CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: family

Oak Park lifestyle photography | Lopez Family rooftop session
Redefining Oak Park Lifestyle Photography

The authenticity of this family is just so apparent, isn’t it? I had lunch with the beautiful Jazmine before our session, and she completely blew me away. She is someone who is continuously doing something to better her spiritual life and the lives of her community. This spirit of service and connection is exactly what I strive to capture in every Oak Park lifestyle photography session I document. As a Chicago Family Photographer these sessions are a dream. From the play time to even the taco eating haha, it was all so fun. I loved that we also got to focus a bit on their parents connection. Because at the end of the day it is what family is all about. This home was made for them and I love how they are growing to expand with the community.

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A Firehouse Adventure and New Beginnings

They are hella inspiring, and the hearts of those girls are pure gold. I had the firsthand chance to explore their new adventure with the purchase of their firehouse—a space they have big plans for. Capturing this transition in such an iconic industrial setting was a dream. Furthermore, this session proves that family portraits don’t always need a park or a field. In Oak Park lifestyle photography, we find magic on rooftops and in the architecture of our daily lives. As a result, these photos serve as a powerful time capsule of a massive family milestone.

If you are looking for an inclusive storyteller in Oak Park, I would love to document your family’s next chapter. Whether you are moving into a new home or just want to capture the beauty of your current reality, my goal is to create editorial-style images that feel real. You can view more of my recent lifestyle work here.

Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips.
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October 10, 2018
Colorado Photography Mentoring Trip | Education & Adventure
There is something about the mountains that shifts your perspective. Last year, I headed out for a Colorado photography mentoring trip that was about so much more than just pretty landscapes. It was about deep-diving into the “why” behind our work. Education is the heartbeat of growth, and sometimes you have to leave your usual surroundings to find your voice again.

I’ve always believed that the best learning happens in the field, not behind a screen. During this time in Colorado, we focused on the technical side of things, like mastering light in high-altitude environments. But more importantly, we talked about the soul of our business. We explored how to move from “taking pictures” to “telling stories” that actually resonate with our clients I love this part of the job as a Chicago Family Photographer.

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Elevating Your Craft During a Colorado Photography Mentoring Trip

A Colorado photography mentoring trip offers a unique space to experiment without the pressure of a typical gallery deadline. We spent our days chasing the sun across the Rockies and our nights talking about branding, consistency, and the honesty over poses philosophy. If you are looking for photographer education that pushes you creatively, these destination sessions are unmatched.

Investing in Your Creative Future

Education is an investment that pays off in every single frame you deliver. Whether we are in the West Suburbs or the mountains of Colorado, my goal as a mentor is to help you find your unique “eye.” For those looking for further inspiration on building a sustainable creative business, I highly recommend checking out CreativeLive’s photography resources. They offer incredible insights into the professional side of our craft.

It was an honor to mentor such talented souls during this Colorado photography mentoring trip. If you are ready to take your business to the next level through one-on-one education, let’s connect.
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February 6, 2018
Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration | PNW Travel Story
Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration comes in all ways to me. Last year, I finally convinced my family to attend Click Away with me. Although I have been holding onto these images for a while, I finally narrowed down my favorites. As a result, I am finally sharing this journey. Time flies, and it is already nearly a year since we visited the Pacific Northwest. While I do not have many photos of the actual event, I do have these precious memories of my children.

Initially, we drove four hours from our downtown Seattle location. We wanted to make a Twilight fan’s dreams come true, and the drive was absolutely worth it. Furthermore, the scenery was breathtaking, even if the drive was longer than our actual flight!

We drove 4 hours from our downtown Seattle location, to make a Twilight fan dreams come true. It was so worth it. Granted the drive was longer than our flight but who cares.

My photos do not give this place its rightful justice. My kid is begging to go again, and I think we might have to. If you make it to the end you’re the real MVP.

Finding Chicago Lifestyle Photography Inspiration Outdoors

Notably, traveling often provides the best Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration. When I am away from home, I am reminded of how important it is to document the ‘in-between’ moments. You just know, I love the way the mist looks against the trees and how my children interact with new landscapes.

Consequently, I bring this same documentary perspective back to my sessions in Illinois. Whether we are in the PNW or the local forest preserves, my goal is to capture your family’s honest connection. For instance, if you enjoy this candid style, you can see more of my Chicago family photography or learn more about Click Away photography conferences

These photos do not do the location justice, but they mean the world to me. My kids are already begging to go back! If you made it to the end of this gallery, you are the real MVP. Take a peek at our PNW adventure below.”
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October 4, 2017
Chicago Documentary and Story telling photographer – Short stories, crazy girl
Last days of summer are seriously cherished around here. Chicago’s weather is volatile at best. Soon comes those deep winter days , where the sun sets a four pm and we get to stay indoors all the time , sadly. On this day we headed to the Taste of Melrose Pk . We rode cool rides and ate lots of tacos. We shopped around, well window shopped really. Little miss Zoe fell in love with a baby doll , that I obviously was not going to buy, I mean we have like… 20 babies. I wish I would have photographed the fit she threw, because it was a big one. No one was going to separate her from her long lost baby doll , she was in tears. I was slowly pulling her away …when Abuelo (my dad) stepped in as most grandfathers do, and bought it for her. The lady from the shop wanted twenty dollars, and of course my dad bartered with her down to ten, I believe. Zoe pushed that dolly out of there in spite of my objections. She was as happy as can be.

At least I got to photograph her toting around this baby, and stopping traffic. I think she would call that day a success.
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September 29, 2015
Chicago documentary & storytelling family photography
AT HOME SESSION – Lunde family

Love, so much love. You know when you walk into a home and you immediately feel comfortable, maybe its the warm inviting decor, or maybe it’s the amazing heart and souls occupying the home. I’m thinking it’s the latter This family is so special to me, The mama is a photographer as well, and she trusted me to be able to take these for her. We are slowly becoming such great friends, and our kids love being together. So I knew it would be an effortless session for me, and it was. I did very minimal posing and just shot them being them. It might be one of my favorite sessions to date.

P & baby O are just as sweet as they photograph. I look forward to seeing them grow .
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September 28, 2015
Chicago documentary and storytelling photography-Pond mini sessions
POND MINI SESSION

I photographed this sweet family back almost two years ago. I am so glad, Gina called last minute for my availability. It is really, truly an honor to see the children of your clients grow up before your eyes. I met sweet baby P and her brother at her newborn session. I can say he is still as doting as he was , when he was swooning over that new bundle of joy.
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September 4, 2015
Chicago family Documentary & storytelling Photography – Short stories- change and turning 4
Change is scary. Then again, change is good. In the past recent months, we have moved to a new place and we are still getting used to it. Although we do miss our old neighborhood,Our new one is jammed packed with tiny families like ours. Soon Lucas will begin Prek, which will bring more change onto our routines. I want to add that I am a self- proclaimed change queen. I attended over 10 schools in my lifetime. Considering most kids go to 4 or 5 schools. That a whole bunch of new.

This past month Lucas also turned 4. He is considered a child now (sadly to my mama heart) . I’m not sure who made these guidelines up ; Baby, toddler, child, preteen…ect. They are kinda silly, and of course he is still my baby, but there is no denying he is loosing all of the things that made him my once chubby baby. For one, He has really embraced his role of big brother.He adores that girl to death. He is taller and much faster, super strong. Also that brain is just insanely filled with his own ideas. He has opinions and judgments on activities. Its just a crazy explosion of learning. I know he is resilient, and he will embrace his new environment like a champ.

I can’t say kids are immune to change, but I do know that they are probably better at adjusting than us adults.
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August 2, 2015
Chicago family documentary and storytelling photography- short -stories
H e l l o

I recently joined the team for @thealbumsco on instagram. My first post was about daydreaming. I really got flashbacks of my daydreams, and what I have done so far to accomplish them. I said that ” I used to daydream about the life I am currently living” and it was so true. I am blissfully happy. God could not have blessed me with a better life. I am so thankful. While our future is a work in progress, and we have bills to pay and children to raise, I have the ability to look at my life and say that I love it. I get to stay home with my kiddos, and go on adventures daily if I wanted to. We are not rich, nor do I think we will ever be, but We are doing well and that’s all I could ever ask for. I am surrounded with the most amazing people. I have also learn to let go of those people that I have outgrown. I think that is one of the tougher challenges of growing up, learning to let go. Even with loosing some people, my community is growing, and I feel a sense of belonging, specially within the photography community.

Anyway, this life is good. This life is the one I wished for, and I am teaching my children to enjoy it. To savor the moments and not care about acquiring things. To see this borrowed time as an opportunity to do something special. I have finaly understood, “You reap what you sow”.
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July 9, 2015
Siblings //Chicago documentary photography
Two of you.

Just another day in June.Out and about with these two. Playing together will come later, I’m assuming. For now they both fight over that one object that a minute ago no one thought about and now is a gold trophy. I can’t wait to see the friendship build. Lucas is already a crazy protector. Zoe, only cares about copying everything he does. Oh, I so believe in my heart Lucas was born to be a big brother. I am happy for this crazy girl that we brought into his life.
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June 26, 2015
Chicago storytelling and documentary Photographer / Try again
Yesterday I photographed my daughters struggle to learn something. It was so adorable seeing her trying different ways to do this single , simple task. She gave up multiple times, then saw the pull thingy “Hippo” ( I have no idea what a toy like this would be called) and kept trying. She was relentless. It’s always fun seeing your children try new things. What is not fun is seeing them fail. The disappointment is disarming, and it makes you want to run and fix it. I did however remind myself of all she is learning while failing and how fixing it while it may mend my heart, will only hurt her in the grand scheme of things.

That is what I keep telling myself in this photography journey. In the past I have wanted to just “ARRIVE”!! what ever that means. I mean who the hell wants to fail. I certainly don’t. I have wanted to learn who I am in this photography community. Find my niche, style and voice. I tend to forget that it all takes a bunch of time. For now I will keep trying and failing and discovering who I am and what I love to photograph.

Its bananas to me how many lessons my children have inadvertently taught me. If you fail, get up and try, try again.
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June 5, 2015