As a Jefferson Park baby photographer, capturing babies at this age is one of my favorite things. I first worked with Mara’s parents during their maternity session, and watching them grow into the family they are today has been such a joy. When they reached out for Mara’s 9-month milestone, I couldn’t wait to finally meet her. She was absolutely gorgeous and full of the best smiles.
An Outdoor Start for a Jefferson Park Baby Photographer
We started at a favorite local park in Chicago, the same spot from their maternity photos. The evening light was beautiful. The mosquitoes, however, had other plans. We quickly realized we needed to move, and headed to their nearby home instead. As a Jefferson Park baby photographer, I’m always ready to pivot some of my favorite sessions have started exactly this way.
Transitioning to a Lifestyle Session at Home
I did not mind the change at all. In fact, their beautiful bungalow was the perfect backdrop for my work. Capturing babies in their own space is always joyous. Because they are in a familiar place, their curiosity truly shines. Mara’s eyes were full of wonder. Additionally, every new experience was met with amazement.
As a chicago family photographer, I love seeing how families document these days. I noticed photographs displayed all over their home. Moreover, I could see Mara’s progression from a tiny infant to a little person. I hope this family remembers these days fondly. As a result of our move indoors, we captured some of my favorite nursing and crib moments.
Documenting Milestones in Chicago
The days are long, but the years are very short. Therefore, I focus on “honesty over poses” in every session. Seeing Mara at nine months old was a treat. She is becoming such a vibrant little person. Finally, stay tuned for more milestones from this sweet girl!
Itasca IL Newborn Photographer: Welcoming Baby Lucy
As an Itasca IL newborn photographer, I find that visiting repeat clients is completely magical. Time is so beautiful and fleeting. Whenever I get a chance to work with families again, it feels like I have come full circle. To be validated in that way is a beautiful thing for any artist. Furthermore, knowing how much my work means to a growing family is truly heartwarming.
The Colello family is beyond kind and welcoming. Initially, I photographed them in their home with their brand new baby boy three years ago. Recently, they expanded their little family by one sweet baby girl named Lucy. Coincidentally, she is the mirror image of her big brother! Mom told me she felt like she gave birth to the same baby twice. Consequently, it is hilarious to see how similar sibling genes can be.
Toddler Fun with an Itasca IL Newborn Photographer
It can be a challenge to work with toddlers and a new baby simultaneously. However, I feel like those are my favorite types of sessions to document! Although toddlers can be difficult to pose, they are also so much fun to observe. I consider myself a baby person through and through. Specifically, by toddlerhood, a child’s whole personality is vibrant and 100% unique.
It often takes extra work to get a toddler to warm up to a stranger in their home. But sweet big brother William was very open and excited for me to be there. In addition, he was eager to show off his new sister to the camera. Finding an Itasca IL newborn photographer who understands the wild energy of a toddler is key to a successful, stress-free session.
Capturing the Chaos and Beauty
We spent our time together in the kitchen and the nursery. Specifically, I loved capturing the quiet moments by the large window.As a Chicago Newborn Photographer, because the lighting was so soft and natural, the images feel completely timeless. They were a blast to work with once again. Finally, I hope that they love these images and cherish them for many lifetimes to come.
At-home sessions possess a timeless quality that never fades. Being an At Home Documentary Newborn photographer is so joyful. | Baby Cullen Chicago Session, I recently had the profound pleasure of documenting little Cullen’s first days in the city. He arrived a week early and, quite simply, he is a magnificent boy. Initially, I had been anticipating his arrival with great excitement after working with his parents for their maternity session. Therefore, witnessing their transition into parenthood felt like a beautiful, cohesive narrative.
Documentary Storytelling with a Chicago Newborn Photographer
Being an At Home Documentary Newborn has its advantages. I get to use my baby fever to make beautiful images for my clients , I have learned that the most beautiful moments are the ones that happen in the quiet in-betweens. Consequently, this session became a natural extension of the family’s own rhythm. Their home served as a stunning canvas of soft, natural light and intentional textures. In addition, I must mention their charming feline companions. While I am typically a dog person, these cats possessed a cool demeanor that was undeniably endearing.
