CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tag: Evanston IL

  • Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer | The Adri Photo Co.

    Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer | The Adri Photo Co.

    The North Shore offers a specific kind of magic. Historic architecture meets the vast horizon of Lake Michigan. As an Evanston Lighthouse family photographer, I find this spot grounding and ethereal. The light seems to linger longer here. It catches the lake breeze and the unscripted laughter of a family at play.

    morning light with parents playing with their daughters at the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston IL
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    A Yearly Tradition: Evanston Lighthouse Family Photography

    This session was particularly special because I have had the honor of documenting this family’s story for several years now. Our journey started with a lifestyle session at their beautiful Evanston home, and now it has become a cherished tradition to gather here at the lighthouse to capture their daughters’ growth. There is something so rewarding about seeing how much has changed from one year to the next, yet seeing that their bond remains just as vibrant.

    A mother embraces her daughter from behind, both smiling in a natural outdoor setting. The image is in black and white, capturing a moment of affection and joy.
    A family enjoying time at a park, with a man playing with a child while holding a leash attached to a Dalmatian dog. A woman and another child are walking nearby, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
    A family walking together in a park during autumn, with two young girls holding hands with their mother and a father walking a dog. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer

    Laughter, Exploration, and a Dalmatian

    The girls are at such a wonderful age where the world is one big playground. They love to explore the grassy knolls surrounding the lighthouse just as much as they love running along the shoreline. We spent our time chasing the light between the historic stone walls and the beach, letting the girls lead the way.  Being an Evanston Lighthouse family photographer is fun because this location is incredibly versatile. With tall grass, sandy walkways and of course the beach itself.

    Of course, no session for this family would be complete without their Dalmatian. Including the family dog is a non-negotiable for me—pets are such a massive part of the family story. Watching their pup navigate the beach alongside the girls added that extra layer of “real life” that I strive for in my hybrid documentary style. Whether it’s playing in the sand or exploring the trails near the Grosse Point Lighthouse, these are the moments that truly matter.

    A child performing a cartwheel on green grass in a park, with sunlight filtering through the trees. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Two young girls happily running on a grassy field with fallen leaves, wearing cozy clothes, during a sunny day. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A young girl cuddling with a black and white spotted dog in a close-up shot.
    Two young girls sitting on stone steps, wearing cozy jackets, smiling and hugging each other with a rustic wooden door in the background.
    A father and daughter interact with a Dalmatian dog in a sunny park, with the daughter sitting on a wooden bench and reaching out to the dog while the father kneels beside her.
    A man and a young girl seated on a bench, joyfully interacting with a Dalmatian dog, surrounded by autumn leaves.
    A mother and her young daughter sitting together on a wooden bench, both smiling and enjoying a joyful moment in a park, surrounded by autumn leaves.
    A child being playfully held upside down by an adult in a park, surrounded by green grass and autumn leaves.
    Close-up portrait of a smiling young girl with brown eyes and light brown hair.
    Two children play together on a beach, holding hands and dancing in the sand with a soft, sunlit background. Two adults can be seen in the distance. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Two children wearing white sweaters are joyfully playing together on a beach, with one child spinning while the other holds on. Soft warm lighting creates a dreamy atmosphere. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A child running on a sandy beach with waves in the background, captured in black and white. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    Close-up portrait of a young girl smiling, with brown hair and bright eyes, wearing a light sweater and a coat. Evanston Lighthouse Family Photographer
    A young girl in a white hoodie walks along a beach, looking down with a smile, while a man in a leather jacket is seen in the background, slightly blurred.

    Pro tip for the North Shore: Lake Michigan creates its own micro-climate. Even if it’s warm in Forest Park, the lighthouse can be 10 degrees cooler with a brisk breeze. I always suggest bringing a cinematic knit sweater or a stylish blanket to keep the girls cozy during those lakeside moments. I always arrive a little earlier since the parking is to be paid for. However on cold months you will find plenty of parking but summer is busy.

