For your family photos this summer, if you’re looking to mix things up, consider selecting a theme to capture fresh memories. Although candid, natural images with the Chicago backdrop are always a safe bet, trying something new can be fun and inspiring.
Get festive.
Festivals abound this time of year. Capitalize on a vibrant environment by scheduling your family photos during one. Farmers’ markets, food and flower stalls, artisanal street fairs, and music festivals are filled with great photo ops. Snap pics of your kids picking out a bouquet or dancing in front of a bandstand. Let them indulge in colorful cotton candy or chase bubbles in the kids’ zone. You’ll cherish the playful moments for years to come.
Outfits: With so much going on at a festival or farmers market, keep your outfits classic and straightforward. Think whites/creams, navy, denim, and black or charcoal. Visit my festival family outfits Pinterest board for more inspo.
Chicago’s beaches are a gorgeous setting for your family photos. Thrown on a maxi dress, outfit your kiddos in white, creams, navy, or denim, and create timeless, iconic images running and playing in the sand. The vast open waters, sandy beaches, and crashing waves create a photographer’s dream setting.
Framed figures small in the foreground against the gradient blues of Lake Michigan will make for lovely framed art on your walls.
Outfits: Show off your summer tan with lighter colors. Offset the blues and greens of Lake Michigan with contrasting colors. Long, loose dresses are fun for movement and play and look great with the sun shining from behind. Play with natural textures and fabrics like linen, cotton, silk, and straw. Check out this Pinterest board for more outfit ideas for beach family photos.
Hairdos: If ever there’s a setting for beach waves, this is it. A loose ponytail with pieces down to frame your face is also a great choice if it’s windy.
Accessories: Stuff that beach bag with sand toys and a waterproof blanket. Layer a few gold necklaces, or try dangly earrings.
Chic city.
Make a statement in formal attire against the dramatic architecture downtown. Try out the steps of the Chicago Art Institute, posing before the iconic lions and towering columns. Or head over to Milton Lee Olive Park and twirl beneath the tunnel of locust branches.
Outfits: Try a wrap maxi or tee-length in classic black or a rich color that pops off the stone buildings behind you. Your little ones will look darling in a square neck dress or vest and slacks, dressed down with rolled-up sleeves and paired with white sneakers. Dad’s try a fun floral patterned tie or a light linen blazer to make it more seasonal. Check out this Pinterest board for more outfit ideas for formal family photos.
Hairdos: Book a blow-out or try Hollywood curls for a glamorous feel.
Accessories: Strappy heels and jewelry with sparkle will elevate your look perfectly.
Who doesn’t have a nostalgic setting of backlit waterdrops and bare feet running through wet grass? Waterplay is a quintessential part of childhood. Sprinklers, splash pads, baby pools, and slip-and-slides are all great ways to induce playful moments and genuine smiles.
Accessories: Stay on theme with martinis with mini umbrellas, a floral kimono, and a pair of oversized sunglasses.
For more fun with a retro vibe.
Head to the Tasty Freeze, a throwback ice cream parlor, and an excellent background for a more natural, editorial family photo setting. Or make a reservation at Avondale Bowl in Logan Square. This 8-lane bowling alley is charming with exposed brick, mid-century modern lights, and light green accents. The activity will be great fun, authentic moments to capture for any candid photography lover.
Go Country.
Do you love those dreamy backlit photos amongst the tall prairie grasses? There are a few spots in and around Chicago where you can achieve a similar look. Northerly Island offers expansive open vistas where late afternoon and early-evening sun rays stretch across the native Illinois grasses. Thrown on a pair of cowboy boots and a sundress, or try a natural palette of cream, ivory, or white for fairytale pictures in the setting sun.
Accessories: Cowboy boots and western hat. Fresh cut flowers. Piece of straw for your hubs.
Sports fans.
Does your family love sports? Lean into it your passion with a sports-themed photoshoot. You can avoid branded sports jerseys and still create a vibe with baseball caps, long white socks, striped-sleeved shirts, and props from your favorite choice of sport. Take it to the next level by heading to a court or field for a friendly game with your family. How about baseball at sunset? Throw some balls and kick up some dust for an all-American setting.
