Chicago IL Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Chicago hospital birth photographer | Gabriel’s Birth Story

No matter where you choose to birth your sweet little being, I am always honored to be a part of the team. Being a Chicago hospital birth photographer is a magical experience. You get to witness so much strength and transformation in one room. Specifically, Sophia had a very laid-back active labor. She did so well throughout the process.

First-time moms can be unpredictable. Consequently, you have to surrender and accept that many things are out of your control. I feel like Sophia rode the wave of acceptance beautifully. I was there to capture every image of her and her husband. Furthermore, her maternity images were very special to shoot. Being a Chicago hospital birth photographerin a medical setting is different than being at home.

mom and dad Chicago hospital birth photographer documenting labor

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Mama touching belly during birth Chicago hospital birth photographer documenting labor

moms feet Chicago hospital birth photographer documenting labor

Chicago hospital birth photographer documenting labor

Capturing Strength with a Chicago hospital birth photographer

Additionally, the challenge at the hospital is maintaining a level of vulnerability. We must work within a more controlled landscape. In fact, lighting can actually be better in the hospital because they require visibility at all times. Overall, I have had the best experiences with hospital staff. This hospital was no different. Therefore, the environment felt very supportive for the family.

Moreover, I love the unique energy of a hospital arrival. Since every birth is different, I am always ready for anything. As a result, we captured the raw emotions of Gabriel coming into the world. Whether it is the quiet moments of labor or the first breath, the magic is undeniable. Instead of a quiet house, the hospital buzzes with a different kind of excitement.

A person sleeping on a couch under a blanket in a dimly lit room with a window covered by sheer curtains.

Pregnant woman smiling in a hospital bed with medical equipment and a floral wall decoration in the background.

A patient resting in a hospital bed with a peaceful expression, IV line attached, surrounded by medical equipment.

A caregiver adjusting a pillow for a patient lying in a hospital bed, with medical equipment visible in the background.

A close-up of two hands holding each other, with one person lying in bed and appearing to be asleep.

A pregnant woman in a hospital bed, preparing for labor, illuminated in low light.

A close-up view of a newborn being delivered, with medical professionals assisting in the process.

A dimly lit hospital room with a newborn baby in a bassinet, attended by a healthcare worker and a man observing the scene, featuring medical equipment in the background.

Close-up of a baby's feet with a diaper, resting on a soft blanket.

A newborn baby lying on a striped blanket in a medical setting, surrounded by medical equipment.

In conclusion, I enjoy every minute of my work. Whether it is a home birth or a hospital birth, the story is what matters. So, I am glad I could document Gabriel’s first moments. Lastly, thank you for following my journey. If you need a Chicago hospital birth photographer, please reach out! Thank you for supporting my art and my business.”

Being a Chicago Birth Photographer means seeing humans fall in love for the first time with a stranger.

October 11, 2023

Family Self Portraits Chicago | Weathering the Storm

Family Self Portraits Chicago: Weathering the Storm

Family self portraits Chicago sessions have always been a way for me to document our truth, and these days, life for us is mostly calm. We have finally arrived at the other side of one of the hardest years of our collective lives. I know that everyone is going through something, as the world is experiencing a massive shift. However, inside our little family, that shift felt like a big wave of so many things.

A mother and her son sharing a quiet moment during family self portraits Chicago.

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At the start of 2021, I didn’t know where I would be emotionally. I moved out of the home I shared with my ex and into a tiny apartment. While physically so many things have changed, emotionally it feels like I am still the same—in grief, but slightly stronger. I am a far better person now. Specifically, I am trying my hardest to be who I always believed myself to be. My life is centered around love for my children and myself, full of authenticity, and expanding in my “No’s.”

A young girl standing among tall trees looking toward the camera in natural light.

Family self portraits Chicago showing a mother giving her son a piggyback ride.

Finding Gratitude in the Grief

The thing that has grown the most since the start of this year has been my gratitude. In fact, that has remained a constant throughout our family self portraits Chicago journey. Being grateful for everything I’ve experienced has made my grief become more beautiful. I know now that I can handle whatever life has in store for me. Consequently, I have learned to let go of things out of my control. The storm that has been this year of our lives has served us well.

My kids are some of the best humans I know. To have been able to be here for them in their own grieving journey has been incredibly healing. They know we’re all still a work in progress and flawed. Nevertheless, they know that no matter how rough life gets, we have each other. Always.

A black and white image of family self portraits Chicago representing healing.

Building a Future Together

I have built that trust with them by showing up day in and day out. Furthermore, I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us. I am full of gratitude for my coparent as well. M is an incredible human, and I know he always has my back. Actually, I know I can count on him 200%. I love that we can still do these family self portraits Chicago for the kids.

As I step into 2022, I am nervous but excited. I am open to learning and making more mistakes if they lead to the growth I need. Ultimately, I have goals and dreams to start. If you’re in the middle of your own storm, my friend, I urge you to listen to yourself. Move forward one step at a time. Do the uncomfortable things that give you peace and leave you full, even though they are painful. May it be an amazing year for you! I will never tire of being a chicago family photographer and capture my loves.

Adri de la Cruz and her children for their family self portraits Chicago

Candid shot of a mother laughing while her children play around her in a park.

Family self portraits Chicago featuring a mother and daughter in a forest.

A woman holds a young girl in a natural setting, surrounded by trees. They are smiling and sharing a joyful moment outdoors.

Documentary-style family photography by Chicago artist Adri de la Cruz.

A father carrying his young daughter in the woods, while a smiling young boy rides on his back, surrounded by greenery.

a portrait of a divorced family, son, daughter and parents sitting on tall grass

A black and white photo of a father with two children playing in a natural setting, surrounded by trees and grass.

A smiling girl in a flowing dress twirls joyfully in a forest setting, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees.

A boy playfully kisses a girl on the cheek while she laughs in a lush outdoor setting. They are dressed in casual, stylish clothes, and the background features soft greenery.

Family self portraits Chicago featuring children playing among the trees.

A close-up black and white portrait of a smiling girl with curly hair, wearing a white top with lace detailing, sitting next to a man with a beard, partially visible, both enjoying a moment together.

Family self portraits Chicago captured during the golden hour in autumn.

A woman sitting on the ground in a grassy field, holding a young girl, while a boy stands beside them laughing. The scene is illuminated by soft sunlight against a backdrop of tall grasses and a clear sky.

A black and white image of a family sitting together in a grassy field, with a father and mother embracing their laughing child.

Family self portraits Chicago in a serene, wooded forest setting.

Two children running through a grassy field on a bright day, with one child smiling joyfully while the other follows closely behind.

A girl and a boy hugging each other playfully in a grassy field on a sunny day.

December 13, 2021

Humboldt Park Maternity Session | Chicago Photographer

A Beautiful Chicago Pregnancy Celebration

There is a unique magic to a Humboldt Park maternity session, especially when you have a couple as radiant as Christina and Thomas. As a Chicago photographer, I am constantly inspired by the diverse landscapes our city offers. However, this specific park remains a personal favorite because of its blend of lush greenery and historic architecture.

A couple sitting on grass in a park, with the woman in a checkered dress cradling her baby bump and the man looking at her affectionately.

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We began this session near a busy intersection, which might sound unconventional to some. Nevertheless, as any photographer knows, the most important element is the light. Consequently, the way the sun bounced off the surrounding buildings created a sophisticated, urban glow that perfectly complemented the couple’s style. Christina was absolutely glowing. In addition, her joy—along with Thomas’s excitement—was palpable from the very first frame

Couple sitting on a blanket in a park, sharing a tender moment, with the woman wearing a checkered dress and resting her hand on her baby bump.

Close-up of a couple sitting on a blanket in a park, with one partner's hands on the other's stomach, both wearing checkered outfits.

A couple sitting together on a blanket in a park, smiling and enjoying each other's company, with a sunlit backdrop of trees.

