The Adri Photo Co.

Tag: dupage family photography

Chicago Storytelling Photography | The Raw Beauty of Parenting

The Raw Beauty of Parenting | Chicago Family Storytelling Photography

As a mother and an artist, my heart for Chicago family storytelling photography began with my own children. I’ve always believed that the most honest stories aren’t found in the “perfect” poses, but in the raw, messy, and beautiful reality of our daily lives. This parenting business is no joke, and documenting it authentically is my life’s work.

Lucas: My Greatest Muse

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mom. When we got married, we got pregnant immediately. I was 21 and suddenly a mother to a little boy. It was wonderful, and it still is—but now life is so much more full. Life has changed, and so has my perspective.

Lucas is currently 4 going on 14. He has opinions and ideas; he yells and he screams. He is passionate, he is smart, and sometimes, he is angry. He isn’t that tiny person who used to fit perfectly against my chest anymore. It is sometimes hard to remember that little version of him because he is growing into such a distinct individual right before my eyes. Being his mama and a chicago family photographer makes me so happy to preserve his childhood. My Personal portfolio is everything to me.

Building a Visual Legacy

I’ve had moments where I’ve felt ashamed of my lack of patience. But he is so forgiving. He loves me unconditionally, and in that forgiveness, I find the inspiration for my work. Capturing these high-emotion, “unposed” moments is what drives my passion for Chicago family storytelling photography.

I hope to build a relationship of trust where he knows that no matter what, I am here to listen, not to judge. For now, we’ll deal with the daily power struggles of a boy who wants it all—attention, love, time, toys, and ice cream.

These daily struggles are exactly why I do what I do. I don’t just want to photograph the smiles. I want to document the “visual legacy” of your real life—the loud parts, the quiet parts, and everything in between. Because one day, these will be the moments you want to remember most. Were big fans of the south shore of chicago, glad we documented these moments here

April 26, 2016
Chicago Documentary and Story telling photographer – Short stories, crazy girl

Last days of summer are seriously cherished around here. Chicago’s weather is volatile at best. Soon comes those deep winter days , where the sun sets a four pm and we get to stay indoors all the time , sadly. On this day we headed to the Taste of Melrose Pk . We rode cool rides and ate lots of tacos. We shopped around, well window shopped really. Little miss Zoe fell in love with a baby doll , that I obviously was not going to buy, I mean we have like… 20 babies. I wish I would have photographed the fit she threw, because it was a big one. No one was going to separate her from her long lost baby doll , she was in tears. I was slowly pulling her away …when Abuelo (my dad) stepped in as most grandfathers do, and bought it for her. The lady from the shop wanted twenty dollars, and of course my dad bartered with her down to ten, I believe. Zoe pushed that dolly out of there in spite of my objections. She was as happy as can be.

At least I got to photograph her toting around this baby, and stopping traffic. I think she would call that day a success.

September 29, 2015
Chicago documentary & storytelling family photography

AT HOME SESSION – Lunde family

Love, so much love. You know when you walk into a home and you immediately feel comfortable, maybe its the warm inviting decor, or maybe it’s the amazing heart and souls occupying the home. I’m thinking it’s the latter This family is so special to me, The mama is a photographer as well, and she trusted me to be able to take these for her. We are slowly becoming such great friends, and our kids love being together. So I knew it would be an effortless session for me, and it was. I did very minimal posing and just shot them being them. It might be one of my favorite sessions to date.

P & baby O are just as sweet as they photograph. I look forward to seeing them grow .

September 28, 2015
Chicago documentary and storytelling photography-Pond mini sessions

POND MINI SESSION

I photographed this sweet family back almost two years ago. I am so glad, Gina called last minute for my availability. It is really, truly an honor to see the children of your clients grow up before your eyes. I met sweet baby P and her brother at her newborn session. I can say he is still as doting as he was , when he was swooning over that new bundle of joy.

September 4, 2015
Chicago family Documentary & storytelling Photography – Short stories- change and turning 4

Change is scary. Then again, change is good. In the past recent months, we have moved to a new place and we are still getting used to it. Although we do miss our old neighborhood,Our new one is jammed packed with tiny families like ours. Soon Lucas will begin Prek, which will bring more change onto our routines. I want to add that I am a self- proclaimed change queen. I attended over 10 schools in my lifetime. Considering most kids go to 4 or 5 schools. That a whole bunch of new.

This past month Lucas also turned 4. He is considered a child now (sadly to my mama heart) . I’m not sure who made these guidelines up ; Baby, toddler, child, preteen…ect. They are kinda silly, and of course he is still my baby, but there is no denying he is loosing all of the things that made him my once chubby baby. For one, He has really embraced his role of big brother.He adores that girl to death. He is taller and much faster, super strong. Also that brain is just insanely filled with his own ideas. He has opinions and judgments on activities. Its just a crazy explosion of learning. I know he is resilient, and he will embrace his new environment like a champ.

I can’t say kids are immune to change, but I do know that they are probably better at adjusting than us adults.

August 2, 2015