River Forest IL Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

River Forest lifestyle photography | The Lopez Family Session

A Wild Winter Session with the Lopez Family

There is something so poetic about a morning spent at home. This session for River Forest lifestyle photography was all about the quiet, unposed moments that make up a family’s visual legacy.

Soft light filtered through the windows as the kids began to wake. Instead of rushing for the camera, we let the coffee brew. Blankets stayed piled high while we captured the morning. These authentic connections are why I believe in the power of documentary-style sessions.

River Forest family photographer capturing the family jumping and laughing together in front of their garage

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If you want to be inspired by change and good things, I encourage you to follow their adventures. They are a family who doesn’t just wish for a better world. Instead, they are making it happen in real-time. They are wonderfully invested in their community and live their words out loud. Specifically, it has been a true pleasure to watch their projects take shape.

A family walking under umbrellas in matching outfits near a garage door.

Documentary photography of a family of five laughing on their porch.

Lifestyle Family Sessions in Maywood and River Forest

I actually grew up in the very community they are helping shape. I walked those same streets and visited that same library as a child. Because of this, it feels surreal and beautiful how life leads you back to your beginnings. I am so proud of the work they do! If you want to follow their journey, the Firehouse Dream .

Traveling often for River Forest lifestyle photography sessions, I capture families who value real, unscripted moments. Whether we are playing in the fresh snow or snuggling on the couch, these stories matter. I hope you enjoy their session, as it was certainly a favorite of mine this year.

kids playing in snow river forest IL documentary family photography

kid watching the snow drop black and white image Maywood IL

Candid lifestyle photography of two sisters laughing together in the snow.

sibling upside down on a couch Adri De La Cruz capturing family snuggles on a couch.

River Forest family photographer Adri De La Cruz capturing family snuggles on a couch.

A family cozying up on a couch, with parents and children expressing warmth and affection towards each other.

Documentary family photography showing the beautiful chaos of three siblings playing on a couch.

Sibling portraits in front of a piano during a Maywood lifestyle session.

sibling portraits in front of piano RIVER FOREST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

A group of four young girls playfully interacting in a bright room with a piano in the background. One girl sits on a stool, while the others hug and lean on her, showcasing expressions of joy and friendship.

Three young girls having fun together, with one playfully leaning in to kiss another on the cheek while the third girl laughs joyfully. They are dressed in colorful sweaters and dresses, against a backdrop of a white brick wall and a piano.

River Forest family photographer documenting a family walk through the woods.

A group of five people posing together on a fallen tree in a forested area. The scene is captured in black and white, with trees in the background and a serene, natural environment.

River Forest family photographer capturing a dad and his kids in their local community.

family walking through mostly empty forest in the Fall River Forest IL

A couple embracing and kissing by a tranquil pond surrounded by autumn foliage.

A family enjoying a day by a lake in autumn, featuring two adults and several children. One child is playfully pointing, wearing a cozy hat and a pink coat, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

river forest trailside museum family photography

A group of five children and two adults walking together on a path in an autumn forest, surrounded by colorful fall foliage. River Forest Family Photographer

A girl sitting on outdoor steps, wearing a cozy pink jacket and gray sweater, smiling at the camera. River Forest Family Photographer

A group of friends walking together by a lake in an autumn setting, with trees reflecting in the water. River Forest Family Photographer

A woman in a knitted sweater and beanie smiles while standing in a forested area with trees in the background. River Forest Family Photographer

Planning a Documentary Session in the Chicago Suburbs

Additionally, I want to share why these “weather stop” sessions are so special. Many families wait for the “perfect” sunny day in River Forest. However, some of my favorite images happen when the weather is wild. For example, the way the light hits the falling snow creates a magical glow that you cannot find in a studio.

Therefore, I encourage my clients to embrace the elements! As a River Forest family photographer, I know that your real life doesn’t always happen in perfect weather. It happens in the rain, the snow, and the quiet moments inside your home. Because I focus on documentary storytelling as a Chicago family photographer , we can make magic anywhere. If you are looking for a session that feels like “you,” I would love to connect. In fact, we can start planning your adventure today.

