at home chicago documentary family photographer Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Bolingbrook Newborn Photographer IL | Baby Diego’s arrival

Welcoming a new baby is a milestone that deserves to be captured with care and authenticity. As a Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer, I had the absolute joy of visiting this sweet family to document Baby Diego’s arrival. Additionally, there is something truly special about an at-home session where everyone feels relaxed and at ease. Also my favorite part was the details of this very inspiring Mexican Nursery. From the serape blanket to the ornate wall paper.

DOOR STOP AND BABY NAME PLATE Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer session with Baby Diego.

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The sun was shining beautifully through the windows when I arrived. Because the natural light was so soft, it created the perfect atmosphere for Baby Diego’s first portraits. Furthermore, seeing the connection between the parents and their new son was truly moving. These quiet, unposed moments are often the ones that families treasure the most..

mexican nursery detail inspiration Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer session with Baby Diego.

Choosing a Bolingbrook IL Newborn Photographer

In addition to the baby photos, we captured wonderful family portraits. Consequently, the gallery feels complete and tells a full story of his first days at home. If you are looking for a Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer to document your own story, I would love to chat. My goal is to provide a stress-free experience in the comfort of your own home.

Moreover, choosing an at-home session allows you to include personal details. Many families choose to incorporate heirlooms or nursery decor. Similarly, I love capturing the way big siblings or pets react to the new arrival. For instance, Baby Diego’s nursery provided a calm and meaningful backdrop for these memories. As a Chicago Newborn Photographer my opinion is that therefore, your photos will always feel unique to your life.

A plush toy in the shape of a llama sits in a crib next to a sleeping baby swaddled in white clothing.

dad looking at his baby boy Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer baby Diego session

mom on rocker nursing baby boy Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer baby Diego session

The Mexican blanket against the ornate wallpaper really stood out. And honestly I adore the bbaby boy’s Mexican name as well.

big sister puppy Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer baby Diego session

baby in crib from different angles Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer baby Diego session

from above shot bAt-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

mom and dad near their baby with Mexican newborn nursery At-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

new parents At-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

wide shot and close shot of baby in crib At-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

newborn details At-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

close up pf baby in crib closed eyes At-home newborn portraits in Bolingbrook IL

A newborn baby sleeping peacefully in a crib, wearing a white outfit. The image captures the baby's feet, face, and the nursery decor including a shelf with the word 'BABY'.

A sleeping newborn in a crib with a light gray mattress and wooden slats, surrounded by a colorful blanket and a stuffed animal.

A mother holds her newborn baby while looking into a mirror in a cozy nursery, featuring a crib and decorative shelves.

A mother holding her newborn baby closely, both looking content and affectionate. The mother is wearing a soft sweater while the baby is dressed in a white outfit.

A couple lovingly holds their newborn baby in a cozy nursery, surrounded by soft lighting and a floral-patterned wall.

A loving couple stands together in a cozy room, holding their newborn baby swaddled in white. The woman looks at the baby with affection, while the man embraces both the baby and the woman, creating a warm family moment.

A couple lovingly holds their newborn baby in a cozy, softly lit room. The father is embracing the mother as she cradles the infant, creating a warm intimate atmosphere.

A mother gently holds her swaddled newborn close to her cheek in a softly lit room, showcasing a nurturing moment.

A brown dog lying on a textured rug, wearing a green bandana with a design.

A couple sits on a cozy rug, lovingly cradling their newborn baby dressed in a white outfit with buttons, while a dog lies peacefully beside them.

A mother holding her newborn baby in a cozy nursery setting, sitting in a modern armchair.

A couple lovingly holds their newborn baby in a cozy indoor setting, with soft lighting and a warm atmosphere.

A mother gently interacts with her newborn baby on a bed, showcasing a nurturing moment between them.

A newborn baby lying on a white bed, smiling while holding a finger of an adult hand.

A mother gently interacting with her newborn baby on a bed, both looking comfortable and relaxed.

A newborn baby lying on a changing pad, with a neutral-colored decor in the background.

A newborn baby lying on a changing pad, with a round mirror reflecting natural light and a simple, modern nursery setting.

A newborn baby lying on a bed, surrounded by two attentive parents, with gentle expressions. The baby is dressed in a white outfit and appears calm while reaching out with one hand.

A black and white image of a newborn baby lying on a bed, with two adults leaning in closely, showing affection and attention.

A joyful newborn baby in white onesie held by a caregiver, smiling while sitting on a bed.

A mother gently smiling and touching noses with her newborn baby, both sharing a joyful moment together.

A newborn baby smiling while being held by an adult in a cozy setting.

If you are looking for a Bolingbrook IL newborn photographer to capture your family’s newest addition, I would love to chat. My goal is to provide an stress-free experience that focuses on the connection between you and your baby in the comfort of your own home.

February 1, 2021

Itasca Maternity Photographer | Adri De La Cruz

Booking an Itasca maternity photographer on a sunny day after weeks of rain felt like a gift and this mama delivered. Even without that gorgeous golden hour light, we found something dreamier, softer, and honestly more her. No matter what the light does, mamas-to-be carry their own glow. Honest to god, they don’t even have to try.

