The Garfield Park Conservatory: This is my favorite winter spot! It’s super warm and you kinda feel like you’re somewhere tropical with the heat and all the plants. It’s especially nice to visit on super cold days in Chicago. In fact, a lot of photos I’ve taken here look like they were taken outside…or in Hawaii. A client told me once that a friend saw one of their photos taken here and thought they went on vacation!
Read MoreWhat is the best time of year for a family photo session? I guess that’s up to you and what you are looking for in your photos and what you want them for. Do you want a session inside your home? That can be done anytime of year. Do you want greens and flowers in the background? A summer photo shoot might be best for that. Maybe some nice fall foliage? Do you want holiday photos? Is this a birthday milestone session?
Read MoreI promise a photo session with me will not stressful. It will be laid back, fun, and easy. I strive for relaxed and easy sessions…posing will mostly be guided and directed, and you don’t have to practice smiling or anything…just be yourself and know that you will have fun and we will capture some great shots. Read on to learn how my maternity, newborn, and family sessions go from start to finish.
Read MoreThinking about booking a fall family photo session? Imagining the pretty leaves changing color and beautiful soft golden hour light? But it’s only April…you want a session in October. Might as well wait a few months to book, right? WRONG! Summer and fall are both very busy times for photographers. Specifically August-December, with September, October, and November being the busiest for me personally. It’s best to book your session as early as you can.
Read MoreYou’ve scheduled the date for your family photo session, and have an amazing photographer booked (if you’re in Chicago, hopefully it’s me!). Now what? How do you prepare for your photo shoot? Here are some things to consider and ways to prepare…
Read MorePersonally, I think it’s important to document your family and your life through family photo sessions as often as you can. You could do it every couple of years, but then you’re missing out on all the big changes your little ones go through. Ideally I think once a year is great.
Read MoreAround the holidays I did a really special family photo session here in Chicago, in Lincoln Square. I was told ahead of time that this family had a two and a half year old son, and daughter that passed away shortly after she was born in early 2022. They wanted to include their daughter’s photo and a container with her ashes in our photo session… and of course, I said we could absolutely do that and I thought it would be great to honor her in that way.
Read MoreDo you know that having family photos up can boost a child’s self-esteem? Really! According to actual research, when kids see themselves in photos that are hung in their home it can help them feel like a valued and important part of the family. Seeing their photo on the wall every day, lets them know they are loved and helps them develop a positive self image…more so than kids who grow up in homes without any family photos up. Great reason to order some prints and hang them up.
Read MoreYou booked a session with me. You paid your deposit. We decided on a location. Now it's time to choose outfits for your family members. Fancy or casual? Colors or neutral? Dress or pants? So many options...but don't worry I can help.
Read More
