CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tag: family photos

  • Wilder Mansion Family Photos | Camblin Family

    Wilder Mansion Family Photos | Camblin Family

    “I recently had the pleasure of capturing the Camblin family for their Wilder Mansion family photos in Elmhurst,Illinois. This historic venue provided a perfect backdrop. Specifically, the surrounding Wilder Park gardens looked beautiful for their session. As a Chicago Family photographer, I always enjoy returning to this classic white mansion locations in Elmhurst IL are so unique and beautiful.

    diptych of images with dad with his two daughters Wilder Mansion family photos of the Camblin family Wilder Mansion family photos
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    Planning Your Wilder Mansion Family Photos

    First, this location is a top choice because it offers a mix of architecture and nature. The historic white mansion feels very sophisticated. Meanwhile, the surrounding gardens of Wilder Park provide a soft, organic look.

    For the Camblin family, we focused on the natural light. This ‘golden hour’ light is the best time for outdoor sessions. Therefore, I suggest coordinating your outfits with the venue’s aesthetic. Neutral tones always pop beautifully against the green landscapes. Furthermore, you can view the official Wilder Mansion website to see more of the interior and history.

    A group of six people standing together outdoors under trees, smiling and interacting with each other. The scene captures a casual family or friends gathering in a park with pine needles on the ground. Wilder Mansion family photos

    Why I Love These Wilder Mansion Family Photos

    Whether you want a formal photo or a casual look, this location is a local gem. However, be sure to check the park district calendar first. This ensures we have full access to the grounds. Many families choose this spot because it feels timeless and elegant.

    In addition to the architecture, the seasonal flowers in the gardens are incredible. During the spring and summer, the blooms add a pop of color that makes every portrait stand out. If you prefer a fall look, the mature trees on the property turn vibrant shades of orange and gold.

    mom and dad Family portraits at Wilder Mansion Elmhurst IL
    portrait of mom and dad Family portraits at Wilder Mansion Elmhurst IL
    Family portraits at Wilder Mansion Elmhurst IL
    A woman in a leopard print jacket smiles while standing between two young men, one wearing a white sweater and the other in a beige shirt, all outdoors under trees.
    A smiling woman stands between two young men in a park, all three dressed casually. The scene captures their joyful interaction against a backdrop of trees.
    Three women posing together outdoors under trees, surrounded by pine needles, wearing stylish outfits.
    A group of seven people posing for a photo outdoors under a large tree, surrounded by pine needles. They are smiling and dressed in stylish outfits, with one person holding a small dog.
    A black and white photograph of six people standing close together outdoors, smiling and laughing near a tree.
    A small golden dog sits on the ground among people, with a brown and white fur pattern and a curious expression. The surrounding area is covered in pine needles.
    A couple smiling and enjoying each other's company outside a greenhouse, surrounded by greenery.
    A couple stands together in a lush green area outside, posing affectionately in front of a glass building surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
    Two young men standing side by side, one smiling against a green backdrop and the other in front of a brick wall with vines.
    A family poses on the steps of a large white building, featuring tall pillars and a double door entrance.
    A group of six people standing under a green archway in a garden, with a mix of casual and formal attire.
    A woman smiling brightly while standing under a green leafy archway, wearing a black blouse with studded details and a flowing olive-green skirt.
    A group of five people posing together in front of a lush green archway adorned with leaves and flowers. They are smiling and dressed in stylish outfits, showcasing a family or friends gathering.

    Planning Your Session

    Whether you want a formal photo or a casual look, this location is a local gem. However, be sure to check the park district calendar first. This ensures we have full access to the grounds.

    Ready to Schedule Your Own Session?

    If you are looking for a beautiful location, I would love to help you. Elmhurst offers stunning backdrops for every family. Furthermore, I can help you find the perfect time for your shoot. Please reach out via my contact page to discuss your vision!”

  • River Forest Family Photos | Adri De La Cruz

    River Forest Family Photos | Adri De La Cruz

    I can’t believe we’re here, so close to December and just about to celebrate Thanksgiving. As I prepare for our upcoming River Forest family photos, I’ve been reflecting on how things are looking different in the future for us. Perhaps this is too heavy and personal for my photography page, or perhaps it’s just what my clients need from me.

    A family portrait featuring a smiling father with two children, one boy and one girl, in a cozy indoor setting with bookshelves and greenery in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall
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    To see me is to go a little deeper into who I am. I want you to see the person behind the lens. Specifically, I capture the beauty of family because it is my passion. My own family is also my passion. If I am to live my one wild and precious life the way I want, then I guess I’ll have to be judged.

    I am so grateful for my soon-to-be ex-husband who agreed to do this for me. In actuality, I know he knows it’s for them. While we may not have always modeled an incredible marriage, we will ensure they see unconditional love and friendship moving forward.

    Black and white image of three children posing together with smiles, one boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white top, and another child partially hidden behind them, with a bookshelf in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

    As I climbed out of the tub and shook my hair dry, I told myself: Maybe in a different life.

