Golden Photography

family photography Schaumburg IL

May 17, 2021

Where do I even start? I’ve known this family since college, way back before any of us were married. Please don’t do the math. I’ve been to their wedding (which was epic, by the way). I’ve photographed their girls as itty-bitty babies. And now here are their girls, who clearly are no longer itty-bitty babies.

Their youngest really did not want to do photos when we all arrived at this spot in Schaumburg, IL. She was shy, hiding, etc. The typical initial response for many kids and they eventually come out of their shell. Their oldest is very vocal and had a lot of ideas on how exactly she wanted her photos to be taken. I loved it! Two very different girls with two very different personalities and they were so sweet for each other while they were with me. Their personalities sound exactly like my girls. And much like my house, I am sure there is never a dull moment at home.

family sitting on rock for family photography in Schaumburg IL forest preserve

sisters sitting on rocks in Schaumburg IL park

little girl smiling in outdoor park in Schaumburg

family sitting on ground for photography in Schaumburg IL forest preserve

family sitting on rocks in Schaumburg IL park

older girl hugging dad's side for family photos

siblings wrapped in a blanket in a Schaumburg IL park for family photography

collage of children snuggling parents during family photos in Schaumburg

sister running during family photography session in Schaumburg IL

I absolutely loved meeting them at this spot! I don’t use it often because the light isn’t always right, but at certain times of the year it really is perfect! It was definitely busy this day with families wanting to be outdoors to enjoy the weather (which means some extra Photoshop work to remove those people) but it was worth it in the end.

If you’re in Chicago or the surrounding northwest suburbs, I would love to talk with you about your family photos! I have a lot of spots I love to use (like this one) and will even style your family to take that stress away!

For more information about my family sessions you can click here.

Otherwise please contact me early to ensure a spot on my calendar. Fall sessions (like this one) tend to book months in advance, so earlier is always better. =)

baby photographer Arlington Heights IL

May 10, 2021

Wrapping up babies makes them so snug and secure! There’s a reason nurses do it in the hospital – babies love it! It soothes them and puts them to sleep. It’s no different for a newborn session. This family wanted only wrapped images and I was happy to oblige! I have plenty of beautiful wraps to choose from (I have a prop problem). Even mom’s dress came from the studio’s closet and it looked amazing on her! Having clothes on-hand at the studio is one less things new parents have to worry about.

Interesting story – I am from downstate Illinois. Really, it’s roughly the middle of nowhere and surrounded by cornfields in the middle of the state. The dad came from there! Well, the town right next to it, but it totally counts! It was so fun getting to know them and photographing their sweet girl.

I cannot wait to see them again for their upcoming 6 month and 1 year sessions. I know the time goes fast as a parent. It also goes fast as your photographer!

smiling newborn baby in Arlington Heights IL photography studio

baby girl toes wrapped in mustard fabric in Barrington IL photo studio

baby girl asleep on green fur in Lake County IL photo studio

parents holding baby girl for family photos in a studio near Arlington Heights IL

swaddled baby in Lake Zurich IL photo studio

mom holding baby during newborn photo session in Lake Zurich IL

black and white of sleeping baby on furry ruh

baby swaddled with tie sticking out in photography studio near Arlington Heights IL

swaddled baby asleep in Arlington Heights IL photography studio

Like I mentioned, I am also photographing her at 6 months and 1 year and I absolutely cannot wait! They change so much in such a short time! Plus, once again, my prop problem comes into play. A rack of clothes for families to sift through for their baby to wear. Various fabrics and blankets for layering. The list goes on and on. I love every minute of it!!!

If you’re in the Arlington Heights, Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, or surrounding Chicago suburbs I would love to work alongside you create an amazing session! I’ve been doing this for well over a decade, so trust me I’ll make everything as easy as possible for you.

Newborn sessions are best booked before they are Earthside. Second trimester is ideal to schedule with me since I only can only take on a limited number of newborns a month. I do schedule last-minute newborns if my schedule allows, but trust me that scheduling earlier is always best.

For more information, you can click here. Otherwise please contact me for specific questions or to book your session.

family photography Long Grove IL

May 3, 2021

Downtown Long Grove is a pretty special spot for many people. Lot fo festivals and memories are made there! As a photographer, it offers a lot of scenery in just a short walk for families which makes for a fun session with a ton of variety. The covered bridge is always such a unique feature…when it’s not under construction from being hit by a vehicle. e

I met this mom when I did her headshot a few years ago and this was my first year photographing her family. They were such a fun group! The kids were full of personality – especially their youngest. You can feel her sassiness from looking at her, haha. Her older siblings were so well-behaved and were all about trying to help me! Well done, parents. They’re doing fabulous! I loved getting to know them all.

We also lucked out with perfect weather – I do a little happy dance when the sun is perfect like this for families. Check out a few from their session below.

black and white candid photo of family of 5

family posed in front of Long Grove covered bridge for photo session

collage of children tken during photo session in Long Grove IL

family hugging near Long Grove, IL covered bridge

family sitting on the ground in Long Grove courtyard

black and white collage of children during photo session

siblings sitting in downtown Long Grove IL during family photo session

family sitting on brick path for family photos in Long Grove

candid photos of family in Long Grove, IL

Such a fun evening in downtown Long Grove. Their color palette was perfection (and so was that light – YES)! So good!

I photograph year-round throughout the Chicagoland area. My studio is located in downtown Lake Zurich, however for outdoor sessions I travel all throughout the area! Sunset is my favorite and is the only way to get that warm, glowing light that you see in this session. I have a collection of spots I love to use for sessions, downtown Long Grove IL included!

Please contact me in advance of when you’re wanting a session. For example, my fall calendar typically is fully booked by the end of summer.

For more information on family sessions, you can click here.

Otherwise, please contact me and I will be happy to chat about what you’re wanting!

Child photographer Grayslake IL

April 26, 2021

I met this guy as a newborn and he was such a peanut! Now here is is, totally large and in charge! At the studio I have a rack of clothing for kids around this age so parents don’t have to buy something simply for photos and he was well out of the “sitter” stage and was into the 1+ size range. They always get so big so fast. I know it goes way faster as a parent, too.

I have a collection of “things” at my studio for sessions for this age range. Especially since I am masked and can’t make silly faces to get reactions out of the little ones, those little toys and things come in clutch!! Having a parent tag team with me is always great, too. Sometimes its me hiding and taking sneaky pictures and sometimes I have to have parents hide so it’s just me and their child – whatever works, I will do it!

I quickly learned this guy was a busybody so as long as he had something to do, he was game! Give him the handle on my wheeled crate, he was good. Let him rip off his hat to play with it? Sure thing! Give him a wooden car – happy boy.

1 year old crawling during photo session in Grayslake IL

young child psing during photography session

boy plays with wooden toy car in Grayslake photo studio

child sits in crate in Grayslake IL photo studio

yung boy looking up at camera during photo session near Chicago IL

little boy plays in wooden crate during for Grayslake IL photographer

1 year old child sits for photo session in Lake Zurich IL

child smiling in a wooden create in Grayslake IL photography studio

Love the adorable romper (and hat when he kept it on) that mom selected from my sitter wardrobe. It fit him perfectly and he looked so cute in it! (Outfit from Avonli – one of many I have from her shop for sessions).

If you like my style then I would love to work with you! My studio is in the heart of downtown Lake Zurich, IL. I’ve been doing this for over a decade and I know all the tricks to create a fun session. I also have a rack of clothes, so no need to go buy your child a special photo outfit. It’s already been taken care of!

Sessions tend to book early, so please reach out sooner than later to reserve your spot.

If you’d like more information, please view this page. Or you can go ahead and contact me! I would love to work with you.