January 5, 2022

River Forest Family Photos | Adri De La Cruz

I can’t believe we’re here, so close to December and just about to celebrate Thanksgiving. As I prepare for our upcoming River Forest family photos, I’ve been reflecting on how things are looking different in the future for us. Perhaps this is too heavy and personal for my photography page, or perhaps it’s just what my clients need from me.

A family portrait featuring a smiling father with two children, one boy and one girl, in a cozy indoor setting with bookshelves and greenery in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

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To see me is to go a little deeper into who I am. I want you to see the person behind the lens. Specifically, I capture the beauty of family because it is my passion. My own family is also my passion. If I am to live my one wild and precious life the way I want, then I guess I’ll have to be judged.

I am so grateful for my soon-to-be ex-husband who agreed to do this for me. In actuality, I know he knows it’s for them. While we may not have always modeled an incredible marriage, we will ensure they see unconditional love and friendship moving forward.

Black and white image of three children posing together with smiles, one boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white top, and another child partially hidden behind them, with a bookshelf in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

As I climbed out of the tub and shook my hair dry, I told myself: Maybe in a different life.

Isn’t that interesting?

As if I had more than one.

-Untamed

Reflecting on a Decade of Motherhood

My twenties started with having a baby boy and launching my business. During that time, I absorbed everything I could. In the last decade, I have also launched photographer communities and workshops across the United States. I taught others to find their voice and even dabbled in having my own magazine.

However, all of that would mean nothing without them. I was 21 when my son was born, shy of 22 by mere days. What an incredible journey it has been!

Beginning the Next Chapter

A young girl twirling in a shiny, sequined skirt with her hair flying around, set in a warm, inviting room with wooden floors and leafy decor. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

I am 31 now. The best part of getting older is realizing that you actually know nothing. Such a humbling thing to acknowledge! Within this nothingness, I will begin my next decade. I hope I can sit here at 41 still admiring all of the greatness that has come.

Therefore, I refuse to focus on the “what-could-have-been.” I hope I am forever a glass-half-full kind of girl, no matter what comes next.

A boy and girl are hugging each other, both smiling. The boy is wearing a striped sweater in yellow and black, while the girl is wearing a white top and a sparkling skirt. They are seen in a cozy indoor setting with green plants in the background.

The Story Behind These River Forest Family Photos

About this session: I will forever love our chalk wall. While I probably can’t recreate this in my new rental, we have drawn and played a multitude of fun games on it. Specifically, I’ve been surprised by love notes from my children written there. I have also seen some incredible art skills displayed on this wall. I don’t want to take all the credit, but maybe that is a little of me rubbing off on them!

In reality, we know all children are great artists. I am only happy mine constantly choose to share their work with me so often.

Two children sitting on a wooden swing, with one boy wearing a striped sweater and a girl in a sparkling dress, both smiling and enjoying the moment, against a backdrop of a brick wall and a tree.

Location Scouting for River Forest Family Photos

Initially, I wanted to use the chalk wall as a backdrop for a few portraits then head out to find something different. I have driven past a specific green wall many times, always hopeful to have a session there at some point. Although some people struggle to see beauty in an “ugly” green wall, that is why there are people like me.

As a Chicago Family Photographer & mom I understand that the point of a session is not the background, but the love and fun represented in front of it. From a chalk wall to a green wall, I love how these images taken under a pathway in River Forest with my family came out. My sister even helped me take the group ones! I didn’t trust a tripod in the middle of a street with winds and cars flowing by.

Ultimately, I hope we can make this happen every year until my kiddos finally say no. I hope you all have an amazing bunch of holidays!

A young girl with long hair and a red sweater stands with her arms crossed, looking at a boy who is covering his face with his hands, wearing a striped sweater. They are in front of a green wall. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A young child sitting on a concrete ledge under an elevated structure, wearing a striped shirt and casual pants, with a relaxed expression, surrounded by industrial elements and overcast skies.

Two children sitting together, smiling at the camera. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and the girl is wearing a sparkly skirt with a white top and a red cardigan. They are sitting on a striped blanket.

A playful moment between two children sitting on a stone ledge under a railway bridge, surrounded by autumn leaves. The girl wears a white dress and a black cardigan, while the boy is in a striped sweater. They are laughing and enjoying each other's company.