Situated on the blue waters of Lake Michigan is one of this country’s most photogenic cities. With a skyline showcasing world-famous architecture alongside historic parks and beaches, it’s no wonder people from all over the world visit. But the amazing backgrounds aren’t limited to downtown. Head in just about any direction and you’ll find why so many people have fallen in love with the neighborhoods of this town.
If you’re planning a photoshoot in the Windy City and have no idea where to start, this is my personal guide to the best outdoor locations. You’ll find many of the most iconic destinations alongside a few hidden gems beloved by locals.
Each spot includes highlights, the types of shoots it works well for, best season, a photographer’s tip, and how difficult it is to access on a scale of 1–5 (5 being the most challenging).
Interested in booking a family photoshoot? Inquire here or schedule your session today through my booking page.
Quick Reference Guide
Use this table to find your ideal spot at a glance, then jump to the full entry below.
Situated in the heart of Millennium Park, this 2½-acre garden is one of my favorite downtown locations for its stunning perennials set against the city backdrop. Designed by the renowned Piet Oudolf, you’ll find vibrant blooms three seasons of the year alongside a water canal where your kids can make a wish. Just steps from two of Chicago’s most visited destinations — Cloud Gate and the Pritzker Pavilion — this garden is a relatively quiet oasis for families, engaged couples, and wedding parties.
Once you finish shooting, walk across the BP Bridge by Frank Gehry to Maggie Daley Park, where you’ll find hours of playground fun.
📸 Photographer’s tip: The garden peaks in late June through July. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for soft, warm light that plays beautifully off the perennials.
Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park, this 2 ½ acre park is one of my favorite downtown locations for its stunning gardens set against the city backdrop. Designed by the renowned Piet Oudolf, you’ll find vibrant perennials blooming three seasons of the year alongside a water canal where your kids can make a wish. Just steps away from two of the most visited Chicago destinations–Cloud Gate and the Pritzker Pavilion, this verdant garden is a relatively quiet oasis for families, engaged couples, and wedding parties. Once you finish taking pictures, walk across the BP bridge by Frank Gehry to Maggie Daley Park, where you’ll find hours of playground attractions.
Located in Lincoln Park, just a mile north of downtown, this spot is popular among families who love a relaxing stroll around the pond toward the “People’s Gas Education Pavilion” — known to locals as “The Honeycombs.” This unique structure faces south, perfectly framing the John Hancock building (now officially 875 North Michigan Avenue, though Chicagoans will call it the Hancock forever). When you finish at the Honeycombs, head further north to the free outdoor zoo, or take a ride on the vintage wooden carousel.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Fall is particularly gorgeous here — the trees along the pond turn amber and gold in late October, adding depth and color you can’t get anywhere else downtown.
For dreamy dappled light and old-world architecture, the South Gardens of the Art Institute are hard to beat. An intricate system of hawthorn trees creates a sprawling canopy that feels intimately romantic to walk beneath. A central feature of this small park is the Taft Fountain, framed by locust trees and flower shrubs. Head to the rear for a striking reflective composition that will take your breath away.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Midday can work beautifully here, unlike most outdoor locations — the tree canopy diffuses harsh overhead light into soft, even shade across the entire garden.
No other spot on this list comes close to the sheer volume of natural light that pours through the mostly-glass modern wing of the Art Institute. A favorite among local photographers, it offers colorful artwork, skyline views, and extraordinary conditions for silhouettes. Inside access can be unpredictable — discretion is key, and always have a plan B.
If the interior isn’t cooperating, the exterior delivers on its own. The iconic front steps, flanked by the famous bronze lion statues, are perfect for classic, old-Hollywood portraits and look beautiful in almost any light. For something more intimate, the south garden entrance (entry #3 above) gives a quieter, more romantic feel.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Overcast days are actually ideal for the interior — the diffused light through the glass ceiling is even and flattering without harsh shadows. On sunny days, lean into silhouette opportunities at the south-facing windows.
