Last year I met a talented photographer who had just moved to the Chicago market, and was soon to take it up by storm. We started interacting and came up with an idea of taking photos for each other’s family that summer. 

Thank You to all 87 families that trusted me this year and opened their homes, hearts, and families to a complete stranger allowing me a glimpse into your magical lives.

Here are some photos of precious Vivian’s session for her first birthday. Her mom and I collaborated to find a location that had beautiful flowers, and to plan for the use of props like the cute party hat and vintage chair.

When I know I’m going to be working with toddlers at a session I am particularly intentional in selecting the spot for our photoshoot, and I do so with the kids in mind. I think there are two key things you want to consider when determining the spot for a photoshoot involving young kids.

What happens when young kids don’t cooperate during a session? It happens more often than you think. I think this is why hiring a photographer that has experience working with children is invaluable. Your time is precious, and you want to be happy with your product, so you need to have a partner in someone that knows when to step in and when to let go while still being creative and finding ways to getting amazing images.

Meeting and taking lifestyle photographs of Molly and her parents, at their home in Lincoln park, was a joy. She was asleep for most of the session but gave us a few little smiles and cute yawns - see if you can find them.

I met this amazing woman earlier this year during my time in Austin. Not only does she work full time, and take care of a toddler and twin babies, but she is also starting a business as a certified lactation consultant and advisor to new moms with twins.