Chicago Family Photography
Your family deserves to be remembered.
From golden-hour sessions at Lincoln Park to cozy in-home newborn shoots — I capture the connection, the chaos, and the love that makes your family uniquely yours.
✦ Family Sessions ✦ Maternity ✦ Newborns ✦ Outdoor & Studio ✦ Chicago & Suburbs ✦ Starting at $499
What I Photograph
Every moment of your family, beautifully documented.
Outdoor Sessions
Chicago’s parks, gardens, and lakefront are our playground. I scout locations that match your family’s vibe and guide you through every step.
Newborn & In-Home
Newborn sessions are slow, gentle, and centered on connection — in my studio or the comfort of your home. We focus on the tiny details before they fade.
Maternity
Maternity sessions celebrate your strength, your anticipation, and the love that’s already there — before baby even arrives.
Why It Matters
The photos outlast the moment.
Kids grow up impossibly fast. The gap-toothed grins, the way they reach for your hand, the chaos of a Tuesday morning — these are the moments that disappear before you realize they were happening.
A professionally photographed family session gives you back those moments — not just as a memory, but as something you can hold, frame, and pass down. Let the photos do the remembering for you.
What to Expect
How it works, from booking to gallery.
01
Reach Out
Tell me about your family — ages, location vibe, and ideal timeframe. I’ll reply with availability and a custom quote.
02
Prep Together
You’ll get my style guide, outfit tips, location recs, and tricks to make the session smooth — even with toddlers. I’ve got you covered.
03
The Session
Sessions are relaxed and fun — I lead with games, prompts, and movement so emotions feel real. Meltdowns happen; magic still happens too.
04
Your Gallery
Within ten business days you’ll receive a beautiful online gallery of edited images — ready to download, print, and share.
Common Questions
Questions, answered.
Everything you need to know before booking a family session.
How much do family photos cost?
Sessions start at $499 and include a consultation, style guidance, and a full online gallery. Pricing varies by session length and type — view my booking page for current rates and bundle packages.
What happens if there’s a meltdown?
It happens — and that’s okay. I bring patience and 15+ years of experience working with real kids. Some of the most beautiful moments come right after a meltdown.
What should we wear?
Once booked, you’ll receive my full style and outfit guide with color palette suggestions, shopping tips by budget, and examples from real sessions. The goal: cohesive, comfortable, and timeless.
When will we get our photos?
You’ll receive your full gallery within seven to ten business days. It’s shareable, downloadable, and includes full print rights so you can print wherever you like.
Where do you shoot in Chicago?
Favorites include Lincoln Park, South Pond, Lurie Garden, the Riverwalk, and Millennium Park. I also shoot in-home and in-studio. I’ll recommend the best spot based on your location, kids’ ages, and the look you love.
Chicago Locations
Some of Chicago’s most beautiful family photo spots.
Outdoor Favorites
- Lincoln Park & South Pond
- Lurie Garden at Millennium Park
- North Shore Beaches
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Humboldt Park
- Morton Arboretum
- Montrose Harbor
Studio & Indoor
- In-home newborn sessions (your home)
- Natural light studio — Wicker Park
- Revealed Studios — West Loop
- The Lytle House
- Chicago Cultural Center
For A complete list, read my Chicago outdoor locations guide.
Why Rife Ponce
Family photography that feels different by design.
15+ Years of Experience
A degree in photojournalism, 15+ years photographing Chicago families, and recognition as a top family photographer by Peerspace and Expertise.com.
A Mom Who Gets It
As a mom of two, I understand the logistics of family life. I make sessions easy, fun, and low-pressure — so you can just enjoy the moment.
The Real AND the Pretty
My style blends photojournalism and portraiture — candid chaos alongside beautiful, composed images. You get both the story and the art.
Photos You’ll Actually Print
Every image is edited with framing in mind — for walls, albums, and the moments you’ll want to relive for decades. Your gallery won’t just sit on a hard drive.
Ready to capture some memories?
Booking is easy — choose your date online, or reach out to talk through what you have in mind. No pressure, no long forms.