CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Category: Photography

  • First Birthday Portraits Chicago | at home with Ruhani

    First Birthday Portraits Chicago | at home with Ruhani

    Capturing First Birthday Portraits Chicago is a beautiful way to mark a major milestone. Because every parent looks forward to this day, the pressure can feel high. However, we decided to stay at home with Ruhani for her session instead of going to a studio. Specifically, a studio can sometimes feel too rushed for a toddler. By contrast, staying home kept the atmosphere calm and helped us capture her real personality. As a result, we saw those tiny, sweet expressions that make being one so special.

    one year old balloon for first birthday portraits in chicago at home
    Ruhani smiling off to the side Ruhani sitting for her First Birthday Portraits Chicago
    A cute plush rabbit wearing a party hat next to a pink balloon and a shiny balloon number First Birthday Portraits Chicago
    Book your baby’s 1st birthday
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    The Benefit of At Home First Birthday Portraits Chicago

    There are many perks to taking First Birthday Portraits Chicago at home. First, the comfort level of the baby is much higher in a familiar space. Additionally, Ruhani was near her favorite toys and familiar faces. Since Chicago is a busy city, traveling to a studio can be stressful. Therefore, staying home meant fewer tears and more smiles. Furthermore, we did not need a fancy backdrop. A simple patch of natural light was all we needed, and it made her glow perfectly.

    Simple DIY Setup for First Birthday Portraits Chicago

     Are you planning your own DIY session in the city? If so, remember that less is often more. For instance, for Ruhani’s photos, we focused on these three things:

    • Natural Lighting: We set up near a large glass door to catch the morning sun.
    • Minimal Props: We used a simple wooden “one” sign and neutral blankets.
    • Patience: We followed her lead rather than forcing difficult poses.
    cake smash at Ruhani sitting for her First Birthday Portraits Chicago
    mom and baby xRuhani sitting for her First Birthday Portraits Chicago

    The Joy of the Cake Smash 

    No first birthday is complete without a little mess. We gave Ruhani a small vanilla cake. At first, she wasn’t sure what to do. Then, she poked the frosting with one tiny finger. Before we knew it, there was cake everywhere! These moments make for the best first birthday portraits in chicago. They show the pure joy of love & discovery.

    Ruhani's at-home First Birthday Portraits Chicago outfit details.
    A close-up black and white portrait of a curious baby girl with big eyes, wearing a dress with ruffled sleeves and a flower in her hair.
    A young girl wearing a pastel dress sits on a colorful rug, holding an open storybook. Behind her, a 'Happy Birthday' banner and a large inflated number one are visible, along with various colorful balloons and stuffed animals.
    A man kissing a young girl on the cheek in a bright room, with a 'Happy Birthday' banner in the background First Birthday Portraits Chicago
    A father joyfully lifts his young daughter, who is wearing a pink dress, in a well-lit room with white walls and window blinds First Birthday Portraits Chicago

    What Ruhani Wore for Her Milestone Session 

    Choosing an outfit is a big part of First Birthday Portraits Chicago. We chose a soft, cream-colored linen romper. It did not distract from her face. Neutral colors work best for indoor photos. They keep the focus on the baby’s expressions. If you are looking for more local ideas, check out this guide to family-friendly activities in Chicago to find great photo locations.

  • Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    A Little Self-Portrait Inspiration

    Finding my voice as a self-portrait artist in Chicago often means coming face-to-face with the parts of myself I’d rather hide. To be honest, lately, I feel like a broken record. I’ve exhausted myself with the self-help and the self-expansion; I didn’t know such a thing existed, but I guess there can always be too much of anything, even if it’s good. Maybe the best thing is simply acceptance.

    I’m sorry if I treat this little space a bit like a journal, but it’s just the type of person I am. It’s been two years since my divorce. I was married at 21 and divorced by 31. I didn’t plan any of it. However, in that unplanned space, I’ve had to look at who I really am. I am selfish and I hurt others. I am human and I can be kind and loving—in fact, I know I do a great job loving my children.