Morning Light and Acoustic Rhythms in Chicago
Our time together felt entirely effortless. However, Dad is still working on his comedic timing! Allyson and I shared a laugh as he tried to recall a new joke. Similarly, I hope to hear an update on his storytelling progress during our next session. Choosing an experienced At home Documentary Newborn photographer in chicago allows for these authentic, unscripted moments—like the impromptu guitar playing and dancing that closed our morning. Specifically, it was the most perfect ending to a magical rainy day in the city.
Finally, As a Chicago Newborn photographer I believe these images serve as a curated legacy for their growing family. If you are seeking design-forward inspiration for your own family’s home aesthetic, I highly recommend exploring the curated collections at Post 27 Chicago for unique local textures and furniture. This type of intentionality in your home environment truly elevates the final look of your documentary session.
The Chicago Storytelling Photographer Guide: A Cinematic Approach
Storytelling photography is more than just a style; it is a philosophy of preservation. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the Lunde family in the Chicago suburbs to document their transition into life with five children. Initially, many families worry that “real life” is too messy for the camera. However, as a Chicago storytelling photographer dedicated to this craft, I believe the chaos is exactly where the art lives. In a city known for its architectural grit and soulful neighborhoods, capturing the “real” is what sets a design-led brand apart..
The Storyboard Philosophy of a Chicago Storytelling Photographer
Interestingly, my approach to photography didn’t start with technical manuals; it started with the way I saw the world as a young photographer. Even then, I found myself structuring my sessions with the final blog post already living in my mind. Specifically, I envision a session as a literal comic book strip or a series of cinematic scenes.
That is simply how it has always worked in my mind. I pick locations that lend themselves to the way a family moves. Because of this mental framework, I don’t just look for a “pretty background.” Instead, I hunt for locations—like the industrial lines of the West Loop or a sprawling North Aurora farm—that act as a stage for natural choreography. Consequently, my sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a documentary film set.
Why a Chicago Storytelling Photographer Focuses on Documentary Style
When you are welcoming baby number five, life is in constant motion. In addition, a storytelling approach allows a mother like Kayla to simply be with her children. While traditional portraits can feel stiff, documentary sessions allow for a depth of character that a studio cannot provide.
Furthermore, Chicago families often have deep roots in specific neighborhoods. Whether it’s a brownstone in Wicker Park or a sprawling farm in North Aurora, the environment dictates the mood. As a result, the location becomes a silent narrator of your family’s journey. In my mind, the photos are frames in a strip that tell the story of your home.
How to Structure a Storytelling Session
To illustrate my process, I view a session through three distinct “acts,” much like a film:
The Close-Up (The Detail): Finally, I focus on the small things—a baby’s hand, a textured blanket, or the way a parent’s eyes look when they are tired but happy.
The Establishing Shot: We start with the environment. I capture the family interacting with the space—the scale of the house, the light in the yard, and the general “vibe” of the morning.
The Interaction (The Comic Strip): This is where the movement happens. I encourage activities like cooking, walking, or playing. Specifically, I am looking for the transitions—the moments between the big actions where the real emotion hides.
The Design Brand Aesthetic: Curating Your Home Archive
Indeed, a storytelling session is enhanced by the environment, but it does not require a showroom-perfect house. Instead, it requires intentionality. To elevate the aesthetic of your documentary photos, I look for the “design soul” of your home—the way light hit a well-worn velvet chair or the scattered grain of a wooden dining table where your family actually eats. Ultimately, when your environment reflects your lived-in taste, the photography feels like a high-end design brand feature rather than a staged set.
Textures as Visual Legacy
Similarly, think about the “textures” of your daily life. Because I focus on the tactile details—the weight of a hand-knit blanket or the patina on a vintage dresser—those design choices become vital characters in your visual legacy. Specifically, I am searching for the elements that tell the story of who you are in this moment. Thus, the “design” isn’t about buying new things; it is about appreciating the curated layers of your home as the backdrop for your future heirlooms.
Drawing Inspiration from Chicago’s Visual History
In addition to my own “comic strip” model, I look to the city’s history for inspiration. Specifically, I am moved by how light interacts with our architectural landscape. I highly recommend visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Photography Collection. You can see how masters have captured the “Chicago story” for a century. Indeed, studying these works helps refine the eye for cinematic moments.