    After my sessions I always stop for a latte. My favorite Evanston coffee shops are Collectivo and Cupitol coffee. I like to work from both of these spots, depending on how much time I have. See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

  • Evanston Winter Maternity Session | Chicago Maternity Photos

    Evanston Winter Maternity Session | Chicago Maternity Photos

    A Peaceful Evanston Winter Maternity Session at the Beach

    This Evanston winter maternity session was so peaceful and special. There is something about the lakefront in the colder months that turns the beach into an empty, beautiful canvas. With the summer crowds long gone, we were able to explore the shoreline and take in all the beautiful surroundings with less noise and fewer distractions. It allowed for just beautiful, quiet photographs that reflect this calm season of waiting.

    Braving the Cold for Beautiful Portraits

    I will admit that the Chicago cold does make the cheeks a little redder and the lungs ache! However, the freezing temperatures didn’t stop this beautiful family from enjoying every second of their Evanston winter maternity session. We had a blast capturing this new stage of life as they prepare to grow their sweet family.

    This was actually my second time working with them, and their daughter is such a light. She is so sweet and gets more excited each time she gets her photograph taken. Like a true kid, she didn’t seem to feel the cold at all—she even opted to go without her jacket and hat for a few shots to show off her outfit!

    Evanston family photographer
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    Why Choose an Evanston Beach in the Winter?

    When most people think of a beach session, they think of sunset in July. But as an Evanston photographer, I’ve grown to love the winter light. The sun sits lower in the sky, creating a soft, pearlescent glow off the water that you just can’t get in the summer.

    As a Chicago Maternity photographer so loves to travel to the north shore If you are planning your own Evanston winter maternity session, my best advice is to embrace the elements. Wear a flowing dress with warm leggings underneath, bring a stylish coat to wrap up in between shots, and lean into the snuggles. The connection between a growing family is always the best way to stay warm! See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide

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    mom and daughter twirling on the beach
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    dad spinning daughter during maternity session
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  • At Home Family Photographer Evanston | Chicago Lifestyle

    At Home Family Photographer Evanston | Chicago Lifestyle

    At Home with the Chelebek Family

    Choosing an at home family photographer in Evanston means letting go of perfection. Often, we feel pressure to present a curated version of our lives. However, there is so much beauty in the unscripted moments. This early morning session reminded me that the best memories aren’t planned. Instead, they simply happen in the quiet corners of our own homes.

    Life is beautiful chaos. Consequently, I choose to embrace it in my work. These sessions are for families who want to remember the “right now.” For instance, we didn’t worry about tidy rooms during this shoot. We spent the morning in a treehouse. We sang until everyone was breathless with laughter. As a result, the photos feel honest.

    mom holding baby At home family photographer Evanston sunny morning session
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    kiddo laughing At home family photographer Evanston documentary style
    kids twirling at home in Evanston IL Evanston at home family photographer candid kids playing
    mom and daughter Evanston at home family photographer candid kids playing

    Why Hire an At Home Family Photographer in Evanston?

    There is a specific kind of magic in the mundane. When I look at these images of the Chelebek family, I don’t just see a photo session; I see the way a house becomes a home. It’s in the messy piles of books and the way the light filters through the windows in the early morning. As an at home family photographer in Evanston, my goal is to make sure you don’t forget these small, quiet details that make up your ‘right now.’

    We often think we need to go somewhere grand for photos, but your sanctuary is usually the best backdrop. It’s where your kids feel safe to be wild, and where you feel safe to be yourself. These are the moments that will matter most in ten years—the way they climbed on the furniture or the specific way you held them on the rug.

