CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: North Shore Family Photography

  • Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer | The Adri Photo Co.

    Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer | The Adri Photo Co.

    The North Shore offers a specific kind of magic. Historic architecture meets the vast horizon of Lake Michigan. As an Evanston Lighthouse family photographer, I find this spot grounding and ethereal. The light seems to linger longer here. It catches the lake breeze and the unscripted laughter of a family at play.

    morning light with parents playing with their daughters at the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston IL
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    A Yearly Tradition: Evanston Lighthouse Family Photography

    This session was particularly special because I have had the honor of documenting this family’s story for several years now. Our journey started with a lifestyle session at their beautiful Evanston home, and now it has become a cherished tradition to gather here at the lighthouse to capture their daughters’ growth. There is something so rewarding about seeing how much has changed from one year to the next, yet seeing that their bond remains just as vibrant.

    A mother embraces her daughter from behind, both smiling in a natural outdoor setting. The image is in black and white, capturing a moment of affection and joy.
    A family enjoying time at a park, with a man playing with a child while holding a leash attached to a Dalmatian dog. A woman and another child are walking nearby, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
    A family walking together in a park during autumn, with two young girls holding hands with their mother and a father walking a dog. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer

    Laughter, Exploration, and a Dalmatian

    The girls are at such a wonderful age where the world is one big playground. They love to explore the grassy knolls surrounding the lighthouse just as much as they love running along the shoreline. We spent our time chasing the light between the historic stone walls and the beach, letting the girls lead the way.  Being an Evanston Lighthouse family photographer is fun because this location is incredibly versatile. With tall grass, sandy walkways and of course the beach itself.

    Of course, no session for this family would be complete without their Dalmatian. Including the family dog is a non-negotiable for me—pets are such a massive part of the family story. Watching their pup navigate the beach alongside the girls added that extra layer of “real life” that I strive for in my hybrid documentary style. Whether it’s playing in the sand or exploring the trails near the Grosse Point Lighthouse, these are the moments that truly matter.

    A child performing a cartwheel on green grass in a park, with sunlight filtering through the trees. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Two young girls happily running on a grassy field with fallen leaves, wearing cozy clothes, during a sunny day. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A young girl cuddling with a black and white spotted dog in a close-up shot.
    Two young girls sitting on stone steps, wearing cozy jackets, smiling and hugging each other with a rustic wooden door in the background.
    A father and daughter interact with a Dalmatian dog in a sunny park, with the daughter sitting on a wooden bench and reaching out to the dog while the father kneels beside her.
    A man and a young girl seated on a bench, joyfully interacting with a Dalmatian dog, surrounded by autumn leaves.
    A mother and her young daughter sitting together on a wooden bench, both smiling and enjoying a joyful moment in a park, surrounded by autumn leaves.
    A child being playfully held upside down by an adult in a park, surrounded by green grass and autumn leaves.
    Close-up portrait of a smiling young girl with brown eyes and light brown hair.
    Two children play together on a beach, holding hands and dancing in the sand with a soft, sunlit background. Two adults can be seen in the distance. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Two children wearing white sweaters are joyfully playing together on a beach, with one child spinning while the other holds on. Soft warm lighting creates a dreamy atmosphere. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A child running on a sandy beach with waves in the background, captured in black and white. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Close-up portrait of a young girl smiling, with brown hair and bright eyes, wearing a light sweater and a coat. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A young girl in a white hoodie walks along a beach, looking down with a smile, while a man in a leather jacket is seen in the background, slightly blurred.

    Pro tip for the North Shore: Lake Michigan creates its own micro-climate. Even if it’s warm in Forest Park, the lighthouse can be 10 degrees cooler with a brisk breeze. I always suggest bringing a cinematic knit sweater or a stylish blanket to keep the girls cozy during those lakeside moments. I always arrive a little earlier since the parking is to be paid for. However on cold months you will find plenty of parking but summer is busy.

    After my sessions I always stop for a latte. My favorite Evanston coffee shops are Collectivo and Cupitol coffee. I like to work from both of these spots, depending on how much time I have. See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

  • North Shore Family Photographer | Radford Family,

    North Shore Family Photographer | Radford Family,

    North Shore Family Photographer

    I have written before about how special it is to be a part of my incredibly beautiful families’ journeys. As a North Shore family photographer, I have been capturing this unique family for a few years now. We have documented everything from little Miss A’s birth up until this moment: the end of her nursing milestone. The Radfords are truly such a beautiful family to witness.

    A family of four in a lush green field during golden hour, the father is holding a young child while another child stands beside him, and the mother looks on affectionately.
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    Documentary Storytelling in the Waukegan Area

    During our session in the Waukegan area, big sister completely filled me in on all the amazing things she learns with her mom at home. She deeply loves nature and bugs. Specifically, she had to point out to me not to destroy the milkweed necessary for Monarch butterflies. I was stomping around in this beautiful field trying to find the perfect light when she gave me that gentle reminder.

