Golden Photography

outdoor family photographer Barrington IL

June 4, 2018

I met this family maybe a year or two back when I photographed them along with their extended family. I was so happy to get more time with them to see that bond they all have. I know at this age a lot of kids just don’t get along and photos can be stressful for everyone involved. Older kids can be difficult to work with and to photograph. Smiles look fake. Eyes are rolled. You name it, they’ll do it.

Lucky for me I used to teach, so I have a bag of tricks to get kids to loosen up and be natural. I am always happy to act like a fool to connect with the kids for photos. Also, fart jokes always work, so there’s that. It’s not so much a trick, its just that kids find fart noises hilarious. It usually works for parents, too.

Plus, check out the photo of them on the docks! Could they get any sweeter? I think that may be my favorite of them from this fall session.

girl cuddling mom and boy hugging dad at sunset in Chicago IL outdoor family photographer Barrington IL family of four seated in the grass ticking each other

Outdoors at sunset is my absolute favorite! That light is so magical and just ads that extra little “oomph” to family photos. I know not all kids can stay up until 7:30 at night here during the summer, which is why outdoor fall photos are so great! Earlier sunset = earlier start times.

My summer schedule is currently open with just a handful of spots left!

My fall schedule will open by the end of June.

For more info on family photos for yourself, please contact me! I’d love to chat with you to hear what you want.

Family of 4 | Arlington Heights newborn photographer

May 30, 2018

Babies babies and more babies. 2018 has had its boom of newborns on my studio so far. This family was actually a referral from another photographer that was on maternity leave and they were absolutely wonderful to work with! The new big sister was so happy (she had one of those LOL ball things from her parents, so she was more than happy to cooperate for her photos to earn that).

I sent them my prep packet and they were well-prepared when they came into my studio! They were calm, relaxed, and ready for me to do my thing. For the photos with her big sister, I had the perfect pink wrap and headband for her to wear. Isn’t big sister just the sweetest thing!?

My studio is in downtown Lake Zurich, IL. I have everything for your session there cleaned and sanitized for you From wraps to hats to buckets and crates, I have it all!

I photograph babies in those first few weeks of life, so if you are wanting newborn photography it is super important to book your photographer before your due date. I am a newborn specialist and I would love to chat with you about a session if you’re expecting. You can book your session as soon as you’re ready. I only have a few newborn spots each month, so it is important to schedule early to be sure you are on my calendar.

As always, please contact me for more information. I would love to get to know you!

outdoor photography Lake County IL

April 2, 2018

Another year goes by and it’s another fabulous outdoor photography session with this family. I’m lucky enough to meet with them twice a year, usually in the summer and then again in the fall and it’s so fun to see their kiddos grow. Getting to play around with them and act silly is kinda my thing. Plus, they always know me at the Pez person. In case you haven’t seen it, I will sometimes stick a Pez dispenser on my camera. It’s one of those silly tricks I learned along the way when photographing families with younger kids. These guys don’t need it now, but sometimes I break it out for fun.

Anywho, this spot I don’t use too often but man was is perfection on this summer night! Sometimes the district will mow it all down and it is pretty “blah” so I tend to stay away. But the light and everything was magical for them! And bonus – no mosquitoes! yay!

But seriously…let’s talk about that sunlight. I am missing it HARD right now. I know it’s spring and all, but c’mon. I’m ready for evenings like this, Chicagoland! Bring on the outdoor summer photos!

If you’re ready for some family photos this summer, let’s chat! Since 2009 I have been photographing all throughout Lake and Northern Cook Counties here in Illinois. Lake Zurich, Barrington, Schaumburg, Highland park, Libertyville, Long Grove, Palatine, Chicago, Arlington Heights…you name it, I’ve either photographed a family there or one FROM there.

Summer sessions book about 5 weeks in advance. This give us time to plan, select outfits (don’t worry, I’ll do it for you), and be totally prepared so you have a smooth and FUN session.

For more information about a session with me, please contact me now!

Chicago family photography

March 26, 2018

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph this family since child #1 was born. Now they’re getting family photography done as a family of 4. It’s amazing how quickly things change. Especially I see families just 1-2 times a year for pictures. The boys are just so cute and they’re a beautiful family – I love my time with them each year.

Plus, kids at this age have a mind of their own amirite? I won’t go into the details publicly, but I am sure mom and dad will forever remember this session and the particulars of what one of the boys wanted to wear for his photos. Or not wear? Whatever, its hilarious.

The weather is changing into spring and now is the time to book your family photos! Most families book 4-6 weeks in advance, however in the fall I recommend booking as early as possible – my fall schedule opens in June! Booking early is the best way to ensure you have a spot on my busy calendar.

If you’re pregnant, you can book your newborn’s session as early as your comfortable. (Most do that in their second trimester).

I photograph families in the Chicago suburbs through Lake and Cook Counties. I work with families from Chicago, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Tinley Park, and more throughout the Chicagoland area. I would love to chat with you about your sessions and to answer any questions you may have. Contact me for all the details.