The Adri Photo Co.

Tag: Documentary Maternity Photography

  • A Late Summer Lincoln Park Maternity Session on Their Own Streets

    A Late Summer Lincoln Park Maternity Session on Their Own Streets

    As a Lincoln Park maternity photographer, some of my favorite maternity sessions happen right outside the front door. This beautiful couple lives in the most beautiful part of the city. and when we talked about where to photograph their last few weeks as a family of two, they didn’t need a destination. They wanted the streets they walk every day.

    A couple sharing a loving moment with their foreheads touching, standing in front of a beige double door adorned with a floral wreath.
    Shadow of a couple kissing on a sidewalk next to a stone wall and a black metal fence, with greenery along the edge. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple embracing and sharing a kiss in front of a classic door, with the number 1912 visible. The woman is in a checkered dress while the man is wearing a dark shirt and light pants. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    Book your Maternity Session
    Tiktok
    Instagram

    Why a neighborhood maternity session works

    As a Lincoln Park maternity photographer, I love how much character these blocks have, tucked just beside Lincoln Park itself: deep red brick, limestone details, wrought iron fences, and old trees that arch over the sidewalks.Late in the day in late summer, the light filters through the leaves and lands in patches across the buildings. We didn’t have to go anywhere. We just walked, and the neighborhood did the rest.

    A couple standing on the steps of a brick building, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes, with sunlight shining in the background. Lincoln park maternity photographer

    Honesty over poses

    My approach is simple: I don’t want you stiff and posed. I asked them to take their time, hold hands, and talk about what they were feeling. The best moments came from that. A forehead kiss while his arms wrapped around her. A glance across the corner of a quiet street. A kiss in the backlight, with the sun pouring through the trees. Even their shadow on the sidewalk, which became one of my favorite frames from the day.

    Why Choose a Lincoln Park Maternity Photographer for a Neighborhood Session

    She chose a soft gingham dress that moved beautifully in the evening light and let the details of her bump stand out. While he wore a navy linen button-down with light khakis. The palette sat well against the brick and greenery, and nothing competed with them. If you’re planning your own session, I’m always happy to help with outfit ideas.

    A couple shares a loving moment outdoors, with the man kissing the woman on the cheek as she smiles, showcasing her baby bump. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    Couple standing by a red brick building with trees around them on a sunny day. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple stands together on a sunlit sidewalk, with the woman gently touching her baby bump and the man holding her hands. In the background, a street sign and greenery are visible. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple sharing a kiss while holding hands in an outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and soft sunlight.
    A couple touching foreheads while sitting together outdoors, smiling at each other. The man is wearing a blue shirt and the woman is in a checkered dress, surrounded by greenery.
    A couple walking hand in hand on a sunny street, surrounded by trees and red brick buildings.
    A couple holding hands in a garden, the pregnant woman in a gingham dress cradling her baby bump. Lincoln park maternity photographer

    Planning your Lincoln Park maternity session

    Late summer is a lovely time for a session here. The light is warm, the trees are full, and the evenings are comfortable. I usually suggest booking your session between 28 and 36 weeks so you’re comfortable and still feeling like yourself. We can shoot in your own neighborhood, at the lakefront, or in the park, depending on what feels most like you.

    I photograph maternity sessions throughout Chicago, along with births, Fresh 48, and newborns in the surrounding suburbs. If you’re expecting and would like photos that feel like your real life, reach out through the contact page to check availability.

