Category: Family Sessions

  • A Morning at the Bahá’í Temple Gardens | Wilmette IL Family Session

    A Morning at the Bahá’í Temple Gardens | Wilmette IL Family Session

    There are sessions that remind you exactly why you do this work, and this Bahá’í Temple family photographer session in Wilmette was one of them. I’ve had the privilege of photographing this family before, so walking into our morning together at the Bahá’í Temple gardens felt like coming home. The grounds are stunning lush, historic, and full of the kind of light that makes you want to stay forever. On this particular morning, the sun was doing everything right, and the greens were so rich and alive they practically glowed.

    V showed up ready. She picked her own outfit for our session that morning, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about her. She’s bright, expressive, and fully in charge — she led the way through the gardens like she’d been there a hundred times, and the camera loved every second of it. That kind of big personality makes for the best documentary sessions because you’re never waiting for something to happen. You’re just trying to keep up.

    A black and white image of a family playing in a grassy yard. A woman in a black dress with white polka dots stands in the center, while a child runs towards her. In the background, a girl in a white dress is running away, and a man with glasses is facing the child. Bahá'í Temple family photographer

    When a Bahá’í Temple Family Photographer Gets to Watch Kids Grow

    And then there was N. I first met him at his newborn session, and seeing him now — this full-on little boy with opinions and energy and his whole self coming through — was one of those moments that stops you mid-shoot. The babyhood is almost gone. The big kid is right there. And this family’s love for him, and his sister’s love for him, was written all over every single frame.

    What I love most about sessions like this one is that nobody was performing. The parents kissed while the kids tugged at their hands. V climbed on her mom in the grass. N belly-laughed at something only he understood. That’s the stuff. That’s what I’m always chasing.

    A woman and a young girl play together in a sunny garden, with the girl twirling in a light pink dress while the woman reaches out to her. Bahá'í Temple family photographer.
    A family of four walking together in a park, with parents sharing a kiss while holding hands with their children, who are smiling and enjoying the moment. Bahá'í Temple family photographer
    A woman embraces and plays with two young children outdoors, with green grass and a bush in the background.

    Why the Bahá’í Temple Gardens Are Perfect for Family Sessions

    The Bahá’í Temple gardens are one of my favorite spots for family sessions on Chicago’s north shore. The architecture, the mature trees, the open lawns. It honestly all works together to give you variety without ever having to travel far. The Bahá’í Temple of the Midwest sits in the heart of Wilmette. Its grounds are open to visitors, making it a surprisingly accessible and breathtaking backdrop.Therefore If you want to read more about why the north shore is such a special place to raise a family and document it, Wilmette Life is a great local resource. If you’re looking for a Wilmette family photographer who knows this location well, I’d love to show you what a morning here can look like for your family.

    This is what honesty over poses looks like. Real kids with Real love. Real light. I would love to be the one to capture your families authenticity and be your Chicago Family Photographer.

    A woman in a floral dress lifts a child while facing away from the camera, surrounded by trees in a black and white setting. Bahá'í Temple family photographer
    A family of four posing outdoors on a path surrounded by greenery. The mother holds her younger daughter, while the father carries their son. The scene captures a warm family moment in natural light.
    A joyful family portrait featuring two children laughing and playing with their parents, surrounded by greenery.
    A family of four posing together outdoors: a woman holding a young girl, who is wearing a light dress, while a man holds a young boy on his shoulders. They stand in front of tall green shrubbery.
    A pair of pink ballet flats on green grass, with one shoe off and a child's foot seen next to it.
    A family of four posing together outdoors, with a father holding a boy on his shoulders while the mother holds a girl in her arms, surrounded by lush green foliage.
    A woman lying on grass with three children playfully interacting around her, showing affection and joy. Bahá'í Temple family photographer
    A woman in a floral dress standing beside a circular fountain in a lush green garden, while a young girl in a light pink dress joyfully twirls nearby. Bahá'í Temple family photographer
  • Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits | Memorable Cousin Session

    Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits | Memorable Cousin Session

    Celebrating Family: Beautiful Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits

    Sometimes schedules align perfectly, and last-minute sessions become the most cherished. These Elmhurst Conservatory portraits are a perfect example of that magic. I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family three times in a single season, and having the cousins join in this time was an absolute bonus for their gallery.

    Why I Love Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits

    In the heart of Elmhurst, Illinois, lies a hidden gem of natural beauty. This sanctuary boasts lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a serene atmosphere. Because of this, it is the perfect backdrop for professional photography. Recently, we embarked on a memorable adventure here to capture family bonds amidst the breathtaking scenery.

    Three young children are standing among lush greenery and colorful flowers in a greenhouse, surrounded by tropical plants. Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits
    Two young children playing together, one child is sitting in front while the other leans in from behind, both are wearing casual clothing. The image is in black and white.

    Capturing the Beauty of Chaos

    One of my favorite images from this session shows the sisters hugging. They simply allowed the chaos to unfold. When it comes to extended family shoots, this was a joyful one to capture. Even with multiple toddlers and babies, the session felt effortless. Therefore, this cousin photoshoot at the conservatory was a total success.

    Candid Moments and Genuine Laughter

    One of the most cherished aspects of our shoot was the ability to capture candid moments. As we explored the conservatory together, our playful nature began to shine through. Furthermore, the contagious atmosphere of joy added an extra layer of authenticity to the photographs.

    Whether we were sharing secrets by a tranquil pond or whispering jokes, the bond was clear. The conservatory provided the perfect setting for these family connections to blossom. In conclusion, if you find yourself in Elmhurst, IL, be sure to visit this enchanting oasis. It is a wonderful place for a photoshoot or a peaceful walk.

    By the way, this location is completely free for the public. It is a lovely option in cold cold weather. Photographing sisters and cousins as a Chicago Family Photographer was so special.


    A woman joyfully lifts a young child in a lush, green setting, with another child visible in the background.
    A group of four young children and two adults inside a greenhouse, engaging with each other while surrounded by various plants. Elmhurst Conservatory Portraits

  • Oak Brook Photographer Session | The Cockroft Family

    Oak Brook Photographer Session | The Cockroft Family

    A Beautiful Winter Oak Brook Photographer Session

    I am so grateful for the lovely evergreens that stand tall even in the middle of a Chicago winter. This beauty of a family reached out a little later than usual for their portraits, and I am so glad they did. Fortunately, the evergreens served as a perfect, lush backdrop for our Oak Brook photographer session together. Finding pockets of nature that stay green year-round is a dream for any local photographer.

    family walking on the grass during an Oak Brook photographer session.

    Capturing Personalities During Your Oak Brook Photographer Session

    The two brothers in this family were absolutely hilarious. Specifically, they are at that superbly cool age where they are truly becoming their own people. Their unique personalities shined through in every frame! In addition, we were blessed with some stunning golden hour sunlight that made the entire park glow. When you combine gorgeous people, awesome personalities, and perfect weather, there isn’t much more I could ask for.

    African American boys walking toward camera parent sin the back ground, and another photo of family holding hands
    A couple sharing a kiss in a park, surrounded by trees. The man is dressed in a dark blazer and jeans, while the woman is wearing a cozy gray sweater dress and black boots.

    Motion and Art: Fun with the Cockroft Family

    Towards the end of the session, we decided to have some fun with motion. Indeed, I loved how willing the boys were to help me create some “cool art” for their home. I asked them to jump, run, and move back and forth to capture that authentic, candid energy.

    HUG IN A OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    KIDS RUNNING IN THE OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION

    Ultimately, this Oak Brook photographer session reminded me why I love documenting local families. Documenting the connection between parents and their growing children is such a privilege. In conclusion, whether we are posing in front of pines or running through an open field, these memories are meant to be preserved. Therefore, if you are looking to book your own session, I would love to chat!

    BROTHERS HUGGING OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    mom and dad nose kissing while sitting on blanket
    DAD AND HIS BOYS picking them up and smiling at the camera
    ALL TOGETHER ON THE GRASS AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    MOM AND HER BOYS AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    Family waling THROUGH THE PINES with golden light
    HOLDING HANDS AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    KIDS AND PARENTS AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    A young boy wearing a light blue blazer and beige sweater sits on a gray blanket in a field of dry grass, smiling at the camera.
    A family of four enjoying a photoshoot outdoors in a grassy field during sunset. The parents are embracing, while their two sons are playfully positioned in front of them.
    HUGS AND WALKING THROUGH A FIELD AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION
    MOM AND DAD SITTING BY RUNNING KID AT THEIR OAK BROOK IL FAMILY SESSION

    We spent our afternoon exploring the grounds of Oak Brook Park District, which offers such a variety of scenery for families.