Planning My Own Family Photoshoot Styling Perspectives from a Chicago and Naperville Family Photographer
It has been a couple of minutes since our last professional Chicago family photo shoot 🤭. Which essentially means a photo shoot that actually includes me (since I am after all a professional photographer and my kids and husband are well documented with professional photos). If you are a mom, I am sure that you can absolutely relate to not being in the pictures. So I am following my own good advice and getting in the picture with my family in a couple of weeks from now. This will also be a good reminder for me of what it is like to be on the other side of the camera.
In the shoot above, photographed by the lovely Chicago wedding and family photographer Maddie Blecha, I was going for a posh Christmas in Chicago feel. I actually found my daughter’s coat first from Little Goodall and styled the rest of the family’s clothing around this piece.
Typically, I recommend my clients put mom at the center of costume design for the group. Let’s be honest: kids look adorable in a potato sack, and most men will wear exactly what you lay out for them. Us ladies, if we don’t like how we look in the photo, even if everyone else has the most perfectly perfect smile they have ever given - we are not going to be happy. You know I speak the truth.
Styling a shoot is no easy task and the day of my Christmas in the City Chicago shoot was no exception. I felt like I was running a million directions pulling together outfits, getting my hair and make-up done (those lashes take a hot minute - unless you know Santos from Nordstrom’s Chanel - he is the BEST). About 30 minutes before our shoot it occurred to me that it would be super adorbs to buy carrots for the horses that pull the carriages downtown so we just HAD to stop at Wholefoods for those carrots that still had the leaves perfectly attached….creativity is not for the faint of heart. Despite the smiles in the photos above, the stress getting ready for that shoot led to some real changes in how I guide my own clients before a session. Pre-pandemic I formed the glam-squad to come to your home and bring the glam to you. I have also partnered with Style and Select to make clothing styling way easier for your photo shoot planning.
The shoot I am planning in the next few weeks is happening during a pandemic obviously - so the manicure, makeup and city environment are a no-go this time around. The shoot will take place early evening on a prairie and farm located in our new town of Naperville - Riverview Farmstead. I am hoping this means no crowds. Below are a few images I found (not mine all the credit goes to Timothy Whaley here) of the location we will be shooting in. Looking at the environment is the first step to choosing outfit styles for the session.
I believe that a photo shoot is the perfect excuse to go shopping - especially during a pandemic when I don’t want to head into stores and my very best sweat pants now have holes. Enter, stage right: Style and Select. This online styling program is a fabulous tool that helps my clients style their shoots in a painless way. I decided to use this tool for my own shoot and below is a video if you would like to see how it’s done! If you are a photographer checking out here is a code for 10% off BLUEBIRD10. You can thank me later 😜.
We are starting our outfit styling with the two dresses below from Rent the Runway. I also now have this available for my clients’ use so please reach out if you are interested in accessing from this cool service which also has clothing for girls now. My dress is on the right as I definitely recommend some shape for the ladies and my daughter’s is to the left.
Preparing for your Headshot | Chicago and Naperville Headshot Photographer
The Top Ten Secrets for a Perfect Headshot
When it comes to your headshots, my goal is to capture your best natural features, your strength, and your essence. My approach to photography is natural and relationship-oriented; I love to get to know my clients before putting them in front of the lens. I want to hear about your story - both personal and professional so that I can tell it in light and color. My goal is to create a portrait that says something meaningful about you. Are you an actor? A business professional? A model? With over 10 years of photography experience in Chicago and Naperville, I feel confident in my ability to craft a series of images that truly say something about who you are and your goals in life. So to help here is a list I have compiled of the Top Ten Secrets for a Perfect Headshot.
Chicago Newborn Session | Chicago and Naperville Newborn Photographer
I loved our session with this adorable family. They have the sweetest little girl and as an added bonus I was able to photograph the grandmother that happened to be in town for our shoot. I always love the opportunity to include grandparents in our sessions. Capturing these moments with grandparents will be cherished as these little ones grow.
Chicago Family Session in Michigan| Naperville and Chicago Family Photographer
I am always so inspired when I have the opportunity to travel for a family portrait session. This shoot was no exception. Michigan is an easy jaunt from the city but it feels worlds away when shooting in the woods and along the lakefront with this beautiful family. I take full advantage of the laughs that ensue when I tell my older kiddos to wrap their arms around each other or snuggle up - they may feel awkward at first but they secretly love it and I get the most genuine smiles. Being able to capture these moments with families that I love, is at the core of why I am a photographer. Enjoy!
