river forest family photographer Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

River Forest lifestyle photography | The Lopez Family Session

A Wild Winter Session with the Lopez Family

There is something so poetic about a morning spent at home. This session for River Forest lifestyle photography was all about the quiet, unposed moments that make up a family’s visual legacy.

Soft light filtered through the windows as the kids began to wake. Instead of rushing for the camera, we let the coffee brew. Blankets stayed piled high while we captured the morning. These authentic connections are why I believe in the power of documentary-style sessions.

River Forest family photographer capturing the family jumping and laughing together in front of their garage

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If you want to be inspired by change and good things, I encourage you to follow their adventures. They are a family who doesn’t just wish for a better world. Instead, they are making it happen in real-time. They are wonderfully invested in their community and live their words out loud. Specifically, it has been a true pleasure to watch their projects take shape.

A family walking under umbrellas in matching outfits near a garage door.

Documentary photography of a family of five laughing on their porch.

Lifestyle Family Sessions in Maywood and River Forest

I actually grew up in the very community they are helping shape. I walked those same streets and visited that same library as a child. Because of this, it feels surreal and beautiful how life leads you back to your beginnings. I am so proud of the work they do! If you want to follow their journey, the Firehouse Dream .

Traveling often for River Forest lifestyle photography sessions, I capture families who value real, unscripted moments. Whether we are playing in the fresh snow or snuggling on the couch, these stories matter. I hope you enjoy their session, as it was certainly a favorite of mine this year.

kids playing in snow river forest IL documentary family photography

kid watching the snow drop black and white image Maywood IL

Candid lifestyle photography of two sisters laughing together in the snow.

sibling upside down on a couch Adri De La Cruz capturing family snuggles on a couch.

River Forest family photographer Adri De La Cruz capturing family snuggles on a couch.

A family cozying up on a couch, with parents and children expressing warmth and affection towards each other.

Documentary family photography showing the beautiful chaos of three siblings playing on a couch.

Sibling portraits in front of a piano during a Maywood lifestyle session.

sibling portraits in front of piano RIVER FOREST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

A group of four young girls playfully interacting in a bright room with a piano in the background. One girl sits on a stool, while the others hug and lean on her, showcasing expressions of joy and friendship.

Three young girls having fun together, with one playfully leaning in to kiss another on the cheek while the third girl laughs joyfully. They are dressed in colorful sweaters and dresses, against a backdrop of a white brick wall and a piano.

River Forest family photographer documenting a family walk through the woods.

A group of five people posing together on a fallen tree in a forested area. The scene is captured in black and white, with trees in the background and a serene, natural environment.

River Forest family photographer capturing a dad and his kids in their local community.

family walking through mostly empty forest in the Fall River Forest IL

A couple embracing and kissing by a tranquil pond surrounded by autumn foliage.

A family enjoying a day by a lake in autumn, featuring two adults and several children. One child is playfully pointing, wearing a cozy hat and a pink coat, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

river forest trailside museum family photography

A group of five children and two adults walking together on a path in an autumn forest, surrounded by colorful fall foliage. River Forest Family Photographer

A girl sitting on outdoor steps, wearing a cozy pink jacket and gray sweater, smiling at the camera. River Forest Family Photographer

A group of friends walking together by a lake in an autumn setting, with trees reflecting in the water. River Forest Family Photographer

A woman in a knitted sweater and beanie smiles while standing in a forested area with trees in the background. River Forest Family Photographer

Planning a Documentary Session in the Chicago Suburbs

Additionally, I want to share why these “weather stop” sessions are so special. Many families wait for the “perfect” sunny day in River Forest. However, some of my favorite images happen when the weather is wild. For example, the way the light hits the falling snow creates a magical glow that you cannot find in a studio.

Therefore, I encourage my clients to embrace the elements! As a River Forest family photographer, I know that your real life doesn’t always happen in perfect weather. It happens in the rain, the snow, and the quiet moments inside your home. Because I focus on documentary storytelling as a Chicago family photographer , we can make magic anywhere. If you are looking for a session that feels like “you,” I would love to connect. In fact, we can start planning your adventure today.

January 5, 2022

River Forest Family Photos | Adri De La Cruz

I can’t believe we’re here, so close to December and just about to celebrate Thanksgiving. As I prepare for our upcoming River Forest family photos, I’ve been reflecting on how things are looking different in the future for us. Perhaps this is too heavy and personal for my photography page, or perhaps it’s just what my clients need from me.

A family portrait featuring a smiling father with two children, one boy and one girl, in a cozy indoor setting with bookshelves and greenery in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

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PERSONAL WORK

To see me is to go a little deeper into who I am. I want you to see the person behind the lens. Specifically, I capture the beauty of family because it is my passion. My own family is also my passion. If I am to live my one wild and precious life the way I want, then I guess I’ll have to be judged.