    Evanston IL tree house At home family photographer Evanston lifestyle portraits
    mom and daughter in a treehouse At home family photographer Evanston lifestyle portraits
    kid inside treehouse
    A smiling child standing on a wooden loft in a cozy cabin, holding a circular pillow, with an octagonal window above.
    Two children play on a wooden balcony, looking down with smiles in a cabin setting.
    View from above of a brown and white speckled dog standing at the bottom of a wooden staircase, surrounded by grass and a dirt area.
    A Dalmatian dog walking on grass, viewed from above, with a person partially visible in the background.
    A woman embraces a young girl in a garden, both smiling happily, while a spotted dog walks in the background.
    A family enjoying time together in a backyard, with a Dalmatian dog and two children playing on the grass.
    A family with two children plays in the yard with a dog, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.
    A man joyfully carries a young girl on his back in a sunlit garden, surrounded by greenery.
    family in the living room at their home session in Evanston IL
    kids going up the stair in their at home session in Chicago IL
    A woman and two young girls play together on a bed with colorful animal-patterned bedding, while an adult in a yellow sweater stands nearby.
    Two young children playing on a bed, one jumping and the other sitting, surrounded by stuffed animals in a bright, simple room.
    A mother sits on a bed with her two daughters, one standing on the edge of the bed while the other is lying down, all in a softly lit room.
    A family interacts playfully in a bright bedroom, with a man holding a child, a woman standing nearby, and a Dalmatian dog on the bed.
    A playful scene in a cozy bedroom with a young girl jumping on a bed, a dog nearby, and a man holding a child upside down while a woman looks on, all smiling.

    Furthermore, I’ve realized that kids are most themselves in their own element. In addition to their own toys, they have the freedom to just be. Specifically, I loved capturing the raw connection between these two sisters. Ultimately, the goal isn’t a perfect pose. It is about documenting the messy reality of your family’s love. Therefore, I am grateful to capture these stories. Don’t forget to check out my Chicago Family Photographer portfolio.

    See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

  • Evanston Beach Family photographer | The Kurani Family

    Evanston Beach Family photographer | The Kurani Family

    There is a quiet peace during a family session by the lake. First, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I love the light at Lake Michigan. The Kurani family session was a great example of this. In fact, we had a warm, golden day in October. It felt just like summer.

    Your Evanston Beach Family Photographer Session

    mom and daughter noses touching Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
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    mom holding her daughter and laughing Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    kids surrounding running about parents Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    photograph of a beach house Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    A black and white photo of a father and son, with the son playfully hugging the father's neck from behind, both smiling against a stone wall background.
    A young girl peeks out from behind her parents, smiling joyfully. The family is dressed casually, with the girl between her mother and father, creating a warm and playful scene.
    A happy young boy and girl embrace each other outdoors, both wearing cozy sweaters, with autumn foliage in the background.

    Next, we walked along the shore and the grass. Because the Evanston beaches have so much variety, we got many different looks. We took photos of the kids running. We also caught quiet moments by the water. The clouds were soft. So, the light was perfect for the family. It made their laughter stand out against the blue water. See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

    family near overgrown beach house Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    moms face near son Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    hug between son and dad Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    A young girl sitting on a log in a grassy area, wearing a yellow floral dress and a light cardigan, smiling joyfully.
    whole family on the sand Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session
    A woman in a patterned yellow dress and denim jacket is pointing while standing on a sandy trail, surrounded by greenery, with two children looking on attentively.
    A couple in love, embracing in a grassy field, with a cloudy sky above, while two children play nearby.
    Evanston IL family beach session near the water
    parents twirling their kids around Evanston IL family beach session near the water
    A mother and daughter walking hand in hand along the shoreline, with gentle waves around their feet. The mother is wearing a denim jacket and a patterned dress, while the daughter is in a floral dress.
    Evanston IL family beach session near the water
    Evanston IL family beach session near the water

    Additionally, many families ask why I recommend the beach for their portraits. However, once they see the open sky and feel the sand between their toes, they understand. During this Evanston session, the kids had the freedom to run and be themselves. For example, we didn’t focus on stiff posing. Instead, we captured the doting way the parents looked at their children and the joy of being together outside.

    Finally, these sessions are about more than just a pretty location. They are about documenting the love and care your family has for one another. Moreover, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I strive to make these moments feel effortless. It was truly a joy to be their photographer in the heart of Evanston, IL. Whether you are new to the area or a long-time local, the lake is always a worthy backdrop for your memories.

    Can’t wait for summer and more family sessions by the beach this is one of my favorite locations. Parking is always available and accessible. I will always suggest this location to my clients who want water and sand. Summer as a Chicago Family Photographer is peak joy.