This small park, built just north of Navy Pier, is truly one of a kind. It’s the only place in Chicago where you can walk beneath a canopy of trees while having both the lake and skyline simultaneously in your frame. Visit around sunset, when the water turns into an iridescent scene of shimmering colors and the buildings provide a beautiful rim light for your subjects.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Aim to arrive 20 minutes before sunset. Face your subjects toward the lake for the best light direction — the warm golden rim light from the skyline behind them is the money shot at this location.
The Riverwalk has a quintessential Chicago feel, thanks to local restaurants, breweries, and historic landmarks along the 1.5-mile stretch. Walk beneath any of the 18 moveable bridges that still operate daily and take in this bustling, layered destination. The mix of industrial steel, water reflections, and classic Chicago architecture gives images a mood you simply can’t replicate anywhere else in the city.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Early morning on weekdays is the sweet spot — the light bounces beautifully off the water, and you’ll have the path nearly to yourself. Weekend afternoons get busy fast.
7. Montrose Harbor
Highlights: One of the best spots in Chicago for both nature and a skyline view — without the downtown crowds
If you want that famous downtown skyline view but don’t want to fight the crowds, head six miles north to Montrose Harbor. This man-made area is a haven for both boaters and bird watchers, who reverently explore the “magic hedge” that attracts thousands of migratory birds each spring and fall. Just be aware that many regulars feel a strong sense of ownership over the space — if you find yourself at odds with a territorial birder, just head toward the public beach or the stone steps for a beautiful scenic lookout.
📸 Photographer’s tip: The stone steps facing south give you a wide, unobstructed frame of the skyline reflected in the water. Come during golden hour in October and the light is extraordinary.
Like New York’s Central Park, Grant Park is one of the city’s most iconic green spaces — and home to many of the spots on this list, including Lurie Gardens, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park. The images here were taken along Jackson Boulevard and just south of it, where the park’s classical architecture feels more like Paris or Rome than the American Midwest. It’s a fantastic option for portraits with a timeless, elegant feel.
📸 Photographer’s tip: The permit ($150) is worth it for larger sessions and events — it gives you space and legitimacy to work. The morning light along Jackson Boulevard in spring, when the trees are full, is exceptional.
For nature lovers surrounded by concrete, West Ridge Nature Center is a revelation. Until recently, this was an underdeveloped area adjacent to Rosehill Cemetery (no one was ever buried here — don’t worry). In 2015, the Chicago Park District began restoring the 21-acre space into an ecological parkland with native species, winding pathways, and multiple water features. The access rating of 1 is earned — this is as easy and uncrowded as it gets.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Spring wildflower blooms (May–June) and fall foliage (late October) are both spectacular here. The light filtering through the native tree canopy in the afternoon creates a soft, painterly quality that’s hard to find downtown.
Along the 606, you’ll find miles of bike paths, art installations, and unique tree-top views of the surrounding neighborhoods. Originally an industrial rail line, it’s now a high-traffic destination for locals out for a ride or relaxing among its many landscaped areas. The elevated perspective — hovering above the rooftops and backyards of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square — gives images a sense of place that’s uniquely Chicago.
📸 Photographer’s tip: The western end of the trail near Humboldt Park gets less traffic and has the most lush, overgrown feel. Weekday morning sessions here are particularly peaceful.
Tucked into Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, Winnemac Park is one of the North Side’s most quietly stunning spots — and one of the most underused by photographers who don’t live nearby. The park’s 40 acres give you real variety: weeping willows that filter golden hour light in spectacular ways, meandering prairie paths lined with native wildflowers, and open meadows that stay lush well into October.
Fall is when it truly shines. The prairie grasses turn creamy, the wildflowers hold in shades of white and purple, and yellow leaves hang alongside the winding paths — it’s a layered, textured backdrop unlike anywhere else in the city. The park’s orientation works in your favor: one section catches sunset light behind the willows for glowing backlit portraits, while a separate sheltered section provides consistent soft shade in the morning.
Dogs are welcome throughout most of the park, making it a great choice for couples who want to include a pet. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, and the Damen Brown Line stop is a short walk away.
📸 Photographer’s tip: Aim for the second half of October for peak fall color. Arrive at the willow section 30 minutes before sunset for the best backlit shots of the season.
