Elgin IL Newborn Photography | At-Home Lifestyle Session

There is a quiet, sacred kind of magic that settles over a home after a baby arrives. As an Elgin IL newborn photography artist, I feel incredibly lucky to witness this bubble. Many people think of newborn photos as babies in baskets. However, my heart belongs to the lifestyle approach. I prefer capturing the real, unscripted love that happens in your own living room.

The Beauty of the “In-Between” Moments

When I arrived at this beautiful home in Elgin, the energy was very calm. Specifically, this is the biggest perk of an at-home session. There is simply no pressure. We aren’t rushing to a studio or worrying about the weather. Instead, we follow the baby’s lead. If they need to nurse, we wait. If they need a snuggle, we capture it.

These sessions are about more than just a cute face. For example, we document the way your hands look holding theirs. We also capture the light hitting the nursery you decorated. Choosing Elgin IL newborn photography in your own space is a wonderful idea. Consequently, every corner of the image has a memory attached to it.

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Creating a Relaxed Experience

Furthermore, I often tell my clients not to worry about a “perfect” house. The most beautiful photos often happen in simple spots. This might be a sun-drenched bed or a rocking chair by the window. My goal is to make you feel comfortable. Therefore, I act more like a friend with a camera than a formal photographer.

To help you prepare, I suggest focusing on comfort. In addition, choose soft textures and neutral tones. These choices let your connection take center stage. For more inspiration, you can check out [suspicious link removed] for color ideas.

Capturing Your Story in Elgin

Being a part of this family’s journey was a joy. These early days are a blur of wonder. Therefore, I am honored to help freeze those moments in time. This Elgin IL newborn photography session was special. Ultimately, it was about honoring a brand-new chapter for this family.

Close up of newborn details during a lifestyle newborn photography shoot in Elgin IL

mom and dad having an embrace near their baby's crib

black and white artsy image of mom and da holding their baby

dad cuddling baby while mom smiles at them both

Mother cuddling her baby during an Elgin IL newborn photography session

mom sitting on the floor feeding her baby

Candid family laughter during an at-home Elgin IL newborn photography shoot

Artistic view of a family home during an Elgin IL newborn photography session

March 24, 2025

Oak Park Birth Photographer | Abby’s Home Birth Story

As an Oak Park birth photographer, I was thrilled to capture Abby’s incredible home birth journey. When I am on call for birth photography, my backpack is always ready. Fortunately, this was a good thing because this little one arrived very quickly!

I was actually at a networking event when I received the call. Immediately, I headed to Oak Park. My client shared that her water broke while she was enjoying a festival. Clearly, this proves how unpredictable birth can be!

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black and white photograph of a pregnant bely

The Call for an Oak Park Birth Photographer

The call came in around mid-afternoon. Suddenly, everything shifted into focus. Abby’s partner called me to say that labor was progressing fast. Consequently, the adrenaline started pumping. Because I have learned to be ready for anything, I grabbed my gear and left right away. Even though Chicago traffic can be tricky, I made great time to the house.

Creating a Calm Home Birth Environment

Walking into their home, I immediately felt a calm atmosphere. String lights twinkled softly while calming music played. Furthermore, the older children were playing quietly nearby. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of being an Oak Park birth photographer. In contrast to a hospital, a home birth allows for a truly intimate and personal experience.

kid putting sea shell to his ear during sibling's birth

mom holding her belly during her at home birth

Documentary Birth Photography in Oak Park

Abby was incredible. She stayed focused and strong throughout the journey. Meanwhile, her partner offered constant support and a gentle touch. Likewise, the older children occasionally peeked in with wonder. I documented these moments discreetly. Indeed, these genuine moments of love make birth photography so special.