Styling Your Family for the Narrative
Often, I am asked what families should wear. Instead of matching outfits, I suggest a “Design-Forward” approach. For example, choose colors that complement your home’s interior.
Movement is Key: Wear clothes you can live in. If you can’t dance or chase a toddler, don’t wear it.
Avoid Logos: They distract from the emotional connection.
Embrace Texture: Think knits and linens. Specifically, textures photograph beautifully in Chicago morning light.
A Connection That Spans Generations
The youngest son in this session, B, often takes a moment to warm up. However, he and I were the best of friends by the end. Similarly, I think he remembers our history together. I was present for his own birth. It is a profound privilege for a Chicago storytelling photographer to see birth clients growing up. Specifically, it was the perfect way to spend a golden evening at the farm.
The Final Frame: Why We Document
Finally, storytelling photography is about the power of the present. Thus, whether it is a birth or a Tuesday afternoon, these images ensure your strength is never forgotten. In conclusion, by choosing a documentary approach, you choose truth over trends. You are creating a “comic strip” of your life. Your children will read it for decades to come.
I am happy to say that I am both a baby person and a dog person. As a Logan Square newborn photographer, sessions that include both are some of my absolute favorites. I have to say that big brother pup Norbert and adorable baby Reese did not disappoint. Clearly, I am still so in love with that name!
Newborn sessions can be comical because of their unpredictability. Babies do what babies do, so we just roll with the punches. In addition, I find that new parents often apologize for their tiredness. It is such a new world to navigate. Therefore, I simply show up to capture the beauty in the midst of the haze.
Sara and Matt created a beautiful space for their growing family. I learned that little miss Reese was beautifully named after her maternal grandma. This is such a sweet tribute. During the session, we chatted about the era of zoom baby showers. We also discussed how lovely it is to have a private delivery suite without a crowd. Indeed, sometimes there really is a silver lining to everything.
The Beauty of At-Home Details
When you are looking for a Logan Square newborn photographer, you want to capture the “real” stuff. This includes the cozy nursery, the family pets, and the genuine connection. Consequently, this documentary-style session was a perfect example of why at-home photography is so special. We focused on the quiet moments and the unique details of Reese’s first days in Chicago.
Why Choose Lifestyle Photography?
As a Chicago Newborn Photographer I feel like lifestyle photography allows families to feel comfortable in their own environment. There is no pressure to be “perfect.” Instead, we focus on the love that fills the room. Specifically, we look for the small interactions that make your family unique. Whether it is a snuggle on the couch or a quiet moment in the nursery, these memories are the ones that last a lifetime.
In conclusion, as an experienced Logan Square newborn photographer, I specialize in capturing these fleeting, honest moments for Chicago families. I love working in the comfort of your own home to tell your unique story.
After a lovely session I get some coffee at a woman owned shop Allez Cafe
I believe that one of the favorite parts of my job is the storytelling. As an Edgewater newborn photographer, I have the joy and honor to capture full stories for growing families. I often meet them right when they find out their life will change. Subsequently, I get a chance to see them at different points on the road to that change.
For Hannah and Eric, I know this journey looked quite different. Being pregnant during a pandemic was surely an experience on its own. Still, we managed to capture all of the beauty of this incredible journey they were on. If you haven’t seen them yet, you can take a peek at their Maternity session and their emotional Home birth story. Being their Whole story photographer and more important their Chicago Newborn photographer for this session was the greatest honor.
Life at Home in Edgewater
Now that they have transitioned from homebirth to a full home, the storytelling continues. As an Edgewater newborn photographer, I love seeing how a space transforms once a baby arrives. The nursery is full, the light is soft, and the connection is deeper than ever. In addition, lifestyle sessions at home allow for a relaxed pace that newborn babies truly need.
Edgewater Baby Photography and Community Support
Furthermore, I always encourage my Chicago clients to look into local support systems during the postpartum period. Specifically, the Family Connects Chicago program offers wonderful in-home nurse visits. Indeed, having that extra layer of support makes the transition to a “full home” much smoother.
Why Choose an Edgewater Newborn Photographer?
When you choose a local photographer, you are choosing someone who understands the unique charm of your neighborhood. Specifically, Edgewater homes offer beautiful natural light and character that make for perfect documentary backdrops. Moreover, staying at home for your session eliminates the stress of traveling with a newborn.
In conclusion, capturing Hannah and Eric’s transition into parenthood has been a highlight of my career. Essentially, my goal is to document the “real” moments that you will cherish forever.
As an Edgewater birth photographer, I believe that each birth I attend is a beautiful unfolding story. While every client and lighting situation is different, first-time parents often share a similar energy. They are all at the precipice of a life-changing moment unlike anything they have experienced before. I can always sense the nervousness and the profound anticipation in the air.
When I arrived at the apartment, Hannah was spending time in the bathroom, challenge-lit by a single candle. In moments like this, where my lens struggles to find the subject, I choose to freelens. Because I trust that thin slice of focus, I am able to capture the raw emotion of the room. It reminded me of stories I have read before of women birthing in quiet, sacred spaces. Clearly, she craved the coziness of that room, and it seemed to soothe her during labor.
Synchronicity and Support
I also witnessed a beautiful togetherness between the two of them. As a Chicago birth photographer, seeing a couple move with such synchronicity is a mighty thing to witness. Eric was a phenomenal birth partner. However, Hannah’s vigor and courage were the true stars of the show. She moved that baby down by trusting her body and allowing herself to be completely vulnerable.
Finding Purpose in the Labor Room
Perhaps there is nothing but vulnerability allowed at home births, and that is truly the beauty of them. My job is to capture these fleeting moments. Furthermore, with every birth I attend, I leave with an even deeper sense of purpose. The unique way a mother labors always leaves me breathless. Specifically, a rush of love for life fills me to the brim every time a new soul arrives.
In conclusion, I am so grateful to be a part of these stories. If you are looking for a Chicago birth photographer to document your own journey, I would love to connect. For more information on local birthing options, you can visit the Chicago Volunteer Doulas website for wonderful community resources.
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.
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 home. If you’re a new parent and or a new parent to be know that all the parent cliches are one thousand percent true! Every single one of them. I know I have a special chance to document their childhood and I should take more advantage of that. I can’t wait to have more freesom and explore the city of Chicago with these two more if we can’t venture out further. Life is changing but, it is also coming together at the same time.
Potempa Family Porch Session | Downers Grove Family Photographer
I recently visited this lovely family in the heart of Illinois. It had been quite some time since I last saw them. In fact, their baby boy was only one year old during our last session! Seeing him as a protective big brother was the highlight of our morning. As a Downers Grove family photography lover, I am always struck by this town. It is beautiful and cinematic. Specifically, the historic architecture and tree-lined streets provide a soulful backdrop for unscripted moments.
Capturing families as a Downers Grove family photography session during our time together, I had the pleasure of meeting their sweet newest family member. The way her older brother watched over her was incredibly moving. As a Chicago Newborn Photographer I believe that Instead of forced, traditional poses, we focused on the raw, quiet moments of them getting to know each other on their own front porch. Because of this unposed approach, the gallery reflects the true energy of their home.
Additionally, front porch sessions offer a unique opportunity to capture a family’s “visual legacy” in a place that holds immense meaning. Whether it’s the porch where they spend summer evenings or the front steps where they welcome friends, these locations add a layer of soul to the storytelling. You can see more examples of my at-home documentary work here.
Planning Your Experience in the West Suburbs
If you are looking for a Downers Grove family photographer who values “honesty over poses,” there are a few things to consider for your session. First, the light in Downers Grove is particularly beautiful during the “Golden Hour.” However, for a porch session, we can often find soft, flattering light at various times of the day.
Ultimately, my goal is to document your family exactly as you are. From the loud laughter to the quiet glances, these are the moments you will want to remember for a lifetime. If you are ready to tell your story, I would love to chat. You can also explore more of my Chicago and West Suburbs portfolio for inspiration. For those looking to explore the area further, the Downers Grove Park District offers some of the most scenic natural trails in the region, perfect for a lifestyle session.