I am so grateful for my soon-to-be ex-husband who agreed to do this for me. In actuality, I know he knows it’s for them. While we may not have always modeled an incredible marriage, we will ensure they see unconditional love and friendship moving forward.

Black and white image of three children posing together with smiles, one boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white top, and another child partially hidden behind them, with a bookshelf in the background. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

As I climbed out of the tub and shook my hair dry, I told myself: Maybe in a different life.

Isn’t that interesting?

As if I had more than one.

-Untamed

Reflecting on a Decade of Motherhood

My twenties started with having a baby boy and launching my business. During that time, I absorbed everything I could. In the last decade, I have also launched photographer communities and workshops across the United States. I taught others to find their voice and even dabbled in having my own magazine.

However, all of that would mean nothing without them. I was 21 when my son was born, shy of 22 by mere days. What an incredible journey it has been!

Beginning the Next Chapter

A young girl twirling in a shiny, sequined skirt with her hair flying around, set in a warm, inviting room with wooden floors and leafy decor. River Forest family photos at home with chalk wall

I am 31 now. The best part of getting older is realizing that you actually know nothing. Such a humbling thing to acknowledge! Within this nothingness, I will begin my next decade. I hope I can sit here at 41 still admiring all of the greatness that has come.

Therefore, I refuse to focus on the “what-could-have-been.” I hope I am forever a glass-half-full kind of girl, no matter what comes next.

A boy and girl are hugging each other, both smiling. The boy is wearing a striped sweater in yellow and black, while the girl is wearing a white top and a sparkling skirt. They are seen in a cozy indoor setting with green plants in the background.

The Story Behind These River Forest Family Photos

About this session: I will forever love our chalk wall. While I probably can’t recreate this in my new rental, we have drawn and played a multitude of fun games on it. Specifically, I’ve been surprised by love notes from my children written there. I have also seen some incredible art skills displayed on this wall. I don’t want to take all the credit, but maybe that is a little of me rubbing off on them!

In reality, we know all children are great artists. I am only happy mine constantly choose to share their work with me so often.

Two children sitting on a wooden swing, with one boy wearing a striped sweater and a girl in a sparkling dress, both smiling and enjoying the moment, against a backdrop of a brick wall and a tree.

Location Scouting for River Forest Family Photos

Initially, I wanted to use the chalk wall as a backdrop for a few portraits then head out to find something different. I have driven past a specific green wall many times, always hopeful to have a session there at some point. Although some people struggle to see beauty in an “ugly” green wall, that is why there are people like me.

As a Chicago Family Photographer & mom I understand that the point of a session is not the background, but the love and fun represented in front of it. From a chalk wall to a green wall, I love how these images taken under a pathway in River Forest with my family came out. My sister even helped me take the group ones! I didn’t trust a tripod in the middle of a street with winds and cars flowing by.

Ultimately, I hope we can make this happen every year until my kiddos finally say no. I hope you all have an amazing bunch of holidays!

A young girl with long hair and a red sweater stands with her arms crossed, looking at a boy who is covering his face with his hands, wearing a striped sweater. They are in front of a green wall. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A young child sitting on a concrete ledge under an elevated structure, wearing a striped shirt and casual pants, with a relaxed expression, surrounded by industrial elements and overcast skies.

Two children sitting together, smiling at the camera. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and the girl is wearing a sparkly skirt with a white top and a red cardigan. They are sitting on a striped blanket.

A playful moment between two children sitting on a stone ledge under a railway bridge, surrounded by autumn leaves. The girl wears a white dress and a black cardigan, while the boy is in a striped sweater. They are laughing and enjoying each other's company.

A boy and girl sitting together on the ground, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater and is leaning in to kiss the girl's forehead as she laughs. The girl is dressed in a white top, a red cardigan, and a sparkly skirt. They are surrounded by an industrial backdrop with rusted metal and stone walls.

A smiling man and a boy standing close together, sharing a joyful moment. The boy is wearing a striped sweater with yellow, and the man is dressed in a dark shirt. The background features industrial elements.

A man and a young girl share an affectionate moment under a bridge, framed by industrial elements and surrounding trees.

A man and a girl are interacting near a concrete wall with a metal support structure. The girl stands on a low platform, wearing a white dress, while the man is crouched down, looking up at her. The scene is set outdoors under a cloudy sky, surrounded by fallen leaves.

A man carrying a sleeping child on his back, walking along a concrete wall under a cloudy sky, with another child standing nearby.

A close-up portrait of a young girl resting her head on the shoulder of an adult, both appearing relaxed in a black and white setting.

