Golden Photography

Long Grove IL family photography

August 17, 2020

Where to begin? I’ve known Jess since what feels like forever. Ok, since college where we were on the swim team together, but doing the math that means I’ve known her longer than I have not known her. Which I think by definition officially means we’re old. Haha.

She has a super fun and active family and it is always such a blast for me to photograph them. Controlled chaos is what I call my family sessions, especially for active kiddos that keep me on my toes. But for me, that bit of chaos is my method to get natural expressions and smiles. No one wants those painful, cheesy grins that kids tend to do. You all know what I am talking about.

This family ended up with a massive gallery, sorry not sorry. But I was so happy with everything I simply couldn’t narrow down the selection when there was so much variety that I loved! Plus, how gorgeous is this family of four?

Check out that fall light and color in these preserves near downtown Long Grove, IL. It’s a family photographer’s dream!!

family of four at sunset photos in Long Grove IL

brother posed for family session in Lake County IL

mom posed with son with photographer near Chicago IL

boy snuggling with mom for family photos outside Chicago IL

couple posing for family photos Long Grove IL

family of four sitting in a field at sunset in Long Grove IL

boy sitting on ladder for photos in Long Grove IL

By the end, the littlest dude was over it and thats ok (and totally normal)! He was still amazing for the time I needed him to be =)

I love photographing families outdoors at sunset! The light and colors are simply amazing (and I like to think sessions are pretty fun). If you want more info about a family session with me, please contact me! I would love to work with you if you’re in the Northwest Chicago suburbs or Lake County, IL.

Please note: family sessions tend to book weeks to months in advance. There’s only one of me and many of you, so please be sure to contact me early to reserve your spot in my calendar!

Palatine IL newborn photographer

August 14, 2020

Late last year this family came to me as their original newborn photographer could no longer photograph their baby. However, it all worked out in the end because I had space for them! This family was as sweet as can be and I was so happy I had room in my schedule to accommodate them, their sweet new little guy, and the newest big sister.

My style is not big on over the top props and themes, but when its this close to a holiday for a session of course I can do something holiday themed in my style (read: muted and understated). So a green crate and a red and white striped hat it is!

Of course, getting sibling photos was super important to them, as well. That bond is so important to photograph! With siblings that have been freshly “promoted”, you never now what you’re going to get. Some are scared, some are excited, and some are their typical selves and really don’t have interest either way about their newest brother or sister. Haha. Lucky for me I have a few tricks up my sleeve that usually work out in the end. Just look how excited this newest “big” sister is to be with her baby brother at the end!

baby swaddled in white in green crate in Lake County IL newborn photo studio

baby wrapped and sleeping with Palatine IL newborn photographer

detail photos of baby boy in Palatine IL newborn photographer studio

baby swaddled and sleeping on fuzzy rug in Palatine IL

baby sleeping in blue bucket in Lake Zurich IL newborn studio

baby brother sleeping with arms up with best newborn photographer in Chicago

baby boy wrapped in green crate with red and white striped hat

big sister posing with baby brother in bucket

If you are thinking about newborn photographs for your growing family, I would love to chat! My studio is located in Lake Zurich, IL which is just a short drove from Palatine, Schaumburg, Highland Park, Libertyville, and other northwest Chicago suburbs. I supply everything for you, so literally just show up with your newest addition and I will take care of the rest!

Contacting me and reserving your spot before baby arrives Earthside is the best since it guarantees you a spot in my busy schedule. However, sometimes things happen and booking before they are born doesn’t always work out. If my schedule allows of course I am happy to fit you in – if not I am always happy to refer you to someone that is available with a similar style. But contact me today to get that ball rolling!

Product photography on white background

May 11, 2020

Most know that I photograph a lot of people, babies, and kids. Not many realize I do a lot of product and commercial work for several companies throughout the Chicago suburbs. In fact, products on white background is one of my specialties!

Some companies need simple, single product photos on white others want their company’s items with a model. Once I know what the company’s specifications, the end goal is the same for me – get clear, easy to see images on a white background so the item can sell. All of the photos are to be used online within their own website, in catalogues, in ad campaigns, or with online retailers such as Amazon, Walgreens, Meijer, etc.

Photographing glossy products on white, white products on white, or clear products on white bring about their own challenges for me to work around while still showing clear details of the item. Its not an easy challenge, but one that my 10+ years of doing this has taught me how to do well.

model demonstrating product on white background in Lake Zurich photo studio

hands showing how to use product on white background

product in clear plastic bags photographed

If your company is looking for a photographer that specializes in product photography, specifically on a white background, then please contact me. I understand that retailers have specific needs and I am comfortable meeting what both you and they need to accept your images. My studio is located in downtown Lake Zurich, IL and is just a short drive away from Chicago.

Contact me for more information.

Studio safety

April 22, 2020

Studio safety, cleanliness, and sanitation is something I have always taken seriously to help put families at ease when working with me. I always allow for reschedules due to sickness, I wash everything that I use, I sanitize all surfaces both before and after a session, and the precaution list goes on and on. When my studio is able to reopen most of those policies will remain the same and if anything, will become stricter to ensure safety during this new time of COVID-19.

As always, my studio will continue to have a “no sick” policy. That means families are required to disclose and reschedule the session if their child or anyone coming to the studio have had a fever or any other symptoms such as cough, runny nose or vomiting in the last 24 hours. Not only is this to help stop the spread of whatever someone currently has, but feeling less than your best does not make for a fun time with me and can affect your session. To reschedule, please contact me as soon as possible as there is no fee to reschedule. Of course, I extend the same courtesy to the families I work with, as well. Any sickness in my house means I will request to reschedule with your family.

For outdoor sessions, the cleaning of blankets after each session is something I have always done. However, for the time being I am not stacking multiple families in a single evening to ensure I have time to clean my props and blankets properly between each session. For now I will be using a longer lens than normal to follow any social distancing guidelines currently in place as well as wear a mask when requested. Besides my staple of bug spray, hand sanitizer and/or wipes will be a new must-have in my camera bag. Last, I will also be more hands-off with my families and will rely on them to help me more with wrangling children, fixing hair and clothing, and posing with my verbal instruction. They were all things I was fairly hands-on with in the past.

I miss all of my families and I cannot wait to get back to working with all of you! I have been to my studio a handful of times the past few weeks to clean and organize and it makes me so sad to see it empty! I am truly in my happy place when I am there working with you. I miss snuggling babies and acting like a fool to make your families smile and enjoy our time together. Until that time comes, please stay safe and stay healthy Chicagoland.