Document your growing family with in-home newborn photos

At a time when each moment is new and precious, in-home newborn photos are a wonderful way to remember the first with your infant. As a mother myself, I understand how wonderful and overwhelming those first few weeks with your little one can be. You want to hold on to every second with your new babe, but it can all pass by in a blur. To help you celebrate your growing family, I’ll come to your home and photograph those first few days with pictures in a natural, storytelling way.

How long are in-home newborn sessions?

There’s a lot happening in those first few weeks of life. Your learning what it means to be a new parent. Diaper changes, feedings, and of course inevitable spit. I want to give you one less thing to worry about, so when it comes to timing, a session can last between 30 minutes and two hours. I always try to make things as quick and easy as possible to let you get back to cuddling your babe. But, if there are interruptions, no stress.  I understand!  The most important thing is for you to feel relaxed and in the moment.

How many pictures are included in my newborn photo shoot?

I’ll snap away throughout our time together in a more documentary way, while also incorporating some dedicated “just baby” time that includes those sweet, simple, little up wrap like a baby burrito or snug as a bug with a lovey. After your session, I’ll go through all the pics and select the ones that best showcase our time together. Typically sessions include at least 70 pictures, but some might include more.  You’ll have photos of not just baby, but also any other family member who might want to be captured with the star of the show.

Are pets welcome in the photos?

Absolutely!  In fact, they’re encouraged!  They’re part of your family and I want to make sure they get the same attention as everyone else.  Just make sure to have a few treats handy, which always makes things flow smoother.

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:

• Twinning at Lincoln Park Nature Walk
• In-home newborn session with the Ponzios
• Northerly Island Family

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!

Swooning over this candlelit wedding at The Quadrangle Club

Photographed with Kelly Feldmiller under my sister company, Revealed Studios.

The ceremony was brief. Like five minutes brief. But in those five minutes, Akiko and David had everyone packed snuggling into the library at The Quadrangle Club on the campus of the University of Chicago welling up with tears.

There were no readings. There was no homily. The vows were short. This left little else to note (well, that’s not entirely true. the setting was breathtaking) other than a quiet sense of love between these two.

On getting to know the bride and groom.

Over the last year knowing Akiko and David, we’ve come to adore them. It’s hard not to. Incredibly thoughtful, kind, and easily disarming, we swooned right along with everyone else throughout their wedding. Like during a tug-at-your heart-strings moment when David open his gift from Akiko–Big Sur, a place they held dear, depicted through the painstakingly detailed, 1,000 miniature cranes she folded night after night while David traveled for work. Or the moment David’s sister, representing his late father, spoke at the reception about how clear it was they were meant for each other. We could go on, but wahhh, this is already bringing the tears back.

The vibe at The Quadrangle Club combined romance with abstract elements.

So, let’s get to the photos! We started at The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, where the bride and groom were getting ready, then headed to the Science and Industry Museum and the campus of The University of Chicago, before ending at The Quadrangle Club. Definitely check out the decorations–a graphic designer by trade, Akiko’s vision, a stunning combination that was at once romantic and vintage and modern abstract, was brought to life by Juliet Tan Floral Design.

You can find the full list of vendors who made this wedding possible listed at the end of this post.

We hope you enjoy these as much as we do! xoxo-Maggie & Kelly

Interested in seeing more of our wedding photography?  Check out the links below and visit our dedicated wedding photography site for more information.

Vendors:

Hotel: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Chicago florist: Juliet Tan.

Wedding Venue: The Quadrangle Club

Band: Harlem Natural

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.

There’s still plenty of time to book your holiday session.  There still 30-minute slots available for this Sunday Dec. 4th and next Saturday, Dec. 10th
See below for shipping deadlines.***

Chicago Candid Family Photography Session with the Linds

I’ve bee lucky to have photographed Hannah four times over the last three years–the first when she was just a few days old in St. Louis for her newborn session, then again during a trip to Chicago, and now recently at Millenium Park in downtown Chicago. 

ium Park.  I can’t believe how big she is now!  When I first met her, she was only five pounds!  She’s grown into the sweetest, most charming little girl.  I loved every minute snapped pictures of her as she twirled through Millennium Park with her parents, John and Claudia in toe.

It was such a blast hanging with the Quinns again for their 2014 family holiday card photography. I love these kids!! We had so much fun during their shoot– playing games, jumping (sometimes on each other), telling stories, and even dipping our feet in the water! With three kids all walking age, their parents and I decided a classic posed portrait was not in the cards.  Instead we encouraged Tom, Connor, and Grace to do what they do best and I focused on capturing these candid moments!