Chicago Family Newborn Session | Chicago Family Photographer
I am so glad to be working with families again! I had my very last studio session with this sweet family before the world shut down. They were blessed with a beautiful little boy and I was thrilled to be able to capture images of them as soon as it was safe to do so (masked and 6 feet away of course). This little guy is super lucky to have such a loving big sister - she was to introduce me to her little brother.
I often have clients ask me about what to wear and after booking my own session and I got a dose of reality when planning my own family photos shoot after just having had a baby! So, I came up with a solution. I found an online stylist that can help guide my clients plan the perfect outfits for their shoot. There is a quick questionnaire that helps you choose the type of session (urban? whimsical?) and asks you to choose your favorite colors. Then it scours the far reaches of the internet to help you pull together clothing for the whole family to ensure that our sessions look polished and coordinated. Gone are the days of matching khakis and white shirts! We are creating art that I want my clients to be excited to hang on their walls.
In addition to helping you pick out clothing for your session, we meet (virtually now), and do a walkthrough so that I can help you think about where we will be photographing our session in your home. We try to plan this at the same time as our session so I can get a true understanding of the lighting in your home.
Planning out these details in advance alleviates much of the stress that can surround getting ready for a newborn portrait session. Trust me, you have enough on your plate! I do whatever I can to make your life easier.
When your gallery is ready, no need to hire a sitter for an in person meeting, we will hop on webex to share the video from your sessions and review your gallery and framing options. Then you can take the time to look through the gallery on your own time and choose the collection that works best for your needs. My goal is to save you time and stress, all while providing you with artistic, high-end, beautiful art for your home.
Chicago Family Session | Chicago Family and Children Photographer
It seems that there have been much interest in family sessions before moving. With so many beautiful memories attached to our homes, it makes sense to photograph here before leaving.
Having just moved myself, I know that moving is such a bittersweet time for many families. I’d love to help you capture memories of your home with a family portrait session in your home before you move. The timing couldn't be more perfect as your home probably is looking better than ever due to those real estate showings.
Every session comes with prints and you can add in frames as well, so you will have incredible art for your new walls. I also include a video (check out the one above) and my collections include gorgeous linen albums that you can look at over and over to reminisce about this special time with your family.
If you are a realtor I am also now offering a Home Sweet Home package to provide your client with a meaningful gift of a family portrait session in their old or new home!
Moving from Chicago | Chicago Family and Children Photographer
There are so many beautiful memories attached to our homes, memories of bringing your sweet babies home from the hospital, memories of lively family dinners, memories of just being home, and connecting as a family (we sure have had a lot of that as of late).
Moving is a bittersweet time for many families. I’d love to help you capture memories of your home with a family portrait session in your home before you move. The timing couldn't be more perfect as your home probably is looking the best it ever has thanks to all of those real estate showings.
As an added bonus with each session, I include a video (check out the one above) and my collections include gorgeous linen albums that you can look at over and over to reminisce about this special time with your family.
If you are a realtor I am also now offering a Home Sweet Home package to provide your client with a meaningful gift of a family portrait session in their old or new home!
First Communion Mini-Sessions April 25th and May 30th| Chicago and Naperville Children's Photography
Collect the beautiful moments with First Communion Mini Sessions
I can hardly believe it has been almost 2 years since my daughter made her own First Communion. Each week as I watch her walk confidently up to the altar to receive Communion, my mind goes back to that perfect May day. I am so proud to see the girl she is growing up to be.
As a Chicago children’s photographer, I had so much fun playing in the studio and capturing images of her in her white dress. I treasure the beautiful moments we captured from this special time: the dress, the flower wreath, the church filled with little girls and boys making the sacrament of their First Holy Communion, the friends, and family that came to help her celebrate. Two years have gone by in the blink an eye and so this year I decided to introduce Chicago First Communion Mini Sessions. It is a sweet and simple way to provide beautiful images of this special time in your child’s life.
These limited mini-sessions will take place in my Chicago Lakeview Studio on March 25th and May 30th.
Sisters in the studio| Chicago Children and Family Photographer
I have known these sweet sisters for many years and it is always such a pleasure to take their yearly portraits. My they have grown and how close they have become. Interested in a boutique mini-session before the holidays? Contact me at emily@tenlittlebluebirds.com
It all came together|Chicago children’s and baby photographer
I had been perusing Instagram when I stumbled upon the most gorgeous portrait of a mother and her son at a beautiful airy greenhouse. I was so mesmerized I took a deep her look to find that the photograph took place somewhere near chicago. After mailing my dearest photography friends - begging to find out where this beautiful spot was located I finally came upon Elmhurst’s Wilder Mansion and Conservatory. The funny thing is, I used to cater here as a high school job. This was well before I saw the world and its possibilities with my photographer eyes.
