A Lincoln Square Family Session Full of Hugs, Races, and Belly Laughs

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Some family sessions need a little warming up. This one did not. When I think about what makes great Lincoln Square family photos, it’s a dad and his two boys who are already in their own world, and this session was exactly that.

We met at their front door and went for a stroll to their neighborhood park on a soft, overcast evening. The light was even, the grass was bright green, and the boys had energy to burn. Being a photographer that loves seeing kids in their element, a walk to the park was the perfect session for me. the boys were a bit shy at first as expected.They didn’t know what to make of me. But slowly inviting them to play and to be themselves, the started opening up their sweet personalities.

A man stands outdoors holding the hands of two boys, one jumping excitedly, in front of a brick building with large windows. Lincoln Square family photos

Documentary Family Photos in Lincoln Square

My approach is documentary, which means I follow your family’s rhythm instead of directing it. Here, that meant a game of chase across the open lawn, with dad close behind the boys. It meant a little one bursting down a wooded path with both hands up, grinning. And it meant a big brother hug that made his younger brother laugh so hard his eyes squeezed shut.

Those are the images families tell me they treasure most. They aren’t perfect poses. They’re the way your kids actually are right now, which is exactly what you’ll want to remember in ten years.

A smiling young boy wearing a colorful tropical-themed shirt stands outdoors in front of a green lawn and a fence.

A father stands on a sidewalk holding hands with two young boys, one jumping playfully while the other smiles beside him. They are in front of a red brick wall.

Two young boys joyfully embracing each other, smiling and laughing, captured in a black and white photograph.

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Choosing a Park for Your Session

Lincoln Square and the surrounding neighborhoods have beautiful green space, from open lawns to shady paths and garden corners. For a session like this, I look for a mix: room to run, a bit of texture in the background, and a quiet spot for slower, snuggly moments. Neighborhood parks like those run by the Chicago Park District are perfect for it, and I’m happy to help you pick one that fits your family. This willow tree is actually a new favorite. I am often jealous of the photographers with mountains in their back yard because obv I’d love to capture my families with such beautiful backgrounds. But that Willow, nothing beats a beautiful Willow tree, not even a mountain.

Two young boys embracing each other joyfully on a pathway surrounded by greenery. Lincoln Square family photos

Ready for Your Own Family Session?

If your family is more run-and-giggle than sit-and-smile, we’ll get along great. I photograph families across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with one goal: honesty over poses. Reach out and let’s plan a session that feels like a good afternoon together, not a photo shoot.