Connection - Chicago Lifestyle Newborn in Uptown Chicago

Connection. If there’s one that word that summarizes this session, it’s precisely that. It’s also what photography symbolizes to me, what it documents and what it celebrates. When I first started out in photography, I was all about “pretty” pictures. It started as a hobby for me, of nature, flowers, landscapes. A way to document what I saw as beautiful in this sometimes-bleak world. After I started photographing people, I was still honing my craft and wanting to make the pretty pictures, but it wasn’t until later on in my journey where I realized something more profound. Yes, I can take a photo of a person in a beautiful setting, but without the connection, it’s really just a snapshot. When I started to take a more lifestyle approach to my newborn sessions, and just watch the love unfold that I was surrounded among, it gave my purpose a whole new meaning. I still give direction and take the smiley looking-at-the-camera photos, but it’s the moments like these that really tell your story and make my heart soar.

Newborn Baby Boy & Golden Retriever Brother in the West Loop [Chicago, IL]

If you’re new here and not aware of my slight (!) obsession with dogs, and dogs + babies together, you’re in for a treat here! This sweet family’s session was in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago and included all the wonderful things that make this photographer’s dream come true. An adorable new baby boy, a sweeeeeeet big fur Golden Retriever brother, loving parents, a Chicago city view and a beautiful nursery. Definitely not saying anyone has to have all of these things in their photos in order for them to be great. Not at all. It’s truly about connection and relationships for me, but add in all of those other things and you’ll make my photographer heart beat real fast!

This little guy is already walking and that just shows how behind I’ve been with blogging! I’m going to try to be better now that I’m entering hibernation mode. For now, enjoy this beautiful session!

Under the Sea Nursery Newborn Photo Session [Chicago Newborn Photo Session]

Every time I type the “under the sea” theme for this blog post, and every time I look at these images, I get the song from “The Little Mermaid” in my head! The one where Sebastian sings to Ariel; is it actually called “Under the Sea”?! We got no troubles, life is the bubbles - under the sea! It’s in my head now, and maybe even in yours too! Sorry! This session was wonderful and I am in love with this nursery. So much thought went into every detail of this room, and I never wanted to leave! This little guy is so lucky! I hope Mom and Dad are spending all of their time in this chair yet, soaking up the baby snuggles and being surrounded by so much color & fun. Dad hung the wallpaper himself, a true labor of love, and I was impressed. Baby even received a handmade quilt, sea-themed of course, so we had to take some photos on it.

Of course you don’t even need a nursery, or a finished one at that, to have a great newborn session. However, if you do, I highly recommend taking photos in it since you’ve likely spent so much time planning the room where your baby will call home. Personal touches like handmade quilts/blankets are great too. I bring blankets and swaddles with me, but when you have your own items to incorporate it makes your photos that much more special and unique to you.

Welcome to the world, sweet baby J. You are so loved.