Golden Photography

R family | family photography Lake County IL

October 15, 2018

How fun is this family? I see them twice a year and it’s always a blast! I’m sure I’ve blogged them before and you can go hunt around on your own to find some of their other sessions. But I met them a few years back when their boy was a newborn (I think he had as much hair as he does now). I’ve loved getting to know them over time and see their kids grow. Their kids are such hams, it really makes my job EASY. They’re super expressive and easy going…plus they absolutely adore each other. It makes for a fun time and great photos!

Plus…that light, though. Its why I schedule everything near sunset and on those clear nights, this is what I see! Its beautiful. And yeah, those cloudy moody nights make for beautiful photos, but the golden light is what makes my heart happy. I’m still working on controlling the weather for my families – lookout world when I figure it out!

outdoor photo of mom with daughter in forest preserve near Chicago IL daughter posed with dad in forest preserve in Lake County IL photo of siblings outdoors in Lake County IL

I aim to keep my outdoor sunset session fun and relaxed which is soooo much more than sitting and staring at the camera. You’ll play, cuddle, laugh, and have a great time as I act like a fool to entertain your kids. No joke! Ask any family that’s worked with me and they’ll agree. I photograph families all through Lake and Cook Counties, however some of my favorite spots are in Barrington, Palatine, Lake Zurich, and Long Grove. My fall sessions are underway (and usually begin booking in the middle of the summer).

Go ahead and contact me now for more info and to check my availability. I’d love to hear from you!

Brothers Gotta hug | Libertyville IL baby photography

October 8, 2018

Yay! Another long-time friend from my college swim team came to my studio to photograph baby boy #2! All I can think when I see him hugging his little bro is “Brothers don’t shake hands. Brothers gotta hug!” He was all about it!!! I never know going into these sessions if the siblings will want to participate. Lucky for me, he was all about it. Plus his blonde curls are to die for! What a cutie!

And kudos to this mom for looking so amazing after giving birth. I was a hot mess. Scratch that, I still am one years later. I’m always in awe of when moms like that!

Lucky for you, when you come into my studio all you need is your baby (and maybe some diapers and a bottle/milk). I will have everything there for you, clean and ready to go! Stress free? That’s my goal! Plus with 9+ years of experience, trust me that I have handled quite a few babies and I can get cute photos of them when you’re with me. My studio is located in downtown Lake Zurich, however families travel from throughout Chicago for me to photograph them. Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Barrington, Long Grove, Highland Park, and even some further away outside Lake County!

The bad news? I only take a handful of newborn photo sessions each month, so its best to schedule your newborn’s photos before their due date to ensure you can get on my calendar.

For more information on my sessions or to book yours, please contact me.

first birthday smash cake Chicago IL

October 1, 2018

Sweet baby J. Although we’ve reached the point where we can no longer call him a baby. He is officially OUT of the baby stage and in the toddler stage, sorry to say to his mom and dad. His family is into being outdoors and really active, so this little camping themed setup was perfect for him! Kudos to his parents for supplying some of the “outdoorsy” items. It went along perfectly with some of the items I already had at my Lake Zurich studio. Plus I am loving the new hooded romper I just got from Dime a Daisiee! I have a huge stack of clothing for kids to wear for in-studio sessions and this was perfect for him!

Like any child coming in for a cake smash session, he was totally confused by the cake and didn’t really want anything to do with it. Luckily I have some trick up my sleeve for cases like this (which honestly its how nearly every cake session goes). However, he was really into some of the items around him, like the box and lantern, so I totally rolled with it. That bright red lantern he couldn’t stay away from! Like a moth to the flame. Haha.

Be sure to scroll down and take a moment to appreciate that cake, too. It was made by the amazingly talented Nicole from the Windy City Dinner Fairy and for any families coming to me from the city of Chicago, I highly recommend using her for your session with me. The birthday boy was in love with the little owl on top, too. He picked it right off the top and was holding and cuddling it. Then he eventually pulled the head off and he tried so hard to fix it. It totally reminded me of the movie Dumb and Dumber. And if you know the scene I’m talking about, you and I would get along great.

Cake smash sessions for your child’s first birthday is really one of those “yay you did it” moments. You survived that first year and your baby is officially no longer a baby. What better reason to celebrate with some cake! Duh!

I’d love to chat with you about a session for your soon-to-be 1 year old. I’ll supply some decor and the clothes, you bring the cute kid and the cake! My studio is in Lake County outside Chicago IL, so its super easy to get to for anyone in the northwest suburbs or the city, itself.

Go ahead and contact me and let’s chat details!

Holiday mini sessions

September 30, 2018

Holiday jammies, yo!

Or maybe you’re more into stylish winter clothes, that’s also cool.

Also, no session is complete without some faux milk and cookies or hot chocolate!

Can you picture it?

Your 15 minute session will include: 5 files with the option to upgrade to the full gallery. Just $300 with option to upgrade for $100.

These sessions are for kids only (sorry families) and my bed can fit up to 3 children at a time…4 at the most.

Turnaround time is 2 weeks.

All sessions will be in my Lake Zurich studio. 40 N. Old Rand Rd. Lake Zurich IL 60047.

Note: $300 paid today is non-refundable, however you can sell your spot if you can no longer attend or apply it towards another session within 1 year.

Who are these sessions NOT for?

* grinches
* kids that hate having their pictures taken and will cry for all 15 minutes
* families with 10 kids (sorry, my bed fits 3-4, tops).
* entire families, mom, dad, etc (my bed only fits 3-4 children-sized bodies). I love ya, but I cannot do it.
* newborns.