Choosing Your Location

Besides my set mini sessions, the location for your session is entirely up to you! If you have a specific location in mind, I can’t wait to hear about it! Otherwise, I have several favorite spots all over the Chicagoland area that I’m always happy to recommend based on the look you are going for.

Depending on the time of the year, most of my clients prefer to do their family sessions outside (insert fall as being the MOST popular). Whether you want greenery, flowers, urban-look, or even the beach, the great outdoors gives us SO many options.

It is important to note that for outdoor sessions, we may not determine our exact location until the week of our session as we watch weather and I check the current conditions.

However, your home can also provide a perfect and memorable backdrop for you too!

I’m able to photograph you in your home as is or can even set up a mini studio. This works really well for milestone sessions like birthdays and those classic photos that show your family’s personalities.

Or if you have a fun idea, outing, or party that means something special to your family, I’m always open to shooting on location pretty much anywhere!

Though it may seem like a minor detail, the location of your photos can set the whole scene to your session. What kind of photos do you want hanging on your walls? And sometimes, it’s nice to switch it up a bit too. Consider your home if all of your family shoots have been outside or document a fun family outing!

We will chat about the look you are going for and decide the best location for your family together!

September 10, 2023 Mini Sessions

It’s hard to believe the busy fall season is starting to wind down (though I still have hours upon hours of editing ahead of me! 🤣). Before we know it, Thanksgiving and the Holiday season will be here!

As I shoot my final group of minis tonight, I’m sharing some favorites from a September day. We got incredibly lucky with a beautiful, warm, Sunday afternoon at Crow Island Woods in Winnetka. Its a beautiful spot to shoot and is especially great for my favorite North Shore clients. 😘 However, my favorite part about this day was that no family was new. Repeat clients are THE GREATEST compliment to me and I couldn’t be luckier with the ones I have. Thank you for always turning to me to freeze your memories.

PS. I made this blog way harder than it needed to be because I tried to pick four favorites from each family and it was so hard! I hope to share more from each in the future on my socials.

Tips for a Great Session!

Before your session, I typically recommend talking to your family about what they’ll be doing. Be sure to tell them that we’ll have fun! The best piece of advice I can give is to try to let go of your thoughts of perfection. I know it’s easier said than done! It’s ok if your kids aren’t “perfect” during our time together. As a mom myself, I know that most days don’t go exactly how we might plan it! Just try your best to be in the moment and trust that I’m still getting some great shots even if you think I’m not. Most often, the best shots are the ones where everyone isn’t even looking at the camera!

Full bellies often make for happier kids, so a small snack before photos can sometimes be very helpful! Just make sure you choose a stain-free snack, so they don’t ruin their cute outfit! A lot of families often discuss a fun activity or treat they might have together following the photo session too aka a very shameless bribe. 🤣 Did I hear ice cream?!

I do recommend packing a small bag with snacks and water as well as any toys or lovies that might help a shy child feel more comfortable. It’s usually best if they aren’t made aware of these ahead of time and we only resort to them if needed! I do have “Magical Smiling Smarties” that I sometimes give as long as parents are ok with it. It’s also a good idea to have extra wipes or tissues for runny noses on hand.

As for the adults, throw in some extra makeup for touchups or even a change of shoes for walking to different locations. You can also pack different accessories like a hat or jacket to create some different looks! I know getting ready for a family session can be a lot of work, but it is always always worth it!

What Do I Wear?

There are many aspects that go into a successful photoshoot. One of those aspects is outfits. I believe outfits can play an important part in the overall look of the images. When you choose outfits you love and feel good in, you will love the images even more. It allows you to be in the moment with your loved ones instead of worrying about how uncomfortable the outfits are, or how you might portray yourself in them.

I’m happy to share some tips that can amp up your look and make your outfits cohesive, stylish, and flattering! In addition, all AKP clients get special access to an interactive styling resource that can even do all the shopping for you. However, just paying attention to these few tips will help your photos look timeless!

Accessories: Jewelry, hats, suspenders, knee high socks, cardigans, vests, jackets and even hair bows or headbands can add layers and help coordinate across multiple people. I usually just say to avoid long necklaces for jewelry since they can get caught on things and not always lay right.