Indoor bonus: three of my favorite spots when Chicago’s weather has other plans
Garfield Park Conservatory: Built between 1906 and 1907, this is one of the largest conservatories in the nation. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, the 4.5-acre greenhouse is a masterpiece of lush landscaping beneath a breathtaking glass structure. Stepping inside from a gray January day feels like being transported somewhere tropical — verdant pathways, earthy aromas, and layers of stunning greenscapes. Like many locations on this list, professional photography isn’t officially sanctioned, so use discretion and be courteous to other guests.
Union Station: Avoid rush hour and you’ll hear your footsteps echoing off the limestone walls of the Great Hall. Designed by Daniel Burnham in the Beaux-Arts style, it reflects the classical architecture that defines so much of Chicago. The skylight ceiling creates soft, even, diffused light — and if you run into any issues inside, head to the west entrance along the canal, where rows of columns give great cover from wind, rain, and snow.
The Chicago Cultural Center: Walking beneath the 38-foot Tiffany Glass Dome designed by J.A. Holzer, feels like stepping inside a fairy tale. This breathtaking five-story neoclassical building offers endless backgrounds — winding staircases with intricate detailing, echoing hallways, arched windows, and ornate tile floors. It’s free to enter and photography-friendly.
A few of my favorite Chicago spots to visit after your session
These are places I personally love — each with a distinct visual identity and atmosphere worth seeking out. Note: Chicago’s restaurant scene moves fast — always worth confirming hours before going out of your way.
Coffee + daytime
Plein Air Cafe — French workshop-inspired, bright white walls, beautiful natural light
Fern’s Coffee Shop — Electric and vintage, great for creative portraits
Bang Bang Pie and Biscuit — Cozy farmhouse-vintage, warm tones all around
Dinner + drinks
The Whale Chicago — Art Deco, old Hollywood, moody and cinematic
Three Dots and a Dash — Hidden tiki bar beneath River North (look for the alley entrance on Hubbard Street); still one of the most transportive atmospheres in the city
Scofflaw — Cozy, gin-forward bar with a Southern formal feel
The Warbler — Mid-century modern with an art deco edge
Lonesome Rose — Light, airy, mid-century modern with great natural light
The Hampton Social — California and beach-inspired, fresh and bright
Fulton Market Kitchen — Eclectic and artsy
Retro + casual
SuperDawg Drive-In — An iconic Chicago landmark with an unbeatable retro exterior
The Original Pancake House — Classic throwback diner feel
The Freeze — Vintage ice cream and hotdog stand, pure nostalgia
Bars worth the detour
Headquarters Arcade Bar — Fun, neon-lit, great for playful outings
Three Arts Cafe — Ornate and opulent (check current hours)
Mason — Low-lit and intimate
Chicago has limitless places to photograph memories — and whether the weather cooperates or not, this city always delivers a backdrop worth shooting. If you take photos at any of these locations, I’d love to see what you captured. Share with me @maggierifeponce on Instagram. Happy photographing!
Front Porch Photography: “Porchraits” Captured Moments of People and Their Families
Front Porch Pictures, showing life during coronavirus.
Covid-19 is turning our world upside. Everyone is touched by this pandemic in one way or another. During this time of family isolation, it’s important to embrace the moments we have with our loved ones. We’re all a part of an American unprecedented time right now, and it’s a golden opportunity to embrace the all-American porch pictures. Decades from now, front porch pictures, or “porchtraits,” will bring a visual to stories that we’ll share from the days of “the virus.”
To me, photos are time capsules, because, through them, we can time travel. They allow us to connect with moments that affect us in many ways. After my mom passed away when I was seven, I’d flip through page after page of my parent’s photo albums. It wasn’t just that I wanted to see her again; I wanted more details alongside the stories I was told.
As an adult, I still enjoy going through photo albums to learn about my loved ones. Take my husband, for example. I’ve learned so much about him and his family’s history just by looking at pictures his mom, who is a fellow “archivist,” has shared. Thanks to her, I get to step into my husband’s family time capsule.
