The Adri Photo Co.

Tag: Motherhood Journey

  • Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    A Journey as a Self Portrait Artist in Chicago

    Holy wow! I did it—I finished the project. Indeed, as a self portrait artist in Chicago, nothing feels quite like doing exactly what you said you would do. Sticking with a daily creative habit that requires me to carry a tripod everywhere was incredibly challenging. Specifically, I hit a huge wave of indecision around Day 3. However, after I overcame that initial hump, I stopped overthinking and just relaxed into the process of capturing who I am.

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    A woman in a brown coat walking along a sandy beach with trees in the background and sunlight shining through. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Exploring Identity and Motherhood

    During this month, I explored the roles I play in this lifetime—the complex intersection of womanhood and motherhood. For example, I thought a lot about the feeling of belonging both to myself and my children simultaneously. Furthermore, this project served as a constant reminder of the impermanence of these tiny, fleeting moments. To stay inspired, I used to have a Facebook community, women have always helped pushed my creativity. which helped me push past my artistic blocks.

    Children celebrating a birthday party in a decorated room, playing with colorful balloons and a large '8' balloon. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Ultimately, it is bittersweet to have finished this month. Nevertheless, it absolutely pleased my brain to have something challenging to look forward to on a daily basis. I had so much love and support after sharing Part One of this journey. In fact, you can take a peek at that previous post right 

    A young woman with closed eyes wearing a black mask adorned with small white flowers, standing in a softly lit room with a vintage music-themed background.

    Why Creative Projects Matter

    All of these images fill me with an immense sense of pride and happiness. Because all of these photos were taken by me, they hold a deeper level of meaning. I am learning that I can be both an amazing mother and a self portrait artist in Chicago who is still finding herself. Consequently, I’ve realized that life is meant to be lived and experienced through an artistic lens. I hope you are taking the time to experience your own creative journey too!

    A woman with long dark hair, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a brown coat, smiles with her eyes closed while standing outdoors against a brick wall.
    A woman lying on her side on a bed, partially covered with blankets, with her back to the camera.
    A young woman sitting on the floor in a cozy room, writing in a notebook with plants and a wooden table nearby.
    A woman holding a child in a cozy indoor setting, both appearing affectionate. The woman wears a denim jacket and the child is dressed in an embroidered dress, highlighting a warm moment between them. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    Close-up of a person's face partially obscured by their hand, with one eye visible, set against a soft background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A close-up image of a person lying on a bed with a floral arrangement in their hands, capturing a contemplative and intimate moment. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A smiling woman stands beside a swing set in a playground, with motion blur indicating children swinging in the background. A house is visible in the background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A woman wearing a maroon sweater is joyfully posing with her arms raised against a clear blue sky.
    A woman with long hair is reclining in the backseat of a car at night, looking towards the camera.
    A young woman with dark hair stands near a door, looking back over her shoulder. She wears a strappy black top and denim shorts, with soft sunlight illuminating her features and creating a warm ambiance.
  • Family Self Portraits Chicago | Weathering the Storm 

    Family Self Portraits Chicago | Weathering the Storm 

    Family Self Portraits Chicago: Weathering the Storm

    Family self portraits Chicago sessions have always been a way for me to document our truth, and these days, life for us is mostly calm. We have finally arrived at the other side of one of the hardest years of our collective lives. I know that everyone is going through something, as the world is experiencing a massive shift. However, inside our little family, that shift felt like a big wave of so many things.

    A mother and her son sharing a quiet moment during family self portraits Chicago.
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    At the start of 2021, I didn’t know where I would be emotionally. I moved out of the home I shared with my ex and into a tiny apartment. While physically so many things have changed, emotionally it feels like I am still the same—in grief, but slightly stronger. I am a far better person now. Specifically, I am trying my hardest to be who I always believed myself to be. My life is centered around love for my children and myself, full of authenticity, and expanding in my “No’s.”

    boy's lashes black and white portrait
    A young girl standing among tall trees looking toward the camera in natural light.
    Family self portraits Chicago showing a mother giving her son a piggyback ride.

    Finding Gratitude in the Grief

    The thing that has grown the most since the start of this year has been my gratitude. In fact, that has remained a constant throughout our family self portraits Chicago journey. Being grateful for everything I’ve experienced has made my grief become more beautiful. I know now that I can handle whatever life has in store for me. Consequently, I have learned to let go of things out of my control. The storm that has been this year of our lives has served us well.

    My kids are some of the best humans I know. To have been able to be here for them in their own grieving journey has been incredibly healing. They know we’re all still a work in progress and flawed. Nevertheless, they know that no matter how rough life gets, we have each other. Always.

    A black and white image of family self portraits Chicago representing healing.

    Building a Future Together

    I have built that trust with them by showing up day in and day out. Furthermore, I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us. I am full of gratitude for my coparent as well. M is an incredible human, and I know he always has my back. Actually, I know I can count on him 200%. I love that we can still do these family self portraits Chicago for the kids.

    As I step into 2022, I am nervous but excited. I am open to learning and making more mistakes if they lead to the growth I need. Ultimately, I have goals and dreams to start. If you’re in the middle of your own storm, my friend, I urge you to listen to yourself. Move forward one step at a time. Do the uncomfortable things that give you peace and leave you full, even though they are painful. May it be an amazing year for you! I will never tire of being a chicago family photographer and capture my loves.

    Adri de la Cruz and her children for their family self portraits Chicago
    Candid shot of a mother laughing while her children play around her in a park.
    Family self portraits Chicago featuring a mother and daughter in a forest.
    A woman holds a young girl in a natural setting, surrounded by trees. They are smiling and sharing a joyful moment outdoors.
    Documentary-style family photography by Chicago artist Adri de la Cruz.
    A father carrying his young daughter in the woods, while a smiling young boy rides on his back, surrounded by greenery.
    a portrait of a divorced family, son, daughter and parents sitting on tall grass
    A black and white photo of a father with two children playing in a natural setting, surrounded by trees and grass.
    A smiling girl in a flowing dress twirls joyfully in a forest setting, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees.
    A boy playfully kisses a girl on the cheek while she laughs in a lush outdoor setting. They are dressed in casual, stylish clothes, and the background features soft greenery.
    Family self portraits Chicago featuring children playing among the trees.
    A close-up black and white portrait of a smiling girl with curly hair, wearing a white top with lace detailing, sitting next to a man with a beard, partially visible, both enjoying a moment together.
    Family self portraits Chicago captured during the golden hour in autumn.
    A woman sitting on the ground in a grassy field, holding a young girl, while a boy stands beside them laughing. The scene is illuminated by soft sunlight against a backdrop of tall grasses and a clear sky.
    A black and white image of a family sitting together in a grassy field, with a father and mother embracing their laughing child.
    Family self portraits Chicago in a serene, wooded forest setting.
    Two children running through a grassy field on a bright day, with one child smiling joyfully while the other follows closely behind.
    A girl and a boy hugging each other playfully in a grassy field on a sunny day.