Mr. Oliver's Lifestyle Newborn Session at Home [Lakeview - Chicago, IL]

Repeat clients and families are so much fun for so many reasons. I get to watch your family grow, of course, and already know your kiddos so it makes it a little easier when photographing them. I got to meet Mr. Oliver and see his two big sisters and how much they’ve grown since I last saw them. I photographed his mom’s maternity session when she was pregnant with his older sister who was born in the height of the 2020 pandemic. While we had planned to do newborn photos for her, the world intervened. Miss A was two months old when we did her “newborn” photos but she ended up sleeping like a newborn at the last half of her session. Little brother was the same, even though he was about two weeks new here. He didn’t want to miss anything his big sisters were up to and was so alert, taking in his new world. I LOVE when newborns have their eyes open during their sessions. I feel like I can get a glimpse of who they are. Obviously there’s way less posing involved when they’re this alert, but it’s a trade-off! Oliver eventually did fall asleep for a few minutes at the end of his session so we got the best of both worlds in terms of the newborn photo world. Check out this cutie pie from one of my favorite families in Chicago!

This Beautiful, Messy Life

In this age of Instagram-worthy images that portray perfect and mess-less lives, I’m here today to remind you that life is not perfect. We need to stop falling down the rabbit-hole of lies that it is, and stop comparing our lives to social media posts. Life - it’s messy, yet beautiful. It’s chaotic and loud, in between quiet and lonely. No matter where you’re at on your journey in this life, it’s never going to look like anyone else’s. And that’s ok! In fact, it’s amazing. It’s what makes your life unique, your story different. Embrace the mess and the moments that aren’t picture-perfect. I try to in my own life, and I definitely try to for client sessions as well. Especially if there are small kiddos involved! Oftentimes, my favorite moments when editing are the real-life ones like this. These two big sisters have so much personality, and so much love for their new little brother. But change is hard, all, especially when you’re young and a new little creature that never leaves is brought home! Embrace the chaos, friends, and look for the beauty in the mess that life can be. Happy New Year!

Cheers, Courtney

Sweet Baby D & Her Fur Brother - Chicago Lifestyle Newborn

“Can our dog be in family photos?” This is the question I’m asked the most in consultations and before you can finish asking the question I’m already smiling ear-to-ear and claiming “YESSSSSS” very dramatically. Please!

If you don’t have a dog, I promise I will still take photos of your newborn! But if you have a dog, or cat, my heart will explode with happiness before, during and after your session. Combine my two favorite subjects in one session and this girl is a happy person and an even happier photographer. If you have a dog or cat, you’re likely in the same camp as me that believes they’re your family members and must be in your photos. Especially when they’re as adorable and curious as Mr. Elliot. He is so protective of her, and his pawrents, it’s really heart-warming. The only problem with these sessions is when I get home and my own dog, before even greeting me, will take minutes to sniff over all of my gear and bags to determine that I was with other animals and not her. I then have a semi-pouty pooch for a bit! It’s ok, though, because I get to deliver images like these that will be treasured forever. It’s even more fun when I go back for sessions as your baby grows, and I get to see them playing with their best friend. Nothing sweeter in the world. Dog people, or any animal people for that matter, are my people.

I also love all of those newborn details. The noses, the toes, eyelashes, dimples, skin rolls, lips, fingers, hair, forehead wrinkles, cheeks and more. When grouped together, they make an adorable collage!