CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tag: Lifestyle Family Session

  • Indiana dunes family photographer | fall session

    Indiana dunes family photographer | fall session

    Indiana Dunes Family Photographer: Capturing Sunset Magic

    As an Indiana Dunes family photographer, I believe there is nothing more beautiful than Lake Michigan at golden hour. The soft light hits the sand perfectly, creating a warm glow for your portraits. Specifically, the Dunes offer a landscape that is completely unique to the Midwest. Because the scenery is so neutral and textured, your family’s natural connection can truly take center stage.

    Mom and son on blanket Indiana Dunes family photographer session.
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    Why Hire an Indiana Dunes Family Photographer?

    First, many clients travel from the city looking for a Chicago family photographer who can offer a change of scenery. In addition to the towering dunes, the park provides a sense of peace that you simply cannot find in an urban setting. Consequently, children tend to feel more relaxed, which leads to those genuine, candid smiles you see in these images.

    preteen with the backlit Indiana Dunes family photographer session.
    mom and preteen daughter holding hands Indiana Dunes family photographer session.

    What to Wear for Your Beach Session

    To begin with, your outfit choice plays a huge role in the final look of your gallery. For example, notice how the neutral knits and denim in this session complement the sand without clashing. To achieve this look, keep these tips in mind:

    • Choose Texture: Knits and linen add visual depth to your photos.
    • USE COLORS : This year I am embracing color. I want the more the merrier when it comes to bold colors. without using neon colors that cast a color on skin.
    • Think About Movement: Since we will be walking through the sand, choose clothing that allows you to move freely.

    Check this link  Official Indiana Dunes National Park website
    for additional park info, if you want to extend your stay. There is a fee to the par and they only take cash.

    mom spinning baby around Indiana Dunes family photographer session.
    baby on sand Indiana Dunes family photographer session.
    Two young women standing close together on a sandy beach, smiling at each other. One is wearing a light beige sweater and the other a dark navy sweater, with a clear blue sky in the background.
    A family photo featuring three adults and a child in a natural outdoor setting. Two women are smiling at each other, while a man is holding a young child who looks content. They are all dressed in casual, cozy sweaters, with a background of trees and soft sunlight.
    A family of four walking hand in hand along the beach, with the ocean in the background. One adult is carrying a child while two others are smiling and enjoying the moment.
    A black and white image of a girl walking on the beach, looking down, while a man holds a toddler on his side. The man is wearing a white shirt and the toddler is in a cozy sweater.

    Planning Your Session

    If you are ready to document your family’s story in this stunning location, I’d love to help. Beyond just taking photos, I assist with location scouting and permit navigation to ensure your day is stress-free.

    A close-up of a child peering over the shoulder of an adult, set against a bright outdoor background with trees.

  • Hanover Park Maternity Photography | The Anderson Family

    Hanover Park Maternity Photography | The Anderson Family

    a collage of images of family sitting in grass

    The Anderson Family: A Golden Hour Maternity Session


    As an expert in Hanover Park maternity photography, I love documenting families as they grow. This lovely family is currently getting ready for their third baby. Furthermore, I will be there to capture their upcoming home birth. They are planning an intimate arrival. I cannot wait for the call that the baby is finally on their way.

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    Styling for Hanover Park Maternity Photography

    We took a quick trip in the heat to a favorite local spot. Specifically, I want to highlight Sarah’s perfect styling for this session. Although summer heat is tough, she made it look effortless. She looked beautiful in her gown. Consequently, the neutral tones kept the focus on the family connection.

    When choosing outfits for Hanover Park maternity photography, remember that comfort is important. Sarah chose a style that allowed her to move freely. This is very helpful when you have young children in the frame. Additionally, the fabric caught the light beautifully. This added a soft, golden glow to the entire gallery.

    A family sitting in a grassy field, enjoying time together. Two young boys are playing with flowers while their parents, a dad and a pregnant mom, engage happily with them. The scene is filled with greenery, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
    A family portrait showing parents and two young children sitting on a blanket in a green field. The mother, showing her pregnancy, is gently holding her belly, while the father leans in close. One child is hugging the mother, and the other is sitting beside them, both smiling.
    A black and white photograph of a family picnic in a meadow, featuring a couple kissing while sitting with their two children, who are engaged with nature. The scene is surrounded by wildflowers and greenery, creating a serene outdoor atmosphere.
    Hanover Park maternity photography session with the Anderson family in a summer field.

    Choosing a Location for Hanover Park Maternity Photography

    The big brothers were such good sports. They walked through the tall grass and greenery. Because this location is diverse, we got many different looks. In addition, the boys are very excited to meet their new sibling. The gender reveal at birth will be worth the wait.

