CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: personal

  • Itasca IL Family Photographs | A Personal Journey

    Itasca IL Family Photographs | A Personal Journey

    As an Itasca IL family photographs provider, I love using all of the beautiful locations around me to photograph my own family. Last year, I dragged my little crew out to a field for some portraits. However, I did not book a photographer early enough. Therefore, I took these myself with a tripod and a self-timer. I would absolutely not recommend it because it is so tedious! Also, a few coyotes came out of nowhere and scared us. But nonetheless, we did the best we could with what we had.

    This year, things are looking very different. No, I still did not book someone early enough. Consequently, I will have to figure that out somehow. But life is changing for other reasons now. In many ways, life is staying the same. This is because even though love evolves, it persists if it is real.

    “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”
    ― Glennon Doyle

    A smiling young girl in a white dress holding a bundle of green foliage, standing in a field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer
    BOOK YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
    INSTAGRAM
    TIKTOK

    Finding My New Normal in Itasca

    Our family moving forward will look different. I do not mean to vaguely brush over these changes. Instead, I am still working to accept my new normal. Even though I am the one leading the charge for change, it is a big transition. This change comes with so much love and respect for the life we built and are now saying goodbye to. It was ten years of a relationship that made me grow tremendously.

    Documenting Life as an Itasca IL Family Photographer

    2020 has simultaneously been both the worst and the best experience. Begrudgingly, it has propelled me forward. I have always loved living in my positivity. In fact, I know that the grass is greener wherever I stand. We will be okay, and we will support each other through these changes. While I don’t specifically live in Itasca, I have Manu beautiful memories with my family here so I guess I consider myself and Itasca IL family photographs

    A woman holding a young girl, with a young boy standing beside them, in a grassy field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer

    As a mother and Chicago Family Photographer my heart is with my kids. Specifically, I know that grown-up situations can be so hard on little ones. In my life, I have known hardship. However, I have always worked to overcome it. It has not made me tough or cynical. If anything, it has made me much more grateful. I love my softness. Ultimately, I think it shows others that not everything has to be hard. Changes are scary, but we will take it day by day.

    A child in a white dress runs down a gravel path during sunset, with trees and bare branches in the foreground and background. Itasca IL family photographer
    A young boy wearing a brown beanie and a jacket smiles while hugging a girl who is holding greenery, both standing in a grassy field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer
    A woman holding a young girl, with a young boy standing beside them, smiling in a field during sunset.
    A young boy wearing a brown beanie and a dark jacket smiles while holding a bundle of greenery, standing in a field during sunset.
    A happy family of four sitting together on a blanket in a grassy field during sunset. The parents are smiling at the camera while their two children, a boy and a girl, are seated in front of them, all looking cheerful.

    “A broken family is a family in which any member must break herself into pieces to fit in. A whole family is one in which each member can bring her full self to the table knowing that she will always be both held and free.”

    ― Glennon Doyle

  • Standing in the light | Chicago and west suburbs photographer

    Standing in the light | Chicago and west suburbs photographer

    This post is a little departure from what I usually blog, beautiful families with tiny humans who bring so much joy. But I think throwing something different at you is something you can handle. May even be necessary. I’ve been exploring what my womanhood means to me. & I probably shoud have shared self portraits along with my words, but sharing women who inspire me seemed more fitting. I would say that unless I found myself on the path that I am on I would have never even questioned what I thought about womanhood. These images are from Austin, the last location for the last workshop I hosted. I had a conversation with my friend B via Facetime recently, in which we agreed that for both of us so much perspective and change came about leaving our nests for these workshops. I can’t speak for everyone who has ever ventured out of their comfort zones but for me, I can’t live without the challenge. If I get too comfortable it becomes this nagging feeling that I need to push myself. That’s what these workshops meant. Pushing myself and in the process discovering more about what it means to fail and to get comfortable with the unknown. Im evolving my thinking and have so much to uncover but for now I’ll leave it at this new discovery is beautiful. This new questioning is amazing. Womanhood is dope as hell. I’m so excited to grow more into myself.

