North Shore Chicago Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Evanston Beach Family photographer | The Kurani Family

There is a quiet peace during a family session by the lake. First, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I love the light at Lake Michigan. The Kurani family session was a great example of this. In fact, we had a warm, golden day in October. It felt just like summer.

Your Evanston Beach Family Photographer Session

mom and daughter noses touching Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

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mom holding her daughter and laughing Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

kids surrounding running about parents Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A black and white photo of a father and son, with the son playfully hugging the father's neck from behind, both smiling against a stone wall background.

A young girl peeks out from behind her parents, smiling joyfully. The family is dressed casually, with the girl between her mother and father, creating a warm and playful scene.

Next, we walked along the shore and the grass. Because the Evanston beaches have so much variety, we got many different looks. We took photos of the kids running. We also caught quiet moments by the water. The clouds were soft. So, the light was perfect for the family. It made their laughter stand out against the blue water. See the full Evanston family photographer portfolio and experience guide.

family near overgrown beach house Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

moms face near son Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

hug between son and dad Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A young girl sitting on a log in a grassy area, wearing a yellow floral dress and a light cardigan, smiling joyfully.

whole family on the sand Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

Evanston beach family photographer Lake Michigan session

A woman in a patterned yellow dress and denim jacket is pointing while standing on a sandy trail, surrounded by greenery, with two children looking on attentively.

Evanston IL family beach session near the water

parents twirling their kids around Evanston IL family beach session near the water

A mother and daughter walking hand in hand along the shoreline, with gentle waves around their feet. The mother is wearing a denim jacket and a patterned dress, while the daughter is in a floral dress.

Additionally, many families ask why I recommend the beach for their portraits. However, once they see the open sky and feel the sand between their toes, they understand. During this Evanston session, the kids had the freedom to run and be themselves. For example, we didn’t focus on stiff posing. Instead, we captured the doting way the parents looked at their children and the joy of being together outside.

Finally, these sessions are about more than just a pretty location. They are about documenting the love and care your family has for one another. Moreover, as an Evanston beach family photographer, I strive to make these moments feel effortless. It was truly a joy to be their photographer in the heart of Evanston, IL. Whether you are new to the area or a long-time local, the lake is always a worthy backdrop for your memories.

Can’t wait for summer and more family sessions by the beach this is one of my favorite locations. Parking is always available and accessible. I will always suggest this location to my clients who want water and sand. Summer as a Chicago Family Photographer is peak joy.

December 28, 2022

North Shore Family Photographer | Radford Family,

North Shore Family Photographer

I have written before about how special it is to be a part of my incredibly beautiful families’ journeys. As a North Shore family photographer, I have been capturing this unique family for a few years now. We have documented everything from little Miss A’s birth up until this moment: the end of her nursing milestone. The Radfords are truly such a beautiful family to witness.

A family of four in a lush green field during golden hour, the father is holding a young child while another child stands beside him, and the mother looks on affectionately.

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Documentary Storytelling in the Waukegan Area

During our session in the Waukegan area, big sister completely filled me in on all the amazing things she learns with her mom at home. She deeply loves nature and bugs. Specifically, she had to point out to me not to destroy the milkweed necessary for Monarch butterflies. I was stomping around in this beautiful field trying to find the perfect light when she gave me that gentle reminder.

Consequently, right after her warning, I fell into a hole! It was hilarious and made for such a great, honest session. As a North Shore family photographer, I live for these unscripted moments that happen when we just let kids be themselves in nature. Furthermore, these memories are the ones that build a true visual legacy for a family.

A family of four in a green outdoor setting, with the parents holding their daughters. The mother is wearing a red dress and a hat, while the father is dressed in a black shirt. One daughter is being cradled by the father, and the other is interacting with the mother. North Shore Family Photographer

Preserving Your North Shore Family Legacy

The transition out of the nursing phase is such a quiet, emotional milestone. Instead of a traditional studio setup, we chose the raw beauty of the North Shore landscape to tell this story. Because of this, the images feel like a poem rather than a posed portrait. As Chicago Family Photographer result, the Radford family has a record of this season that feels entirely true to their life.

I always look forward to our many years together. If you are looking for a North Shore family photographer to document your own “milkweed and butterfly” moments, I would love to chat. Whether we are exploring Illinois Beach State Park or your own backyard, your story is worth telling. You can see more of my documentary style in my lifestyle family portfolio.

A family of four enjoying a joyful moment in a natural outdoor setting, with green foliage in the background. One parent holds a young child, while another stands nearby with an older child, all smiling and interacting. North Shore Family Photographer

A man holding a young child outdoors, surrounded by trees and a soft twilight sky. North Shore Family Photographer

A young girl with blonde hair and pink glasses joyfully smiles while playing in a grassy field, wearing a black sleeveless top. The image captures different angles of her happy expressions. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman in a black dress walks through tall grass, while a person wearing a red dress and a hat carries a child in green clothing, surrounded by greenery and a sunset in the background. North Shore Family Photographer

A mother wearing a wide-brimmed hat breastfeeds her young child in a grassy outdoor setting.

A mother lovingly holds her child while breastfeeding in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery. North Shore Family Photographer

A mother is breastfeeding her child while sitting on a blanket in a grassy field, surrounded by greenery. North Shore Family Photographer

A mother breastfeeding her child while sitting on a blanket in a lush green field during sunset. North Shore Family Photographer

A mother wearing a hat embraces her two children in a grassy field, surrounded by tall plants and flowers, capturing a moment of affection and joy.

