CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tag: Lakefront Family Photos

  • South Shore Family Session | Chicago Fall Portraits

    South Shore Family Session | Chicago Fall Portraits

    Black and white close-up portrait of a mother and father touching foreheads during a family session.
    A couple sitting closely on a stone bench in a natural setting, surrounded by autumn foliage. The man is wearing a plaid coat over a sweater, and the woman is dressed in a green trench coat with a maroon skirt. They are gazing at each other affectionately.
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    South Shore Cultural Center Family Session: A Masterclass in Fall Styling

    There is a specific magic at the South Shore Cultural Center during autumn. The golden prairie grass of the Ronda Parakata stretches toward the water. Consequently, the Chicago skyline seems to float directly over the lake. I call this view the “Lake in the Sky.” Recently, I spent a crisp morning here with a wonderful family of six. This session served as a perfect reminder of why I love my work.

    Three children playing outdoors in a fall setting, with colorful foliage in the background. One girl in a pink coat is laughing, while a boy in a green jacket smiles at the camera.
    Two young children smiling and leaning against each other during a fall family photo session.

    A Masterclass in Fall Styling

    First, we must appreciate the fashion choices. This session was a total masterclass in styling a large family. Instead of matching perfectly, they chose a rich seasonal palette. They used deep olive, burgundy, and warm neutrals.

    Furthermore, the textures added incredible depth to every frame. The mom wore a stunning olive trench coat. Similarly, the kids wore cozy knits and soft layers. These intentional choices elevated the documentary feel. As a result, the photos look high-end without feeling stiff or forced.

    Black family of six posing in an autumn field with the Chicago skyline in the background at South Shore.

    Storytelling at the “Lake in the Sky”

    Documenting a family of six requires embracing high energy. Since there are four kids, there is never a dull moment. My goal is always to capture their chaotic rhythm. Therefore, I avoid forcing everyone into “perfect” poses.

    We explored the shoreline together. We also played in the tall grass. Most importantly, I let the kids just be themselves. These are the moments that truly matter. For instance, I love the way a toddler holds a parent’s hand. I also look for the shared laughter between siblings. Ultimately, these photos show the quiet pride in a mother’s eyes.

    Four children jumping together in a field of tall grass during a Chicago autumn photo shoot.
    Children jumping in the air at a South Shore family session in Chicago.
    A smiling father posing with two young boys in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by autumn foliage.
    A joyful child hanging onto the arm of an adult, both surrounded by autumn foliage with orange and yellow leaves.
    A father playfully lifting his two young sons in a wooded area with fall leaves.
    Father playing with his sons in the autumn leaves at a South Shore family session.
    Candid close-up of a mother laughing and hugging her two daughters outdoors in autumn.
    Sisters in fuzzy coats hugging in front of a nature arch during a South Shore family session with mom in black and white
    Two young sisters in fuzzy winter coats hugging in front of a rustic wooden archway.
    A woman and a young girl pose together outdoors, standing near a decorative structure made of vines and flowers. The woman wears an olive green trench coat and a pearl necklace, while the girl is dressed in a white coat with pink hearts, looking affectionately at her mother.
    Family of six holding hands and walking along the concrete lakefront path at South Shore in Chicago.

    Capturing the chaos and the beauty of a family of six! These kids brought so much energy to our fall portrait session, and the Chicago skyline peeking through the trees made it even more special.

    older brother and sister black and white portrait with the wide open sky
    Four children playing together and smiling outdoors, dressed in cozy winter clothing with a cloudy sky in the background.
    A joyful family gathering by the beach, featuring a father, mother, and four children. The parents are smiling and interacting playfully with the kids, who are wearing warm coats. The scene captures a cloudy sky and a sense of togetherness.
    close ups of siblings laughing
    kids walking ahead with the skyline in the backdrop for the shout shore family session
    A young girl with curly hair is smiling while being held by a man in a plaid coat, on a cloudy day near the beach.
    A couple sharing a kiss outdoors, with a cloudy sky in the background. The man is wearing a patterned coat, and the woman has curly hair and is dressed in a green jacket.

    Why I Love the South Shore Cultural Center

    Many families head straight to North Avenue Beach. However, South Shore offers a more soulful perspective of the city. It provides a massive variety of backdrops. Therefore you can find historic architecture and wild prairies in one spot. Because of this variety, it remains my favorite location for a Chicago family session.

    Watching these kids grow up in front of my lens is a gift. In conclusion, thank you for letting me capture your story once again.

  • Northerly Island Family Session | Chicago | Lauber Family

    Northerly Island Family Session | Chicago | Lauber Family

    A Heartfelt Goodbye: Northerly Island Family Session

    Planning a Northerly Island family session is the perfect way to capture the essence of Chicago, especially for families preparing for a big move. I may be slightly biased, but families that invite me into their births are the most special to me. That level of trust is truly unparalleled. I was lucky enough to be there for the birth of their little miss. Specifically, I witnessed Lacy be incredibly strong and saw the deep devotion from her husband and birth partner. It was an honor to document such an intimate moment. I photographed this family a few times I want to share their birth session which changed me as an artist.

    A woman in a green dress walking towards a young child in brown overalls, inside a large open structure with metal beams and a city skyline in the background on a sunny day.
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    When she reached out for this Northerly Island family session, I genuinely felt a bit sad. However, I am so happy for them! They are expanding their community and moving closer to family. I wish them all the luck in the world in their new chapter. Thankfully, Instagram allows us to stay in touch so I can see those babies grow up from afar.

    A wide shot of the Northerly Island family session featuring the Sears Tower and Chicago skyline.
    the Lauber family during their Northerly Island family session with the Chicago skyline in the background.

    Capturing Chicago Memories by the Lake

    We decided to choose the city as our backdrop for these “goodbye” portraits. For instance, a Northerly Island family session offers the perfect mix of skyline views and natural lakefront beauty. Chicago is the city that has seen their babies grow up until now. Consequently, it felt right to document their final days here against the skyline they love as a Chicago Family Photographer .

    In addition to the sentimental value, the lighting at Northerly Island is always a photographer’s dream. The wide-open space allows the golden hour to hit just right. Furthermore, the kids had a blast exploring the paths and the big rocks along the shore. I hope it is not “goodbye” forever, but rather a “see you later.”

    A young child wearing a white shirt and overalls, walking joyfully on a surface marked by shadows and light. The background features greenery and a building.
    A woman in a long green dress sitting on a log in a grassy field, holding a guitar with a city skyline in the background.
    Authentically captured moments of a family of four at a Northerly Island family session
    A family walking through a grassy field with scattered rocks under a clear blue sky.
    A family enjoying a day outdoors, with a man climbing rocks, a woman holding a child, and another man sitting on top of the rocks, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
    A young girl standing on a large limestone rock during a Northerly Island family session
    A smiling child with curly hair wearing a brown overall stands in a grassy field.
    A woman sitting on large rocks, gently kissing a young child who is sitting on her lap Northely island paths
    A young girl standing on a large limestone rock during a Northerly Island family session
    A family enjoying a day outdoors by a body of water, with one child exploring the grassy path while parents share a moment with their other child.
    A mother holding her young child in a natural outdoor setting, both engaged in a moment of connection. The child has curly hair with a bow and is gently reaching for flowers on the ground.
    Full family hug showing connection and love during a Northerly Island family session.
    A man holding hands with a child walking along a rocky shoreline near a lake, with sunlight reflecting on the water.
    A parent and child enjoying a day outdoors, with the child reaching up to touch the leaves of a tree while the parent looks on, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain.