CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: kids

  • At Home Oak Park Photographer | In-Home Family Photos

    At Home Oak Park Photographer | In-Home Family Photos

    A baby lying on their stomach in a crib, wearing a striped onesie, with a patterned mattress.
    baby in crib during at home newborn photography session
    black and white baby details, feet close up during at home newborn session
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    Family snuggles documented by Oak Park newborn photographer
    dad kissing baby In-home newborn session with Oak Park lifestyle photographer
    Candid in-home newborn moments by Oak Park photographer

    A Cozy Session With an At Home Oak Park Photographer

    As an At Home Oak Park Photographer, I love capturing families in the comfort of their own homes. At-home sessions allow everyone to relax, which helps the photos feel warm, honest, and personal. They also create a space where real connection naturally comes forward.

    A Family I’ve Loved Photographing Through the Years

    I have been photographing this sweet family since their oldest daughter was still in her mom’s belly. Our first session together was a maternity shoot near Thatcher Woods in River Forest. Since then, we have met many times, and I have watched their family grow. Because of this long history, walking into their home for this shoot felt familiar and joyful.

    black and white image of the whole family near the crib family of four oak park lifestyle photographer
    siblings in a crib with laughter oak park lifestyle family photography at home newborn
    Natural newborn photos by Oak Park at home photographer

    The Beauty of Their Oak Park Home

    Their home is a classic Oak Park space—full of charm, natural light, and small details that tell their story. It provided the perfect backdrop for an easy and connected lifestyle session. The oldest sister, who is full of personality, brought so much fun to the morning. She laughed, played, and helped welcome her new baby sister. Meanwhile, her parents moved through the session with calm and tenderness, which made everything flow beautifully.

    A happy family scene with a man holding a young girl while a woman smiles at them, set in a softly lit room.

    Why Connection Matters in At-Home Photography

    As a photographer who values real connection, I love moments that feel unposed and true. During this session, those moments showed up again and again. There were soft newborn snuggles, cheerful bursts of toddler energy, and quiet pauses where everyone simply breathed in this new chapter. All of these small interactions came together to create a gallery filled with heart.

    Being their At Home Oak Park Photographer year after year has been such an honor. Each session adds another piece to their story, and I am grateful to help them hold onto these memories.

    A loving family portrait featuring parents embracing and sharing a kiss, while holding a newborn baby and a young child. The setting is a cozy room with a mix of warm light and decorative elements.
    documentary style newborn photography oak park home
    A sleeping baby lying on their side in a crib, with sunlight casting shadows across the mattress.
    A happy family of four sitting on a bed, enjoying time together in a warmly lit room. The mother is holding a baby, while the father smiles at them. A young child is playfully leaning against the mother.
    oldest kid and mom doing nosy kisses
    dad and mom having a tender moment at home with their baby in arms
    A close-up view of a baby lying on a person's lap, looking up with a curious expression. The baby is dressed in a light striped outfit, while a cozy sweater can be seen around them. Part of another person's head is visible in the bottom right corner.

    Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips

  • Newborn Session Geneva IL | At-Home Lifestyle Photography

    Newborn Session Geneva IL | At-Home Lifestyle Photography

    A sleeping newborn baby with both hands near its face, wearing a striped sweater, lying on a soft white blanket.
    siblings blurry black and white photo Geneva IL newborn session
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    At-Home Newborn Session in Geneva IL | A Joyful Family Story

    There is nothing quite like a newborn session in Geneva, IL. When I arrived at this beautiful home, I immediately felt the warmth and love surrounding this new family. The nursery was decorated perfectly. In addition, the soft morning light created a peaceful atmosphere for our lifestyle photos.

    During a newborn session in Geneva, IL, my goal is to capture the quiet moments. I love the way parents look at their new baby when they think no one is watching. For example, we spent time on the master bed just letting the family cuddle. These unposed moments are often the most meaningful. Consequently, they become the images that families cherish the most.

    The older kids were so excited to help, offering snuggles, kisses, and the occasional silly face that made everyone laugh. It’s those little in-between moments that tell the real story the ones where you can see how much love fills their home.

    Two young children smiling and pressing their hands against a glass window, with a blurred outdoor garden background.
    baby feet close up newborn photography session in Geneva Illinois home
    newborn photography session in Geneva Illinois home
    Newborn baby peacefully sleeping during a natural light at-home newborn session in Geneva IL

    Photographing families like Brian and Rachel’s is why I adore lifestyle newborn photography. There’s something timeless about documenting real moments right where life happens in the comfort of home, surrounded by connection and light. This Geneva IL newborn session was everything I love about my work: natural, heartfelt, and full of life.