Porchtraits” more than family photos…Time capsules
The front porch portraits “movement” is sure to become a staple associated with this historic time of Covid. With more families having to stay home, they are getting more family time than ever before. With everyone home inside, taking a breath of fresh air on the front porch has become a regular thing. And why not capture those moments on the porch?
“Porchtraits” are a fun way to connect with your family all why telling your quarantine story. Here you are in your environment where you and your family are your authentic selves. Are you staying home all day in your pajamas? Kick back on your porch, in your jammies, with a cup coffee, and capture that essence of your quarantine days.
Maybe you’re getting tired of seeing your kids in wrinkled clothes pulled from the laundry basket and your spouse wearing those old shorts and ratty t-shirt from their college days. Get them dressed up and out on the porch for some fun pictures.
Bring out your pets, or wear costumes, or just chill on your porch or front yard with your favorite drink and snack. People are enjoying many different ways to capture their “porchtraits.”
Decades from now, we’ll all have tales from this time. I started doing front porch pictures for the same reason I looked through all those old family photos. They are a way for people to document this unusual, historical moment in time.
I can imagine how conversations might go:
“Remember when you lost your two front teeth during Quarantine?”
“It was so hard, but there are moments I wish I could be quarantined with my kids again”
“I didn’t know if my business would make it through…”
“A friend sent us margaritas in a bag, which we shared on the front porch….”
“We didn’t have reasons to dress up because we couldn’t go anywhere, so we decided to wear fancy clothes just because….”
“We had the time, so we got a new puppy….”
“Your dad was laid off, so he homeschooled you while I did therapy sessions in the bedroom with my patients….”
This time in history is calling all of us to make changes in our lives. For most, it’s forcing us to slow down, whether we like it or not. I may be projecting, but the families I met during these “porchraits” are radiating a current of strength and resilience. Maybe it’s the shared bond of what they’re going through. Maybe it’s all that time together paying off. (I can sense that happening in my own family right now.) Who knows, but I’m encouraged by it, whatever the case.
Supporting our community through porch pictures
I’ve also felt so grateful to those who’ve donated sessions for people deeply impacted by this virus. Thank you for your support.
I am reminded each time I do a session that humankind isstill at the mercy of powers beyond our control. For some, we have more options and support than others. I’m so grateful to see those who are able to generously reach out to help their neighbors and community at large.
Staying safe while capturing “stay-at-home”
Everyone’s health is my first priority. During your “porchtrait” session, every precaution will be taken. First, social distancing is a must, and I will keep my distance by staying on the sidewalk, or even further, and use a long lens to take pictures. I will always have a mask on, and I’ll have disinfectant and gloves accessible.
If you’d like to use pieces of your furniture, maybe chairs and tables or picnic blankets on the front lawn, I can direct you on how they may best be positioned. Keeping to social distancing, I won’t touch your belongings, but I promise that my directions will be super easy to follow.
When you schedule your photo session, we’ll discuss (via phone or email) a checklist of anything that may be needed from both you and me, and we’ll review the process for the portrait session before, during, and after the photo shoot.
It’s best for me to do a “drive-by” to see the area where we’ll be doing the pictures, so this is something I’ll do after we talk. No worries, though. You don’t even have to be home when I do this. I’m just going to do a slow drive-by to get my mind in gear for things like what will be the best time due to light, where I’ll be able to stand to take the pictures, and if there are any obstacles I may need to discuss with you.
Sessions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes. To be accessible for all people, I’m offering these at a sliding scale between $25 and $200.
If you’re interested in scheduling a front-porch session or would like to donate for someone else in need, please reach out to me here, email me directly at maggie@rifeponcephotography.com, or call 402-304-4057.
I’m also still scheduling fullfamily pictures outdoors and indoor family photos with necessary precautions.
Good luck! Quarantine is rough, but you’re loved.
Also, if you’re alone or especially struggling right now, you can call The Samaritans anytime (with services for the hearing impaired) and find other sources for help, including free online serviceshere.
The first few weeks at home with a new baby are fleeting in a way that’s hard to fully appreciate until you’re on the other side of it. The morning light in your bedroom, the way your older kids peer into the bassinet, the specific exhausted-but-radiant look on a new parent’s face — those details belong to a very small window. An in-home newborn session is how you hold onto them.