    We spent time playing in the field to get candid smiles. Specifically, I love the moments where the kids just explored nature. These unposed shots often become the family favorites. Furthermore, the golden hour sun provided a perfect backdrop for these memories.

    A pregnant woman in a green dress interacts with her two young boys in a lush, green field. The boys are holding flowers and smiling as they spend time with their mother. Hanover Park Maternity Photography
    A pregnant woman in a grey dress standing in a green field, gently cradling her baby bump. The image is split, with the left side in color and the right side in black and white, showcasing the natural surroundings.
    A couple stands on a dirt path holding hands, with the woman visibly pregnant. Two children run playfully in the background, surrounded by greenery. Hanover Park Maternity Photography
    A couple stands on a path surrounded by trees, holding hands and smiling at each other. The woman has a pregnant belly and wears a blue dress, while the man wears a maroon shirt. A young child in a white outfit runs in the foreground, blurred by motion.
    A family of four interacting joyfully on a gravel pathway surrounded by lush greenery, with parents crouching down to engage with their two young children.
    Two young boys hugging on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by greenery. Hanover Park Maternity Photography
    A couple shares a kiss on a wooden bridge surrounded by greenery, with two children playing in the background.
    A couple joyfully embracing during a maternity photo shoot on a wooden boardwalk, with the woman gently touching her baby bump and smiling at her partner.
    A family enjoying a day outdoors in a green field filled with wildflowers. The father is interacting with his children, and one child is being carried on his shoulders. Hanover Park Maternity Photography
    wide angle of family on a beautiful field Outdoor Hanover Park maternity photography in a summer field.
    Mother in a flowing gown standing in a sun-drenched field in Hanover Park, IL.
    A family of four sits on a blanket in a grassy field, with the mother cradling her pregnant belly. They are engaged in a playful moment, surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers.
    mom entering the water Beautiful sunset Hanover Park maternity photography session.
    profile of mother near the water Beautiful sunset Hanover Park maternity photography session.
    A pregnant woman standing by a calm lake, wearing a dark dress, with long hair and a serene expression.
    A pregnant woman standing by a serene body of water, wearing a flowing dress and looking down lovingly at her belly, with tall grasses in the background.
    A couple embraces in shallow water, with the woman showing a baby bump, while two young children play nearby.
    A pregnant woman stands in shallow water by a lake, smiling as she interacts with a child. A man and another child can be seen nearby, also in the water, surrounded by tall grass and a scenic landscape.
    Mother in a flowing gown standing in a sun-drenched field in Hanover Park, IL.
    Expecting parents embracing during their Hanover Park maternity photography session.
    Andersons family maternity session in Hanover park IL (26)
    Expecting parents embracing during their Hanover Park maternity photography session.

    Why I Love This Hanover Park Location

    As a Chicago maternity photographer, the drive to the west suburbs is worth its 10000%. The big brothers were such good sports as we walked through the tall grass and greenery. Because this location offers such a diverse landscape, we were able to get a variety of looks in a short amount of time. In addition, the boys are very excited to meet their new sibling! I am personally so excited to see the surprise of the gender reveal at birth—it will be well worth the wait.

    Choosing a Hanover Park maternity photography enthusiast means finding someone who can navigate the local elements, from the summer heat to the best lighting. As a result, you get a gallery that feels authentic to your family’s story. Stay tuned for the birth story coming soon!

  • Edgewater Newborn Photographer | Baby at Home Hannah + Eric

    Edgewater Newborn Photographer | Baby at Home Hannah + Eric

    I believe that one of the favorite parts of my job is the storytelling. As an Edgewater newborn photographer, I have the joy and honor to capture full stories for growing families. I often meet them right when they find out their life will change. Subsequently, I get a chance to see them at different points on the road to that change.

    mother breast feeding baby on rocking chair Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home
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    Working as an Edgewater Newborn Photographer

    For Hannah and Eric, I know this journey looked quite different. Being pregnant during a pandemic was surely an experience on its own. Still, we managed to capture all of the beauty of this incredible journey they were on. If you haven’t seen them yet, you can take a peek at their Maternity session and their emotional Home birth story. Being their Whole story photographer and more important their Chicago Newborn photographer for this session was the greatest honor.

    dad with man bun looking at new baby daughter Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home

    Life at Home in Edgewater

    Now that they have transitioned from homebirth to a full home, the storytelling continues. As an Edgewater newborn photographer, I love seeing how a space transforms once a baby arrives. The nursery is full, the light is soft, and the connection is deeper than ever. In addition, lifestyle sessions at home allow for a relaxed pace that newborn babies truly need.

    left : dad holding baby in monochrome right: family sitting on the couch Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home

    Edgewater Baby Photography and Community Support

    Furthermore, I always encourage my Chicago clients to look into local support systems during the postpartum period. Specifically, the Family Connects Chicago program offers wonderful in-home nurse visits. Indeed, having that extra layer of support makes the transition to a “full home” much smoother.

    more family couch photographs Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home
    baby holding moms hand Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home

    Why Choose an Edgewater Newborn Photographer?

