Relaxed Chicago Family Photo Session
I was so happy to welcome the Rafferty family back in front of my camera again this summer, this time for a Chicago family photo session! We took their first family photos exactly one year ago to the date, when they were just a family of three. You might remember their Lake Michigan Family Photos in Holland
from last year at their family’s lake home—such a sweet session!
Earlier this year, Luke and Claire welcomed sweet Charlie to the family, and it was so special to see them again, but this time as a family of four. Finn and Charlie are going to grow up to be the best of friends, and I loved capturing these first moments of them together. Sessions like this are exactly why I love being a Chicago family photographer!
Simple & Timeless: Chicago Family Photography With a Sheet Backdrop
Claire wanted something simple for their photos, so we set up a plain white sheet as the backdrop. It gave us that clean, classic look while still letting the greenery peek through in the background, and it ended up being perfect for this Chicago family photography session. I love how something so easy can make space for the sweetest moments.
Their outfits kept everything timeless too. Jeans and white tops that paired beautifully with the backdrop, but also let Finn and Charlie’s personalities take center stage. Even as a Chicago family photographer, I’m still a small-town Midwest girl at heart, and I’ll always love a good studio, garden, or park session, but I also believe some of the best photos come from keeping it simple. A sheet, a backyard, a patch of grass…those places can hold just as many memories as any other spot!
Chicago Family Photography That Lets Kids Be Kids!
We had a blast letting Finn take the lead during this session. He brought so much personality! From running around, climbing on the log, and keeping all of us laughing. At the same time, I made sure to bring in a mix of posed and prompted family photos so they had a balance of both candid play and those timeless portraits. That’s what I love most about family photography: giving families space to be themselves while also guiding them into photos they’ll treasure for years.
The Raffertys leaned right into the fun, soaking up the giggles and little in-between moments that make family photos so memorable. It was the perfect way to wrap up their outdoor session before we said our goodbyes. I’m already so excited to work with them again in the future, and truly honored that they trust me as their Chicago family photographer year after year!
When the Days Are Long but the Years Are Short
Family photos are always important, but they feel even more special when your little ones are growing and changing so quickly. One minute they’re a newborn in your arms and the next they’re running around the yard, getting ready for kindergarten. These are moments you can’t get back. When the days feel long but the years are short, you’ll want these photos to hold onto and treasure forever.
That’s why I approach each session with a mix of posed and prompted photos. The ones you’ll frame on your wall alongside the ones that capture the laughter, the in-between looks, and the real connections. My style is relaxed, natural, and timeless, so your photos feel just like you.
If you’re looking for a Chicago family photographer who will capture your family’s story in a way that feels genuine and fun, you can learn a little more about me here. If I sound right for your family, inquire with me, and in the meantime, you can check out more family and lifestyle sessions on the blog for inspiration!
