Beach Sessions Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Indiana Dunes Maternity Session | Early Morning Portraits

A Soulful Indiana Dunes Maternity Session

This Indiana Dunes maternity session was a beautiful, sun-drenched experience. We originally scheduled this shoot for a different day, but we had to reschedule due to dreary weather. My client had a specific vision for her gallery. She wanted her body and their love captured in a way that felt bright and intentional. Therefore, we met on this beautiful sunny morning, and the results were stunning.

Capturing Light and Shadows at the Beach

J, looked radiant throughout the morning. She was so excited about her Indiana Dunes maternity session, and the water suited her perfectly. She floated at the top of the lake, her full belly looking peaceful under the sun. Furthermore, her partner was super protective and happy to go with the flow. This shoot allowed me to slow down and search for beautiful ways to capture the shadows and light my client longed to see.

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A tall tree with a dense canopy of green leaves against a light gray sky.

Expectant parents walking along the shore at Indiana Dunes

Why Choose the Indiana Dunes for Maternity Portraits?

The beach offers a unique backdrop for documentary-style photography. Specifically, the tall grass and the rocks provide texture that you can’t find in a studio. Although we had to deal with the shifting morning light, it was a great reminder that creativity is special. By focusing on raw connection during this Indiana Dunes maternity session, we created a gallery that tells a story of anticipation and deep love.

Expectant parents at Indiana Dunes National Park

Black and white image of a pregnant woman holding her belly, wearing a white bra and underwear, with a light shawl draped over one arm, standing in front of rocky terrain.

A pregnant woman in a white bikini and cover-up stands against a backdrop of large rocks, with one hand on her head and the other on her belly, posing in a serene manner.

Pregnant woman in a white bikini standing near large rocks, with her hands on her belly and eyes closed, exuding a serene expression.

Black and white maternity photography Indiana Dunes

Planning Your Beach Maternity Photoshoot

Usually, I recommend booking your beach session during the early morning or golden hour. This ensures the softest light for your skin. If you are looking for an amazing maternity photographer, I would love to chat with you. We can work together to find a date that matches your vision. Furthermore, please visit my Maternity Portfolio to see more of my work with growing families. I love following my clients as their stories grow over time.

A pregnant woman in a white top and flowing fabric stands on a sandy beach, leaning against large rocks with trees in the background during sunset.

A woman in a flowing white garment stands on rocky beach terrain, with water in the background, captured in black and white.

A pregnant woman in a white bikini and cover-up stands on a sandy beach, posing with one hand on her belly, in front of a backdrop of rocks and trees at sunset.

Close up of pregnant belly Indiana Dunes maternity session

A woman holding her open shawl in front of the lake during sunset, captured in black and white.

Pregnant woman gently cradling her baby bump while standing by the seashore, wearing a flowy kimono.

Pregnant mother sitting on a rock during a beach maternity shoot

A black and white photo of a couple in an outdoor setting, standing close together amidst tall grass, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

A couple standing in a natural setting, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background. The man is shirtless, wearing jeans, while the woman is wrapped in a light fabric, creating an intimate and soft atmosphere.

Tall grass and beach textures at Indiana Dunes for maternity photos

A pregnant woman poses in a serene outdoor setting, partially covered with a light fabric, showcasing her baby bump against a blurred background of grass and water.

A silhouette of a person is visible behind a white sheet hanging from a branch, with the serene ocean in the background. The image is in black and white, highlighting shadows and textures.

A pregnant woman dressed in a flowing white garment poses outdoors, gazing thoughtfully upwards with a soft expression, surrounded by trees and sunlight.

Pregnant woman floating in Lake Michigan for a maternity session

A couple standing in shallow water at the beach during sunset, with the woman showing her baby bump and the man embracing her from behind.

A pregnant woman in a white bikini and flowing coverup stands on a beach, gazing upwards with a serene expression as lake waves gently lapping at the shore.

A pregnant person sitting on the sand, gently holding their belly. The image is in black and white, capturing a serene and intimate moment.

Pregnant woman standing on the beach by the water, wearing a bikini top and draped in a white shawl.

A couple smiling and embracing each other while wrapped in a towel on a beach, with rocks and trees in the background.

February 7, 2024

Evanston Beach Family photographer | The Kurani Family

There is a quiet peace during a family session by the lake. First, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I love the light at Lake Michigan. The Kurani family session was a great example of this. In fact, we had a warm, golden day in October. It felt just like summer.

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mom and daughter noses touching Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

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mom holding her daughter and laughing Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

kids surrounding running about parents Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A black and white photo of a father and son, with the son playfully hugging the father's neck from behind, both smiling against a stone wall background.