    Can I also say how important it is to sorround yourself with inspiring women who are living their life in their own way unapologetically. Both Britt and Angela have in so many silent ways encouraged me to live authentically. This ish is hard, I won’t lie. I remember when I first became aquainted with these two women. Their existence and the way they moved through the world made me so uncomfortable. I think it was because to me, they were living true to themselves and I didn’t know at the time how desperately I wanted that to be me. These days I am living and standing in my truth. I know without a shadow of a doubt what I want and I am persuing that passionately. I hope this post encourages you to do the same.

    “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”

    FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM

  • 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.

    find me on instagram

  • documentary travel photography tips | Denver Co.

    documentary travel photography tips | Denver Co.

    Documentary Travel Photography Tips: Lessons from Denver

    Taking a family trip is the perfect time to put down the “professional” hat and just be a mom. Actually, I found myself leaning even harder into my love for documentary travel photography tips while we explored Denver. Instead of forcing my kids to stand in front of landmarks, I focused on our real experiences. For this reason, the photos from our Colorado trip feel like a true reflection of our time together.

    A person walking on a path through tall grass, with a dramatic cloudy sky overhead, captured in black and white. documentary travel photography tips
    A girl in a floral dress walking along a dirt path surrounded by tall grass under a cloudy sky. documentary travel photography tips
    instagram
    tiktok
    personal portfolio

    Using Documentary Travel Photography Tips to Capture Honest Moments

    Denver offered so many beautiful backdrops for our family. Specifically, we spent our days wandering through parks and exploring the city’s unique energy. Because I value “honesty over poses,” I captured the messy hair, the tired feet, and the genuine wonder in my children’s eyes. Instead of looking for perfection, I looked for connection. Consequently, these images are more than just vacation snapshots; they are a visual legacy of our adventure

    A girl in a floral dress and a boy in shorts play on a grassy hill, with the girl spreading her arms and the boy holding a stick, under a cloudy sky. Chicago documentary family photographer

    Why You Should Ditch the Poses on Vacation

    Most families feel the need to document every “big” moment with a posed photo. Furthermore, I believe the best memories are found in the quiet, unplanned minutes in between. Using documentary travel photography tips allows you to stay present in the moment while still preserving it. In addition, it takes the pressure off the kids to “perform” for the camera. Ultimately, you end up with a gallery that feels like your actual life, just in a different zip code.

    Two children playing on a grassy hill under a cloudy sky, one child is wearing a white dress and the other is in casual clothing. Chicago documentary family photographer

    Applying This to Your Own Sessions

    If you want this same honest feeling for your family’s story, I would love to help. Whether we are shooting a Chicago documentary family session or a lifestyle shoot in the suburbs, the goal remains the same. Also, you can view my full portfolio and current pricing here. To conclude, I highly recommend checking out the Visit Denver website if you are planning your own family getaway to the mountains soon. Red Rocks was such a beautiful place.

    A young girl with long brown hair smiles warmly at the camera while wearing a floral dress and a red necklace. The background features a natural outdoor setting. Chicago documentary family photographer
    A scenic view of hills under a cloudy sky. Chicago documentary family photographer
    A close-up of yellow wildflowers among rocky terrain, with a boy standing nearby holding a stick, dressed in a gray shirt and shorts. Chicago documentary family photographer
    Two children walking along a hiking trail with a scenic mountainous landscape in the background. Chicago documentary family photographer
    A family walking along a dirt path surrounded by red rocks and greenery, with wooden fencing on either side. Chicago documentary family photographer
    Close-up portrait of a smiling boy with short hair, wearing a pink shirt, against a natural background.
    Two children playing on a dirt path surrounded by greenery, with one child in a floral dress and the other wearing a cap and t-shirt.
    A young boy walking on a trail holding a stick, with a girl in the background playing in the grass.
    A young boy wearing a gray shirt with the text 'I HAVE MY OWN THEME SONG' and a black cap, holding a stick while standing on a path surrounded by greenery.
    A man walking along a dirt path with a young girl in a natural landscape, surrounded by greenery and rock formations under a cloudy sky.
    Close-up of green leaves with out-of-focus background. documentary travel photography tips
    Black and white photo of a dramatic sky with clouds above rolling hills and rocky terrain. documentary travel photography tips
    Children walking along a scenic dirt path with a wooden fence, surrounded by grassy fields and distant hills. documentary travel photography tips
    A young girl in a floral dress running along a dirt path with a wooden fence on the left, under a cloudy sky. documentary travel photography tips
    A woman and a child sitting on a stone ledge overlooking a scenic mountainous landscape during sunset, with dark clouds and soft lighting. documentary travel photography tips
    Two children sitting on a stone wall overlooking a scenic mountainous landscape with dark clouds in the sky. documentary travel photography tips
    Two people sitting on a stone ledge overlooking a mountainous landscape during dusk, with city lights visible in the distance.documentary travel photography tips
    A black and white image of a boy and a girl playing outdoors at dusk. The boy stands behind the girl, who is smiling at the camera, while the boy is looking at her. Both children are wearing casual clothing, and there are fields and a cloudy sky in the background. documentary travel photography tips
  • 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
    personal portfolio
    instagram
    tiktok

    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
  • Chicago Photographer Self Love | North Carolina Alley

    Chicago Photographer Self Love | North Carolina Alley

    This Chicago photographer self love project started with an alley in North Carolina and a decision to stop making excuses. I spend so much of my time documenting other people’s most tender moments and this was my reminder to document my own.

    The journey to strong self-love is hard. It reminds me of that one terrible Chicago street you know the one, riddled with potholes, the kind you navigate like MacGyver just to make it through. Self-love is like that. You brace yourself, you maneuver carefully, and sometimes you hit a rough patch anyway.

    Chicago photographer self love seeing myself for what I am
    Chicago photographer self love woman behind flowers
    self portrait
    self portrait

    Why This Chicago Photographer Turned the Camera on Herself

    Self-love gets sold to us constantly. Buy this, follow that routine, and you’ll have it. But nobody says out loud that you can’t fake it. It shows up in every action, every word you use about yourself. I hope it shows up in these images.

    Turning the camera on myself keeps me honest. It reminds me what it feels like to be in front of the lens — the vulnerability, the in-between moments, the ones that end up being the most real. It makes me a better Chicago family photographer for my clients too.

    Nearing 30, I found myself caring less and less about what others think. And somehow, a random alley in North Carolina became the place I put that on film. Imperfect, a little raw, completely mine.

    Chicago photographer self love woman on the floor

    Chicago Photographer Self Love — A Practice, Not a Destination

    I don’t have it all figured out. But as a Chicago photographer self love is something I come back to again and again in my work, in my personal projects, and in the way I show up for myself and my clients. This alley in North Carolina was just one reminder of that. There will be more.Self portraiture has a long tradition in art — explore the history at The Guardian’s photography section.

  • Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration | PNW Travel Story

    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.

    chicago newborn photographer (1 of 1)-35

    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.”

    4 (1 of 1)
    2017-10-04_0005
    2017-10-04_0015
    2017-10-04_0029
    2017-10-04_0009
    2017-10-04_0013
    2017-10-04_0012
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    2017-10-04_0030
    2017-10-04_0031
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    2017-10-04_0001
    2017-10-04_0002
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    2017-10-04_0003
    2017-10-04_0025
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    2017-10-04_0016
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    2017-10-04_0008
    2017-10-04_0023
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.
    Chicago lifestyle photography inspiration from PNW travel.

  • Chicago documentary photography inspiration | The Adri Photo Co.

    Chicago documentary photography inspiration | The Adri Photo Co.

    Finding chicago documentary photography inspiration in the quiet, everyday moments of my own home has been the highlight of my year. Failure used to haunt me, but now I see it as an inevitable part of the process. This year I celebrated my 4th year as a photographer. As my oldest turned 5, and my little one is just 2, I realized that never before have I failed at so much—and never before have I learned so much.

    I started the year so strong, full of ideas and the kind of invigorating rush that only a new year brings. But then projects fell through, and shoots I attempted didn’t quite land. Truth be told, about 99% of the new things I tried ‘failed.’ While I could blame a lack of organization, I think it was just a part of the process. Along with that failure came the realization that the work that did work out would have never happened without the courage to put myself out there.

    chicago documentary photography inspiration

    Finding Chicago Documentary Photography Inspiration

    I embrace the ‘failed’ moments now. They hold the most honest images. I feel excited to take that spirit into the new year. I want to learn, teach, and share what I know. Sometimes, looking back at where you have been is the best way to grow.

    I technically failed my 366 project. I did not capture a photo every single day. But honestly? That is okay. There is always next year. My resolution for this year is simple: I want to fail more. The more I fail, the closer I get to the heart of what matters. I love the exploration, the creation, and the magic of an unposed second.

    Check out my lifestyle portfolio to see this philosophy in action. If you seek your own chicago documentary photography inspiration, I highly recommend the Museum of Contemporary Photography. It is right here in the city.

    I am grateful for the lessons 2016 taught me. It was not the ‘perfect’ year I planned, but it helped me find my voice. Enjoy these childhood memories from my year of ‘failure.’

    Cheers, friends!

    chicago documentary photography inspiration
    chicago documentary photography inspiration
    chicago documentary photography inspiration
    chicago documentary photography inspiration
    dlam-1-of-1
    chicago documentary photography inspiration
    ltks-1-of-1
    sfex-1-of-1
    turn-1-of-1
    light-1-of-1-2
    s
    4-1-of-1
    1-1-of-1
    27-1-of-1
    25-1-of-1
    SI 6 (1 of 1).jpg
    fire-1-of-1
    last-light-1-of-1

  • Chicago Storytelling Photography | The Raw Beauty of Parenting

    Chicago Storytelling Photography | The Raw Beauty of Parenting

    The Raw Beauty of Parenting | Chicago Family Storytelling Photography

    As a mother and an artist, my heart for Chicago family storytelling photography began with my own children. I’ve always believed that the most honest stories aren’t found in the “perfect” poses, but in the raw, messy, and beautiful reality of our daily lives. This parenting business is no joke, and documenting it authentically is my life’s work.

    Lucas: My Greatest Muse

    As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mom. When we got married, we got pregnant immediately. I was 21 and suddenly a mother to a little boy. It was wonderful, and it still is—but now life is so much more full. Life has changed, and so has my perspective.

    Lucas is currently 4 going on 14. He has opinions and ideas; he yells and he screams. He is passionate, he is smart, and sometimes, he is angry. He isn’t that tiny person who used to fit perfectly against my chest anymore. It is sometimes hard to remember that little version of him because he is growing into such a distinct individual right before my eyes. Being his mama and a chicago family photographer makes me so happy to preserve his childhood. My Personal portfolio is everything to me.

    A child playing on a sandy beach with city buildings in the background, illuminated by a setting sun. Chicago storytelling photography.

    Building a Visual Legacy

    I’ve had moments where I’ve felt ashamed of my lack of patience. But he is so forgiving. He loves me unconditionally, and in that forgiveness, I find the inspiration for my work. Capturing these high-emotion, “unposed” moments is what drives my passion for Chicago family storytelling photography.

    I hope to build a relationship of trust where he knows that no matter what, I am here to listen, not to judge. For now, we’ll deal with the daily power struggles of a boy who wants it all—attention, love, time, toys, and ice cream.

    These daily struggles are exactly why I do what I do. I don’t just want to photograph the smiles. I want to document the “visual legacy” of your real life—the loud parts, the quiet parts, and everything in between. Because one day, these will be the moments you want to remember most. Were big fans of the south shore of chicago, glad we documented these moments here

    A child walking along a sandy beach with tall buildings in the background, seagulls flying nearby, captured in a contrasting black and white and color style.
    A child running along a beach at sunset, with silhouetted trees and buildings in the background. Chicago storytelling photography
    A split image featuring a clear blue sky with birds flying at the top and a black-and-white scene of a child playing in a sandy area with trees and buildings in the background at the bottom. Chicago storytelling photography
    A child walking along the shoreline at sunset, with seagulls flying above and waves gently lapping at the beach. Chicago storytelling photography
    A young child wearing a warm jacket stands on a sandy area, with the sun shining brightly behind them, creating a glowing effect.
    Close-up of a young child wearing a fur-lined hooded jacket, gazing downward with a serious expression, against a blurred outdoor background.
    A young child wearing a hooded jacket stands with eyes closed, facing the sunlight, on a sandy terrain.
    2016-04-26_0009
    A young boy in a dark jacket playing in the sand during sunset, focusing on the ground.
    A young child walking in a grassy park at sunset, with bare trees in the background.

  • 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