I know family photography sessions can be stressful for many reasons, and while I try to do my best to make them as easy and stress-free as possible for my clients, it can still be challenging for little kids to participate in these sessions particularly if it interferes with their nap schedules, what they want to do in the moment, or if it scares them to have a stranger with a weird contraption (my camera) pointing at them.

Montrose Beach is my favorite Chicago location for sunset photoshoots because of its location we get beautiful golden light in the background. In addition, there is a relatively open area that allows me to blur out beachgoers (and in some instances keep them out of the photo completely), while giving the kids plenty of room to run and explore within a short period of time. Montrose Beach also has an area of beach grasses which make for some variety in beach photography and plenty of birds that make for interesting additions to the images. Sometimes, like during this session, we are even able to get some kiteboarder or boats in the background.

When this family reached out to me about photographing their daughter at their neighborhood playground, I knew I was all in. This seemed like an incredible idea and a great way to “freeze” some images of the playfulness of childhood and the moments spent together, but the results were far better than I had anticipated.

These were taken at Horner Park in the North side of Chicago.

One of the most popular locations in the city for Fall skyline views - this is the bridge that goes over the South Pound near Lincoln Park Zoo. I love that the area provides a combination of skyline views, nature paths, greenery and foliage, and historic landmarks.

After my busiest Fall season ever, I did not want to miss the chance to share images from my 2023 mini sessions. These 15-minute Fall sessions as my most requested service and they tend to book very fast. Families love the ease of getting in and out, taking traditional family photos, and including a few minutes for candids and play for a good combination of images. I usually host them at two locations during an October weekend, and this year we held them first at Montrose Harbor and then at Diversey Natural Area.

Located in Lake Forest, IL the Elawa Farm and its surrounding forests make for a perfect venue for Fall Family Photography, specially if you leave in Chicago’s North Shore.

The area has many open spaces that look “woodsy” and are typically covered in colorful leaves, as well as open prairie paths with tall grasses and yellowy flowers. Though not shown in these pictures, the farm itself has some beautiful gardens and iconic buildings that can also be used as backdrop for a different feel.

I love Montrose Harbor and Montrose Beach as a location for my summer family photography sessions. Here you get a mix of urban and natural settings , and if you are willing to walk a bit your images can have so much variety that it looks as if you went to different places to make it happen.