A family of three sitting together under a bridge, with a concrete wall and rusted metal supports in the background. The adult man is wearing a dark sweater, the woman is wearing a white top and a red skirt, and the child is dressed in a striped shirt. The atmosphere is casual and intimate.

A family sitting together beneath a railway bridge, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the connection and joy among family members.

A young girl in a sparkly dress and a burgundy sweater joyfully twirls while holding hands with an adult in a black shirt, set against a concrete background.

A family of four holding hands in front of a green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. The mother in a white top and red skirt, a boy in a striped sweater, a girl in a white dress with a red cardigan, and a father in a black sweater. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall.

A family of four, including two children, joyfully walking together on a sidewalk near a weathered wall, surrounded by fallen leaves. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A family playing together outdoors, holding hands and walking along a sidewalk next to a weathered green wall, with fallen leaves on the ground. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A black and white image of a family walking hand in hand along a street with a textured wall in the background. On the right side, a boy wearing a striped shirt stands in front of a green wall while an adult man in a dark sweater stands behind him. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

A family of four posing together in front of a green wall. The mother wears a white sweater, the father wears a black jacket, the son is in a striped shirt, and the daughter wears a white dress with a red cardigan. Documentary River Forest family photos against green wall

I have always loved scouting locations near the River Forest Park District because even the most unconventional spots, like this green wall, can hold so much character.

November 25, 2020

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

Standing in the light | Chicago and west suburbs photographer

This post is a little departure from what I usually blog, beautiful families with tiny humans who bring so much joy. But I think throwing something different at you is something you can handle. May even be necessary. I’ve been exploring what my womanhood means to me. & I probably shoud have shared self portraits along with my words, but sharing women who inspire me seemed more fitting. I would say that unless I found myself on the path that I am on I would have never even questioned what I thought about womanhood. These images are from Austin, the last location for the last workshop I hosted. I had a conversation with my friend B via Facetime recently, in which we agreed that for both of us so much perspective and change came about leaving our nests for these workshops. I can’t speak for everyone who has ever ventured out of their comfort zones but for me, I can’t live without the challenge. If I get too comfortable it becomes this nagging feeling that I need to push myself. That’s what these workshops meant. Pushing myself and in the process discovering more about what it means to fail and to get comfortable with the unknown. Im evolving my thinking and have so much to uncover but for now I’ll leave it at this new discovery is beautiful. This new questioning is amazing. Womanhood is dope as hell. I’m so excited to grow more into myself.

Can I also say how important it is to sorround yourself with inspiring women who are living their life in their own way unapologetically. Both Britt and Angela have in so many silent ways encouraged me to live authentically. This ish is hard, I won’t lie. I remember when I first became aquainted with these two women. Their existence and the way they moved through the world made me so uncomfortable. I think it was because to me, they were living true to themselves and I didn’t know at the time how desperately I wanted that to be me. These days I am living and standing in my truth. I know without a shadow of a doubt what I want and I am persuing that passionately. I hope this post encourages you to do the same.

“This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”

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August 25, 2020

Pleasant Home Family Session | Oak Park, IL

Pleasant Home Family Session

Meeting new clients is always so exciting, especially when the location has as much character as this one. For this Pleasant Home family session, we were all so grateful that the Chicago weather gave us a huge break. As any local photographer knows, you just never know what you’ll find in late autumn. Consequently, the soft light against the historic Prairie School architecture was a dream to document.

A family portrait featuring a man and woman standing together, holding a small child. They are surrounded by tall pampas grass in a natural outdoor setting, with soft lighting capturing a warm, intimate moment. Pleasant Home Family Session

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Documentary Storytelling in the Pleasant District

If you’re an Oka Park + Chicago family photographer in the area, you know how repetitive certain parks can feel. However, choosing a spot like Pleasant Home changes the entire energy of a gallery. Because my client lives in the area, it was an easy decision to go with something simple yet architecturally striking. In fact, I have a deep personal love for this specific neighborhood. Since I live nearby in Forest Park now, walking through the Pleasant District is a part of my daily routine. I love the way the light hits the historic facades and the quiet, intentional energy of the streets. By leaning into the local environment, the images feel both grounded and timeless.

A father holding his young daughter outdoors during sunset. The daughter, wearing a cozy sweater and a bow, looks at the camera while the father smiles at her. Pleasant Home Family Session

Iconic Architecture for a Pleasant Home Family Session

The strong lines and deep history of Oak Park act as a perfect backdrop for honest, unscripted storytelling. During this Pleasant Home family session, I focused on the “in-between” moments—the way they looked at each other and the quiet joy of a growing family. Furthermore, these honest reflections of their life are exactly what I strive to capture in every visual legacy. As a result, they walk away with a gallery that feels like a piece of their family’s history, rather than a staged event.

