with a neutral expression, wearing a light-colored shirt. His hand is partially visible holding another hand, suggesting companionship.
    A father gently hugs his blonde-haired child, who rests their head against his shoulder, both with closed eyes, conveying a moment of tenderness and connection.
    A couple sharing a kiss in a grassy field surrounded by lush greenery and wind turbines in the background.
    A group of children wearing suspenders playing on a grassy field, with one child crawling playfully on the ground.
    Two children engaged in a competitive arm wrestling match on a wooden porch, with focused expressions and their arms locked together.
  • A Chicago In-Home Maternity Session with Frida, The Adri Photo Co.

    A Chicago In-Home Maternity Session with Frida, The Adri Photo Co.

    I’ve had the joy of photographing Frida once before, back when I captured a friend session for her. So when she reached out to ask if I’d document her Chicago in-home maternity session, I was so excited to be considered and in my head said Yes before I finished reading her sentence. This is her first baby, with her husband by her side, and there’s something special about returning to photograph someone again, watching their story unfold a little further.

    We kept this Chicago in-home maternity session simple and unscripted. No elaborate setups, no forced poses, just Frida and her husband in the home they’ve built together, surrounded by things that actually mean something to them: the Otomi textile art on the wall, the soft blush curtains catching afternoon light, the couch where they probably spend every ordinary evening. That’s the whole point of shooting at home. The setting isn’t a backdrop, it’s part of the story.

    Black and white portrait of pregnant woman sitting on couch looking off to the side, hand resting on her belly

    What struck me most during our time together was their honesty. Frida and her husband told me, laughing, that they weren’t always sure they’d have a kid. That admission could have felt heavy, but instead it made the excitement in the room even louder. You could feel it in the way she cradled her belly by the window, in the way his hand found hers without either of them thinking about it, in that blurry, sun-drenched kiss caught mid-motion because neither of them could stand still long enough for a “posed” shot.

    couples hands on belly image in black and white
    Black and white photo of man kissing pregnant woman's cheek while she holds a bouquet of wildflowers against her belly Chicago in-home maternity session

    Why I Shoot This Chicago In-Home Maternity Session the Documentary Way

    This is exactly why I shoot the way I do. Honesty over poses means I’m not chasing a Pinterest-perfect frame. I’m chasing the real moment happening in front of me. The quiet look out the window. The hands resting on a growing belly. The two of them, giddy and nervous and completely in love with a person they haven’t even met yet.

    If you’re expecting your first baby and want a documentary approach to your maternity photos, I’d love to hear your story. Get in touch to talk about your session or explore what a Chicago maternity photography session with me looks like. For general guidance on preparing for your session, the American Pregnancy Association has helpful resources on third-trimester wellness.

    Blurred warm-toned photo of a couple embracing and kissing near a sunlit window, man's hand resting on woman's pregnant belly. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Silhouette of couple kissing in front of a bright window, woman's pregnant belly visible in profile. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Pregnant belly held by two hands cradling a bouquet of sunflowers and purple wildflowers, denim overalls unbuttoned
    Pregnant woman lying on couch reaching for husband's hand, colorful Otomi wall art and patterned rug in living room
    Pregnant woman lying on couch colorful Otomi wall art and patterned rug in living room
    Black and white photo of smiling pregnant woman sitting on couch by window, hand resting on her belly
    Close-up black and white photo of hands cradling a pregnant belly by a window. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Warm-toned blurred photo of pregnant woman sitting on couch with eyes closed, hand on belly, soft window light

  • Chicago Family and Maternity Photographer | Natural In-Home Session

    Chicago Family and Maternity Photographer | Natural In-Home Session

    Chicago Family and Maternity Photographer in Oak Park, IL

    Chicago family and maternity photographer sessions are some of my favorite moments to capture, and this Oak Park session was especially meaningful. I’ve had the privilege of photographing this family through their first maternity session, their first baby, and now as they prepare to welcome another little one. Watching their family grow and documenting each chapter has been such a beautiful journey.

    Before arriving, I stopped at Broken Tart for a coffee one of my favorite spots in Oak Park. The day was warm and sunny, the kind that makes everything feel golden. Their backyard was the perfect setting for a relaxed, love-filled session. Oak Park always has such a special energy, and I love photographing families here.

    Planning Your Chicago Family Maternity Session

    There’s something so intimate about photographing a family in their own backyard. It’s familiar and comfortable, which allows everyone to relax and truly be themselves. This family’s yard became the perfect backdrop for both playful and tender moments. Barefoot steps in the grass, quiet embraces, and laughter all came together to tell the story of this season in their lives.

    Photographing Milestones Over Time

    One of the best parts of being a photographer is building relationships with families over the years. I’ve had the joy of documenting this couple’s journey from their first maternity session to the newborn days, and now this chapter as they prepare to welcome another baby. Each time I return, I see new growth, new joy, and deeper connections. It’s such a privilege to preserve these milestones so they can be remembered for years to come.