A boy and girl sitting together on the ground, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and is leaning in to kiss the girl's forehead as she laughs. The girl is dressed in a white top, a red cardigan, and a sparkly skirt. They are surrounded by an industrial backdrop with rusted metal and stone walls.

A smiling man and a boy standing close together, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater with yellow, and the man is dressed in a dark shirt. The background features industrial elements.

A man and a young girl share an affectionate moment under a bridge, framed by industrial elements and surrounding trees.

A man and a girl are interacting near a concrete wall with a metal support structure. The girl stands on a low platform, wearing a white dress, while the man is crouched down, looking up at her. The scene is set outdoors under a cloudy sky, surrounded by fallen leaves.

A man carrying a sleeping child on his back, walking along a concrete wall under a cloudy sky, with another child standing nearby.

A close-up portrait of a young girl resting her head on the shoulder of an adult, both appearing relaxed in a black and white setting.

A family of three sitting together under a bridge, with a concrete wall and rusted metal supports in the background. The adult man is wearing a dark sweater, the woman is wearing a white top and a red skirt, and the child is dressed in a striped shirt. The atmosphere is casual and intimate.

A family sitting together beneath a railway bridge, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the connection and joy among family members.

A young girl in a sparkly dress and a burgundy sweater joyfully twirls while holding hands with an adult in a black shirt, set against a concrete background.

A family of four holding hands in front of a green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. The mother in a white top and red skirt, a boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white dress with a red cardigan, and a father in a black sweater. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall.

A family of four, including two children, joyfully walking together on a sidewalk near a weathered wall, surrounded by fallen leaves. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A family playing together outdoors, holding hands and walking along a sidewalk next to a weathered green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A black and white image of a family walking hand in hand along a street with a textured wall in the background. On the right side, a boy wearing a striped shirt stands in front of a green wall while an adult man in a dark sweater stands behind him. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A family of four posing together in front of a green wall. The mother wears a white sweater, the father wears a black jacket, the son is in a striped shirt, and the daughter wears a white dress with a red cardigan. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

I have always loved scouting locations near the River Forest Park District because even the most unconventional spots, like this green wall, can hold so much character.

November 25, 2020

River Forest Woods Session | Earthy Lifestyle Photography

River Forest Woods Session: A Little Time in the Sun

If you are looking for the perfect natural backdrop, a River Forest woods session offers some of the most beautiful light in the Chicago area. Recently, an amazing company reached out for a commercial lifestyle shoot in this very location. Consequently, I headed out to the lush greenery of River Forest, IL. This town is such a gem for photographers. Specifically, the tall trees and filtered sunlight provide an ideal environment for capturing families in their most natural state.

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A man holding a baby, both smiling, in a natural outdoor setting with greenery. A woman is partially visible, gently touching the man's arm. River Forest Woods Session

Capturing Love in the Greenery

The family for this River Forest woods session was absolutely stunning. Their little baby was incredibly chill and easy-going, which made my job a breeze. Every time she needed a little extra encouragement, her dad would play “Baby Shark.” Therefore, we were able to capture plenty of genuine smiles and happy moments.

As a Chicago Family Photographer one of the most important aspects of my job is ensuring I capture families in their truth. Furthermore, I want their love to be reflected 100% in the final gallery. It was so much fun to document their connection in such a serene environment. I was also very grateful for the cooler, sun-drenched day. In Illinois, we must always be mindful of ticks and other bugs. However, the light was so perfect that it was well worth the extra precautions.

A father holding his baby girl in a natural setting, with a mother standing beside them. The baby is wearing a white outfit with a bow in her hair, while the father is in a green shirt and cap. The background features lush greenery and soft sunlight shining through the trees. River Forest Woods Session

Documenting Your Visual Legacy

As a documentary-style photographer, I thrive in these open, natural spaces. This River Forest woods session allowed the family’s “visual legacy” to unfold naturally against the earthy tones of the forest. We focused on a palette of deep greens and soft, warm skin tones to keep the focus on human connection.

If you are looking for an outdoor session that feels honest and effortless, I would love to connect. You can learn more about my approach here to see how I focus on storytelling over stiff poses. I hope you enjoy this gallery and the way the shifting light played against the landscape!