A family enjoying a joyful moment outdoors during autumn, featuring a couple holding and playing with their toddler amidst colorful fall foliage. Pleasant Home Family Session

Why I Love Being an Oak Park Family Photographer

In 2026 and beyond, I want to continue adding these local, historic photoshoots to my portfolio. There’s something about the way your environment changes and the images you can capture right in your own community. If you are looking to book your own Pleasant Home family session, I would love to connect. Whether we stay near the historic home or wander the surrounding Pleasant District, your family’s journey is worth preserving. Please feel free to explore my lifestyle family portfolio to see more of my work across the West Suburbs.

A couple holding a child in an autumn park, surrounded by trees with orange and yellow leaves, with a soft warm light in the background.

A smiling couple holding a baby outdoors during autumn, surrounded by trees with colorful leaves. Pleasant Home Family Session

A mother holding her baby in a park surrounded by autumn leaves, with warm sunlight illuminating the scene. Pleasant Home Family Session

A black and white photograph of a couple standing in a park, smiling at each other while holding a young child. Leafy trees and grass surround them, creating a natural setting. Pleasant Home Family Session

A father joyfully holds his young child above his head, smiling at each other, against a blurred natural background. Pleasant Home Family Session

A family of three sitting together on a blanket in a park. The mother is holding a baby girl who is smiling, while the father leans in to kiss the mother. The surroundings feature fallen leaves and a tree.

A smiling baby wearing a gray outfit and a light blue bow, sitting on a brown blanket amidst fallen leaves in a warm, golden light. Pleasant Home Family Session

A happy baby lying on a soft brown blanket, wearing a gray outfit with ruffled sleeves and a blue bow in her hair.

A woman sitting on the steps of a building, holding a small child. Both are smiling, with the child wearing a gray shirt and the woman in a dark outfit. The steps are flanked by decorative stone planters, and ivy is growing on the walls.

A woman sitting on a stone step, holding a smiling child on her lap. The child wears a gray outfit with a bow in her hair. The background features ivy and a wooden window, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.

A woman laughs while holding a smiling baby girl in a gray outfit with a bow, sitting outside near a door with ivy in the background.

A family portrait featuring a smiling couple and their baby girl at a door, with the father holding the baby and the mother leaning in to kiss her. The baby wears a gray outfit with a bow in her hair and gestures playfully.

A couple standing outside an ivy-covered apartment building with a child. The scene shows a blend of urban architecture and nature.

A family portrait featuring a couple holding a baby outdoors, with a softly blurred background of greenery and a building.

A couple and their baby enjoying a fall day in a charming, tree-lined street decorated with string lights.

A couple standing on a city sidewalk, sharing a kiss while holding a child. In the background, a cozy restaurant with striped awning and festive decorations is visible, along with trees and streetlights.

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

February 18, 2020

Forest Park Family Life | Growth in the Dandelion Fields

Forest Park Family Life: Finding Growth in the Dandelion Fields

It has been a tough spring. I have been navigating many feelings and a ton of movement in my head. Lately, I have realized that I am way too comfortable where I am. Growth is like a lovely but stubborn plant. It simply won’t budge unless you do things to help it along. In our Forest Park family life, I am learning that movement is essential to my personal sanity.

kid in golden light in a dandelion field

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Embracing the Season of Change

I’ve been stagnant for a while, yet I’ve been feeling a bunch of anxiety over nothing. Life is just funny that way! Sometimes, you just need to change your environment to clear your head. Consequently, I needed to capture that incredible end-of-spring day. I decided to run to a creek near a park with my kids to reset and embrace a slower pace of Forest Park family life.

We found a field full of dandelions, and even though it was full of gnats, it was just what the doctor ordered. There is something about the “unposed” magic of watching my own children play that reminds me why I love documentary photography so much. It isn’t about the perfect shot; it is about the feeling of the day.

mom in a field of sunflowers in the suburbs of chicago Forest Park Family Life

Documenting Our Story in Forest Park

Growth isn’t always pretty, but it is necessary. Just like the dandelions that take over a field, our personal experiences spread and create something new. Furthermore, these moments with my kids represent the “visual legacies” I strive to build for my clients. Whether I am shooting a local session or simply documenting our Forest Park family life, the goal is always honesty.

I hope you’re having an amazing start to your summer. If you are interested in seeing how I balance professional work with personal storytelling, you can learn more about my experience. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into our spring afternoon!

collage of a kid in a red dress in a chicago field Forest Park Family Life

family in a dandelion field Forest Park Family Life

self portrait with a mirror in the woods

June 11, 2019

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.