The Chicago Newborn
PHOTOGRAPHER
Outdoor Family Photoshoots
CANDID MOMENTS CAPTURED
Woo hoo! You're booked!
This page is going to give you some info about what to expect and how to prepare for your session - including how to pick your location.
CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION
That location we choose for your photoshoot will have a significant effect on the overall look and feel to your images.
If you love the bright and airy look of my newborn sessions then I'd suggest an urban or beach front location to give those light tones to your images rather than the dark rich tones of nature locations. (we can also have your photoshoot in your home for the bright and airy look).
If you want something with those warm fall colors then I'd suggest choosing one of my "nature locations" that have a lot of browns, reds, oranges, and gold tones in the background.
BRIGHT AND AIRY
My favorite bright and airy locations are: North Avenue Beach, Rooftop Parking Lot (above the Chicago Theatre), in front of the Art Institute, the Field Museum, Chicago Board of Trade building, Union Station, and the River Walk
RICH AND WARM
My favorite locations for warm tones are: the Nature Boardwalk, outside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Grant Park, Kinzie Street Bridge, Promontory Point, Washington Park Nature area, Ping Tom Memorial Park.
Outside the city: Indian Caves (cave + waterfall), Morton Arboretum, Orland Grasslands ($150 discount for this location because it's so close to me!), Brookfield Zoo, Waterfall Glen (waterfall)
WHAT TO WEAR
If you're going with a bright and airy location, choose creams, whites, and other light neutral colors. If you're choosing a nature location, you can choose more rich earthy tones like rust, browns, dark greens, navy blue, maroon, etc.
STYLING TIPS
Coordinate don't match. For example: one parent in jeans and a brown sweater, other parent in a jean jacket, white shirt, and khaki pants, child in a brown dress with a cream cardigan. It's all one color palette of 3-4 colors but not everyone in the same color on top and bottom.
Layers. The more you can add things like cardigan, jackets, hats, tall socks, etc the better (especially for kids)
Textures + Small Patterns. Try to stay away from any bold patterns, instead choose fabrics with texture like knits and linens (but in a solid color) or patterns with really small print (as seen in the dresses above)
WHERE TO SHOP
My go-to places for photoshoot outfits for mama: Zara, H&M, Free People, Anthropology, Christy Dawn, Lenok Linen
For kiddos: Zara, H&M, Target, Fin & Vince, The Simple Folk, Rashida and Noah Designs, Lily and Dre, Little Stocking Co, Jamie Kay, Mebie Baby
HOW TO PREPARE
Keep them bundled. If it's chilly on the day of your photoshoot keep your little ones nice and bundled in hats and blankets until we're ready to shoot.
Bring neutral colored toys. If you think a pacifier or toy would be helpful find something neutral colored.
Bring a non messy treat. This is always a last resort but having a non messy treat can help if needed. (Think fruit snacks, mini marshmallows, raisins... anything that can be eaten in one bite)
Don't tell them to smile. For older kiddos don't tell them they're going to a photoshoot or that they are going to have to "cheese" for the camera. Instead tell them you're going on a fun family date and that your friend Jess will be there to document it. We're going to get way better smiles if we just play games and have fun and actually get real laughs!
Let's do this
they're only little for a little while
"Jess made the whole process so easy, fun, and quick (important when you have energetic littles)! She gave us the most beautiful family photos we have ever had - they really captured us as a family. Thank you Jess!!""
-Alicia R.
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"Absolutely always over the moon with Jessica’s photos. She has amazing patience for children and always always always gets the perfect shots. We’ve booked her several times and do not plan on going anywhere else. The overall experience that she provides is the best."
-Jazmine S.