When planning the clothing for this session, I also came across a new photography clothing styling site called Style and Select. Styling for a session has never been easier. We literally typed in whimsical shoot, we like pinks and greens and voila Style and Select helped us pick two gorgeous little girl dresses that would be perfect for the feminine and airy look of this session.
We were so excited for our August session. We had hair and makeup ready to go but as the days inched forward the forecast was looking rather glum. So at the last minute we canceled…sigh. We did get a beautiful few studio shots on the blog but we did need to reschedule our Wilder Mansion session. We were so fortunate that our rescheduled date turned out to be the most gorgeous September afternoon and we arrived at the conservatory 15 minutes before close. Which meant that we had the conservatory to ourselves. The light was more incredible than I could have even imagined. Wilder Mansion conservatory and grounds had so much variety that it almost looks like we had four different sessions.
Finally, and most importantly, the love between these three ladies is palpable in each and every picture. The way they play and laugh together was such a pleasure to capture on my camera. Simply put, this is why I do what I do.
I am excited to share the session that came together so perfectly.
Maternity Session - Chicago Maternity and Newborn Photographer
I have been having so much fun this summer and couldn’t wait to share these beautiful maternity photos from my brand new cozy Lakeview studio space and gorgeous Montrose Beach.
Petite Studio Session - Chicago Children and Baby Photographer
A twenty-minute studio session is all you need to capture those life moments you just don't want to miss. Three months, six months or even six years with a jack-o-lantern grin, let me help you freeze these moments forever with a picture! Each session takes place in our cozy Southport Corridor studio. The sessions are timed perfectly for one child but we will be happy to add on accommodate siblings for an additional fee. Once your gallery is ready, you choose your five favorite jpegs and your very favorite image is printed and ready for you to frame!
Glencoe Beach and Lake Family Portrait Session - North Shore Suburb of Chicago, IL
The weather is finally heating up, school is letting out in just a few weeks and summer is on my mind! Grab a glass of Rose', pull up a lounge chair and check out the portrait session of this gorgeous family. I have had the privilege to work with over this dear family for the last few years and I can hardly believe how much they have grown.
Gather your crew this summer and let's create special memories that will last for generations! I will help to coordinate custom family portraits to capture each unique personality. We will work together to plan out the perfect session relaxing on the beach, exploring in the woods, or taking on the city and I will be there to capture every smile.
Favorite Chicago Outdoor Locations Series | Chicago Children, Family and Baby Photographer
I am often asked by my clients help choose the best location for their family photo shoot. The location plays a major role in the outcome of our photographs. Think outside the box a little...I often start by asking a few questions "What does your family like to do as family?" or "Where do you enjoy spending time together?" This helps guide our decision. Sometimes families have access to unique locations through their friends and networks. A cool hotel? A stadium? Perhaps a boat? Maybe an awesome view at the top of a skyscraper that they work in?
In the summer I love outdoor locations! Granted it may be that our Chicago winters are so harsh, that I would do absolutely anything to get outside and take advantage of what our great city has to offer. This blog series will provide examples of some of my favorite go-to spots around Chicago.
Gompers Park, Chicago IL
Looking for that idyllic fall foliage? Look no further than Gompers Park on the west side of Chicago. I am almost scared to post this because it is such a secluded spot. Is the perfect place for an afternoon walk through the park and across the red wooden bridges. Play in the leaves or bring some bread to feed the ducks.
Saint James Farm, Wheaton IL
Interested in an adventure in the suburbs? Check out Saint James Farm Forest Preserve. I grew up near Wheaton and never knew about this fabulous spot. Apparently, it was owned by the McCormick Family in the last few years they donated it to the DuPage County Forest Preserves. There are gorgeous horse trails and groves of trees and beautiful farm buildings that give this spot a very French Country feel.
OZ Park and my lincoln park studio
With the weather so gorgeous this time of year, I love to take advantage of the many gardens Chicago has to offer. One of my favorites is a sweet little rose garden just a block away from my Lincoln Park studio. We had a sweet little newborn shoot that started in the studio and ended up with the gorgeous sunset in Oz Park!