    A couple sharing a kiss on a sunlit street, with a red brick building and lush trees in the background. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A pregnant woman sitting outdoors, gently cradling her baby bump while wearing a checkered dress. She appears to be smiling while looking down at her belly, surrounded by green foliage.
    Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple walking hand in hand along a tree-lined sidewalk, laughing together. The woman is wearing a checkered dress, and the man is dressed in a button-up shirt and light pants. In the foreground, there are blurred flowers.
    A pregnant woman standing beside a decorative iron fence in a lush garden filled with greenery and blooming white flowers, wearing a brown checkered dress and sandals. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple standing in a garden, with the man kissing the woman's forehead. The woman is wearing a patterned dress and holding her pregnant belly while the man stands close, dressed in a navy shirt and light-colored pants. Lush green foliage surrounds them. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A woman standing in a sunlit garden surrounded by green foliage and flowers, with a residential Lincoln park maternity photographerbuilding in the background.
    A pregnant woman in a dress stands in the foreground, holding her belly, while a man smiles in the background near the entrance of a house with brick and stone exterior. Lincoln park maternity photographer
    A couple stands together outdoors, with the man kissing the woman's forehead. The woman is pregnant and holds her belly, wearing a flowing dress. They are framed by a black wrought iron fence, trees, and blooming flowers in a charming neighborhood setting.
    A couple stands together on a sidewalk in front of elegant residential buildings, with a red car parked nearby and trees adorned with green leaves. Lincoln park maternity photographer
  • A Chicago In-Home Maternity Session with Frida, The Adri Photo Co.

    A Chicago In-Home Maternity Session with Frida, The Adri Photo Co.

    I’ve had the joy of photographing Frida once before, back when I captured a friend session for her. So when she reached out to ask if I’d document her Chicago in-home maternity session, I was so excited to be considered and in my head said Yes before I finished reading her sentence. This is her first baby, with her husband by her side, and there’s something special about returning to photograph someone again, watching their story unfold a little further.

    We kept this Chicago in-home maternity session simple and unscripted. No elaborate setups, no forced poses, just Frida and her husband in the home they’ve built together, surrounded by things that actually mean something to them: the Otomi textile art on the wall, the soft blush curtains catching afternoon light, the couch where they probably spend every ordinary evening. That’s the whole point of shooting at home. The setting isn’t a backdrop, it’s part of the story.

    Black and white portrait of pregnant woman sitting on couch looking off to the side, hand resting on her belly
    Book your session
    Instagram
    Tiktok

    What struck me most during our time together was their honesty. Frida and her husband told me, laughing, that they weren’t always sure they’d have a kid. That admission could have felt heavy, but instead it made the excitement in the room even louder. You could feel it in the way she cradled her belly by the window, in the way his hand found hers without either of them thinking about it, in that blurry, sun-drenched kiss caught mid-motion because neither of them could stand still long enough for a “posed” shot.

    couples hands on belly image in black and white
    Black and white photo of man kissing pregnant woman's cheek while she holds a bouquet of wildflowers against her belly Chicago in-home maternity session

    Why I Shoot This Chicago In-Home Maternity Session the Documentary Way

    This is exactly why I shoot the way I do. Honesty over poses means I’m not chasing a Pinterest-perfect frame. I’m chasing the real moment happening in front of me. The quiet look out the window. The hands resting on a growing belly. The two of them, giddy and nervous and completely in love with a person they haven’t even met yet.

    If you’re expecting your first baby and want a documentary approach to your maternity photos, I’d love to hear your story. Get in touch to talk about your session or explore what a Chicago maternity photography session with me looks like. For general guidance on preparing for your session, the American Pregnancy Association has helpful resources on third-trimester wellness.

    Blurred warm-toned photo of a couple embracing and kissing near a sunlit window, man's hand resting on woman's pregnant belly. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Silhouette of couple kissing in front of a bright window, woman's pregnant belly visible in profile. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Pregnant belly held by two hands cradling a bouquet of sunflowers and purple wildflowers, denim overalls unbuttoned
    Pregnant woman lying on couch reaching for husband's hand, colorful Otomi wall art and patterned rug in living room
    Pregnant woman lying on couch colorful Otomi wall art and patterned rug in living room
    Black and white photo of smiling pregnant woman sitting on couch by window, hand resting on her belly
    Close-up black and white photo of hands cradling a pregnant belly by a window. Chicago in-home maternity session
    Warm-toned blurred photo of pregnant woman sitting on couch with eyes closed, hand on belly, soft window light

  • Evanston Maternity Photographer | At-Home Lifestyle Session

    Evanston Maternity Photographer | At-Home Lifestyle Session

    Evanston Maternity Photographer: A Cozy At-Home Story

    An indoor winter maternity session on the couch with the love of your life and your pup—I mean, what could be better? As an Evanston maternity photographer, I am always looking for the beauty in the “imperfect” unfolding of life. I got to capture the first half of Maddie’s brand new story one cold, dreary morning. Specifically, we focused on the quiet anticipation before their baby arrived. In addition, the natural light in their living room was absolutely perfect for this mood.