    Embracing Spunky Toddlers

    Toddlers bring so much life to a session. Their energy is unpredictable and fun, and that’s exactly what makes the photographs so genuine. This little one kept us all laughing with her big personality, playful spirit, and contagious smile. I love working with spunky toddlers because they challenge me creatively, but they also bring out some of the most heartfelt and authentic moments.

    Why I Love Photographing in Oak Park

    Oak Park is one of my favorite suburbs to work in. It has beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and a warm sense of community that always shows through in sessions. Whether I’m photographing in a family’s backyard, on a quiet porch, or exploring one of the parks, Oak Park offers a timeless and cozy backdrop for family and maternity photography.

    Final Thoughts

    This Oak Park maternity and family session was filled with love, laughter, and anticipation for the little one soon to join them. It reminded me once again why I do what I do to capture not just images, but stories of connection, growth, and love. As a Chicago family and maternity photographer, I feel so honored to walk alongside families during these seasons and create memories that will be treasured forever.

    Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips.

  • Cozy Maternity Photography at Home in Chicago

    Cozy Maternity Photography at Home in Chicago

    For Cozy Maternity Photography in Chicago, I come to you. This means we photograph in your home, a truly comfortable space. These sessions are about real moments, not stiff poses. We focus on genuine emotions and the love that fills your home. I’ll capture quiet anticipation and shared laughter. Also, those tender glances truly tell your story. Ultimately, it’s about being yourselves, soaking in this amazing journey.

    Just look at these beautiful family glimpses! Here, a mom-to-be radiates joy, connecting with her little one. Perhaps a sibling is eager to meet the new arrival. Then, there’s that sweet, intimate embrace between parents. It’s a quiet moment of connection amidst excitement. Plus, we see lovely, unposed interactions. This might be calm reflection by a sunlit window. Or perhaps a shared activity, speaking to your everyday life. These are the real, heartfelt memories we’ll create together. They reflect the warmth and love that make your family unique.

    Ultimately, Cozy Maternity Photography in Chicago celebrates you. It’s about your love and the miracle of new life. My goal is simple: to capture your bump, yes, but also the essence of this special time. Think of the dreams, the anticipation, and your unwavering bond. These photographs won’t just be pictures. Instead, they’ll be tangible memories, a beautiful narrative of your journey. You’ll cherish them, share them, and look back with warmth for generations. So, let’s create something truly personal and heartfelt.

    oyful family moment during at-home maternity photography session in Chicago
    mom and big brother in a big embrace cozy maternity photography
    Mother-to-be smiling by a window with soft natural light
  • North Riverside maternity photographer | In-Home Lifestyle

    North Riverside maternity photographer | In-Home Lifestyle

    Finding the right North Riverside maternity photographer is all about finding someone who understands your style. Specifically, for this session, we stayed in the comfort of Erin’s home. As a result, it was the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, lifestyle session.

    There is a unique magic to capturing the anticipation of motherhood within your own walls. Recently, I had the joy of creating that magic for Erin. Because we chose her living space for the session, the setting was both serene and intimate. Consequently, this allowed her natural beauty to shine through. The comfort of her own home truly allowed her to relax. Therefore, we were able to capture genuine and heartfelt images. For anyone considering a session, know that we can create a personalized experience. In fact, my goal is to capture the essence of this special time in your life.

    North Riverside IL Indoor Maternity Photography

    Honestly, Erin’s family was the best! It was not about perfectly posed shots at all. Instead, it was all about capturing those genuine, in-between moments. Her partner was very present. Furthermore, you could feel the real love and excitement in every room. They truly made my job as a North Riverside maternity photographer easy.

    Also, we have to mention the pups! Surprisingly, they were total naturals. They just wandered in and out, thereby adding an adorable, unscripted element to the day. Because we let things unfold naturally, we captured the real laughter and warmth of their home. Ultimately, it was not about creating a picture-perfect scene. Rather, it was about capturing the true, candid essence of their family. You could just feel the love filling the room. In the end, that is what made the photos so incredibly special.”

    A couple sharing a tender moment while sitting on a couch in a sunlit room, with the woman visibly pregnant and the man gently touching her face.
    A pregnant woman gently cradles her belly while sitting on a couch, with large windows in the background letting in soft natural light. north riverside il maternity photography
    A black and white image of a couple lying on a bed, embracing and sharing a kiss.
    A family of four sitting on a bed with two dogs. A woman pets a small dog while a boy sits next to her. A man is interacting with another dog, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.
    A pregnant woman in a green top and jeans gently cradles her belly while standing in front of a mirror, reflecting a soft interior with floral wallpaper.

    If you are looking for a North Riverside maternity photographer, I recommend booking during your second trimester. This ensures we have a date on the calendar for when you are around 30-34 weeks along. Whether your home is filled with natural light or cozy shadows, we will create something timeless together.