Category: chicago family

  • River Forest Woods Session | Earthy Lifestyle Photography

    River Forest Woods Session | Earthy Lifestyle Photography

    River Forest Woods Session: A Little Time in the Sun

    If you are looking for the perfect natural backdrop, a River Forest woods session offers some of the most beautiful light in the Chicago area. Recently, an amazing company reached out for a commercial lifestyle shoot in this very location. Consequently, I headed out to the lush greenery of River Forest, IL. This town is such a gem for photographers. Specifically, the tall trees and filtered sunlight provide an ideal environment for capturing families in their most natural state.

    A man holding a baby, both smiling, in a natural outdoor setting with greenery. A woman is partially visible, gently touching the man's arm. River Forest Woods Session

    Capturing Love in the Greenery 

    The family for this River Forest woods session was absolutely stunning. Their little baby was incredibly chill and easy-going, which made my job a breeze. Every time she needed a little extra encouragement, her dad would play “Baby Shark.” Therefore, we were able to capture plenty of genuine smiles and happy moments.

    As a Chicago Family Photographer one of the most important aspects of my job is ensuring I capture families in their truth. Furthermore, I want their love to be reflected 100% in the final gallery. It was so much fun to document their connection in such a serene environment. I was also very grateful for the cooler, sun-drenched day. In Illinois, we must always be mindful of ticks and other bugs. However, the light was so perfect that it was well worth the extra precautions.

    A father holding his baby girl in a natural setting, with a mother standing beside them. The baby is wearing a white outfit with a bow in her hair, while the father is in a green shirt and cap. The background features lush greenery and soft sunlight shining through the trees.  River Forest Woods Session

    Documenting Your Visual Legacy 

    As a documentary-style photographer, I thrive in these open, natural spaces. This River Forest woods session allowed the family’s “visual legacy” to unfold naturally against the earthy tones of the forest. We focused on a palette of deep greens and soft, warm skin tones to keep the focus on human connection.

    If you are looking for an outdoor session that feels honest and effortless, I would love to connect. You can learn more about my approach here to see how I focus on storytelling over stiff poses. I hope you enjoy this gallery and the way the shifting light played against the landscape!

    A woman wearing a striped dress and a wide-brimmed hat holding a baby in a serene outdoor setting near a body of water, surrounded by green trees. River Forest Woods Session
    A family sitting together outdoors on a striped blanket, with a father, mother, and their baby. The mother is holding the baby, who has curly hair and a headband, while the father leans in affectionately. River Forest Woods Session
    A close-up of a child's foot resting on an adult hand, symbolizing connection and care. River Forest Woods Session
    A father holding his baby daughter, who is wearing a white headband and a knitted outfit, as he kisses her cheek in a natural outdoor setting. River Forest Woods Session
    A joyful father lifts his infant child high above in a sunlit park, surrounded by lush green trees. River Forest Woods Session
    A happy father joyfully lifting his smiling baby daughter above his head in a lush green park. River Forest Woods Session
    A family enjoying a picnic in a grassy field with wildflowers, featuring a baby playing on a striped blanket. River Forest Woods Session
    A couple walking hand in hand on a grassy path under a wooden archway, surrounded by trees during sunset. River Forest Woods Session
    A couple embraces in a green outdoor setting while holding a baby, with sunlight filtering through trees. River Forest Woods Session
    A young child with curly hair wearing a white top and light-colored overalls sits on a striped blanket in a grassy area surrounded by yellow wildflowers.
    A joyful family scene featuring a mother, father, and their young child playing together on a blanket in a grassy area filled with yellow flowers. The parents are engaged and smiling at their baby, who is standing and reaching out to them.

    connection between mom and dad sitting on the ground
    Santing near tall grass at the Trailside museum outskirts in River fOREST il
    baby sandwich hug with both parents and baby in the middle
    mom and baby girl in trailside museum greenery
    Dad holding baby girl in a sun-filled forest in River Forest Illinois.
    Family sitting through the sun-drenched woods during a River Forest woods session.