Multiple colors: Choose a 2-3 colors color palette in the same tone and sprinkle in some neutrals to avoid matching. You want to coordinate! So long to the days of “everyone wear a blue skirt and khakis!” (don’t worry, I have some family pics with this exact look too).

Patterns and textures: Don't be afraid to mix patterns such as florals and stripes, or plaids and polka dots. Adding in textures such as velvet, lace, crochet, corduroy can also add visual interest.

Colored pants: If you are going for an all neutral look, or lots of earth tones, blue denim jeans can throw off the overall look. Instead, use complimentary colored chinos such as olive, burgundy, khaki, grey, etc. Its also great to not have everyone wearing denim and mix in some other options.

Outfits with movement: Picking outfits that can be flowy and show a lot of movement for the girls can create some magical images. Stay away from stiff and tight fabrics, especially since you'll probably be asked to sit for a few photos. Flowy maxi dresses and skirts are a great options. If you are wanting a more casual look, wide leg pants, colored trouser pants, or shorter dresses are also a great option. Just watch the length on the shortness of some dresses or skirts!

Flattering fits: Accentuate what you love and don't hide your entire body. Shift dress can create unflattering illusions, instead, select a flowy wrap maxi or a cute skirt with a sweater tucked in that accentuates your curves without being too form fitting.

Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to buy a whole new wardrobe for your family photos! I always tell my clients to start with mom’s outfit and build from there. Most often, you have things in your closet that will work! And as always, I’m more than happy to offer my thoughts to your planned outfits! Just text and email some pictures. Just a little but of effort can elevate your photos to works of art you’ll want displayed for years and years to come!

Five Reasons to do an In-Home Newborn Shoot

I think if you're here, you probably know the importance of hiring a professional newborn photographer when you have a baby. It's so great to be able to get yourself in photos while actually taking the time to get some beautiful images over what a phone can provide. I just recently had a newborn session and as I was packing up to leave, the new mom and I were chatting about how she loved that the session was in their home. I couldn't agree more and only recommend these type of sessions to all my friends!

So in no real order, here's my five reasons why to do just that:

1. Comfort. Comfort. Comfort. 

I mean this one goes without saying, but it just couldn't be more true. I come to you. You don't need to pack anything. You probably don't even need to put shoes on! All you have to do is some very light tidying (like clearing end tables or beds) and I take care of the rest! You are also able to feed your newborn in the comfort of your own bedroom or nursery. The goal should be to make the whole session as stress free and comfortable as possible and you not having to transport or pack up your new baby is at the root of it!

2. Mom starts to feel more like herself.

Newborn photos are typically done once you're home and the baby is 7-14 days old. This gives Mom some time to heal and get a little acquainted with her new norm. Forcing yourself to shower, put on a little makeup, and wear real clothes also helps you to feel human and back to yourself again!

3. The whole family can be included.

Whether you already have children or even furry family members, your in-home session can include the whole family! In my mind, nothing is sweeter than a protective doggy laying down next to their new tiny sibling. Plus, being in your home environment often helps make the older siblings feel most at ease and comfortable! Once they are done with their photos, they can go back to their own toys or books!

4. We capture your home during this new chapter.

It's so exciting when you bring your newest family member home. In-home sessions allow you to capture your baby in their new, safe environment. I especially love being able to document the baby in their nursery and/or crib. I also typically shoot in the master bedroom and family rooms capturing your new family as you are in your home.

5. You'll treasure these pictures for years to come.

When you have a new baby of your own, your whole world changes. The phrase “time flies” takes on a whole new meaning as you begin to understand just how quickly time passes with your precious little one. Babies change and grow so quickly - especially in those early days of their life.

As a mom myself, I know those early days are just about survival and you may not feel your best. However, booking a newborn session will help you capture these fleeting moments with your little one forever - moments you will never get back. These are much more than just pictures; these are artworks of memories that will only grow in value over the years. It brings me great joy to know that you and your children will be able to look back and treasure these memories in the years to come.

This is such a special time for you and your family! So relax and let me worry about all the details while capturing you and your precious one in the comfort of your own home!