    Consequently, right after her warning, I fell into a hole! It was hilarious and made for such a great, honest session. As a North Shore family photographer, I live for these unscripted moments that happen when we just let kids be themselves in nature. Furthermore, these memories are the ones that build a true visual legacy for a family.

    A family of four in a green outdoor setting, with the parents holding their daughters. The mother is wearing a red dress and a hat, while the father is dressed in a black shirt. One daughter is being cradled by the father, and the other is interacting with the mother. North Shore Family Photographer

    Preserving Your North Shore Family Legacy

    The transition out of the nursing phase is such a quiet, emotional milestone. Instead of a traditional studio setup, we chose the raw beauty of the North Shore landscape to tell this story. Because of this, the images feel like a poem rather than a posed portrait. As Chicago Family Photographer result, the Radford family has a record of this season that feels entirely true to their life.

    I always look forward to our many years together. If you are looking for a North Shore family photographer to document your own “milkweed and butterfly” moments, I would love to chat. Whether we are exploring Illinois Beach State Park or your own backyard, your story is worth telling. You can see more of my documentary style in my lifestyle family portfolio.

    A family of four enjoying a joyful moment in a natural outdoor setting, with green foliage in the background. One parent holds a young child, while another stands nearby with an older child, all smiling and interacting. North Shore Family Photographer
    A man holding a young child outdoors, surrounded by trees and a soft twilight sky. North Shore Family Photographer
    A young girl with blonde hair and pink glasses joyfully smiles while playing in a grassy field, wearing a black sleeveless top. The image captures different angles of her happy expressions. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman in a black dress walks through tall grass, while a person wearing a red dress and a hat carries a child in green clothing, surrounded by greenery and a sunset in the background. North Shore Family Photographer
    A mother wearing a wide-brimmed hat breastfeeds her young child in a grassy outdoor setting.
    A mother lovingly holds her child while breastfeeding in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery. North Shore Family Photographer
    A mother is breastfeeding her child while sitting on a blanket in a grassy field, surrounded by greenery. North Shore Family Photographer
    A mother breastfeeding her child while sitting on a blanket in a lush green field during sunset. North Shore Family Photographer
    A mother wearing a hat embraces her two children in a grassy field, surrounded by tall plants and flowers, capturing a moment of affection and joy.
    A black and white photograph featuring two intimate scenes of a person holding children in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery.
    A mother wearing a hat cuddles her child in a field during sunset, surrounded by tall grass and colorful flowers. North Shore Family Photographer
    A family portrait taken outdoors during golden hour, featuring a father with glasses and a shaved head sitting on the ground, holding a young girl in a black dress. The scene is surrounded by tall grass and plants, with warm sunlight illuminating the background.
    A joyful family sitting on a blanket in a grassy field during sunset. The father, wearing glasses, smiles while interacting with his two daughters, one on his lap and the other beside him. The mother, wearing a straw hat and a burgundy dress, holds their youngest child. The scene is filled with greenery and warm sunlight.
    A young child with curly hair sitting on the lap of an adult, surrounded by greenery and soft sunlight. The adult is wearing a stylish hat and has glasses. The child is dressed in a green outfit.
    A woman with glasses and a wide-brimmed hat holds two young girls in a grassy field during sunset, with one girl clinging to her and the other gazing at her.
    A mother kissing her young daughter on the forehead in a sunlit outdoor setting, with another child nearby.
    A family of five standing together on a path in a natural setting, with two adults and three children, one of whom is being held. The scene is backlit by sunlight filtering through trees.
    A woman in a hat lovingly embraces a young child under a canopy of green leaves, surrounded by natural greenery.
    A family of four embraces each other outdoors, surrounded by green trees. The mother, wearing a red dress, holds a young child who looks curious, while another girl stands close by. The warm atmosphere conveys a sense of love and connection.
    A young girl playing in the surf on a beach, wearing a black dress. North Shore Family Photographer
    A family standing on a beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the shore.
    A family walking along a beach at sunset, holding hands. The mother carries a baby while the father walks beside their young daughter. The shoreline features gentle waves and a log on the sand. North Shore Family Photographer
    A family walking along a beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at their feet and a clear sky above.
    A young girl in a black dress walks along a stone path at a beach, with waves crashing nearby. In the background, two adults are visible, enjoying the tranquil ocean view during sunset. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman standing at the beach with two children, one held in her arms and the other close to her side. The image is in black and white. North Shore Family Photographer
    A family standing on a pier by the ocean at sunset, with two girls and an adult woman in a red dress, while a man holds one of the girls. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman holding a baby stands on a concrete pier at the beach, with gentle waves lapping at their feet and a sunset sky in the background. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman in a flowing dress walking along a pier by the sea, holding a child in her arms, with gentle waves surrounding them and a pastel sky. North Shore Family Photographer
    A smiling young girl holding a small stone or shell, standing outdoors with a beach background.
    A mother lovingly interacts with her child on a beach, with gentle waves in the background and a soft sunset sky. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman and a young girl walking together on a sandy beach, the woman in a long burgundy dress and the girl in a black dress. They appear to be enjoying the outdoors, with the woman gently guiding the girl along a fallen log. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman in a red dress and a girl in a black dress are walking on a log at a beach, surrounded by trees and a sandy area. North Shore Family Photographer
    A woman in a red dress sits on the beach with a young child in a green outfit, both looking at each other against a backdrop of the ocean and a pastel sunset.
    A family walking along a sandy path near a beach, surrounded by greenery and trees, with a view of the water in the background during dusk.
    A black and white image showing three people walking barefoot on a wooden bridge, holding hands, with their feet and legs partially visible.
  • Evanston IL Family Photography | Rochleau Family