I’ve been photographing in-home newborn sessions in Chicago and the suburbs for over a decade, and this is consistently the work I find most meaningful.
What an in-home newborn session actually looks like
In-home sessions are intentionally unhurried. I arrive, take a few minutes to walk through your space and find the best light sources, and then we spend the next two to three hours photographing your baby and your family in the environment where your real life is happening. There’s no getting everyone dressed up and driving somewhere. There’s no unfamiliar studio. It’s just your home, your family, and images that look like the beginning of your actual story.
The session typically includes the baby alone — in the bassinet, in a wrap, in your arms — as well as family groupings, sibling moments, and detail shots: tiny hands, newborn feet, the things you’ll want to remember that you can’t quite see yet because you’re too close to them.
The best timing for an in-home newborn session
The sweet spot is usually days 5 through 14. Babies in this window are sleepy enough to photograph naturally, and the newborn details — the curled-up posture, the scrunched faces, the impossibly small fingers — are still fully present. After about three weeks, babies become more alert and harder to settle, and those particular details start to fade.
That said, I’ve done beautiful sessions with babies up to six weeks old. If you’ve missed the ideal window, it’s worth reaching out — we can usually make something work.
How to prepare your home for a newborn session
Not much preparation is needed, and I mean that genuinely. A few things that help: identify the room in your home with the best natural light (usually a bedroom or living room with large windows), have a few swaddle blankets and extra outfit options available, and keep the house at a temperature that’s comfortable for a lightly clothed or unclothed newborn — typically a few degrees warmer than you’d normally keep it. Don’t stress about tidying up perfectly. Lived-in is fine. Some of the best detail shots come from the most ordinary corners of a home.
Comfortable, simple clothing in neutral or muted tones tends to photograph beautifully in the soft light of a home session. You don’t need to coordinate perfectly, but avoiding very busy prints helps. For parents who want a guide, see What to Wear for Family Photos — the same principles apply.
Studio newborn sessions: an alternative worth knowing about
If you’d prefer a more controlled environment, I also offer studio newborn sessions with a range of backdrops and setups. The look is different — cleaner, more minimalist — but the same unhurried approach applies. For families who want both options, some book an in-home session and add a studio session a few weeks later when the baby is more alert. See Chicago Newborn Photography for the full overview.
Siblings and family portraits during the newborn session
Including older siblings and the whole family is absolutely part of the session — and some of the most meaningful images come from those moments. Sibling introductions, big kids holding the baby for the first time, the pile-on family portrait where nobody is perfectly posed and everyone is laughing — these are the images that end up on the wall.
Expecting a new baby? I’d love to document those first days at home for your family. Get in touch here — booking in advance is recommended, especially for spring and fall due dates.
FAQs about in-home newborn sessions
When should I book an in-home newborn session?
Book before your due date if possible — ideally in the second trimester. I hold a tentative date based on your due date and confirm timing once the baby arrives.
What if my baby won’t sleep during the session?
It happens, and it’s fine. An alert baby produces different images than a sleeping one, but they’re still beautiful. I work with whatever the baby gives us and don’t force anything.
How long does an in-home newborn session take?
Plan for two to three hours. Newborn sessions move slowly by design — there are feeding breaks, settling breaks, and we never rush.
Do you travel to the suburbs for in-home newborn sessions?
Yes. I photograph in-home newborn sessions throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Travel fees may apply beyond a certain radius — reach out for details.
Living up the last days of summer with Lurie Gardens family photos
It’s been such a joy watching the Sutherlands family grown. I first met Engy and Jason years ago when they hired me to be their wedding photographer. Seven or so years and three kiddos between us, I now think of them more as friends than clients.
This year Engy was hoping for a summery, fun outdoor family session. Originally we talked about the beach, but with busy schedules and a rainstorm the night before, we opted to stick to our date and stay land-bound. Thankfully the Lurie Gardens at Millenium Park was super picturesque on this first day of September. In fact, I think the pink, purple, and white flowers still in bloom in the background is pretty much perfect with their outfits. I guess it was meant to be 🙂
Bonus stop-through at The Art Institute
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the pictures from the Art Institue north-side garden (post-bathroom break).
For more family sessions, check out the links below:
Interested in taking your own family photos? Contact me today here, call 402-304-4057 or email maggie@rifeponcephotography.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Welcome a new addition to your family with studio newborn photos
Having a new baby is so amazing, but also a big change! The first few weeks after birth can be a lot. Constant visitors, never-ending loads of laundry and sleepless nights. I’ve been there! An in-home newborn session can feel daunting if your home isn’t exactly the way you’d like it to look. Take the stress off your shoulders with studio newborn photos.
You’ll get two-three hours of dedicated time in my bright, light-filled lofted studio. I’ll dedicate time to those sweet newborn, sleepy baby poses as well as pictures of your family welcoming the baby altogether.
If you are interested in an at-home newborn session, you can view a sample gallery here. Or learn more about my sessions here.
A baby focused mini newborn session to capture the birth of your little one
Celebrate the birth of your baby with a mini newborn session. This option is perfect for the parent who loves those sweet, sleeping infant pictures. With gentle hands, I’ll capture your baby in a variety of poses. You’re welcome to bring your own props and wraps or choose from my own supply of wraps, swaddles, loveys, and headpieces.
Baby focused newborn photos
Unlike a full session, this one highlights just your baby. Lasting up to an hour, I’ll have the studio toasty warm with soft music or a noisemaker on to lull your little love into a peaceful slumber as we capture their week(s) of their life.
Schedule within the first few weeks of birth
One of the most commonly asked questions is when is the best time to have your newborn photographed. I find the sweet spot is within 10 days of birth. From my experience, this is when your baby will still be sleeping the most, and therefore easiest to move into different positions. I love an awake newborn too–but the more awake the baby, the more prone objective they become to being moved and changed.
Interested in your own newborn session? Visit my contact page or call 402-304-4057. Want to see more examples? Check out these links below:
Wondering how those darlings newborn poses are achieved? Lots of practice and patience. While newborns are fragile, they’re also incredibly flexible. With the right touch, you can help guide their hands over each other or fold their form into a darling bundled form.
Holiday family portraits are one of those traditions that seems simple until you’re actually trying to execute one — coordinating schedules, wrangling outfits, managing kids who have opinions about everything, and hoping the light cooperates. Done well, a holiday family portrait session produces images that go on walls, get turned into cards, and become the annual visual record of how much everyone has changed. Done poorly, it’s a stressful hour you’d rather not repeat.
Here’s how I approach holiday family portrait sessions in Chicago, and what you can do to make yours as smooth as possible.
When to book your holiday family portraits
If you want your images in time for holiday cards, you need them delivered by mid-November at the latest — which means booking your session in September or early October at the latest. Fall is my busiest season by a significant margin, and weekend dates in October fill months in advance. If you’re reading this in September thinking “I should probably get on this,” you’re right. Book now.
For families who miss the fall window, a winter session in December or January can be just as beautiful — particularly if there’s snow on the ground — and the images work perfectly for New Year’s cards or simply as a winter portrait without the holiday card pressure.
Best locations for holiday family portraits in Chicago
For fall sessions, the options are extensive — Chicago’s tree canopy turns in a way that rivals anywhere in the country. A few locations that photograph consistently well in fall: Winnemac Park for north side families, Lurie Gardens for a more architectural backdrop with seasonal plantings, and Northerly Island for families who want open sky and lakefront views. For suburban families, neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets often produce the most personal and beautiful results.
For a complete overview of Chicago-area family photo locations by season, see the full locations guide.
What to wear for holiday family portraits
The most common mistake is over-coordinating — everyone in matching red sweaters, or a color scheme so rigid that nobody looks like themselves. A much better approach: choose a general palette (warm tones, neutrals, jewel tones) and let each person interpret it in their own way. The images look cohesive without looking like a catalog shoot.
Avoid busy prints and loud logos, which distract from faces. Textures — knits, denim, layered fabrics — tend to photograph beautifully in fall light. For the full wardrobe guide with seasonal suggestions, see What to Wear for Family Photos.
