Category: Family

Chicago is one of the most beautifully varied cities in the country for family photography — and after more than a decade of photographing families here, I can say that with complete confidence. Whether you want the lakefront at golden hour, a neighborhood street that feels like home, a sun-drenched studio, or an architectural backdrop that could only be Chicago, this city delivers. But the location is only part of it.

What makes a Chicago family session work is the combination of the right place, the right light, and a photographer who can read your family and create something that actually feels like you — not a posed replica of someone else’s session.

What storytelling family photography looks like in practice

My approach to Chicago family photography is documentary at its core. That means I’m looking for the real moments — the way your youngest reaches for your hand without thinking, the way your kids look at each other when they think no one’s watching, the chaos and the tenderness that happen in the same five-minute stretch. I direct enough to make sure you’re comfortable and the light is working, but I stay out of the way enough to let your family actually be your family.

The result is a gallery that doesn’t look like it was manufactured. It looks like your life, on a really good day.

Chicago family session options

I offer outdoor sessions across Chicago and the suburbs, in-home lifestyle sessions, and studio sessions at my Chicago studio. Each format produces a different kind of gallery — outdoor sessions tend toward movement and environment, in-home sessions have an intimacy and warmth that’s hard to replicate anywhere else, and studio sessions offer a clean, timeless look with complete control over light and backgrounds. Many families do a combination over the years, building a visual record of how their home and their kids change over time.

Sessions typically run 60–90 minutes for families, with galleries delivered within three weeks. I include styling guidance before every session so you’re not guessing about what to wear — and I work with families who are nervous, kids who aren’t cooperative, and parents who hate being photographed. That’s most people, and it’s genuinely fine.

Some of Chicago’s most beautiful family photo locations

Choosing a location is one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is that the best location depends on your family’s personality and what you want the images to feel like. A few favorites that work reliably well across seasons: Lurie Gardens in Millennium Park for a garden-meets-skyline backdrop, Northerly Island for open sky and lakefront views, Winnemac Park for a neighborhood feel with beautiful tree cover, and Foster Avenue Beach for a relaxed, warm-weather session with water in the frame.

For a full breakdown by neighborhood and season, see the complete Chicago family photo locations guide.

What to wear for your Chicago family session

Outfits matter more than most people expect — not because you need to look perfect, but because cohesive, intentional clothing helps the images feel finished rather than accidental. The short version: coordinate without matching, lean toward solid colors and textures over busy prints, and wear something you actually feel comfortable in. For the full guide with seasonal suggestions, Pinterest boards, and specific do’s and don’ts, see What to Wear for Family Photos: A Complete Style Guide.

How to prepare your family for a smooth session

A little preparation goes a long way, especially with young kids. The most important things: schedule around nap times, let kids bring one comfort item, keep expectations loose, and don’t overhype the session — kids who’ve been told forty times that today is a Very Important Photo Day tend to arrive stressed. For a detailed prep guide, including what to do the week before and the morning of, see How to Prepare Your Family for a Photo Shoot.

Serving Chicago and the suburbs

I’m based in Chicago and photograph families throughout the city and surrounding suburbs — including Oak Park, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, and beyond. If you’re not sure whether I cover your area, reach out and ask — I almost certainly do.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a Chicago family session?

For fall sessions (September–November), I recommend booking 2–3 months in advance as those dates fill quickly. Spring and summer sessions typically have more availability, but popular weekend dates go fast year-round.

What if it rains on our session day?

I monitor the forecast closely and will reach out in advance if weather looks uncertain. We can move to the studio, reschedule, or in some cases shoot in light rain — some of the most beautiful sessions I’ve done have been on overcast days.

Do you photograph newborns and babies?

Yes. In addition to family sessions, I specialize in Chicago newborn photography and milestone sessions including first birthday and one-year sessions.

Do you work with kids who are shy or uncooperative?

Always. The vast majority of kids are hesitant at first — that’s completely normal. I work slowly, follow their lead, and never force poses. The best images almost always come from kids who’ve warmed up halfway through a session, not the perfectly posed ones from the first five minutes.

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