Bridgeport Lifestyle Newborn Session {Chicago, IL}

Lately I’ve been discovering that my most favorite sessions are the ones where I’m mostly just a fly on the wall. I will give direction when needed, but generally I just hang back and observe. I love watching how people interact naturally, without me telling them what to do. And then I go from there. I might have you look at each other or bring your noses or foreheads together occasionally but otherwise I follow your lead and just photograph it. Pure lifestyle nature, which isn’t what I was trained in so doesn’t always come naturally for me. This newborn lifestyle session in Bridgeport was just like that. Beautiful family with the sweeeeeetest dog, PLANTS and lots of natural light. All of my favorite things - It was a magical dream come true. They sat in their sun-filled living room and had coffee, laughed together at my obsession with their pup and snuggled the newest member of their family. Sweet baby A would get a little fussy now and then & dad knew just how to hold him to calm him down. It’s the moments like these, especially in those blurry first few weeks, that I want you to remember the most. It’s real. It’s raw. Full of love. It’s those small moments that make up a beautiful life. How lucky am I that I get to witness those moments and document them so you so you’ll never forget. I do not take that for granted and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Sweet session at Heritage Bicycle

When I first moved to Chicago, I quickly discovered that one of my favorite things to do in the city was find unique coffee shops every time I was in a new neighborhood. Not only did it help fuel my coffee addiction, I got to know my way around the city pretty well based on coffee shop locations! However, this little gem - Heritage Bicycle - is in the neighborhood directly next door to mine and I've read about it, but still had not made it in here. Until now! For this adorable, laughter-filled session. Elizabeth and TJ mentioned that this is one of their favorite spots to go to on a relaxing weekend and I knew I had to document them in it! I fell in love with this coffee shop and I fell in love with Beth & TJ. They make each other (and me, honestly) laugh, they're both incredibly thoughtful, real, silly and so genuine. I had the best time getting to know them on a hot summer night in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Thank you both for humoring me with this collaboration and for laughing all the way. And thank you to Heritage, for being so delightful and accommodating. PS. Their coffee, and iced tea, is amazing! Check them out if you're in the area. 

My favorite!

My favorite!

Clown Dogs

I'm spending the week dog-sitting in Lakeview and get to hang out with these sweet, silly girls. Some of you may know that my dog, Emmie Lou, is still in WI while I'm in Chicago. This has been SO hard for me and so when I was asked to help out a friend of a friend, I jumped at the chance for pooch time. Meet Lola & Calleigh, the clown dogs. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Our week is consisting of sun-soaked paws, tiny walks, naps, lying upside down, playing, snuggling and avoiding this gross heat & humidity. They sure are hammin' it up for me and I'm enjoying every second I get to spend with them.

Want portraits of your own pup?! Contact me for a play date!

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