Tag: Lifestyle maternity photography

  • Chicago IL Maternity Photographer at Northerly Island

    Chicago IL Maternity Photographer at Northerly Island

    A Sunny Chicago Maternity Session

    As a Chicago IL maternity photographer, I’m always looking for ways to make each session feel fresh and full of personality. For this one, I decided to embrace the bright midday sun. Yep high noon! Some photographers avoid it, but I think it gave us the dreamiest glow and such a fun challenge. This gorgeous couple is expecting their very first baby, and the love between them made every image feel so natural and joyful.

    Starting at Northerly Island for a Maternity session

    We kicked things off at Northerly Island, surrounded by tall, golden grasses that felt straight out of a summer daydream. Their sweet pup their first baby came along and completely stole the show. She was playful, goofy, and made sure we captured plenty of “family of three” moments before baby arrives. Those photos ended up being some of my favorites!

    black and white image of couple by the lake holding moms belly at their maternity photography session

    A Peaceful Stop at the Beach

    From there, we walked over to the quiet beach near the Adler Planetarium. The sandy shoreline was peaceful and nearly empty, giving us space to create relaxed and intimate portraits. The soft waves and open skies provided the perfect complement to the couple’s connection and anticipation of parenthood.

    Iconic Chicago Skyline Views

    We ended the session on the walkway directly in front of the Adler Planetarium, with the Chicago skyline standing tall in the background. This location is iconic for a reason it represents the love so many of us share with this city. It was the perfect finale for a maternity session that beautifully combined family, nature, and the urban energy of Chicago.

    Why I Love Lifestyle Maternity Photography in Chicago

    Lifestyle sessions like this are what inspire me most as a Chicago IL maternity photographer. They are about more than just portraits they capture love, anticipation, and the joy of growing a family in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

    A couple enjoying a playful moment outdoors by the lake, with the Chicago skyline in the background. The woman in a white dress twirls as the man holds her hand, both smiling under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Chicago Maternity Travel Session | Fresno, CA

    Chicago Maternity Travel Session | Fresno, CA

    While I am primarily a Chicago photographer, I recently had the joy of documenting this Chicago maternity travel session in the beautiful sun-drenched fields of Fresno, CA. Even though we traded the city skyline for the West Coast, bringing my signature style to new locations is one of my favorite parts of the job.

    My brother is five years younger than me, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man and father he has become. Watching him step so naturally into fatherhood has been one of the greatest joys of my life. His wife my sweet sister-in-law has been such an incredible mom to my smart, spirited niece and now to their newest addition, my precious baby nephew. Being an aunt is so much fun, and I soak up every moment I can with them, even though the distance between Chicago and Fresno always tugs at my heart.

    Life as a Chicago Maternity Travel Photographer

    The Beauty of Maternity Photography Chicago IL

    Many people think they need to go to a park. However, I find that staying home creates a more intimate feel. Specifically, it allows you to relax in your own space. Because we were at home, we could include the nursery. This makes the images feel personal. Therefore, the session was very calm.

    The light in their home was perfect. Furthermore, it highlighted the mama’s beautiful glow. While pregnancy can be a whirlwind, these sessions allow you to slow down. In fact, we focused only on the family connection. Ultimately, these moments are the ones you will want to remember.

    Natural light maternity portraits by Chicago maternity photographer

    This session also felt like coming full circle. Years ago, when I was just starting out as a photographer, my brother would help me during shoots. To now be photographing his family, celebrating this next chapter, was emotional and incredibly meaningful. Fresno may be far from Chicago, but moments like these remind me how lucky I am to be both a sister and a photographer.

    Book Your Maternity Photography Chicago IL

    This season of life is very fleeting. As a result, having professional photos is a wonderful gift. Your children will love seeing these images later. They show how much they were already loved. Indeed, a maternity session is the first chapter of your story. If you want to book your Maternity Photography Chicago IL, I would love to help. I am ready to document this milestone for you. Whether you are booking a local date or a Chicago maternity travel session, my goal is always to capture the authentic glow of motherhood.

    dad with a film camera taking photographs of his family. Outdoor maternity portraits in Fresno fields by Chicago maternity photographer
  • Oak Park Maternity Session | Marlow & Tarek

    Oak Park Maternity Session | Marlow & Tarek

    Marlow & Tarek: A Glowing Oak Park Maternity Session

    I’ve had quite a baby boom with clients recently! It’s been beautiful to get to meet all these new expectant parents. Specifically, there is so much excitement in the air for this new start. If you are planning an Oak Park maternity session, you know that this area offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops in the Chicago suburbs. A new chapter is beginning for so many of the families I work with, and I feel honored to document it.