    book your at home maternity session
    instagram
    tiktok
    COUPLE OUTSIDE THEIR HOME AT MATERNITY SESSION Maddie and Sam by Evanston maternity photographer

    Finding Beauty in the Transitions 

    Welcoming a brand new baby into a new house that doesn’t even have a kitchen yet—that is the beauty of all of this. Indeed, rolling with the punches and making the best of it is what makes a house a home. I have always been a supremely glass-half-full type of girl. Consequently, I love working with clients who embody that same spirit. Moreover, this session was deeply beautiful because it was so honest. For example, Maddie was only weeks away from meeting her baby, during that last stretch where days feel like they last an eternity. Therefore, we took our time to make sure she felt comfortable.

    MATERNITY SESSION COUPLE AT FRONT FOOR AND COUCH Maddie and Sam by Evanston maternity photographer
    DAD AND MOM TO BE LAUGHING Maddie and Sam by Evanston maternity photographer

    Why Choose an Evanston Maternity Photography Session?

    Furthermore, staying inside allowed us to ignore the cold Evanston winter. Instead, we leaned into the warmth of their connection and the quiet corners of their new space. First, we spent time on the couch just letting them be together. In fact, some of the best moments happen when you forget the camera is even there and just breathe in the person next to you. Thus, we were able to capture the real, raw excitement of this chapter.

    Similarly, I find that being in your own home for your Evanston maternity photography allows for a level of vulnerability that you just can’t get in a studio. You are surrounded by your own light and your own memories. Because of this, the photos become a time capsule of not just how you looked, but how your life felt right before it changed forever. As a result, these images hold so much more emotional weight.

    A cozy living room scene featuring a couple sitting on a couch, embracing and enjoying each other's company. The setting includes large windows with blinds, light wooden furniture, and soft blankets.

    Working with an Evanston Maternity Photographer for Baby Harry

    In the end, I am so glad Maddie decided to document these final days of her pregnancy. Being a Chicago Maternity Photographer means being a little pushy to see the beauty in these fleeting moments. It is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect house or a finished kitchen to have a beautiful life. In conclusion, thank you to this amazing couple for letting me be your Evanston maternity photographer. Finally, I can’t wait to share the second half of this story when baby Harry makes his debut!

    PREGNANT MAMA At home lifestyle photography with an Evanston maternity photographer
    DAD HOLDING PREGNANT MAMA At home lifestyle photography with an Evanston maternity photographer
    MATERNITY SESSION At home lifestyle photography with an Evanston maternity photographer
    At home lifestyle photography with an Evanston maternity photographer
    At home lifestyle photography with an Evanston maternity photographer
    A couple shares a kiss while the woman cradles her pregnant belly, set in a softly lit room with large windows and a small vase of flowers on a table.
    A couple smiling at each other while standing in a brightly lit room with large windows. The pregnant woman is wearing a form-fitting dress, and the man is embracing her gently. A small table and plant are visible in the foreground.
    A couple embracing in a cozy indoor setting. The woman, in a form-fitting, long-sleeved dress, cradles her pregnant belly while the man, dressed in a plaid shirt, leans in to kiss her forehead.
    A pregnant woman sitting on a couch, wearing a ribbed brown dress, looking to the side with a smile.
    A pregnant woman in a brown ribbed dress sitting on a gray couch, smiling at the camera.
    A couple shares an intimate moment by a window, with the woman cradling her pregnant belly while the man gently touches it, both smiling softly in a cozy setting.
    A couple embracing, focused on the pregnant woman's belly, while sitting together on a bench near a window.
    A pregnant woman sitting on a wooden bench beside a window, smiling softly and resting her hands on her belly.
    A pregnant woman sitting on a bench in a cozy, light-filled room, smiling and holding her belly. Another image shows her with a partner, both gazing at each other affectionately, accompanied by a dog.
  • Jackson Park Maternity Photographer | Beach Session

    Jackson Park Maternity Photographer | Beach Session

    We headed to the beach at Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side for her maternity session the warmth of Lake Michigan that August made it feel like a completely different world. As a Jackson Park maternity photographer, I am still flabbergasted by this mama’s beauty and her steady energy. Sometimes in this line of work, you get to meet truly calm and powerful souls who make documenting motherhood feel like pure magic.