COUPLE EMBRACING DURING THEIR MATERNITY SESSION IN HUMBOLT PARK

Pregnant woman in a flowing dress glowing during her Chicago maternity session.

BEAUTIFUL MAMA Pregnant woman in a flowing dress glowing during her Chicago maternity session.

Couple walking through the lush greenery of Humboldt Park for maternity photos.

A pregnant woman in a checked dress stands in a park, gently cradling her belly, with trees and clouds in the background.

A couple embracing on a wooden bridge surrounded by greenery and trees in a park.

Documentary-style maternity photography in Humboldt Park, Chicago

A pregnant woman lying on a blanket in a grassy area, smiling at a man who is sitting beside her. The woman is wearing a checkered dress and has her hand on her baby bump. The man is looking at her affectionately.

Lifestyle maternity photography in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

A woman in a checkered dress sits by a calm pond surrounded by greenery and autumn foliage, enjoying the sunlight.

A pregnant person sitting in a field of tall grass and wildflowers, wearing a checkered dress and smiling gently.

A couple embracing in an outdoor setting, with a clear blue sky and green trees in the background. The woman is wearing a checkered dress and appears joyful, while the man is smiling and holding her gently.

A couple in casual attire sharing a romantic moment outdoors, with one person holding flowers and the other leaning in for a kiss. The image is presented in a black and white and colored format.

A cheerful couple holding hands in a sunny outdoor setting, with one person presenting a small bouquet of flowers.

Planning Your Humboldt Park Maternity Photos

When clients ask for location recommendations, I often suggest this area because of its versatility. For instance, during this Humboldt Park maternity session, we were able to transition from modern, architectural backdrops to the serene, natural beauty of the lagoon in just a few minutes. As a result, this variety ensures that a gallery feels diverse and full of movement.

For couples like Christina and Thomas, who are preparing to welcome their first baby, these photos are more than just portraits. Rather, they are a celebration of a major life transition. We captured quiet, intimate moments under the trees and joyful laughs near the water during their outdoor pregnancy photos.

If you are looking to book your own Humboldt Park maternity session, my best advice is to embrace the environment. Whether we are in the middle of a bustling Chicago street or tucked away in a quiet garden, the most beautiful photos happen when you focus on the connection you share.

Congratulations again to Christina and Thomas! I cannot wait to see you both step into your new roles as parents.Being there Chicago maternity photographer has been so special.

December 9, 2021

Bucktown Street Maternity Session | Rainy Portraits with Rachel & Brian

What a session this was! It was full of fun, love, and so much rain. As a photographer, I’ve learned that a Bucktown street maternity session can be beautiful in any weather. Even though the forecast was gloomy, we had awesome clients who decided to turn lemons into lemonade.

A couple kissing under a clear umbrella during a Chicago street maternity session in the rain.

Rachel and Brian are expecting their first baby, a girl. Specifically, for their session, we didn’t have to venture out too far. Rachel had the perfect city block in mind. I personally believe you can create magic anywhere. Therefore, I was absolutely up for the challenge of a rainy Bucktown street maternity session.

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A couple sharing a kiss in front of a lush green backdrop, captured in black and white. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

Embracing the Rain in the City

We paused here and there for traffic and rain. Actually, it was so much rain! But we did not allow the weather to stop us. Afterward, we had to do a quick shirt change because Brian looked like he had taken a dip in a river! Once he was dry, we continued to capture more of this beautiful journey for them. I do love the way in which they just went along with the adventure of rain during their maternity session. I feel like it made the magic of the moment come alive,

View from inside a car showing the driver and a passenger on a city street lined with parked cars and trees, captured in black and white.