    A couple stands closely together in a scenic outdoor setting, embracing and gazing into each other's eyes. The woman is wearing a flowing white dress and appears to be pregnant, while the man is dressed in a light shirt and dark pants. The background features lush greenery and soft sunlight filtering through the trees.

    Marlow and Tarek are here celebrating their soon-to-be new daughter in these photographs. They were an absolute blast to work with during their Oak Park maternity session. Capturing images is always a celebration. Thankfully, I am so lucky I get to be a part of it. But honestly, how stunning does Marlow look? You could just feel all of the joy radiating from her throughout the evening as we explored the forest paths together.

    A couple dancing in a sunlit, grassy area, surrounded by trees, with the woman in a flowing white dress and the man in a casual shirt and pants.
    A happy couple embracing in a sunlit outdoor setting, with the woman in a flowing white dress showing her baby bump.  Oak Park maternity session

    Chasing the Golden Hour in the Forest

    We chose a beautiful wooded area for our portraits to ensure a private and serene atmosphere. For instance, the way the sunset filtered through the trees created a dreamlike atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere. In addition, the natural greenery of the forest provided a timeless backdrop for the couple. I love how the light caught Marlow’s dress as she moved. Consequently, every frame captured the magic of this waiting period.

    As a result of the warm weather and the couple’s playful energy, we were able to get so many authentic moments. Looking back, the laughter was the best part of the day. Furthermore, it is these quiet, unposed moments that truly define a family’s history. I cannot wait to meet that sweet little baby girl when she finally arrives as a chicago maternity photographer.

    A glowing mother-to-be in a forest setting for her Oak Park maternity session.
    A couple embraces on a forest path surrounded by trees, while a pregnant woman in a white dress walks hand-in-hand with a man. The scene is bathed in soft sunset light. Oak Park maternity session
    A couple holding hands on a winding path in a natural setting, surrounded by trees and tall grass, with soft sunlight filtering through branches. Oak Park maternity session
    Expectant parents walking through the trees in Oak Park, IL.
    A couple standing in a field, with the woman cradling her pregnant belly, wearing a flowing white dress, and the man in a light shirt, both looking lovingly at each other.
    A pregnant woman in a flowing dress standing among tall trees for her Oak Park maternity session.
    Candid lifestyle moment of a couple walking through a wooded path for an Oak Park maternity session.
    Emotional portrait of a mother-to-be looking down at her belly during an Oak Park maternity session.
    Marlow leaning her head on Tarek's shoulder while they both look at her baby bump.
    A couple sitting closely together in a natural setting, surrounded by fallen logs and greenery. The woman, visibly pregnant, wears a flowing white dress, while the man is dressed in a light-colored shirt and dark pants. They share an intimate moment, smiling and gazing at each other.
    A couple stands near a serene riverbank, with the woman in a flowing white dress and a visible baby bump, capturing a moment of intimacy during maternity photography.
    A couple stands together in a warm embrace by a calm water body, with a soft glow from the setting sun behind them. The woman, visibly pregnant, lovingly cradles her belly as they rest their foreheads together, exuding intimacy and anticipation.
    A couple stands by a serene river, sharing a tender moment as the woman touches her baby bump, both gazing affectionately at each other. The setting sun illuminates the scene amidst lush greenery.

    Planning Your Own Photography Journey

    Ultimately, these are the memories that help tell the story of a family’s beginning. When you look back at your Oak Park maternity session years from now, I want you to remember exactly how that anticipation felt in your bones. Oak Park is a premier location for photography because of its variety and charm. Whether you prefer the architectural history of the local neighborhoods or the quiet beauty of the woods, your session can be tailored to your unique style.

    Congratulations again to Marlow and Tarek! I am so excited to see them step into this next adventure as parents. Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips.