schaumburg il family photography Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

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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

Beverly Newborn Home Photographer | Baby June

The wait is finally over. Life as a Beverly Newborn Home Photographer changed forever when my own little one, June Vinegar, arrived. We are so incredibly in love with her. She has already brought so much joy into our home.

Specifically, I wanted to document these first days in a way that felt authentic. As a Chicago Newborn Photographer, I usually help other families capture these fleeting moments. However, being on the other side of the lens gave me a new perspective. For example, I realized just how much the tiny details matter when it is your own child.

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Baby June by Beverly Newborn Home Photographer.

Planning a Beverly Newborn Home Session

We decided to keep her session very simple. Instead of using heavy props or stiff poses, we focused on natural light in her nursery. In fact, the historic charm of our Beverly home provided the perfect backdrop. Additionally, staying at home meant we could move at June’s pace. Consequently, the entire experience felt relaxed and peaceful.

Moreover, I want to share some tips for other parents considering a lifestyle session. First, don’t worry about having a “perfect” house. Actually, the messy, real moments are often the most beautiful. Secondly, focus on the connection between family members. Therefore, I always suggest wearing comfortable, neutral clothing.

A mother gently holding her newborn baby on a bed, with a serene expression.

A black and white image of a woman and a man lying on a bed, closely interacting with a baby. The woman has braided hair and is gently holding the baby's hand, while the man is looking at the child, contributing to a warm family moment.

A couple lovingly interacts with their newborn baby on a bed, showcasing a moment of tenderness and family connection.

A father holding his newborn baby girl in a Chicago home setting, showing the bond of those first days.

Parents smiling down at Baby June during a natural, unposed home newborn session.

Four children playing on a gray bedspread, with three older kids engaged with a sleeping baby in pink pajamas.

Two children sitting on a bed with white bedding, one child with curly hair and a blue shirt, and the other child smiling in gray attire.

Beverly Newborn Home Photographer capturing the first interaction between Baby June and her siblings on the bed

A young girl sitting on the carpet, joyfully holding a baby in her arms, with sunlight illuminating the scene.

A black and white image of two young children on a bed. The older child is smiling and holding a baby sibling, while another child is lying on the bed, partially out of the frame.

A family sitting together on a bed, with the mother holding a newborn baby. The siblings are gathered around, looking at the baby with expressions of curiosity and joy. The room is well-lit with soft sunlight streaming in.

A family of five, including parents and four children, sitting on the floor in a cozy living room, interacting and playing with a newborn baby.

A close-up view of a family gathered around a newborn baby, with different family members interacting, including a mother holding the baby, and children looking on with expressions of curiosity.

Beverly Newborn Home Photographer capturing a mother and father cradling her infant daughter, June, by a sunlit window.

A young child holding a pink camera and smiling, posing for a photograph indoors.

Beverly Newborn Home Photographer capturing a mother cradling her infant daughter, June, by a sunlit window.

A family of five sitting together on a leather sofa, engaging with each other. The parents are sitting beside their children, with one parent holding a baby, while the children sit close, displaying a sense of warmth and togetherness.

A father holding a sleeping baby in pink pajamas, surrounded by children and a woman on a couch, creating a warm family atmosphere.

A family scene with parents and children sitting together on a couch, interacting with a newborn baby and enjoying each other's company.

A mother sitting on a couch, gently holding her newborn baby, while an older child leans in closely, showing affection.

Beverly Newborn Home Photographer capturing a mother and father holding baby June in their Chicago living room.

A cozy living room scene featuring two children playing on the floor while a couple stands together in the background, holding a child and smiling.

If you are looking for a Beverly Newborn Home Photographer to capture your family’s story, I would love to chat. Ultimately, these photos serve as a permanent heartbeat of your home’s history. In conclusion, thank you to everyone for the love and support during this special time. We are so excited for this new chapter with June.

Ultimately, my favorite part of being a Beverly Newborn Home Photographer is seeing how each family makes a house a home. These walls in Beverly have seen so many milestones, but none quite as sweet as June’s arrival. I am honored to document this history, and I cannot wait to see her grow within these same rooms we photographed today.

February 4, 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

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

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

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

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.