    I’m so grateful I’ve been able to document their journey from the very beginning, and I can’t wait to see how their story continues to unfold in front of my camera.

    Two children lying on a blanket with a newborn baby, sharing a tender moment in soft lighting.
    sibling running during their little brothers newborn session
    siblings hugging by the window baby brother during a cozy at-home newborn session in Geneva IL
    Tender portrait of mom and baby during lifestyle newborn photography session in Geneva Illinois home
    older siblings and baby brother during a cozy at-home newborn session in Geneva IL
    Tender portrait of mom and baby during lifestyle newborn photography session in Geneva Illinois home
    Close-up of a baby's feet and legs in ribbed pajamas, resting on a white quilted blanket.

    Their family is the perfect mix of chaos and sweetness. I only have two kids so they give me a little window to look at what life could have been, which I am not sure if that’s weird to say ha, but I can see how sweet it would have been to have a 3rd. They’re just the most beautiful family.

    A woman with long brown hair holds a sleeping newborn baby in her arms, gazing down lovingly. The baby is dressed in a striped outfit. The scene is warm and cozy, with soft lighting and a natural backdrop.
    A father joyfully embraces two young children, one in each arm, in a cozy indoor setting.
    A father holding a baby, while a mother gently touches the baby's head, with a calm background.
    A family of four is captured in motion indoors, with parents looking surprised and playful children running in the foreground, one holding a baby.
    A joyful scene of a grandparent dancing with two young children indoors, surrounded by a cozy living room setting.
    A blurred black and white image of a woman spinning with two children in a cozy living room setting.
  • Road trips with kids: My 31-hour California Adventure

    Road trips with kids: My 31-hour California Adventure

    31 Hours: Our Impulsive Road Trip to California

    Last week, completely unplanned and stupidly so, I drove to California. If you don’t know, that is 31 damn hours from my home in Illinois. Road trips with kids can be daunting; however, this impulsive journey was exactly what my soul needed. Was it a bit wild? Probably. Consequently, I have no regrets about the decision.

    THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND MY DAUUGHTER MONTERREY
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    Planning Impulsive Road Trips With Kids

    On Wednesday my mom mentioned the idea, and by Thursday night, we were already out on the road. I drove through the night fueled by crappy gas station coffee and good music. While everyone else slept, it was just me and my thoughts. Lately, I haven’t allowed myself to just sit and be with myself. Additionally, 31 hours is a significant amount of thinking time. Usually, road trips with kids involve constant snacks and distractions, but the quiet of the night highway felt like a necessary reset.

    I wish I had taken more photographs during the drive. Unfortunately, I always regret not taking enough. I did manage to get in the frame with my kids, which is getting harder to do as they grow. My brother helped capture some of our time at the beach once we arrived. Furthermore, even though I wish I had more to show, I tried my best to be present.

    MY DAUGHTER BEING EXTRA Road trips with kids
    WINDY PORTRAIT Road trips with kids
    MONTERREY BEACH Road trips with kids
    ME AND MY KIDS NEAR THE SHORE Road trips with kids
    HUGGING MY BABY Road trips with kids
    RUNNING ON A SHORE Road trips with kids

    FFinding Peace in the Chaos

    We had so many deep conversations during the drive. As a result, we also had plenty of bickering fights. It was chaos and peace all at once. I truly can’t believe how much beauty is out there across this country. The route is incredible and it’s easy to get mesmerized by the open road.

    If you are planning your own road trips with kids, my advice is to just go. Don’t wait for the perfect plan. The time alone, the music, and the shifting landscapes reminded me that wherever you are in life, you will be okay. Therefore, if you can’t cope with life right now, just go take a damn cross-country trip like I did.

  • South Loop Family Photographer | The Davison Family

    South Loop Family Photographer | The Davison Family

    South Loop Family Photographer

    As a South Loop family photographer, I loved documenting this front porch session for the Davison family. We met during the height of the pandemic to capture their story from the safety of their own home. Consequently, these images serve as a beautiful, historic record of a very unique time in Chicago.

    The South Loop has such a romantic, cinematic energy. Between the historic architecture and the moody, tree-lined streets, it perfectly matches the soulful, documentary vibe I love. Furthermore, seeing this family interact on their own turf allowed for the most honest, unscripted moments to unfold naturally.

