naperville family photographer Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Wood Dale Family Photographer | Quantifiable Beauty

I heard something recently. It said ” dreaming is a form of planning”. It resonated wildly with my soul. Everything I’ve ever wanted started as a dream. Me with my wild expectations. Most of the time when I would voice my dreams to others it would sound like I lost my damn mind. It always made me feel slightly crazy. But the thing that I have learned is that people lack imagination. Most are living and acting from a place of fear. Without intention. I have always felt this nagging voice for more. Not more in a form of quantifiable things, but more beauty, more aliveness more feelings. It’s probably why I felt pulled towards this medium. I want to record and preserve as many feelings as I can. I guess I’m a junky for that.

I took these self portraits right before heading out and capturing my loves. But I felt the need to make a separate post because I want to encourage others to dream. I never grew up being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, so perhaps thats how I’ve allowed myself to be whatever the (insert bad word) I want. I am a bunch of things. I’ve dreamt about most. Being a mother was a big one. I dreamt of building up little babies to be the best versions of themselves. I dreamt of a marriage, and even though it wasn’t what I expected I am also not too proud to say perhaps that dream can look different now. What ever you want your life to be in the future, you first have to dream it. You have to stop fitting into the mold of what people expect of you. I hope my children read my words someday and look over what they’ve achieved and know full well that they made that happen. Not for others but for themselves. I’ve had some wild dreams lately. Most of them are absolutely within reach currently they just take some work. Others are timely, others I will have to give up. But I’m excited for it all.

“The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.”

― Roy T. Bennett

I’ve been thinking of starting a personal blog to write more about those dreams, I’m still debating. We’ll see what happens and the direction I go in .

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November 23, 2020

WALK ALONG THE RIVER CHICAGO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Much of our adventures go undocumented nowadays since Im so busy with work and life, I have to make it a point to come back to this. My big boy will be 9 already at the end of the month. How on earth is that possible. It feels like just yesterday I was bringing him home. If you’re a new parent and or a new parent to be know that all the parent cliches are one thousand percent true! Every single one of them. I know I have a special chance to document their childhood and I should take more advantage of that. I can’t wait to have more freesom and explore the city of Chicago with these two more if we can’t venture out further. Life is changing but, it is also coming together at the same time.

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June 16, 2020

Candid Childhood Photography Chicago | A Spring Story

We are so over winter. I know how whiny that sounds, but I’m ready for the light to change. I’ve found myself looking back at old images of warmth and sunshine. I am currently sharing these favorites because I am so deeply drawn to candid childhood photography Chicago. It isn’t just about a pretty picture. It is about freezing a season of life that disappears too fast.

I especially miss that cute little dress. It felt like we wore it every single day two years ago. Looking at these reminds me why I love my job. These “throwback” moments are the ones that carry the most weight as the years pass.

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The Magic of Candid Childhood Photography Chicago

I am currently in the midst of some “inner feeling dealings.” There is something about the transition from winter to spring that I find hard to navigate. Yet, I am always so grateful for these two. They keep me grounded even when the days feel long.

Motherhood is a wild gig. It somehow keeps getting tougher, but it also keeps getting more beautiful. These unposed moments of my own children are my most prized possessions. If you are looking for Chicago Family Photographer that capture the heart of your home, you are in the right place.

Honest Storytelling in the West Suburbs

Whether we are exploring local parks or staying cozy at home, my goal is to document the honesty of your family. If you are planning your next session, It helps ensure your portraits feel editorial yet real.

I am so looking forward to the warmth. Spring, please hurry up! If you’re ready to book your own session for candid childhood photography Chicago, let’s connect. It was an honor to revisit these memories today. I can’t wait to create new ones with you soon.

Adri de la cruz photographer Chicago family photographer (6)

April 19, 2018

Colorado Photography Mentoring Trip | Education & Adventure

There is something about the mountains that shifts your perspective. Last year, I headed out for a Colorado photography mentoring trip that was about so much more than just pretty landscapes. It was about deep-diving into the “why” behind our work. Education is the heartbeat of growth, and sometimes you have to leave your usual surroundings to find your voice again.

I’ve always believed that the best learning happens in the field, not behind a screen. During this time in Colorado, we focused on the technical side of things, like mastering light in high-altitude environments. But more importantly, we talked about the soul of our business. We explored how to move from “taking pictures” to “telling stories” that actually resonate with our clients I love this part of the job as a Chicago Family Photographer.

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Elevating Your Craft During a Colorado Photography Mentoring Trip

A Colorado photography mentoring trip offers a unique space to experiment without the pressure of a typical gallery deadline. We spent our days chasing the sun across the Rockies and our nights talking about branding, consistency, and the honesty over poses philosophy. If you are looking for photographer education that pushes you creatively, these destination sessions are unmatched.

Investing in Your Creative Future

Education is an investment that pays off in every single frame you deliver. Whether we are in the West Suburbs or the mountains of Colorado, my goal as a mentor is to help you find your unique “eye.” For those looking for further inspiration on building a sustainable creative business, I highly recommend checking out CreativeLive’s photography resources. They offer incredible insights into the professional side of our craft.

It was an honor to mentor such talented souls during this Colorado photography mentoring trip. If you are ready to take your business to the next level through one-on-one education, let’s connect.

Adri de la Cruz Chicago and west suburbs family lifestyle photographer (10)

Chicago , West suburbs, Dupage IL , Lifestyle family photographer

Adri de la Cruz Chicago and west suburbs family lifestyle photographer (12)

February 6, 2018

Elk Grove Newborn Photographer | Baby Gemma’s At-Home Story

Oh sweet baby! Looking back at this session makes my heart so full. As an Elk Grove newborn photographer, I feel incredibly lucky. Meeting Sarah and her family was a highlight for me. They make me so excited to document their growth. Every time they hire me, I see so much love. This is the specific kind of “realness” I look for. I am so passionate about documentary photography. I was honored to capture sweet Gemma’s birth. Seeing her again at home was a dream come true.

I met up with them for Ms. Gemma’s sweet newborn session a few weeks later. It was important to Sarah to capture these moments early. Babies change at “seconds speed.” Honestly, I remember this with my own children. I would wake up and realize they were changing day to day.

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The Beauty of an Elk Grove Newborn Photographer Session

For this session, we focused on the first bath. We also captured quiet time with her adorable big brother. Mostly, we focused on the little details. Being an Elk Grove newborn photographer is a privilege. It allows me to step into these private, sacred spaces. I love to document the moments that usually go unseen. These are the memories that carry the most weight as the years pass. I look for tiny, peeling newborn toes and quiet family cuddles.

Honest Connection in the West Suburbs

I hope I get to see Ms. Gemma again soon. I can’t even imagine how much she has grown. If you are preparing for your own arrival, I have a recommendation. Check out Motherly’s guide to the first weeks at home. It is a wonderful resource for those early, beautiful days.est, unposed imagery. I love this part of my job as Chicago Newborn Photographer.