    A woman in a black long-sleeve top and denim overalls standing against a textured white wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    My Journey as a Self-Portrait Artist in Chicago

    I have learned so much these last two years, and I’m glad that my curiosity will always keep me wanting to learn. I made a lot of mistakes too, some so painful that it would make the bravest soul hide in a cave for a lifetime, but I survived and will keep on surviving. Consequently, the things I’ve learned I won’t repeat. Or maybe I will repeat them and just keep learning.

    I love being reminded of my humanity; it’s a reason why I love this job. I work with beautiful people and all kinds of family dynamics. Specifically, I get to capture the rawness of new life and the start of joint decisions and love. Humanity. At least the little moments that make up our daily lives.

    A woman with long dark hair and a nose ring, standing against a light-colored wall. She has her eyes closed, with some hair falling across her face. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A young woman with long, dark hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair is looking away, wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, set against a light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls stands against a light-colored wall, gazing to the side. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    Ultimately, I hope that at least once this year you get to admire photographs that celebrate your humanity. Images that truly reflect you. I hope that you are kind to yourself, and I hope that you choose forgiveness and growth. I hope you choose love and yourself, always.

    A woman stands in a garden surrounded by flowers and greenery, wearing a black dress and a long-sleeved top, smiling as she holds a phone to her ear. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman in a denim overall dress stands outdoors, smiling and posing playfully with one hand in her hair, surrounded by greenery and plants. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman standing among greenery and flowers, looking thoughtfully into the distance.
    A blurred image of a person sitting on an orange bench surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.
    A young woman sitting amidst purple flowers and greenery, partially covering her face with her hand, with a colorful wooden bench in the background.
    A woman sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by blooming purple flowers, wearing a black top and denim overalls.
    A young woman lying on a wooden surface surrounded by purple flowers, gazing thoughtfully with her hand resting on her face.
  • Chicago Travel Blogger Photography | Michigan Camping Trip

    Chicago Travel Blogger Photography | Michigan Camping Trip

    Chicago Travel Blogger Photography: Michigan Moments

    I’ll forever be the mom who photographs my children sleeping. It’s quite literally the calm before the chaos, and as someone who lives for Chicago travel blogger photography, these quiet moments are the ones I cherish most. I love blending my professional eye with our real-life experiences.

    boy sleeping Chicago travel blogger photography
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    I’m slowly catching up on sharing personal images. Now that we’re back in school, my summer routine is disrupted, but looking back at these photos helps me reset. For me, travel blogging photography isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the intention we carry with us. So many of these images will be treasured for years to come. It was such a personal trip that we needed desperately. Michigan is a beautiful escape. I recommend traveling up to MI as often as you can as a Chicagoan. Visit Pure Michigan for more info

    girl near window sleeping Chicago travel blogger photography
    pokemon while camping Chicago travel blogger photography

    The Art of Intentional Travel

    Additionally, I love my work as a Chicago travel blogger photography enthusiast. It lets me see our family trips through a new lens. Many people focus only on grand Michigan landscapes. However, I prefer the quiet, monochrome details of our daily life. For example, I love the morning light inside the tent. I also love the joy of a child running through the trees.

    girl looking out the window Chicago travel blogger photography
    kids running in the woods Chicago travel blogger photography
    camping
    girl swingging
    TRAMPOLINE JUMPING

    Furthermore, moving away from the city’s fast pace helps us reconnect. However, the transition back to our Chicago routine is often a challenge. Consequently, I use these photographs as a visual bridge between our adventures and our everyday life. In addition to being beautiful memories, they serve as a reminder to live with the same intention we feel when we are out in nature. Ultimately, whether we are camping in a remote forest or exploring a new neighborhood at home, the goal remains the same: to document the honest, unposed beauty of our journey.