    Evanston IL Family Photography | Rochleau Family

     As an Evanston IL family photography specialist, I know that local weather is always unpredictable. One moment we have sunny skies, and the next, it is pouring rain. Furthermore, this flexibility is what makes documentary photography so special. For the Rochleau family, we shifted our schedule to catch a warm 70-degree evening. While the rain tried to join us the second I parked, this family didn’t let it dampen their spirits. They simply rolled with it, which allowed me to capture their most genuine selves.

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    Choosing the Best Evanston IL Family Photography Locations

    When planning your Evanston IL family photography session, the location sets the entire tone. While I often find traditional suburban parks a bit repetitive, the North Shore offers unique urban textures. For this session, we chose the iconic “Whale Wall” on Green Bay Road. This mural provides a vibrant, artistic backdrop that perfectly matches a high-energy family of five. Furthermore, these textured environments allow the focus to remain on your family’s connection rather than a static background.

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    An Inclusive Approach to Evanston IL Family Photography

    As an  Evanston & Chicago family photographer specialist, I believe every family story deserves to be told with dignity and heart. During this session, one of the Rochleau daughters, who has autism, reminded me why I love the documentary style so much. Furthermore, I am committed to being very accommodating to different ways of being. I understand that traditional, high-pressure portrait sessions don’t suit every child. As a result, I prioritize creating a space where every family member feels safe to be exactly who they are.

    Why Documentary Sessions Suit Neurodivergent Families

    A documentary-style family photography session is the perfect fit for neurodivergent children because there is no “performance” required. We don’t worry about sitting still or looking at the camera. Instead, I follow your family’s lead and document the genuine joy and connection that happens naturally.

    If you are looking for an inclusive storyteller in the Evanston area, I would love to document your family’s next chapter. My goal is to capture the soulful, unposed magic of your daily life in a way that honors your unique family dynamic.See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

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    Evanston IL family photography
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  • Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography | Sweet Baby Mary

    Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography | Sweet Baby Mary

    I was invited into this sweet family’s home by a fellow photographer. Notably, it is always such an honor to photograph another photographer’s family. Initially, the prospect makes me slightly nervous, yet I always feel excited by the creative challenge. As a specialist in Wilmette lifestyle family photography, I know that capturing the honest, unscripted moments of a homecoming is a profound responsibility.

    The day prior to our session, we had a snowfall. Consequently, I basically drove bumper to bumper until I reached them in the North Shore. Fortunately, that drive was entirely worth it because they did not disappoint. To this day, they remain one of the most inviting families I have had the honor to meet. Our time together felt effortless and full of light, even with the winter chill outside.

    A warm and inviting kitchen scene featuring a couple with a toddler and a newborn. The man is holding the toddler while the woman cradles the newborn, both appearing joyful. In the background, kitchen appliances and decor reflect a cozy family atmosphere.

    The Beauty of Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography

    Specifically, I love documenting families in their own spaces because that is where the most honest stories live. This Wilmette lifestyle family photography session captured the raw transition of bringing a new sister home. Although big brother was more interested in showing me all of his treasures than interacting with his sister, those moments are just as important. Furthermore, you could just feel how grateful and full of love the parents were to have brought that sweet little girl home.

    If you are looking for a similar experience, I specialize in capturing these unposed, soulful milestones. For instance, you can see more of my documentary approach on my Chicago birth photographer (Internal Link) landing page. Additionally, if you are planning a session in the North Shore area, I would love to help you tell your story. Whether you are spending a morning at Gillson Park (Outbound Link) or snuggled up in your living room, these are the chapters that deserve to be remembered.

    In conclusion, baby Mary is a beautiful addition to this family. Ultimately, these images serve as a permanent record of a very fleeting and snowy season of their lives. Welcome home, sweet Mary. Take a peek at her gallery below

    A newborn baby dressed in a cozy white outfit lies on a crib mattress, while a child's hand reaches through the crib bars, showing a moment of sibling interaction. Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography
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    A toddler stands beside a crib, looking down at a sleeping baby inside the crib. The toddler is wearing a light blue shirt and appears curious, while the room has soft lighting and a neutral color scheme. Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography
    A mother lovingly holds her son in a nursery, while another adult is seen engaging with the child near a crib. Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography
    A baby lying down in a crib, wearing a cream-colored outfit. The baby has a calm expression, with their eyes partially closed, and is surrounded by soft bedding. Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography
    A peaceful baby lying in a white crib, dressed in a light-colored outfit. The crib is surrounded by soft bedding, with wall art visible in the background. Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography