Lillian is one! Chicago One Year Old Birthday Photo Session - Chicago, IL

I’ve been photographing this little lady since she was in the womb and then when she made her earthside appearance! It’s always so much fun to watch these babies grow up and see their personalities start to come through. Miss L had a “Baby Shark” themed birthday party (sorry if that song is now in your head!) so we took some photos in her adorable birthday onesie & matching tutu. Mom and Dad also had shark-themed shirts! She had an outfit change, plus a snack break because let’s be real - being photographed is hard work! Then we headed outside among the lilacs and played with Oliver, her 4-legged BFF. Happy birthday sweet girl!

Portraits in Paris

When I found out my friend Brittany, of Brittany Marie Photography, was moving to Paris, France last fall I was a bit bummed because we had just gotten to know each other and she was second-shooting weddings with me & I adored her. But I knew she was moving for the best reasons and I was incredibly happy for her. We were sitting at Eva’s Cafe in Old Town, having coffee and saying our goodbyes before she left Chicago and she told me I should come visit. In my head I thought, “Yeah, sure, I should… Someday.” Then I realized that’s the kind of thing I ALWAYS tell myself and then never do! Paris, and in spring time, has always been a bucket list destination for me so I made it a personal goal to get to Paris before her visa was up. After all, how could I not go when I knew someone living there?!

I am happy to report that I went! And it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have SO many photos it’s overwhelming, but I did get to see Brittany for a day and we took photos of each other for a bit in Paris. Here are a few of my favorite of her. I can’t stop smiling from these and will always cherish this trip. Isn’t she stunnnnnnnnnnnnning?! Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s also incredibly talented and has a heart of pure gold. If you’re in Paris, you must check her out.

When Should I Book My Lifestyle Newborn Session?

I get asked this question very often! Since I started focusing on lifestyle newborn photography sessions instead of sleepy-baby super-posed sessions, it's become a bit more relaxed in terms of how long we can wait to do photos after your baby has arrived. I still believe that the sooner we do your newborn photos the sleepier they tend to be, and the easier the session flows for mom and dad. However, I typically photograph newborns in their homes up to one month old. Every baby is different, of course, and it also depends on how early or late your baby made their debut. 

Newborns are best photographed between 4 and 14 days old.

Lifestyle Sessions -babies can be photographed up to one month old.

Pro tip: I recommend keeping the heat cranked in your home, or if it's summer turn the A/C off, during your in-home newborn session. 

As tempting as it may seem to be all about the baby at first, I believe it's not JUST about the baby! While I love nothing more than a super-adorable babe wrapped in a swaddle blanket with her hands on her cheeks, all cozy and cute, I think you must be in the photos too! This is a time that goes by SO fast and you're going to want to look back, when the moments may be a bit blurred. Your baby will love looking at the photos while growing up, and will greatly appreciate those photos when they are all grown up.