This family lifestyle session felt like a kick off to Summer! That beautiful golden hour backlighting through the trees, and sunset at the beach made for such a gorgeous photo shoot. We snapped snuggly candids, walking shots, lots of playful moments, and classic poses at upper Lincoln Park and down at the beach as the sun went down.

Summer dates are filling quickly! See my availability and book online here. This shoot was my 1-hour Classic package, but I have 30 minute photo sessions if you’d like something quick and easy.

For summer family photo sessions I always provide a style guide, so your attire compliments your location, and gets you the best professional gallery possible. For the season, I love pastels, whites, and soft denim. If shoes are too tricky, barefoot is gorgeous! Especially those cute little kid toes.

For Summer photo shoots, the BEST light is the last hour of the day (golden hour). This can mean an 8pm session start time. Parents can sometimes worry about bedtime but in my experience, spending some time at a new location, outdoors, playing with parents is enough for littles to stay engaged and happy for pictures. I definitely recommend packing pajamas for the car ride home though! If you have an infant and want the best light, and are up early, I’m also game for sunrise sessions! Most families think I’m bonkers for a 6am start time, but I’m game to chase the light if you are (and I find most parents with babies can be up early anyway!)

I love throwing in black and white conversions for your family photo shoot. They’re so soulful and artistic, and make the most emotive shots that much prettier.

For popular locations like Lincoln Park beach, I encourage clients to think about shooting on a weekday. Crowds are much smaller and give you more space to relax and enjoy a less stressful experience.

The longer I’m a professional photographer, the less complicated I make my edits. I’m lighthanded, just giving a pop of warmth and contrast, with a few other adjustments. Filters can be fun but I’ve found they get dated quickly. I want you to love your photos for the long-run. Full color, classic edits make for timeless photography. My focus is getting 90% of the image in camera, choosing the best light and time of day, prettiest backgrounds, and making sure clothing aligns with the setting. Especially as AI is taking off and Photoshop airbrushing leans faker and faker, I want your photos to show your beautiful family, as they are, in a beautiful space and time. Real beauty, real photos.