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Inspiring Maternity photos Itasca IL

This beautiful woman is welcoming her third baby boy, and life was doing what life does piling things on all at once. Her middle child had just gotten a long-awaited doctor’s appointment, landing right as she was preparing to bring a new baby into the world. Women are such warriors. I knew without a doubt she would rise to every single moment — advocating fiercely, loving fully, and somehow making it all look effortless.

I cannot wait to meet this new little one.

If you’re expecting and looking for a maternity photographer serving Itasca and the Chicago west suburbs, I would love to document this season for you.

For this session I did a lot of cool experimenting with textures, the clear plastic created this hazy halo effect, I also did over exposures as well. I also loved playing with hard light. Using the light directionally to create interesting visual composition within our frames. Lastly I love a blue sky. I think clouds are my favorite but the blue and green contrast made these so beautiful. This is what im talking about. When I photograph you as your Chicago Maternity Photographer expect to kool beautiful, yes. But also to look inspiring and to have your eye be challenged.

The wind really was another paid actor here. I love the texture flowy hair and dresses add to maternity photography. It is whimsical Af to see so much beauty in the frame.

May 24, 2019

Batavia IL Baby Photographer | Six Month Session

As a Batavia IL baby photographer, I get a front row seat to some of the most fleeting, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments in a child’s life. Six months have already gone by since her newborn shoot and the difference is wild. The cheeks, the chubby thighs, the way she’s suddenly holding her own head up like she owns the room. Every single day brings a new change, and babies wear time in the most beautiful, pronounced way. I also photographed the first year of her brothers life, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of. A family’s growth.

This sweet little lady was mostly all smiles. She’s learning to find her balance when she sits, and she is so aware of her big brother glancing over at him every chance she got, like he’s the most fascinating thing in her whole world. Honestly? She’s not wrong.

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Why Hire a Batavia IL Baby Photographer?

This is exactly why I always tell families: don’t wait. Don’t blink. Babyhood is short and your camera roll of blurry phone pics is not the same as having it truly documented. The chubby thighs don’t last. The wobbly sit doesn’t last. Even the way they look at their siblings in pure adoration — it changes faster than you expect.

Experts agree that the first year of a baby’s development is the most rapid period of growth in a child’s life which is exactly why documenting each milestone matters so much. As a Chicago Family Photographer and Batavia IL baby photographer milestone sessions from newborn through first birthday are some of my most treasured work. You can see more on my portfolio .

If you’ve been thinking about a session — this is your sign. These babies don’t keep as much as we try.

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April 17, 2019

Love on the beach | Adri De La Cruz Chicago and West suburbs intimate wedding photographer

Earlier this year I hosted my first ever workshop. I was as sick as a dog. I think my body loves to mess with me the most when stress is high. The only constant during stressful times is knowing that there will be so much out of your control. I might as well surrender to it. I wanted to share these images from that day because I was so insanely in awe of B. Brittany De Jesus that is. She’s the real deal. Just a genuine, vibrant soul. Full of that spark that so many in this industry seem to just let go off at a certain point. I hope she never loses that shine. Check out these incredible images, taken by me, instructed and posed by her. I learned so damn much. I’m beyond grateful for her.

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Couples on a beach Adri de la cruz Chicago intimate wedding photographer (2)

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Couples on a beach Adri de la cruz Chicago intimate wedding photographer (7)

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November 14, 2018

Documentary Storyteller in Chicago | Childhood magic

A Sweet Goodbye to Summer

Yesterday felt like a sweet goodbye to summer. As a documentary storyteller in Chicago, I felt an overwhelming need to capture these last moments for my own kids. Specifically, I wanted to freeze the feeling of this season before the school year shifted our rhythm entirely. I turned on the sprinkler for just fifteen minutes and simply documented their joy. But let’s be honest, there were also plenty of moments of them fighting for the best spot near the water.

Consequently, this transition feels heavier than most. After this summer, I no longer have a kid at home to keep me busy during the day. There is so much change ahead for our family. Our schedules are getting full, and so are the backpacks.

Next week is the first day of school for my littlest as she starts Pre-K. I know she’s going to love it; she is truly one of the most extroverted kids I know. Ultimately, I look forward to hearing all of her new stories, even though change is never easy. Nonetheless, we just have to keep moving forward.

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Candid example of authentic childhood fun, captured by a documentary storyteller in Chicago

The Heart of My Storytelling

Because I don’t have many photos from my own childhood, I am deeply intentional about preserving these visual legacies for my kids—and for yours. Whether we are playing in a sprinkler in Forest Park or exploring a park in Oak Park, my goal as a documentary storyteller in Chicago is to capture the “ordinary” days that are actually extraordinary.

Ready to document your own family’s magic? If you’re looking for a soulful, unposed experience, explore my work as an Oak Park family photographer or view my latest Chicago family photography sessions. Let’s tell your story, exactly as it is.

Honest moment of pre-K transition and last days of summer, documented by a Chicago storytelling photographer, kids running around their front yard with a sprinkler

Planning a Session with a Documentary Storyteller in Chicago

Specifically, many parents ask me how to prepare for an unposed session. Ultimately, the best advice I can give is to lean into the chaos. Whether it’s a sprinkler fight in the backyard or a messy breakfast at the kitchen table, these are the moments that truly tell your story. Consequently, as a documentary storyteller in Chicago, I am not looking for perfection; I am looking for the connection that makes your family unique.