Chicago Botanic Garden
If you are jones-ing to get out of the city one AH-MAZING spot is the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, IL. Between the English Gardens, White Birch trees, prairie fields, Japanese garden and bridges, there so many fabulous options. I loved it so much I ended up purchasing a membership for my family and can't wait to head to back and visit this gem of a spot in every season!
Olive Park and Ohio Street Beach
I love the city-scape that Olive Park and Ohio Street Beach offers. The buildings loom right behind us and offer a dramatic and up-close city backdrop. We shot first thing in the morning, as the sun rose over the lake. Navy Pier can get pretty crowded on the weekends so I love shooting early in the morning here. This is a great spot for an active family. So many fun places to explore along our route.
Montrose Magic Hedge and skyline
Because I am a slight nerd (just slight)- I find the history of this place so interesting! Check out the PBS series Chicago Tours with Geoffrey Baer for some amazing insights and even more photo location ideas! Anyway, Montrose Point was taken over by the US Army before WWII as a radar station and then a missile station. It was finally dismantled in the 1970s and the hedge is now the resting place for over 300+ types of birds. I love that we can shoot in a forest just miles from downtown Chicago. We also have the backdrop of our magnificent skyline. We get such variety at Montrose.
When should I schedule my Newborn Photo Shoot? Chicago Children, Family and Baby Photographer
In an earlier post, I discussed how important it is in my photography to capture images that evoke emotion through a connection. In this last post, I wrote about why some parents choose to do their newborn photo shoots right away. However, there also many people that prefer to wait.
The Case for Waiting to Take Pictures
As beautiful as those first breaths of life are, newborns are no less cute or miraculous one month, two months, or even three months later! I had the privilege of doing a recent photo shoot where the family waited a few months before having me to the house. Mom and dad had given themselves time to get comfortable with this new little guy! The house was clean and the nursery was done, allowing for a cozy backdrop.
As with most any choice you make as a parent, what you believe is best, safest, and sanest is the correct answer. That connection between you and your baby is there, whether s/he is 30 hours or 30 days old.
I purposefully chose the words "Before they fly away" to appear on the first page of my site because I want everyone who visits to understand why I do and love this work. While my business and photography style has evolved, my mission has stayed the same since I first started in 2009: to save the fleeting and glittering moments that make our lives worth living.
Join us for Santa and the Skyline Photos! October 22nd
Naughty or Nice? It doesn't matter Santa would love to take a skyline photo with you! These skyline photos with Santa are priceless!
I am so excited to bring to bring you Limited Edition “Santa and the Skyline” sessions in Chicago, IL on October 22nd.
These magical photo shoots include a personalized meet-and-greet with our authentic Saint Nick! Sweets Perfection will provide delicious Christmas Cookies and hot chocolate.
We can help you avoid the last-minute scramble for holiday cards, and score some gifts for the grandparents while you're at it. The Limited Edition Skyline Santa Sessions will take place at the North Avenue Beach, affording a beautiful backdrop of the lake and skyline that no Mall Santa can rival! After you purchase, we will follow up to schedule your time.
Parents you are welcome to be in the photo, but all photos will include Santa. Also, Santa goes over best with babies under 1 year or kids over 3 years.
Even superheroes need a rest | Chicago baby and family photographer
I was thrilled to find out that I was recently featured on the Clickin' Mom's Blog for Fatherhood Inspiration. What a talented group of photographers with so many heartwarming fatherhood images. You can check it out here!
Styled Newborn Perfection | Chicago Newborn, Baby, Children Photographer
Want to know what sweeter than summer peaches? This darling family and their new little guy. I couldn't wait to share! Thank you to Jessica McKane Makeup for your talent!
One | Chicago Newborn, Baby, Children and Family Photographer
I just love the simplicity of a one-year-old studio session. Clothing optional.....
You just have to love this little guy!
A cake like this doesn't deserve to get smashed | Chicago Baby, Children and Family Photograher
What's cuter than one-year-old with a fist full of cake? A mischievous three-year-old that knows better? A six-year-old with a toothless grin? You be the judge! We all know that birthdays fly by too fast! What better excuse to get your little one into the studio than for a birthday session with Ten Little Bluebirds! You provide the cake and the kid, I'll capture what happens next. A limited number of birthday mini-sessions are available each month. You can purchase your session here.
Thank you to Sweets Perfection for the elegant cakes and to Kelsey Triebes from George the Salon for the stunning hair design.