    Isn’t that interesting?

    As if I had more than one.

    -Untamed

    Reflecting on a Decade of Motherhood

    My twenties started with having a baby boy and launching my business. During that time, I absorbed everything I could. In the last decade, I have also launched photographer communities and workshops across the United States. I taught others to find their voice and even dabbled in having my own magazine.

    However, all of that would mean nothing without them. I was 21 when my son was born, shy of 22 by mere days. What an incredible journey it has been!

    Beginning the Next Chapter

    A young girl twirling in a shiny, sequined skirt with her hair flying around, set in a warm, inviting room with wooden floors and leafy decor. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

    I am 31 now. The best part of getting older is realizing that you actually know nothing. Such a humbling thing to acknowledge! Within this nothingness, I will begin my next decade. I hope I can sit here at 41 still admiring all of the greatness that has come.

    Therefore, I refuse to focus on the “what-could-have-been.” I hope I am forever a glass-half-full kind of girl, no matter what comes next.

    A boy and girl are hugging each other, both smiling. The boy is wearing a striped sweater in yellow and black, while the girl is wearing a white top and a sparkling skirt. They are seen in a cozy indoor setting with green plants in the background.

    The Story Behind These River Forest Family Photos

    About this session: I will forever love our chalk wall. While I probably can’t recreate this in my new rental, we have drawn and played a multitude of fun games on it. Specifically, I’ve been surprised by love notes from my children written there. I have also seen some incredible art skills displayed on this wall. I don’t want to take all the credit, but maybe that is a little of me rubbing off on them!

    In reality, we know all children are great artists. I am only happy mine constantly choose to share their work with me so often.

    Two children sitting on a wooden swing, with one boy wearing a striped sweater and a girl in a sparkling dress, both smiling and enjoying the moment, against a backdrop of a brick wall and a tree.

    Location Scouting for River Forest Family Photos

    Initially, I wanted to use the chalk wall as a backdrop for a few portraits then head out to find something different. I have driven past a specific green wall many times, always hopeful to have a session there at some point. Although some people struggle to see beauty in an “ugly” green wall, that is why there are people like me.

    As a Chicago Family Photographer & mom I understand that the point of a session is not the background, but the love and fun represented in front of it. From a chalk wall to a green wall, I love how these images taken under a pathway in  River Forest with my family came out. My sister even helped me take the group ones! I didn’t trust a tripod in the middle of a street with winds and cars flowing by.

    Ultimately, I hope we can make this happen every year until my kiddos finally say no. I hope you all have an amazing bunch of holidays!

    A young girl with long hair and a red sweater stands with her arms crossed, looking at a boy who is covering his face with his hands, wearing a striped sweater. They are in front of a green wall. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall
    A young child sitting on a concrete ledge under an elevated structure, wearing a striped shirt and casual pants, with a relaxed expression, surrounded by industrial elements and overcast skies.
    Two children sitting together, smiling at the camera. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and the girl is wearing a sparkly skirt with a white top and a red cardigan. They are sitting on a striped blanket.
    A playful moment between two children sitting on a stone ledge under a railway bridge, surrounded by autumn leaves. The girl wears a white dress and a black cardigan, while the boy is in a striped sweater. They are laughing and enjoying each other's company.
    A boy and girl sitting together on the ground, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and is leaning in to kiss the girl's forehead as she laughs. The girl is dressed in a white top, a red cardigan, and a sparkly skirt. They are surrounded by an industrial backdrop with rusted metal and stone walls.
    A smiling man and a boy standing close together, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater with yellow, and the man is dressed in a dark shirt. The background features industrial elements.
    A man and a young girl share an affectionate moment under a bridge, framed by industrial elements and surrounding trees.
    A man and a girl are interacting near a concrete wall with a metal support structure. The girl stands on a low platform, wearing a white dress, while the man is crouched down, looking up at her. The scene is set outdoors under a cloudy sky, surrounded by fallen leaves.
    A man carrying a sleeping child on his back, walking along a concrete wall under a cloudy sky, with another child standing nearby.
    A close-up portrait of a young girl resting her head on the shoulder of an adult, both appearing relaxed in a black and white setting.
    A family of three sitting together under a bridge, with a concrete wall and rusted metal supports in the background. The adult man is wearing a dark sweater, the woman is wearing a white top and a red skirt, and the child is dressed in a striped shirt. The atmosphere is casual and intimate.
    A family sitting together beneath a railway bridge, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the connection and joy among family members.
    A young girl in a sparkly dress and a burgundy sweater joyfully twirls while holding hands with an adult in a black shirt, set against a concrete background.
    A family of four holding hands in front of a green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. The mother in a white top and red skirt, a boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white dress with a red cardigan, and a father in a black sweater. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall.
    A family of four, including two children, joyfully walking together on a sidewalk near a weathered wall, surrounded by fallen leaves. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall
    A family playing together outdoors, holding hands and walking along a sidewalk next to a weathered green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall
    A black and white image of a family walking hand in hand along a street with a textured wall in the background. On the right side, a boy wearing a striped shirt stands in front of a green wall while an adult man in a dark sweater stands behind him. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall
    A family of four posing together in front of a green wall. The mother wears a white sweater, the father wears a black jacket, the son is in a striped shirt, and the daughter wears a white dress with a red cardigan. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

    I have always loved scouting locations near the River Forest Park District because even the most unconventional spots, like this green wall, can hold so much character.

  • Homer Glen Family Photos | The Dryfhout Family

    Homer Glen Family Photos | The Dryfhout Family

    The Dryfhout Family Session

    The absolute most kind of people also happen to be the most beautiful. Sometimes I travel a bit outside of my area to lovely places like for Homer Glen Family Photos. We did the math during their session and I have been photographing their beautiful family since before little miss E was even alive. How insanely special is that?

    I’ve seen two of their stunning homes and have watched the kids go through various changes. Now they’ve added an adorable pup! I always say that Matt won the wife lottery, but you can see from these images that they are all so beyond lucky to have each other. I cannot stress enough how welcoming and lovely they are. Getting to catch up and see the brand-new adventures they’ve made is so much fun.

    Two young girls walking hand in hand on a stone pathway in a garden, one wearing a black top and sparkling skirt, the other in a bright red dress. Homer Glen family photos of the Dryfhout family in their front yard
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    The Magic of Homer Glen Family Photos

    Miss Z + E make me jealous for my own little Zoe; I know she wishes she had a sister. I myself had two, but they came almost a decade after me. It is also crazy to see just how tall Mr. A got, close to being over six feet. He will absolutely surpass his dad soon!

    I have said it before and I’ll say it again: there is no such thing as a bad location. We shot these Homer Glen family photos in their front yard, around their house, and in the back. There is always some kind of magic everywhere.

    Two young girls playfully pose in a garden with golden-brown flowers, wearing stylish outfits: one in a black top and a sparkling skirt, and the other in a red dress. The scene captures a warm, joyful atmosphere. Homer Glen family photos of the Dryfhout family in their front yard

    Planning Your Homer Glen Family Photos at Home

    Many families worry about finding a perfect park. However, this session proves that your own home can be the most meaningful backdrop. Specifically, for the Dryfhout family, we utilized the spaces where their memories are actually made.

    As a Chicago family photographer if you are planning Homer Glen family photos, consider an at-home lifestyle session. It allows everyone to feel completely comfortable. Furthermore, I always enjoy finding new pockets of light in this area. You can find more information about local nature spots through the Village of Homer Glen website. If you are ready to document your family’s next adventure, I would love to connect!

    A smiling young girl wearing a red dress and a white bow in her hair, standing beside an adult, with a blurred background of autumn foliage. Homer Glen family photos of the Dryfhout family in their front yard
    Two young girls sharing a joyful moment outdoors among autumn foliage, one holding dried flowers while the other leans in close, both smiling. Homer Glen family photos of the Dryfhout family in their front yard
    Two young girls running joyfully on a grassy lawn in front of a house, one in a red dress and the other in a black outfit with a patterned skirt, during a sunny autumn day. Homer Glen family photos of the Dryfhout family in their front yard
    Two girls sitting on a blanket, one in a black dress and the other in a red dress, smiling at the camera. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    A collage of family portraits featuring two children embracing an adult male. The children are dressed in colorful dresses, one in red and the other in a shiny black outfit, while the adult wears a suit. The background includes greenery and a building, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    A young girl with long brown hair and a black outfit stands in a wooded area, smiling at the camera. The background features tall trees and fallen leaves, suggesting an autumn setting. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    A young girl in a red dress is being carried by a young man in casual attire among trees. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    A family photo featuring four members standing outdoors on a paved walkway, surrounded by greenery and trees. The mother is wearing a red dress, while the father is in a plaid shirt and blazer. Three children are also present, dressed in festive attire. One child is holding a small dog. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    A man wearing a blazer embraces a child, who is facing away from the camera, in a forested area. The image is in black and white. Homer Glen family photos documenting authentic home life and connection
    Couple in a wooded area, showcasing romantic poses amidst greenery. The woman is wearing a red dress while the man is dressed in a grey blazer and plaid shirt. Various close-up and candid shots highlight their interactions.
    A romantic couple embracing and smiling at each other, surrounded by trees, with a soft focus effect that highlights their affection.
    A couple sharing a joyful moment while smiling and leaning in for a kiss, surrounded by trees.
    A family poses together outdoors among trees, wearing festive clothing. The scene includes two adults and three children, with one child holding a small dog. The adults are dressed in gray and red, and the children are in red and black outfits.
    A couple poses closely together in a park setting, surrounded by tall evergreen trees. The woman wears a red dress, while the man is dressed in layers with a blazer. In one image, the man kisses the woman's forehead, showing affection. In another part of the scene, a child runs in the background, adding a dynamic element.