A young girl peeks out from behind her parents, smiling joyfully. The family is dressed casually, with the girl between her mother and father, creating a warm and playful scene.

Next, we walked along the shore and the grass. Because the Evanston beaches have so much variety, we got many different looks. We took photos of the kids running. We also caught quiet moments by the water. The clouds were soft. So, the light was perfect for the family. It made their laughter stand out against the blue water. See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

family near overgrown beach house Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

moms face near son Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

hug between son and dad Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A young girl sitting on a log in a grassy area, wearing a yellow floral dress and a light cardigan, smiling joyfully.

whole family on the sand Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A woman in a patterned yellow dress and denim jacket is pointing while standing on a sandy trail, surrounded by greenery, with two children looking on attentively.

Evanston IL family beach session near the water

parents twirling their kids around Evanston IL family beach session near the water

A mother and daughter walking hand in hand along the shoreline, with gentle waves around their feet. The mother is wearing a denim jacket and a patterned dress, while the daughter is in a floral dress.

Additionally, many families ask why I recommend the beach for their portraits. However, once they see the open sky and feel the sand between their toes, they understand. During this Evanston session, the kids had the freedom to run and be themselves. For example, we didn’t focus on stiff posing. Instead, we captured the doting way the parents looked at their children and the joy of being together outside.

Finally, these sessions are about more than just a pretty location. They are about documenting the love and care your family has for one another. Moreover, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I strive to make these moments feel effortless. It was truly a joy to be their photographer in the heart of Evanston, IL. Whether you are new to the area or a long-time local, the lake is always a worthy backdrop for your memories.

Can’t wait for summer and more family sessions by the beach this is one of my favorite locations. Parking is always available and accessible. I will always suggest this location to my clients who want water and sand. Summer as a Chicago Family Photographer is peak joy.

December 28, 2022

Hyde Park family photography | Mayorca family story

Hyde Park Family Photography: Finding Home with the Mayorcas

Throughout our whole session, I felt a deep connection to this family’s story. We met for Hyde Park family photography on a beautiful day, but our conversation went far beyond the scenery. Actually, it was heartbreaking to hear their longing for their original home in Venezuela. Yet, the way I saw them, it was clear that despite being forced to migrate, they have found home within each other. They truly radiated belonging.

A black-and-white image of a couple embracing and smiling, with a sailboat in the background.

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A Story of Connection and Belonging

Their children were so connected and beautiful during the shoot at the South Shore Cultural Center. Specifically, we chatted about the struggle to hold onto native tongues for our kids and the way words online can hurt. Because I prioritize “honesty over poses,” I focused on capturing the raw love that defines my approach to Hyde Park family photography. Consequently, these images serve as a testament to their resilience and their unbreakable family bond.

The Timeless Beauty of the South Shore

The backdrop of the beach and the historic architecture provided the perfect setting for this session. Furthermore, choosing Hyde Park family photography allowed us to find quiet corners where their story could unfold naturally. Home is wherever you are, and for the Mayorcas, home is clearly in the arms of one another. I hope they one day return to their native land, but for now, I am grateful to make new friendships in this city I have adopted as my own.

Two young girls running on a sandy beach towards sailboats, with tall grass and trees in the background. One girl wears a blue dress and the other wears a light colored outfit. An adult couple is seen hugging near the sailboats.

Preserving Your Family’s Unique Story

Every session is an opportunity to document a unique visual legacy. In addition, capturing these moments of transition and connection is why I love my work. Also, these images will remind the Mayorca children of the strength their parents showed during this season of their lives. By documenting their family, we have created a permanent record of their love in a beautiful Chicago landmark.

A collage of two young girls with curly hair, smiling, and sharing a moment together. One girl wears a navy dress and a pink headband, while the other wears a white lace top with a blue headband. They are outdoors, showing a relaxed atmosphere.

Close-up of a person with curly hair standing outdoors, with tall grass in the background. Hyde Park family photography

A family walking together through tall grass during sunset, with sunlight illuminating the scene. Hyde Park family photography

A woman in a red floral dress walking in a grassy field holding hands with two young girls, one wearing a white dress and the other dressed casually.

A joyful family moment in a grassy field during sunset, featuring a woman in a red floral dress with two girls, one in a white jacket and the other in a lighter outfit, sharing a playful embrace.

A happy family of four enjoying a moment outdoors, with a father holding his smiling daughter while a mother looks on affectionately, and another daughter gazes up at them.

A man smiles while embracing a child in a field during sunset, captured in black and white.