    Pregnant woman sitting on the sand, gently cradling her belly while wearing an orange bikini. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    Book your Maternity Session
    instagram
    tiktok

    Planning Your Session with a Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

    Working as a Jackson Park maternity photographer allows me to offer my clients incredible variety, but on this day, the water was our focus. Given the high temperatures that week, the beach was the only place to stay comfortable. The typical icy lake had turned lukewarm and refreshing, providing a serene environment for her “goddess” inspired portraits.

    To say that she made my job easy would be an understatement; she looked like she was naturally made for basking in the sun. Jackson Park offers such a poetic backdrop for these stories, blending the wildness of the water with the quiet strength of the surrounding landscape. As a Chicago Maternity Photographer whether we are in the Japanese Gardens or on the sand, the South Side has a soul all its own.

    A smiling pregnant woman sitting on the sand, wearing a strapless top and jewelry, with a natural background of grass and sunlight. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer

    Documenting Your Visual Legacy in Chicago

    As a Chicago maternity photographer, I love when a location mirrors a mother’s internal power. This session was about more than just the scenery; it was about documenting the transition into motherhood. These photos represent the beginning of a visual legacy that your children will look back on for years to come.

    Whether you are planning a birth at home or a hospital delivery, these moments are fleeting and precious. To give you an update, she had her birth shortly after our session. The same beautiful plan she told me about, she brought to fruition. Every birth story is beautiful, and every mama deserves to have her strength captured with grace and authenticity.

    A pregnant woman stands confidently in various poses among tall grass, captured in both color and black-and-white photography. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman kneeling on a sandy beach, wearing a patterned brown bikini top and surrounded by tall grass. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman in a bikini stands in tall grass, holding a stick, with a serene expression and soft sunlight illuminating the scene. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    Pregnant woman smiling while lounging on sandy beach, wearing a bikini top and enjoying the sun. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman in a patterned bikini stands confidently on a sandy beach, silhouetted against the sun. She holds her belly with one hand while posing gracefully.
    Pregnant woman in a bikini standing on a sandy beach, looking confidently to the side with her hands on her hips, illuminated by warm sunlight. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A triptych image featuring a pregnant woman in various poses by the beach in black and white, showcasing her confidence and beauty against a natural backdrop.
    A pregnant woman in a bikini stands confidently against a clear blue sky, showcasing her baby bump. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman wearing a stylish bikini poses gracefully on a sandy beach, with soft sunlight illuminating her silhouette. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A woman in a swimsuit sitting on a rock at the beach, smiling with a palm frond in her hand, with the ocean and clear blue sky in the background. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A close-up portrait of a woman with short hair, wearing a strapless patterned dress, whose face is partially illuminated by shadows created by palm leaves. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman sitting on rocks by a body of water, holding a palm frond, with sunlight reflecting on the water. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman standing in shallow water, holding her belly, with a serene expression and a clear sky in the background.
    A pregnant woman sitting on a rock in the water, enjoying the sun and the serene landscape. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman sitting on the beach, wearing a bikini, with a serene expression and ocean waves in the background. Jackson Park Maternity Photographer
    A pregnant woman sitting by the ocean, smiling contentedly with her eyes closed, enjoying the sun and the waves.
    A pregnant woman standing in the ocean, showcasing her baby bump, in black and white and color photos.
    A pregnant woman standing in shallow water, wearing a brown bikini, with one arm raised behind her head and a serene expression, showcasing her baby bump.
    A pregnant woman standing in the ocean, smiling and holding her belly. The image features three different views: two in color and one in black and white, with a clear sky in the background.
    Pregnant woman standing in shallow water at the beach, wearing a bikini, with a serene expression and hand on her belly.
    A pregnant woman poses gracefully on the beach at sunset, emphasizing her baby bump.
    A pregnant woman in a brown bikini top sits on sandy ground, surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a warm sunset in the background.