A pregnant woman in a flowing beige dress stands outdoors, gently cradling her belly. The background features lush greenery and a rustic alleyway. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

A couple standing in front of a brick wall, holding a clear umbrella. The man is wearing a button-up shirt and the woman is in a light-colored dress, both smiling. A 'No Parking' sign is visible above a closed garage door. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

A couple standing under a clear umbrella in front of a brick wall, the woman in a flowing pink dress and the man in a blue shirt, both smiling at each other.

couple under umbrella in front of warehouse building for their maternity photography session in Bucktown Street Maternity Session

Pregnant woman walking with her husband down a wet city sidewalk for their Chicago street maternity session.

A couple sharing a kiss in front of a brick wall covered in green ivy, with the woman in a flowing gown showing her baby bump.

A pregnant woman in a flowing dress stands on a sidewalk near a brick wall covered in green ivy, while a man leans in to kiss her.

A couple standing together in front of a brick wall covered in green ivy, sharing a tender moment. The woman is wearing a flowing, light-colored dress and has her hands resting on her belly, while the man in a blue shirt leans in for a kiss. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

Close-up portrait of an expecting mother with raindrops in her hair and a soft smile during a rainy Chicago street maternity session.

A pregnant woman in a sparkly, light dress stands beside a man in a blue shirt, both smiling at each other, with a backdrop of ivy-covered brick wall.

couple kissing on the sidewalk in Chicago IL after their maternity session in the rain

A couple stands on a rainy street, sharing a transparent umbrella. The woman wears a flowing dress, while the man embraces her. Historic brick buildings are visible in the background, adding to the moody atmosphere. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

Rachel and Brian huddled together for warmth and laughter during their rainy Chicago street maternity session

A couple standing together in a garden, with the woman holding her pregnant belly, surrounded by flowers. Bucktown Street Maternity Session

A candid moment of an expecting couple navigating city traffic with a clear umbrella during their Chicago street maternity session.

Maternity fashion in the city featuring a pregnant woman in a dark dress during a rainy Chicago street maternity session.

A couple sharing a kiss in a garden, with the woman cradling her baby bump, both smiling joyfully.

Why a Chicago Street Maternity Session is Unique

Choosing an urban backdrop for your portraits offers a different energy than a park.

Reflective Beauty: The wet pavement during a Chicago street maternity session creates stunning reflections of the city lights.
Architectural Interest: The grit and texture of the city streets provide a cool contrast to the softness of a maternity glow.
Authentic Vibes: It feels like a real “day in the life” of a city couple.

As a Chicago Maternity Photographer I cannot wait to meet their little girl. Embracing the elements made this street maternity session one I will never forget.

October 19, 2021

Chicago documentary photography inspiration | The Adri Photo Co.

Finding chicago documentary photography inspiration in the quiet, everyday moments of my own home has been the highlight of my year. Failure used to haunt me, but now I see it as an inevitable part of the process. This year I celebrated my 4th year as a photographer. As my oldest turned 5, and my little one is just 2, I realized that never before have I failed at so much—and never before have I learned so much.

I started the year so strong, full of ideas and the kind of invigorating rush that only a new year brings. But then projects fell through, and shoots I attempted didn’t quite land. Truth be told, about 99% of the new things I tried ‘failed.’ While I could blame a lack of organization, I think it was just a part of the process. Along with that failure came the realization that the work that did work out would have never happened without the courage to put myself out there.

Finding Chicago Documentary Photography Inspiration

I embrace the ‘failed’ moments now. They hold the most honest images. I feel excited to take that spirit into the new year. I want to learn, teach, and share what I know. Sometimes, looking back at where you have been is the best way to grow.

I technically failed my 366 project. I did not capture a photo every single day. But honestly? That is okay. There is always next year. My resolution for this year is simple: I want to fail more. The more I fail, the closer I get to the heart of what matters. I love the exploration, the creation, and the magic of an unposed second.

Check out my lifestyle portfolio to see this philosophy in action. If you seek your own chicago documentary photography inspiration, I highly recommend the Museum of Contemporary Photography. It is right here in the city.

I am grateful for the lessons 2016 taught me. It was not the ‘perfect’ year I planned, but it helped me find my voice. Enjoy these childhood memories from my year of ‘failure.’

Cheers, friends!