A black and white photograph featuring two intimate scenes of a person holding children in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery.

A mother wearing a hat cuddles her child in a field during sunset, surrounded by tall grass and colorful flowers. North Shore Family Photographer

A family portrait taken outdoors during golden hour, featuring a father with glasses and a shaved head sitting on the ground, holding a young girl in a black dress. The scene is surrounded by tall grass and plants, with warm sunlight illuminating the background.

A joyful family sitting on a blanket in a grassy field during sunset. The father, wearing glasses, smiles while interacting with his two daughters, one on his lap and the other beside him. The mother, wearing a straw hat and a burgundy dress, holds their youngest child. The scene is filled with greenery and warm sunlight.

A young child with curly hair sitting on the lap of an adult, surrounded by greenery and soft sunlight. The adult is wearing a stylish hat and has glasses. The child is dressed in a green outfit.

A woman with glasses and a wide-brimmed hat holds two young girls in a grassy field during sunset, with one girl clinging to her and the other gazing at her.

A mother kissing her young daughter on the forehead in a sunlit outdoor setting, with another child nearby.

A family of five standing together on a path in a natural setting, with two adults and three children, one of whom is being held. The scene is backlit by sunlight filtering through trees.

A woman in a hat lovingly embraces a young child under a canopy of green leaves, surrounded by natural greenery.

A family of four embraces each other outdoors, surrounded by green trees. The mother, wearing a red dress, holds a young child who looks curious, while another girl stands close by. The warm atmosphere conveys a sense of love and connection.

A young girl playing in the surf on a beach, wearing a black dress. North Shore Family Photographer

A family standing on a beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the shore.

A family walking along a beach at sunset, holding hands. The mother carries a baby while the father walks beside their young daughter. The shoreline features gentle waves and a log on the sand. North Shore Family Photographer

A family walking along a beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at their feet and a clear sky above.

A young girl in a black dress walks along a stone path at a beach, with waves crashing nearby. In the background, two adults are visible, enjoying the tranquil ocean view during sunset. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman standing at the beach with two children, one held in her arms and the other close to her side. The image is in black and white. North Shore Family Photographer

A family standing on a pier by the ocean at sunset, with two girls and an adult woman in a red dress, while a man holds one of the girls. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman holding a baby stands on a concrete pier at the beach, with gentle waves lapping at their feet and a sunset sky in the background. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman in a flowing dress walking along a pier by the sea, holding a child in her arms, with gentle waves surrounding them and a pastel sky. North Shore Family Photographer

A smiling young girl holding a small stone or shell, standing outdoors with a beach background.

A mother lovingly interacts with her child on a beach, with gentle waves in the background and a soft sunset sky. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman and a young girl walking together on a sandy beach, the woman in a long burgundy dress and the girl in a black dress. They appear to be enjoying the outdoors, with the woman gently guiding the girl along a fallen log. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman in a red dress and a girl in a black dress are walking on a log at a beach, surrounded by trees and a sandy area. North Shore Family Photographer

A woman in a red dress sits on the beach with a young child in a green outfit, both looking at each other against a backdrop of the ocean and a pastel sunset.

A family walking along a sandy path near a beach, surrounded by greenery and trees, with a view of the water in the background during dusk.

A black and white image showing three people walking barefoot on a wooden bridge, holding hands, with their feet and legs partially visible.

August 13, 2020

Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography | Sweet Baby Mary

I was invited into this sweet family’s home by a fellow photographer. Notably, it is always such an honor to photograph another photographer’s family. Initially, the prospect makes me slightly nervous, yet I always feel excited by the creative challenge. As a specialist in Wilmette lifestyle family photography, I know that capturing the honest, unscripted moments of a homecoming is a profound responsibility.

The day prior to our session, we had a snowfall. Consequently, I basically drove bumper to bumper until I reached them in the North Shore. Fortunately, that drive was entirely worth it because they did not disappoint. To this day, they remain one of the most inviting families I have had the honor to meet. Our time together felt effortless and full of light, even with the winter chill outside.

A warm and inviting kitchen scene featuring a couple with a toddler and a newborn. The man is holding the toddler while the woman cradles the newborn, both appearing joyful. In the background, kitchen appliances and decor reflect a cozy family atmosphere.

The Beauty of Wilmette Lifestyle Family Photography

Specifically, I love documenting families in their own spaces because that is where the most honest stories live. This Wilmette lifestyle family photography session captured the raw transition of bringing a new sister home. Although big brother was more interested in showing me all of his treasures than interacting with his sister, those moments are just as important. Furthermore, you could just feel how grateful and full of love the parents were to have brought that sweet little girl home.

If you are looking for a similar experience, I specialize in capturing these unposed, soulful milestones. For instance, you can see more of my documentary approach on my Chicago birth photographer (Internal Link) landing page. Additionally, if you are planning a session in the North Shore area, I would love to help you tell your story. Whether you are spending a morning at Gillson Park (Outbound Link) or snuggled up in your living room, these are the chapters that deserve to be remembered.

In conclusion, baby Mary is a beautiful addition to this family. Ultimately, these images serve as a permanent record of a very fleeting and snowy season of their lives. Welcome home, sweet Mary. Take a peek at her gallery below