A family enjoying time together outdoors, with a man holding a child, two girls smiling at the camera, and a woman standing nearby in a grassy field.

A group of four children and adults walking on a wooden path surrounded by tall grass during golden hour, with one girl in the foreground joyfully running ahead.

A couple embracing in a grassy field at sunset, with the woman wearing a red floral dress and the man in a light blue shirt.

A couple embraces outdoors during sunset, surrounded by tall grass, with warm light illuminating their faces.

A warm and joyful family portrait featuring a man and woman surrounded by three young girls on a pathway through tall grass. The adults and children are playfully interacting, showcasing happiness and love. The scene is captured during sunset, creating a golden light atmosphere.

Silhouette of a family standing in tall grass at sunset, with a woman holding a child and a man lifting another child in his arms. Hyde Park family photography

A family standing on a grassy hill, with a man holding a child on his hip, while a woman in a red dress stands beside them, all looking towards the sky. Hyde Park family photography

A family of four enjoying a day outdoors in a grassy area, with the parents embracing their two daughters. One daughter is playfully perched on the mother's back, while the other is nestled in the father's arms. The scene conveys love and togetherness. Hyde Park family photography

A romantic couple embracing and sharing a kiss in a grassy outdoor setting, with a blurred background featuring a river and distant buildings.

A couple sitting in a grassy field, smiling at each other while holding hands. The woman is wearing a red floral dress, and the man is in a light blue shirt, gently touching her face.

A joyful family of four standing in grass, with two young girls hugging their mother, who is wearing a red floral dress. The father stands behind them, all of them smiling and looking at each other against a serene sky. Hyde Park family photography

A woman standing on a wooden pathway surrounded by tall grass and greenery, with trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Hyde Park family photography

A collage of black-and-white and color images featuring a family outdoors, including a mother, father, and two daughters, engaged in joyful moments. Hyde Park family photography

A couple sitting together on a log in a natural setting, surrounded by trees and tall grass, with a serene background of water and a soft sunset sky. Hyde Park family photography

A family walking on the beach at sunset, with two children holding hands with an adult. One child is running while the others stroll leisurely. Hyde Park family photography

A group of children and an adult walking along a beach at sunset, with boats in the background. One child has curly hair and is wearing a dark outfit, while another is wearing a red dress with a floral pattern. Hyde Park family photography

A couple joyfully holding hands on the beach, surrounded by children playing in the sand during a sunset, with scenic greenery in the background. Hyde Park family photography

A couple embracing on a beach during sunset, showcasing affection and connection. Hyde Park family photography Hyde Park family photography

A couple joyfully holding hands while laughing near the beach at sunset, with footprints in the sand. Hyde Park family photography

A woman laughing joyfully while facing a man at the beach, with water and trees in the background during sunset. Hyde Park family photography

A family of four walking along a sandy beach at sunset, with a calm sea in the background. Hyde Park family photography

A colorful sky at dusk featuring soft clouds with shades of pink and blue. Hyde Park family photography

Booking Your Soulful Chicago Session

As a Chicago Family Photographer If you want to document your own family’s journey, I would love to tell your story. Whether you need a South Shore family session or a session in the west suburbs, my focus is always on the raw and real. Also, you can view my full portfolio and current pricing here. To conclude, the Hyde Park neighborhood remains one of my favorite local spots for its timeless beauty and depth.

October 8, 2019

Jackson Park Maternity Photographer | Beach Session

We headed to the beach at Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side for her maternity session the warmth of Lake Michigan that August made it feel like a completely different world. As a Jackson Park maternity photographer, I am still flabbergasted by this mama’s beauty and her steady energy. Sometimes in this line of work, you get to meet truly calm and powerful souls who make documenting motherhood feel like pure magic.

Pregnant woman sitting on the sand, gently cradling her belly while wearing an orange bikini. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

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Planning Your Session with a Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

Working as a Jackson Park maternity photographer allows me to offer my clients incredible variety, but on this day, the water was our focus. Given the high temperatures that week, the beach was the only place to stay comfortable. The typical icy lake had turned lukewarm and refreshing, providing a serene environment for her “goddess” inspired portraits.

To say that she made my job easy would be an understatement; she looked like she was naturally made for basking in the sun. Jackson Park offers such a poetic backdrop for these stories, blending the wildness of the water with the quiet strength of the surrounding landscape. As a Chicago Maternity Photographer whether we are in the Japanese Gardens or on the sand, the South Side has a soul all its own.

A smiling pregnant woman sitting on the sand, wearing a strapless top and jewelry, with a natural background of grass and sunlight. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

Documenting Your Visual Legacy in Chicago

As a Chicago maternity photographer, I love when a location mirrors a mother’s internal power. This session was about more than just the scenery; it was about documenting the transition into motherhood. These photos represent the beginning of a visual legacy that your children will look back on for years to come.

Whether you are planning a birth at home or a hospital delivery, these moments are fleeting and precious. To give you an update, she had her birth shortly after our session. The same beautiful plan she told me about, she brought to fruition. Every birth story is beautiful, and every mama deserves to have her strength captured with grace and authenticity.

A pregnant woman stands confidently in various poses among tall grass, captured in both color and black-and-white photography. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman kneeling on a sandy beach, wearing a patterned brown bikini top and surrounded by tall grass. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman in a bikini stands in tall grass, holding a stick, with a serene expression and soft sunlight illuminating the scene. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

Pregnant woman smiling while lounging on sandy beach, wearing a bikini top and enjoying the sun. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman in a patterned bikini stands confidently on a sandy beach, silhouetted against the sun. She holds her belly with one hand while posing gracefully.

Pregnant woman in a bikini standing on a sandy beach, looking confidently to the side with her hands on her hips, illuminated by warm sunlight. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A triptych image featuring a pregnant woman in various poses by the beach in black and white, showcasing her confidence and beauty against a natural backdrop.

A pregnant woman in a bikini stands confidently against a clear blue sky, showcasing her baby bump. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman wearing a stylish bikini poses gracefully on a sandy beach, with soft sunlight illuminating her silhouette. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A woman in a swimsuit sitting on a rock at the beach, smiling with a palm frond in her hand, with the ocean and clear blue sky in the background. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A close-up portrait of a woman with short hair, wearing a strapless patterned dress, whose face is partially illuminated by shadows created by palm leaves. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman sitting on rocks by a body of water, holding a palm frond, with sunlight reflecting on the water. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman standing in shallow water, holding her belly, with a serene expression and a clear sky in the background.

A pregnant woman sitting on a rock in the water, enjoying the sun and the serene landscape. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman sitting on the beach, wearing a bikini, with a serene expression and ocean waves in the background. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

A pregnant woman sitting by the ocean, smiling contentedly with her eyes closed, enjoying the sun and the waves.

A pregnant woman standing in the ocean, showcasing her baby bump, in black and white and color photos.

A pregnant woman standing in shallow water, wearing a brown bikini, with one arm raised behind her head and a serene expression, showcasing her baby bump.

A pregnant woman standing in the ocean, smiling and holding her belly. The image features three different views: two in color and one in black and white, with a clear sky in the background.

Pregnant woman standing in shallow water at the beach, wearing a bikini, with a serene expression and hand on her belly.

A pregnant woman poses gracefully on the beach at sunset, emphasizing her baby bump.

A pregnant woman in a brown bikini top sits on sandy ground, surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a warm sunset in the background.

August 6, 2019

Traveling Family Photographer Chicago | The Kerns Family in NC

From Online Connection to North Carolina: A Travel Story

I met Lydia online years ago in a private group for mothers, and ultimately, we were meant to be real-life friends. She is one of those rare souls who can kindly tell you exactly how you’re wrong without ever making you feel bad for it. When she invited me to her new home in North Carolina to document her family, I didn’t hesitate. Working as a traveling family photographer in Chicago means I often get the chance to follow stories wherever they lead.

Specifically, capturing this slice of their love in a brand-new setting was such an honor. Their family is authentically beautiful, and that baby! Basically, she gave me the most intense baby fever I’ve had in years. I loved getting to see their dynamic in person after years of digital friendship.

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The Heart of a Traveling Family Photographer from Chicago

Because I prioritize unscripted, documentary moments, I find that traveling to a client’s home—regardless of the zip code—creates the most honest results. Whether I am documenting a morning in Oak Park or a weekend in North Carolina, my goal is the same: to preserve your visual legacy. Consequently, the location becomes a character in your story, reflecting a specific chapter of your life.

Ultimately, this trip reminded me why I love my job. I left North Carolina feeling inspired and full of gratitude for the way photography turns “internet friends” into lifelong “IRL friends.” We definitely need to plan a girls’ trip soon!

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Planning Your Destination Session

If you are looking for a traveling family photographer from Chicago to join you on your next adventure or document your life in a new city, I would love to chat. Specifically, I specialize in travel sessions that feel less like a photoshoot and more like a day spent with a friend. Let’s capture the magic of your family, wherever you call home. As a Chicago Family Photographer incredible sessions like this make me so happy. Another favorite Travel Session happened recently for a Fresno Maternity Session.