Faye’s First birthday party was a “smash” hit! She loved the cake her beautiful mom, Emily Florez made her and was all smiles in her Dad Ray’s arms. They’re the sweetest couple and Faye is such a darling little girl, it was such a hoot taking her first birthday photos.














Category: Family
Faye’s First Birthday
Gentle Newborn Photography Session // Sweet Madison
When Andreea was still pregnant, I had the chance to take some pictures of her adorable bump and can’t-stop-smiling face. It was a joy to capture this experience for Drea. I hope she’ll be able to look back at the pictures in 10, 20, and 30 years at what was to come.
Less than a month ago, Madison was born. A perfect little girl with a rosy mouth and her mother’s delicate features. Andreea and her darling husband Joe came by the studio for her newborn photo session. She was a delight to meet and I couldn’t get enough of her cuteness!







Fall Family Pictures at Winnemac Park
Chicago family photos at Winnemac Park
Fall is the perfect time of year for family pictures. The cool, dry weather makes the fall colors even more vibrant! If you’re thinking of a holiday card, this is a great time to come in to capture timeless keepsakes of your family. Before the shoot, I like to chat a bit on the phone to brainstorm ideas and go over details for the shoot. I love location scouting, so whether you’d like an urban or nature setting, we’ll find just the place for you!








Baby Rayon’s First Photo Shoot
Chicago newborn photos
This was Rayon’s first photo shoot, and he was such a natural! He is such a sweet, smiley and squeezable baby. It was a joy to spend time with Greg, Ro and their beautiful baby boy.



Charlie and Reed
If only teleporters existed in real life, instead of only in science fiction films and books. If they did, I’d be one of the first to invest in their magical power so I could visit these two little ones as often as possible.
Last month my sister gave birth to her second child, Charlotte Thompson, named for our late mother. I was lucky enough to have a wedding booked back in Nebraska the same week Charlotte, aka “Charlie,” was born. What perfect timing! I stayed in town after the wedding to get some quality time in with the family. Of course, I couldn’t keep my camera down. There’s no way I could resist my nephew Reed’s big blue eyes, or Charlie’s perfect button nose. I can’t wait to see them again this weekend!














At home newborn photography with the Guptas
Could these sisters be any sweeter? The Guptas welcome baby Alya in their at-home newborn photography session.













Family Photos at Winnemac Park with the Berres
Getting ready for the holidays with family photos at Winnemac Park with the Berres
I’m pretty darn lucky that my sister-in-law and her husband happen to be as attractive and hip as they are awesome. It’s safe to say I won the jackpot when I married Anthony. I’ve always wanted a big family, and with him, that’s exactly what I got! It’s just an added Bonus that Maria and Trey are great people–they’re two of the most inspiring DIY-ers, combining their eye for style with can-do attitudes. I love visiting their little one, Fiona, and seeing what new projects they’re working on.
So, of course, when it came time to take a picture for their Christmas card, I wasn’t surprised to see them looking like they just walked off the pages of a magazine. Lucky me!
Baby Roberto is too cute in his newborn photos
Can’t get enough of this little cutie. Roberto’s newborn photos.
This family photo session below features lil’ rugrat, baby Roberto. He’s simply edible! I could hardly resist those cheeks! His father, Roberto Sr. and mother, Irene (who I met during her sister Tina’s wedding this past June), are such a sweet couple, both pursuing life-changing careers (she’s a doctor and he’s working on his Ph.D. in clinical psychology), so they dedicate most of their free time to this little guy. The result is a close, beautiful, loving family, which is always a joy to photograph.
It’s not too late to schedule your holiday family photoshoot! Contact me at maggie@rifeponcephotography.com or call 402-304-4057 to schedule your session.














My TV debut: How to take a great family portrait
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Earlier this month I was invited to Fox News Chicago to speak to Sun Times Splash Magazine editor, Susanna Carlson about what goes into a great family portrait. It was such an honor to be invited to the show, and I made it through the interview despite the butterflies in my stomach. I’m lucky to be living with an expert in this area. The timing of the interview worked out so that I was able to ride down with my husband, who coached me through the questions like an old pro, before dropping me off at FOX. As much fun as I had, I think I’ll leave the tv appearances to Anthony, who I now have even more admiration for because of how easy he makes his smooth on air deliveries look!
Playful Family Photography in Western Springs, IL
Candid Chicago family photos
NBC 5 Chicago’s Lauren Petty welcomed the birth of her third daughter, Claire, four months ago. This past Claire had her very first photo shoot, along with the rest of the family in Western Springs, IL. Petty is just as beautiful in real life as behind the video camera, and her three daughters are just as photogenic!















