unposed Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

West Town Family photographer session | The Amador family

Oh my heart. This sweet baby girl is basically the poster child for a happy baby. If I had a penny for every smile and coo she blessed me with during our session together, I would be a very wealthy woman. She is just so loved. This session for a West Town family photographer was truly a highlight of my summer because of the pure joy this family radiates.

As a West Town family photographer, heading to this neighborhood for an urban session is always a fun experience. Plus, I got to indulge and shop around this amazing Chicago area. This neighborhood has such a unique energy that perfectly complements a documentary-style session.

A black and white photograph of a family portrait featuring a woman holding a toddler and a man looking at them, set against a brick wall background. West Town Family photographer

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The Beauty of West Town Family Photography

Walking through the streets, I was immediately drawn to the local art. Because the famous mural wall belongs to West Town Bakery, we had the perfect colorful backdrop for our morning. Their pastries are just as beautiful as their art, making it a must-stop spot for any family wandering the neighborhood. This family in front of those textures was just the cherry on top.

Documenting families in their element is what I love most. Whether we are exploring city murals or capturing an at-home newborn lifestyle session, the goal is always the same: to create a visual legacy. While I often work as a River Forest family photographer, the vibrant streets of West Town offer a different kind of magic.

A joyful baby girl with a bow headband is being held by a smiling man, while a woman looks on happily. The background features a textured red brick wall. West Town Family photographer

Every family has a unique rhythm, and my job is to find it. By leaning into the unscripted moments, we create images that feel like a true reflection of your life. If you want to learn more about how I work, you can explore The Experience to see my philosophy on unposed storytelling. I hope you enjoy this session as much as I enjoyed capturing it!

A woman with long hair gently holds a baby with a blue headband against a brick wall, while the baby waves one hand.

A happy baby girl with a bow headband is being held by her parents, who are smiling at her. The scene is set against a warm, red brick wall.

A woman holds a smiling baby in her arms against a brick wall background, with the baby wearing a light blue headband and a patterned outfit. West Town Family photographer

A person holding a smiling baby outdoors in front of a red brick wall with windows. West Town Family photographer

A family photo featuring a father holding a smiling baby girl outdoors, with a mother affectionately looking at both. The scene captures warmth and joy against a backdrop of a sunny street. West Town Family photographer

A family sitting on the steps of a building, with a mother holding a baby and a father smiling beside them. The baby is wearing a bow on her head and looking at the camera. West Town Family photographer

A cute baby girl with a floral headband sitting on wooden steps, looking thoughtfully off to the side. West Town Family photographer

A family portrait featuring a father holding a baby girl and a mother smiling at them, set in a tree-lined neighborhood with brick buildings. West Town Family photographer

A baby sitting on a concrete surface near a green bush, wearing a floral romper and a headband, looking up curiously.

Family portrait of a father holding a baby while the mother looks on lovingly in a tree-lined, urban setting. West Town Family photographer

A family walking hand in hand along a street with a colorful floral mural in the background. A man and woman are smiling as they walk with a baby held by the woman. West Town Family photographer

A family portrait featuring a couple sharing a kiss while holding their baby girl. The background is a vibrant floral mural. West Town Family photographer

A family of three, including a couple and their baby, stand together in front of a vibrant floral mural featuring sunflowers and other colorful flowers. West Town Family photographer

A couple embraces in front of a colorful flower mural, smiling at each other with affection.

A joyful couple embracing in front of a colorful floral mural, with the woman laughing and looking at the man, who is playfully holding her from behind.

A couple joyfully embracing in front of a vibrant mural featuring sunflowers and pink flowers.

This session made me so happy to be a Chicago Family photographer

July 31, 2019

Naperville family lifestyle photographer | A Day of Play

Being a Naperville family lifestyle photographer has taught me that the most beautiful days are often the ones where the ‘plan’ completely falls apart. There is something so honest about a family just being together without the pressure of a perfect itinerary.

I truly loved this day. It was one of those August afternoons where the heat finally starts to soften and everything feels gold. We actually arrived at the park much later than we intended, which meant we missed the window to hang out in the gated kids’ section. But honestly? I think the kids enjoyed it more this way. They had the freedom to just run, explore the open grass, and be themselves.

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Storytelling with a Naperville Family Lifestyle Photographer

Since this was back in August, I’m still playing a bit of catch-up with my archives. Sometimes life moves faster than the shutter, and I find myself with so many stories still waiting to be told. The time difference between the moment and the memory can make the details a little fuzzy, but the feeling of the day always stays.

What I remember most about this specific afternoon was the light. It was absolutely beautiful—the kind of light that makes you want to stop and just watch the shapes it creates in the frame. I spent most of the session trying to catch those shadows and the way the sun hit the kids as they moved through the park.

Being a Naperville family lifestyle photographer isn’t just about the ‘perfect’ portrait; it’s about the exploration. It’s about how a simple trip to a park becomes a memory of running through open spaces. If you want to see more of these unscripted stories, feel free to look through my family portfolio.

For families looking for their own space to run, I always recommend exploring the Naperville Riverwalk for some of the best sunset light in the area.

I’m so glad I finally got to sit down and share these. Take a look at the shapes and the light from our day below.”

Naperville family lifestyle photographer

January 2, 2017

Chicago documentary photography inspiration | The Adri Photo Co.

Finding chicago documentary photography inspiration in the quiet, everyday moments of my own home has been the highlight of my year. Failure used to haunt me, but now I see it as an inevitable part of the process. This year I celebrated my 4th year as a photographer. As my oldest turned 5, and my little one is just 2, I realized that never before have I failed at so much—and never before have I learned so much.

I started the year so strong, full of ideas and the kind of invigorating rush that only a new year brings. But then projects fell through, and shoots I attempted didn’t quite land. Truth be told, about 99% of the new things I tried ‘failed.’ While I could blame a lack of organization, I think it was just a part of the process. Along with that failure came the realization that the work that did work out would have never happened without the courage to put myself out there.

Finding Chicago Documentary Photography Inspiration

I embrace the ‘failed’ moments now. They hold the most honest images. I feel excited to take that spirit into the new year. I want to learn, teach, and share what I know. Sometimes, looking back at where you have been is the best way to grow.

I technically failed my 366 project. I did not capture a photo every single day. But honestly? That is okay. There is always next year. My resolution for this year is simple: I want to fail more. The more I fail, the closer I get to the heart of what matters. I love the exploration, the creation, and the magic of an unposed second.

Check out my lifestyle portfolio to see this philosophy in action. If you seek your own chicago documentary photography inspiration, I highly recommend the Museum of Contemporary Photography. It is right here in the city.

I am grateful for the lessons 2016 taught me. It was not the ‘perfect’ year I planned, but it helped me find my voice. Enjoy these childhood memories from my year of ‘failure.’

Cheers, friends!