    A couple stands outside their home, holding a baby. The woman has long hair and wears a dark sweater, while the man in a blue shirt is standing next to her. They are smiling at the baby, who is dressed in a light outfit, in front of a wooden feature wall with the number 1319.
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    Documentary Portraits with a South Loop Family Photographer

    My approach to your session is always rooted in my hybrid style. Specifically, I blend editorial lifestyle with raw documentary storytelling. I don’t believe in stiff, traditional posing that feels disconnected from who you are. Instead, I focus on the quiet glances and the loud laughter that define your family.

    I have worked all over the city, but being a South Loop family photographer is special because of the textures of the neighborhood. One of my favorite things about this area is how the light hits the historic brick buildings during the golden hour. In addition, locations like the Glessner House provide a stunning architectural backdrop for family legacies.

    A couple standing on the steps of their home, with one partner holding a baby. They are surrounded by green trees and plants, with a brick building in the background.

    Why the South Loop is Perfect for Portraits

    However, planning a session in a busy downtown area requires a bit of strategy. I always help my couples and families navigate the local logistics. We want your day to feel like a slow, intentional celebration rather than a rushed photo shoot. Because of this, I prioritize your experience so the real, raw moments can happen.

    Ultimately, your family history is the beginning of a visual legacy. If you value artful, documentary storytelling, I would love to chat. You can view more of my recent work in my Chicago family photographer portfolio. Let’s create something timeless against the backdrop of the city we love.

    A couple stands on a staircase, holding their baby. The woman is wearing a black sweater and blue jeans, while the man is dressed in a light blue shirt and jeans. They are smiling at their baby, creating a warm family moment in front of a brick building.
    A father holding a baby stands on the stairs of a modern building, surrounded by large windows and architectural details.
    A family portrait featuring a man holding a baby on the stairs of a stylish brick building, with a woman sitting beside him. Beautiful landscaping and large windows are visible in the background.
    A family of three sitting together on outdoor stairs in front of a brick building; a woman and a man are holding a baby, smiling at each other. South Loop Family Photographer
    A woman holding a baby, smiling at each other, in front of a brick building with large windows and a staircase surrounded by greenery. South Loop Family Photographer
    A woman holding a baby smiles while walking along a flower-lined path in a park.South Loop Family Photographer
    A father holding a baby in a park filled with green trees and colorful flowers, with a road in the background. South Loop Family Photographer
    A group of five adults and a baby stand together in a lush green park surrounded by blooming flowers on a sunny day. South Loop Family Photographer
    A woman sitting in a flower-filled park, lovingly holding a baby while surrounded by trees and colorful blossoms. South Loop Family Photographer
    A family is enjoying a sunny day in a park surrounded by colorful flowers. A mother is sitting on the ground, holding a baby, while the father leans in to kiss her. They are smiling and appear to be happy together. South Loop Family Photographer
    A couple walking through a sunlit garden filled with colorful flowers, holding a baby and sharing an affectionate moment outside a residential building. South Loop Family Photographer
    A baby lying on a blanket surrounded by blooming pink flowers, with two adults gently interacting with the baby in a garden setting.
    A couple wearing masks is in a park, holding a baby between them. They stand among blooming flowers and green trees, with a pathway visible in the background.
  • WALK ALONG THE RIVER CHICAGO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

    WALK ALONG THE RIVER CHICAGO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

    Much of our adventures go undocumented nowadays since Im so busy with work and life, I have to make it a point to come back to this. My big boy will be 9 already at the end of the month. How on earth is that possible. It feels like just yesterday I was bringing him home. If you’re a new parent and or a new parent to be know that all the parent cliches are one thousand percent true! Every single one of them. I know I have a special chance to document their childhood and I should take more advantage of that. I can’t wait to have more freesom and explore the city of Chicago with these two more if we can’t venture out further. Life is changing but, it is also coming together at the same time.

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  • Forest Park Family Life | Growth in the Dandelion Fields

    Forest Park Family Life | Growth in the Dandelion Fields

    Forest Park Family Life: Finding Growth in the Dandelion Fields

    It has been a tough spring. I have been navigating many feelings and a ton of movement in my head. Lately, I have realized that I am way too comfortable where I am. Growth is like a lovely but stubborn plant. It simply won’t budge unless you do things to help it along. In our Forest Park family life, I am learning that movement is essential to my personal sanity.

    kid in golden light in a dandelion field
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    Embracing the Season of Change 

    I’ve been stagnant for a while, yet I’ve been feeling a bunch of anxiety over nothing. Life is just funny that way! Sometimes, you just need to change your environment to clear your head. Consequently, I needed to capture that incredible end-of-spring day. I decided to run to a creek near a park with my kids to reset and embrace a slower pace of Forest Park family life.

    We found a field full of dandelions, and even though it was full of gnats, it was just what the doctor ordered. There is something about the “unposed” magic of watching my own children play that reminds me why I love documentary photography so much. It isn’t about the perfect shot; it is about the feeling of the day.

    mom in a field of sunflowers in the suburbs of chicago Forest Park Family Life

    Documenting Our Story in Forest Park 

    Growth isn’t always pretty, but it is necessary. Just like the dandelions that take over a field, our personal experiences spread and create something new. Furthermore, these moments with my kids represent the “visual legacies” I strive to build for my clients. Whether I am shooting a local session or simply documenting our Forest Park family life, the goal is always honesty.

    I hope you’re having an amazing start to your summer. If you are interested in seeing how I balance professional work with personal storytelling, you can learn more about my experience. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into our spring afternoon!

    collage of a kid in a red dress in a chicago field Forest Park Family Life
    family in a dandelion field Forest Park Family Life
    self portrait with a mirror in the woods
  • Oak Park lifestyle photography | Lopez Family rooftop session

    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.

    adridelacruz Chicago family photographer (2)
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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.

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    Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips.

  • Naperville family lifestyle photographer | A Day of Play

    Naperville family lifestyle photographer | A Day of Play

    Being a Naperville family lifestyle photographer has taught me that the most beautiful days are often the ones where the ‘plan’ completely falls apart. There is something so honest about a family just being together without the pressure of a perfect itinerary.

    I truly loved this day. It was one of those August afternoons where the heat finally starts to soften and everything feels gold. We actually arrived at the park much later than we intended, which meant we missed the window to hang out in the gated kids’ section. But honestly? I think the kids enjoyed it more this way. They had the freedom to just run, explore the open grass, and be themselves.

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    Storytelling with a Naperville Family Lifestyle Photographer

    Since this was back in August, I’m still playing a bit of catch-up with my archives. Sometimes life moves faster than the shutter, and I find myself with so many stories still waiting to be told. The time difference between the moment and the memory can make the details a little fuzzy, but the feeling of the day always stays.

    What I remember most about this specific afternoon was the light. It was absolutely beautiful—the kind of light that makes you want to stop and just watch the shapes it creates in the frame. I spent most of the session trying to catch those shadows and the way the sun hit the kids as they moved through the park.

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    Being a Naperville family lifestyle photographer isn’t just about the ‘perfect’ portrait; it’s about the exploration. It’s about how a simple trip to a park becomes a memory of running through open spaces. If you want to see more of these unscripted stories, feel free to look through my family portfolio.

    For families looking for their own space to run, I always recommend exploring the Naperville Riverwalk for some of the best sunset light in the area.

    I’m so glad I finally got to sit down and share these. Take a look at the shapes and the light from our day below.”

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  • Wentworth Family – Chicago family photography

    Wentworth Family – Chicago family photography

    Wentworth Family Session

    The first time we scheduled their session, I unfortunately couldn’t make it in time for some sun. Thankfully the next time we tried to schedule the session it all worked out and it was an incredibly warm fall day. I was invited in to their beautiful home. We hadn’t plan on going inside, but I am so very thankful they invited me in. Some of my favorite images from this session are inside their little home. When I stepped inside, Dad was getting baby S ready. She, from the beginning was all full of smiles. From inside their home, you could see and feel the love. The photos on their walls really showed me how connected they were. I specially loved that framed hearts art work, that was made at their wedding.

    I wish I had captured more of their little neighbor hood, which was so incredibly adorable . We decided to head to the park, to get some shoots of baby S in her favorite place.  Hope you enjoy the images.

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  • Project 5for5 days

    More failures to add

    So here I am. Last month I attempted a P/30 and I will humbly say that it was not a success.  My heart just was not into it. The images I took were not my best, it was like a chore to me. It was dreadful. Maybe I’m just not a “project ” person. I just have to accept it and move on. I’m at a point in my life where realizations are so incredibly welcomed. I have stopped trying to be someone I’m not, and this is another step in the right direction. Will I try again? Who knows , maybe. It was a little disappointing  to not pull through for myself for a month alone. But alas, some friends on facebook. tagged me to join along this week and share 5 for 5 days, easy enough right? Well here we go.. wish me luck.

    5 FOR 5… DAY UNO WHIMSYHEARTPHOTOGRAPHYCHICAGO