Managing kids during holiday portrait sessions
Young kids and formal portrait sessions are not a natural combination, and the harder you try to force it, the more it shows. A few things that help: schedule around nap times, bring snacks, keep expectations loose, and don’t tell kids that today is a Very Important Photo Day. Kids who’ve been told forty times to be on their best behavior tend to arrive stressed and perform accordingly.
My approach is to work with kids where they are — if they want to run, we photograph them running. If they’re shy, we give them time to warm up. The best holiday portraits almost never come from the moments when everyone was perfectly posed. For more prep tips, see How to Prepare Your Family for a Photo Shoot.
Holiday mini sessions vs. full sessions
I offer both full family portrait sessions and holiday mini sessions in the fall. Mini sessions are shorter (typically 20–30 minutes), at a fixed location, and priced lower — they’re a good fit for families who primarily need holiday card images and have relatively cooperative kids. Full sessions are better for families who want a more varied gallery, have multiple kids or extended family, or want flexibility on location and timing.
Ready to book your holiday family portraits? Fall dates fill quickly — don’t wait until October to reach out. Get in touch here and let’s find a date that works.
FAQs
When should I book holiday family portraits in Chicago?
September or early October for fall sessions. October and November weekends fill months in advance. If you want images for holiday cards, you need them by mid-November.
What’s the best time of day for fall family portraits?
Late afternoon — the hour or two before sunset — produces the warmest, most flattering light in fall. Early morning works well too. Avoid midday when the light is flat and overhead.
Do you offer holiday mini sessions?
Yes. I offer mini sessions in the fall at select locations. Reach out for current availability and pricing.
What if the weather is bad on our session day?
I monitor the forecast closely and will reach out in advance if conditions look uncertain. We can reschedule, move to the studio, or in many cases shoot in overcast conditions — which often produce beautiful, soft light.
Northerly Island Family Session with the Trowbridges
I’ve had the pleasure of taking family pictures for the Trowbridges for the past few years. Christine is a big believe in scheduling family photos each year rather than buying the school pictures of the boys. In the past we’ve taken pictures in Lincoln Park and at my studio, but this year she wanted a spot that had both nature and skyline.
We decided on Burnham Park, but when the day arrived, unseasonably hot temperatures meant evvvvveryone in the city had the same idea of heading to the beach. Every single parking spot within blocks of the park was taken, so we called an audible and headed toward Northerly Island. It turned out to be a great change of plans. The island was virtually empty. The light was dreamy that afternoon and the rocky shores along the lake made for a fun landscape for the boys to explore. If you’re considering a location for your family photos, put this spot on the list of options. I promise you won’t regret it!
Wanna see more? Visit my family portfolio page or click the links below for other sessions. Interested in scheduling your own session? Drop me a line at my contact page. Learn more about pricing here.
A perfect late summer afternoon for relaxed family photos at Foster Ave Beach
I’ve had the please of taking family photos of the Tanner’s throughout the past three years, from the birth of their first son Noland to this most recent session which included their second little love, Miles at Foster Ave Beach.
I love seeing them each time, especially because at this point we feel like old friends, me even carrying Noland, talking about magical lions hiding in the lighthouse while Lisa pushes the stroller with my camera bag and Weston soothes Miles. All the ease and all the comfort of a session like this is more than I could hope for in my work. I’m a lucky lady.
Wanna see more? Visit my family portfolio page or click the links below for other sessions. Interested in scheduling your own session? Drop me a line at my contact page. Learn more about pricing here.
“We didn’t have reasons to dress up because we couldn’t go anywhere, so we decided to wear fancy clothes just because….”
“Your dad was laid off, so he homeschooled you while I did therapy sessions in the bedroom with my patients….”
It’s been such a joy watching the Sutherlands family grown. I first met Engy and Jason years ago when they hired me to be their wedding photographer. Seven or so years and three kiddos between us, I now think of them more as friends than clients.
Celebrate the birth of your baby with a mini newborn session. This option is perfect for the parent who loves those sweet, sleeping infant pictures. With gentle hands, I’ll capture your baby in a variety of poses. You’re welcome to bring your own props and wraps or choose from my own supply of wraps, swaddles, loveys, and headpieces.
