Joliet Family Photographer - Tomasik Family

Being out and about during a family photo shoot is very freeing  for me. I love being outdoors when the weather is right (call me crazy, right?). So when I get the honor of photographing a family I immediately suggest doing the shoot outdoors. Being outside gives us the ability to move around and get several looks in a small space.

Here's a family portrait session I did here in Joliet and the weather was just perfect - hot out in the sun and percent in the shade. So of course all of the photos are in the shade :)

My many thanks to the Tomasik family for inviting me over and allowing me to spend some time with them this beautiful afternoon. Thanks guys!

Lincoln Park Zoo Family Photos - Kanner Family

It's been a really hot and muggy summer in Chicago, but nothing was going to stop the Kanner family from taking their family portraits over at the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo. You see, they are visiting family here in Chicago ALL the way from Berlin, Germany, where they currently live. I had the absolute pleasure and honor of photographing Kersty and Brian's wedding almost 2 years ago, so this was a very rewarding family shoot for me. I love being able to photograph the wedding of a couple and then continue to document their lives once they start a family - it's really the coolest thing for me to see that family grow! 

Here are a handful of my favorite photos from their Lincoln Park Zoo family photos. I love the little ones eyes, they're so intense and so "German" as Brian would say. Thanks!

Lincoln Park Zoo Engagement Photos - Alison & Steve!

I've known Alison and her family since high school, so this was a very fun and rewarding engagement session for me. She moved all the way to Australia for work about 4 years ago and we haven't been able to connect as much as I'd like, though keeping up via Facebook helps a ton. She met Steve in Australia and had only seen photos of them together and I could tell she was super excited. Seeing them together last week was great, and listening to Steve speak with that Aussie accent was super cool. You see, I love British and Australian accents and always practice them while alone in my car.

Here are a handful of our engagement session at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, as well as a few from North Ave Beach. It was a super hot July morning, but it's hard to tell since Alison and Steve were totally into the shoot. I can't thank them enough and I'm looking forward to their wedding next year in April. Thanks guys and what an honor for me to photograph your engagement.

Joliet Family Photographer - Villareal Family

It's officially summer time and we're finally able to go out and enjoy the outdoors. I especially enjoy shooting outdoor family portraits because the backgrounds are always colorful and vibrant. And being outside allows the kiddos to run around for a bit before and after the family photo session is done.  This particular family photo was done pretty quickly - the frame was set up and the family started having a fun time. It was a little on the chilly side this particular day, but we were able to get some really fun photos.