Travel Photography Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Fresno CA Newborn Photography | A Heartwarming Family Session

A Joyful Family Reunion: Fresno CA Newborn Photography

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to capture some Fresno CA newborn photography during a family trip to California. My extended family and I traveled across the country to meet my brand new niece, and it was truly the loveliest time for all of us to be together.

A Home Filled with Love and Good Food

During our stay, we rented a spacious Airbnb so we could all be under one roof. My aunts and my mom made delicious breakfast every single day for my siblings and me. In fact, we didn’t eat out at all because the home-cooked meals were so incredible! Being together in one space was a lovely cool experience. We spent our afternoons playing ping-pong outside, soaking up the California sun, and laughing until our sides ached.

A loving family moment with a baby lying on a bed, being gently held by parents. The mother and father are engaged and smiling at their child, creating a warm atmosphere.

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A close-up of a baby lying on a bed, with a curious expression and short brown hair.

Close-up of a baby's foot resting on a soft bedspread, with a blurred background.

A mother smiling at her baby while lying on a bed, in a black and white photograph.

A mother kissing her sleeping baby on a bed, captured in black and white.

dad touching baby girls hair and looking at her Documentary Newborn Moments in Fresno

close up of baby face Documentary Newborn Moments in Fresno

A couple kissing while lying on a bed with a child in between them, creating a warm family moment.

A close-up of a parent holding a baby's hand while cradling them, with soft natural light filtering through a window.

A loving family portrait of a couple with their baby, with the father gently kissing the baby's forehead while the mother stands beside them, all looking towards a window in a bright, cozy room.

Sweet close up of a baby face and dad from a Fresno CA newborn photography session.

Parents in the mirror holding their baby girl in Fresno CA.

A woman with long hair gently holds a young baby in her arms, both smiling in a cozy indoor setting. Fresno CA Newborn Photography

Sweet close up of a baby face from a Fresno CA newborn photography session.

Close-up of a baby with dark hair wearing a knitted light-colored sweater with buttons, looking directly at the camera with large, expressive Fresno CA Newborn Photographyeyes.

A loving couple kisses each other while holding their baby, who is wearing a gray cardigan and denim jeans, sitting on a sofa. Fresno CA Newborn Photography

Documentary Fresno CA Newborn Photography Moments

It has been nine years since we had a new baby in our family. Because I decided to have my own children in my early 20s, my kids grew up without cousins nearby. Now, we finally have a beautiful baby girl to cherish and spoil. During the trip, I took a moment to capture the three of them as a brand-new family. My brother and sister-in-law are natural parents, and it was moving to witness them in their new roles. We all joked that she is the happiest baby on the block! I love that I got to be her Chicago Newborn Photographer even in California.

The Value of Lifestyle Photography

Capturing these Fresno CA newborn photography moments reminded me why I love my job as a documentary photographer. These sessions allow families to relax and be themselves, even when a whole group of aunts and uncles is fighting over who gets to hold the baby next. Whether I am working at home in Chicago or traveling for a session in California, my goal is always to tell an authentic story through my lens. We are so excited to watch this little girl grow and to continue showering her with all the love she deserves.

June 7, 2023

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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PERSONAL PORTFOLIO

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

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.

August 26, 2021

Austin travel portrait photographer

When I travel, I always bring my camera. I love exploring new landscapes and capturing the soul of a city. On a recent trip, I visited the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. I wanted to capture something unique during my stay. As an Austin travel portrait photographer, I decided to experiment with a special artistic technique called “freelensing.”

A woman with dreadlocks, dressed in an off-the-shoulder top, looking down thoughtfully in a lush green setting. Austin travel portrait photographer

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Understanding the Freelensing Technique

If you look closely at these photos, you will notice a dreamy, soft blur and a unique shift in focus. This is the result of “freelensing.” Instead of keeping the lens locked onto the camera body, I detach it and hold it just in front of the sensor.

This technique allows me to tilt the glass and create a selective focus that is impossible to achieve with standard lenses. It creates an ethereal, romantic aesthetic that feels timeless. If you want to dive deeper into the technical side of this artistic craft, . It is a fantastic way to turn ordinary portraits into fine art.

A woman with long dreadlocks wearing an off-shoulder top stands amidst lush greenery, partially smiling and looking down while holding a necklace. Austin travel portrait photographer

A woman with long hair wearing an off-shoulder green dress stands in a lush, floral outdoor setting, with her hair flowing in motion.

Why Hire an Austin Travel Portrait Photographer?

Many people assume travel photography is just about landscapes. However, I believe it is about people. Travel sessions offer a fresh perspective that studio work cannot match. Whether you live in Texas, are visiting for a weekend, or want me to travel to your destination, a portrait session creates a permanent memory. Because I am a portrait photographer, I specialize in documentary-style portraits. I do not just pose you; I capture the way you interact with the city.

How to Book Your Next Session

This trip was a major highlight of my year. Austin has an incredible energy, from its murals to its park spaces. Are you looking for an Austin travel portrait photographer to document your own journey? or to check my availability for your specific travel dates!

A woman with long, dark dreadlocks stands in a natural setting, wearing an olive green off-the-shoulder dress. Surrounding her are green plants and cacti under a blue sky. Austin travel portrait photographer

A woman with long, dark hair wearing an olive green off-the-shoulder dress stands near a pink wall surrounded by cactus plants. Austin travel portrait photographer

A woman in a green dress stands against a pink wall, with a wooden door and colorful houses in the background. Trees and plants are visible, creating a serene outdoor setting. Austin travel portrait photographer

A black and white image featuring a person with long hair standing against a textured wall, partially obscured by a wooden door. The second part of the image shows the same person in a different pose, leaning against a wall near houses and trees. Austin travel portrait photographer

September 24, 2020

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

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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

January 7, 2020

Traveling Family Photographer Chicago | The Kerns Family in NC

From Online Connection to North Carolina: A Travel Story

I met Lydia online years ago in a private group for mothers, and ultimately, we were meant to be real-life friends. She is one of those rare souls who can kindly tell you exactly how you’re wrong without ever making you feel bad for it. When she invited me to her new home in North Carolina to document her family, I didn’t hesitate. Working as a traveling family photographer in Chicago means I often get the chance to follow stories wherever they lead.

Specifically, capturing this slice of their love in a brand-new setting was such an honor. Their family is authentically beautiful, and that baby! Basically, she gave me the most intense baby fever I’ve had in years. I loved getting to see their dynamic in person after years of digital friendship.

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The Heart of a Traveling Family Photographer from Chicago

Because I prioritize unscripted, documentary moments, I find that traveling to a client’s home—regardless of the zip code—creates the most honest results. Whether I am documenting a morning in Oak Park or a weekend in North Carolina, my goal is the same: to preserve your visual legacy. Consequently, the location becomes a character in your story, reflecting a specific chapter of your life.

Ultimately, this trip reminded me why I love my job. I left North Carolina feeling inspired and full of gratitude for the way photography turns “internet friends” into lifelong “IRL friends.” We definitely need to plan a girls’ trip soon!

adridelacruz chicago family photographer west suburbs (16)

Planning Your Destination Session

If you are looking for a traveling family photographer from Chicago to join you on your next adventure or document your life in a new city, I would love to chat. Specifically, I specialize in travel sessions that feel less like a photoshoot and more like a day spent with a friend. Let’s capture the magic of your family, wherever you call home. As a Chicago Family Photographer incredible sessions like this make me so happy. Another favorite Travel Session happened recently for a Fresno Maternity Session.