The First Moments of Life

Then, just like that, a new life entered the world. It was pure magic. I captured the first cries and the first moments of skin-to-skin contact. Afterward, I photographed the quiet moments of bonding and breastfeeding. Because these beginnings are so fleeting, I make sure to document every detail. Ultimately, it is an honor to preserve these memories for families.

mom moving through contractions at home birth photographer

dad reading to his oldest kids at the at home birth photography session

dad helping massage mom through contractions

mom cuddling son while at their at home birth

a bit of smiles at her at home birth OAK PARK IL

Pregnant woman with red hair standing in a cozy room, wearing a black top and white shorts, beside a lamp and a cluttered table.

A woman in a black bra and white bottoms is turning away from an open doorway in a bedroom, with clothing and a framed picture visible in the background.

A man and a woman are engaged in a conversation in a cozy bedroom, with the man leaning forward and the woman standing close, both appearing attentive to each other.

A man giving a back massage to a pregnant woman lying on her stomach in a dimly lit room adorned with photos and fairy lights.

CONSTRACTIONS AND MOM COPING THROUGH BIRTH

Oak Park birth photographer during active labor

CLOSE UP OF BABY'S CORD AT HOME OAK PARK IL

Oak Park birth photographer capturing first breath

Candid labor photos by an Oak Park birth photographer

Intimate Oak Park birth photography session at home

Professional birth photography in Oak Park Illinois

Newborn skin-to-skin contact in Oak Park IL

Oak Park home birth photography with siblings

Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips

February 4, 2025

Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary Family Session | Chicago

Planning a family session at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary is one of my favorite ways to spend a morning in Chicago. Sometimes kiddos aren’t as warm to me as quickly as their parents would want, and that’s okay. Specifically, this little kiddo was a bit apprehensive at the start of our shoot. Because the camera can be intimidating, I always focus on making the session feel like a walk in the park. Consequently, I often hear parents ask, ‘what do I do with my hands?’ To that question, the answer is always to hold someone you love

In fact, I love to photograph connection and movement. For this reason, the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary is one of my favorite locations in Chicago. This beach offers so much space for kids to run and feel free. Therefore, it helps them feel much more at ease than a traditional studio setting.

The Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary is truly a beautiful location! Additionally, if you want a mix of wild texture and the city skyline, it is perfect. Because it allows kids to explore the paths, it makes for a very relaxed family session. This family was so kind and sweet throughout the entire morning.

A Sunny Session at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary

Even with the initial shyness, this kiddo gave us many cute moments to document. Furthermore, the morning sun provided a stunning, warm glow across the dunes. Overall, it was a successful day in a gorgeous place. If you are looking for a location with the Chicago skyline and a touch of nature, this is the spot. In conclusion, every session in the city has its own unique rhythm. Whether a child is shy or energetic, I aim to document the truth of your family. As a result, these photos become timeless keepsakes for years to come.

A father joyfully holding his young daughter up in the air, both smiling and enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

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kiddo in sunlight Family posing at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary in Chicago

fall photoshoot in Chicago Family posing at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary in Chicago

A mother and daughter stand together by a wooden fence surrounded by greenery and wildflowers. The mother, dressed in a white outfit, gently interacts with her daughter, who wears an orange skirt.

A black and white photo of a family playing outdoors. A young girl stands in the foreground looking slightly unsure, while her parents dance around her. The background features a wooden fence and lush greenery.

mom and dad tickling kid Family posing at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary in Chicago

mom holding daughter Family posing at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary in Chicago

A joyful adult is playfully lifting a laughing child upside down in a grassy outdoor setting. Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary

A family portrait featuring a woman, a man, and a toddler standing together near a wooden fence, surrounded by lush greenery.

A woman holding a girl in her arms while smiling at the camera, with a sparkling body of water and a city skyline in the background.

Family posing at the Montrose Bird Point Sanctuary in Chicago

November 16, 2023

Home Birth Photographer Chicago: Home Birth is Here to Stay

Whenever I tell someone I am a home birth photographer in Chicago, they often think I mean “birds.” Perhaps it is a little bit of my accent, or the fact that “th” endings can be hard! Regardless, we usually have a little awkward exchange where I explain that I mean births—humans giving birth.

Their faces always show a mix of awe, curiosity, and concern. This is especially true after I mention home birth. However, it fills me with great joy to do such a unique job. I love that people hire me to create art out of their most intimate moments. In fact, being a trusted part of a team that welcomes a little one is a true honor.

Why You Should Hire a Home Birth Photographer in Chicago

Birth is raw and real. It is a beautiful mix of power and vulnerability. Actually, it is buckets full of vulnerability! I was lucky enough to be hired for this beautiful family’s second home birth. Hannah is an incredible mama and human. Consequently, I was so glad to witness their strength together again.

This second birth was a bit different, and I even managed to get a little nap in! Because birth is so unpredictable, I find that I live for that excitement. I always cry the minute the baby arrives. When you see the relief on a mom’s face, the world stops for a minute. Ultimately, something marvelous just occurred. It is pure magic.

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Home birth photographer Chicago mom getting in bed to rest

Home Birth Photography is Here to Stay

As a home birth photographer in Chicago, I see firsthand how comfortable families are in their own space. This comfort allows for a level of intimacy that is hard to capture elsewhere. Many families worry about the chaos of birth, but my goal is to find the quiet, steady rhythm within it.

Photography is the best way to have something tangible to hold. Memories of birth can be a blur, but a photograph stays with you forever. In addition, these images become your family’s first heirloom. For anyone looking for a home birth photographer in Chicago, I would be honored to document your unique story and preserve these fleeting moments for generations to come.

A pregnant person in a semi-nude posture leaning over a bed covered with sheets, supported by another person behind them in a dimly lit room. home birth photographer chicago

A cozy bedroom scene featuring a bed with colorful pillows and a blue blanket. Soft lighting from string lights illuminates the room, with a piece of art on the wall depicting an abstract figure. home birth photographer chicago

Black and white image of two people lying closely together in bed, wrapped in a blanket and appearing relaxed in a cozy setting. home birth photographer chicago

A couple embracing in a softly lit room, captured from a distance. The scene conveys warmth and intimacy, with cozy home decor visible. home birth photographer chicago

A woman sitting in a birthing pool in a dimly lit room, with a person partially visible in a 'Ride-Rail' shirt standing nearby. The room has a bed and soft lighting decorations. home birth photographer chicago

A pregnant woman in a birthing pool receiving support during labor, set in a cozy indoor environment.

A close-up view of a person's back showcasing colorful tattoos, including flowers and a butterfly, with a softly blurred figure in the background. home birth photographer chicago

A pregnant woman in labor is being comforted by her partner while a midwife assists in a cozy bedroom setting.

A person lying on a bed, covering their face with their hands, appearing distressed or overwhelmed. Soft, natural light filters through the room, highlighting colorful pillows.

A woman standing in a doorway, smiling, wearing a plaid shirt in a softly lit room.

A close-up image of two people embracing, with one person resting their head on the other's shoulder. The shirt of the person being hugged features logos of different beverages.

A silhouette of a pregnant person standing in a doorway, partially visible, with a bathroom in the background.

A man and woman are engaged in a task in a bright kitchen, with the woman leaning over a sink and the man standing behind her.

A couple shares an intimate moment, embracing and gazing at each other in a softly lit bathroom.

A woman in a dimly lit room appears to be in labor, showing signs of discomfort, while a supportive partner stands nearby, visibly concerned.

A woman stands in a bright bathroom, holding her head in her hand, with natural light streaming in from a window.

A man standing in a narrow hallway, with arms crossed and eyes closed, illuminated by soft natural light from a nearby window, captured in black and white.

A woman in a birthing pool, leaning forward with her elbows on the edge, while a partner holds her hands, providing support. The background includes a bed with pillows and a crib.

A pregnant person helping a child navigate stairs in a home setting, depicted in black and white.

