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.

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.



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.


















