    When you choose a local photographer, you are choosing someone who understands the unique charm of your neighborhood. Specifically, Edgewater homes offer beautiful natural light and character that make for perfect documentary backdrops. Moreover, staying at home for your session eliminates the stress of traveling with a newborn.

    In conclusion, capturing Hannah and Eric’s transition into parenthood has been a highlight of my career. Essentially, my goal is to document the “real” moments that you will cherish forever.

    more lifestyle family photographer at home in Edgewater
    mom kissing babies head Edgewater newborn photographer lifestyle session at home
    close up on kissing baby's head Edgewater newborn photographer capturing baby at home in Chicago
    baby newborn details Edgewater newborn photographer capturing baby at home in Chicago
    A close-up of a parent's hand holding a baby's hand, showcasing connection and tenderness.
    A cozy kitchen scene featuring a woman holding a child while interacting with a kitchen space filled with utensils and natural light.
    A happy couple holding their newborn baby in a cozy indoor setting, with one parent smiling broadly and the other gently cradling the baby.
  • Itasca IL Family Photographer | A Personal Journey

    Itasca IL Family Photographer | A Personal Journey

    As an Itasca IL family photographer, I love using all of the beautiful locations around me to photograph my own family. Last year, I dragged my little crew out to a field for some portraits. However, I did not book a photographer early enough. Therefore, I took these myself with a tripod and a self-timer. I would absolutely not recommend it because it is so tedious! Also, a few coyotes came out of nowhere and scared us. But nonetheless, we did the best we could with what we had.

    This year, things are looking very different. No, I still did not book someone early enough. Consequently, I will have to figure that out somehow. But life is changing for other reasons now. In many ways, life is staying the same. This is because even though love evolves, it persists if it is real.

    “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”
    ― Glennon Doyle

    A smiling young girl in a white dress holding a bundle of green foliage, standing in a field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer
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    Finding My New Normal in Itasca

    Our family moving forward will look different. I do not mean to vaguely brush over these changes. Instead, I am still working to accept my new normal. Even though I am the one leading the charge for change, it is a big transition. This change comes with so much love and respect for the life we built and are now saying goodbye to. It was ten years of a relationship that made me grow tremendously.

    Documenting Life as an Itasca IL Family Photographer

    2020 has simultaneously been both the worst and the best experience. Begrudgingly, it has propelled me forward. I have always loved living in my positivity. In fact, I know that the grass is greener wherever I stand. We will be okay, and we will support each other through these changes. While I don’t specifically live in Itasca, I have Manu beautiful memories with my family here so I guess I consider myself and Itasca IL family photographer

    A woman holding a young girl, with a young boy standing beside them, in a grassy field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer

    As a mother and Chicago Family Photographer my heart is with my kids. Specifically, I know that grown-up situations can be so hard on little ones. In my life, I have known hardship. However, I have always worked to overcome it. It has not made me tough or cynical. If anything, it has made me much more grateful. I love my softness. Ultimately, I think it shows others that not everything has to be hard. Changes are scary, but we will take it day by day.

    A child in a white dress runs down a gravel path during sunset, with trees and bare branches in the foreground and background. Itasca IL family photographer
    A young boy wearing a brown beanie and a jacket smiles while hugging a girl who is holding greenery, both standing in a grassy field during sunset. Itasca IL family photographer
    A woman holding a young girl, with a young boy standing beside them, smiling in a field during sunset.
    A young boy wearing a brown beanie and a dark jacket smiles while holding a bundle of greenery, standing in a field during sunset.
    A happy family of four sitting together on a blanket in a grassy field during sunset. The parents are smiling at the camera while their two children, a boy and a girl, are seated in front of them, all looking cheerful.

    “A broken family is a family in which any member must break herself into pieces to fit in. A whole family is one in which each member can bring her full self to the table knowing that she will always be both held and free.”

    ― Glennon Doyle

  • Aurora IL Family Photographer | Lunde Family

    Aurora IL Family Photographer | Lunde Family

    Coming back to work with the Lunde family for this front porch session was such a joyful experience. In fact, being away from my clients during the recent months only solidified how much I love this job. As an Aurora IL family photographer, I felt so grateful to finally pick up my camera again. I loved documenting this sweet family in a way that felt safe yet incredibly honest.

    A black and white image of a house with a person and a child walking towards the front door, framed by leafy greenery. Aurora IL Family Photographer
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    The Beauty of an Aurora IL Family Photographer Session

    As a Chicago Family Photographer I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I began offering these porch sessions. Being confined to a single outdoor space was a new challenge for my process. Specifically, I had to rethink my movement while maintaining a safe distance. Ultimately, I found that I could still capture those favorite wide-angle shots and tighter, cinematic crops. Because of these constraints, the focus stayed exactly where it should be: on the family’s connection.

    A group of children playing on the front steps of a house, with two boys jumping and others standing nearby looking playful and happy. Aurora IL Family Photographer

    Creating a Visual Legacy in Aurora

    Art has a unique way of bringing strength and beauty to a difficult moment. While the memories of this specific era might feel heavy, capturing these smiles helps soften the edges of the story. Additionally, documenting your family at home creates a “visual legacy” that your children will cherish. Whether it is on your front steps or in your backyard, these places are part of your history.

    If you are looking for an Aurora IL family photographer who values storytelling over stiff poses, I would love to connect. First, we will discuss the vibe of your home and the best light for your space. However, the most important part is simply showing up as you are. You can explore more of my at-home documentary sessions here or check out my family portfolio for more inspiration. For those new to the area, the City of Aurora has some beautiful historic districts that serve as amazing backdrops for lifestyle photography.

    Four children standing barefoot on a porch, with two older siblings looking down at their younger siblings, all dressed in cozy sweaters. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    Two children interacting on a porch in front of a door, with one child seated and the other standing beside them, captured in black and white. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A father sitting on the ground with a toddler on his lap, surrounded by three other children playing around them on a sunny day outside a house. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A father sitting on the porch with a baby in his lap, while two other children play nearby. The scene captures a warm, family moment in front of a home entrance.
    A family scene featuring a father sitting on the ground with a toddler in his lap, while another child stands nearby. Another part of the image shows a mother holding a child close, both smiling, with a backdrop of a house.
    A cozy family scene featuring parents and children sitting on a porch. One adult is playfully holding a laughing toddler, while another child stands nearby. Soft sunlight casts gentle shadows on the wall.
    A black and white image of a man sitting against a wall, holding a small child on his lap. In the background, another child stands near an entrance with decorative glass doors.
    A woman sits against a wall, surrounded by four young children engaged in playful interaction, with sunlight illuminating the scene.
    A parent sitting on the porch with two young children, one hugging the parent and the other playing nearby. A third child can be seen partially outside the door.
    A family standing at the entrance of a brick house, smiling and interacting. The scene includes a couple embracing on the porch, while two children play nearby, one walking towards them. The house is well-lit with a warm atmosphere, featuring a house number '2089' visible on the wall.
    A young child in a light sweater sits on a concrete step outside a house, with blurred figures of adults in the background.
    A group of children and adults standing barefoot on a sidewalk, surrounded by grass and greenery.
    A family portrait featuring a woman with long hair and a child cuddling, surrounded by three other children outside a house with a brick facade.
    A young child in brown sweater running on green grass towards a family gathering in front of a brick house, with adults and children smiling in the background.
    A smiling family of five, including two adults and three young children, standing together in the yard of a brick house under a tree.
    A family portrait featuring a mother holding a young child while standing outside a brick house. The mother wears a cream cardigan and smiles at the camera, while the child is dressed in a warm sweater. In the background, another parent and two more children are seen, enjoying the sunny day under a leafy tree.
    A family of six sitting together on green grass, with several children lounging and interacting with their parents. The adults are wearing casual clothing, and the scene conveys warmth and togetherness.
    A black and white image of a woman lying on grass with four children, all smiling and playing together.
    Two children playing outside, one riding a bicycle and the other walking alongside them. The scene is set against a brick wall and green grass.
    Children playing outside, walking barefoot on a wet surface after rain, with a garage in the background. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A group of children playing outside a house, with one child watering plants using a small hose, while others watch and interact. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    Two children running in front of a house with a garage on a cloudy day. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    Four children walking in front of a suburban house with a brick facade and a garage. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A father standing barefoot in a driveway, holding a toddler, surrounded by four children looking up at him, with a house and blue sky in the background. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A family portrait featuring a father with four children outside their house. One child rides a red bicycle while others stand together. The scene captures a warm and playful moment. Aurora IL Family Photographer
    A family outside their home; a man holds a baby while a girl rides a bicycle and a woman walks with a boy. The setting features a brick house and a landscaped yard. Aurora IL Family Photographer