Black and white photo of two pairs of bare feet stepping over a broom handle on a wooden floor, with a textured rug in the foreground.

A woman holds her newborn baby wrapped in a towel, surrounded by supportive individuals during a home birth in a birthing pool, captured in black and white.

a baby being born in water during a home birth in chicago serene underwater scene.

A couple in a birthing pool, with the woman holding a newborn wrapped in a towel, both looking emotional. The setting is intimate and private, with minimal furnishings visible in the background.

A black and white image of a shirtless man gently holding a newborn baby in his arms, with a softly blurred background showing a cozy interior.

A mother gently cradles her newborn baby wrapped in a red blanket, both lying on a bed with striped pillows.

January 20, 2023

S

Winter is the calm after the busy Fall season. It goes by rather quickly. I’m so grateful for that calmness but I like being in the thick of my client work the most. This year however I decided to embrace some personal work a little more for these restless days. The challenge was quite simple ; capture yourself, one image a day for the month of February. I’ve never done anything like this. To be honest I do care about how I’m perceived, I think anyone who says otherwise is just lying to themselves. & honestly this is just screaming I love myself a little too much, for a moment It took on a negative feeling. But when that settled I thought of all of those days when I didn’t love myself, and how l behaved in the moments I lacked self love.

For the first time in my life I truly + completely love every . single. part. of my being. I am intentionally working on not using words like good or bad to describe myself, but what I will say is that anything that I was lacking before is so full to the brim now. Self Portraiture has always been a gift to the artist. These are a gift to me and my children, I know one day not terribly close but in the near future I’ll look different. I’ll feel different. My hope is that my new found compassion for myself only grows.

Today in the middle of my 32nd birth year I am heartbroken, growing, expanding, learning and practicing what I preach. I am a multitude of feelings, I am things I can’t describe yet. Words I can’t find. These images have truly shown me that when I decide to show up for myself great things can happen. While these images may seem ordinary to most there are big connections to parts of me I have or I am in the process of grieving.

I hope you try showing up for yourself

I won’t lie. This has been so hard. I selected the coldest month to do this project, because clearly I don’t think things through enough lol. I just jump right in. That’s me. So I’m desperately thinking of new ways to use my tiny space. Not to mention new ways to see myself. I’m deeply proud of how I’ve stuck with it and I’m now more than half way through this project. It’s so so cool. I have always been the type to lean into the discomfort. & this, the capturing myself daily has been uncomfortable as hell.

I try to close my eyes pop on some Carla Morrison and let inspiration take me where it wants to. I have also let my mind wander, my smiles are genuine, thoughts of my children and other people I love run across my mind and I can’t help but smile and send them light and love always. If you are seeking inspiration in anything I hope you always remember you are always the source of greatness. Start with you today.

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self portrait of woman topless facing away smiling on a couch

black and white photo of woamn playing with her hair

self portrait of woman in shower in black and white with hand on the glass

self portrait of a naked woman outlined by a plant

a self portrait reflection of a woman reading

self portrait of woman in man's white shirt

self portrait of mom and daughter on the floor reading

February 18, 2022

Road trips with kids: My 31-hour California Adventure

31 Hours: Our Impulsive Road Trip to California

Last week, completely unplanned and stupidly so, I drove to California. If you don’t know, that is 31 damn hours from my home in Illinois. Road trips with kids can be daunting; however, this impulsive journey was exactly what my soul needed. Was it a bit wild? Probably. Consequently, I have no regrets about the decision.

THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND MY DAUUGHTER MONTERREY

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Planning Impulsive Road Trips With Kids

On Wednesday my mom mentioned the idea, and by Thursday night, we were already out on the road. I drove through the night fueled by crappy gas station coffee and good music. While everyone else slept, it was just me and my thoughts. Lately, I haven’t allowed myself to just sit and be with myself. Additionally, 31 hours is a significant amount of thinking time. Usually, road trips with kids involve constant snacks and distractions, but the quiet of the night highway felt like a necessary reset.

I wish I had taken more photographs during the drive. Unfortunately, I always regret not taking enough. I did manage to get in the frame with my kids, which is getting harder to do as they grow. My brother helped capture some of our time at the beach once we arrived. Furthermore, even though I wish I had more to show, I tried my best to be present.

MY DAUGHTER BEING EXTRA Road trips with kids

ME AND MY KIDS NEAR THE SHORE Road trips with kids

FFinding Peace in the Chaos

We had so many deep conversations during the drive. As a result, we also had plenty of bickering fights. It was chaos and peace all at once. I truly can’t believe how much beauty is out there across this country. The route is incredible and it’s easy to get mesmerized by the open road.

If you are planning your own road trips with kids, my advice is to just go. Don’t wait for the perfect plan. The time alone, the music, and the shifting landscapes reminded me that wherever you are in life, you will be okay. Therefore, if you can’t cope with life right now, just go take a damn cross-country trip like I did.

May 28, 2021

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

Itasca Maternity Photographer | Adri De La Cruz

Booking an Itasca maternity photographer on a sunny day after weeks of rain felt like a gift and this mama delivered. Even without that gorgeous golden hour light, we found something dreamier, softer, and honestly more her. No matter what the light does, mamas-to-be carry their own glow. Honest to god, they don’t even have to try.

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Inspiring Maternity photos Itasca IL

This beautiful woman is welcoming her third baby boy, and life was doing what life does piling things on all at once. Her middle child had just gotten a long-awaited doctor’s appointment, landing right as she was preparing to bring a new baby into the world. Women are such warriors. I knew without a doubt she would rise to every single moment — advocating fiercely, loving fully, and somehow making it all look effortless.

I cannot wait to meet this new little one.

If you’re expecting and looking for a maternity photographer serving Itasca and the Chicago west suburbs, I would love to document this season for you.

For this session I did a lot of cool experimenting with textures, the clear plastic created this hazy halo effect, I also did over exposures as well. I also loved playing with hard light. Using the light directionally to create interesting visual composition within our frames. Lastly I love a blue sky. I think clouds are my favorite but the blue and green contrast made these so beautiful. This is what im talking about. When I photograph you as your Chicago Maternity Photographer expect to kool beautiful, yes. But also to look inspiring and to have your eye be challenged.

The wind really was another paid actor here. I love the texture flowy hair and dresses add to maternity photography. It is whimsical Af to see so much beauty in the frame.

May 24, 2019

Batavia IL Baby Photographer | Six Month Session

As a Batavia IL baby photographer, I get a front row seat to some of the most fleeting, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments in a child’s life. Six months have already gone by since her newborn shoot and the difference is wild. The cheeks, the chubby thighs, the way she’s suddenly holding her own head up like she owns the room. Every single day brings a new change, and babies wear time in the most beautiful, pronounced way. I also photographed the first year of her brothers life, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of. A family’s growth.

This sweet little lady was mostly all smiles. She’s learning to find her balance when she sits, and she is so aware of her big brother glancing over at him every chance she got, like he’s the most fascinating thing in her whole world. Honestly? She’s not wrong.

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Why Hire a Batavia IL Baby Photographer?

This is exactly why I always tell families: don’t wait. Don’t blink. Babyhood is short and your camera roll of blurry phone pics is not the same as having it truly documented. The chubby thighs don’t last. The wobbly sit doesn’t last. Even the way they look at their siblings in pure adoration — it changes faster than you expect.

Experts agree that the first year of a baby’s development is the most rapid period of growth in a child’s life which is exactly why documenting each milestone matters so much. As a Chicago Family Photographer and Batavia IL baby photographer milestone sessions from newborn through first birthday are some of my most treasured work. You can see more on my portfolio .

If you’ve been thinking about a session — this is your sign. These babies don’t keep as much as we try.