Posts in family photography
Clothing Guide for Holiday Mini Sessions

The holiday season brings many traditions, and one of the most magical is a photo session at a Christmas tree farm. These photos capture the joy, warmth, and excitement of the season, making them perfect for family portraits, holiday cards, or simply to cherish the festive moments. But planning your outfits for these pictures is essential to get perfect, timeless images.

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Best Location for Winter Family Photo Sessions In Chicago

The Garfield Park Conservatory: This is my favorite winter spot! It’s super warm and you kinda feel like you’re somewhere tropical with the heat and all the plants. It’s especially nice to visit on super cold days in Chicago. In fact, a lot of photos I’ve taken here look like they were taken outside…or in Hawaii. A client told me once that a friend saw one of their photos taken here and thought they went on vacation!

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What Is The Best Time Of Year For A Family Photo Session?

What is the best time of year for a family photo session? I guess that’s up to you and what you are looking for in your photos and what you want them for. Do you want a session inside your home? That can be done anytime of year. Do you want greens and flowers in the background? A summer photo shoot might be best for that. Maybe some nice fall foliage? Do you want holiday photos? Is this a birthday milestone session?

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A Session With Natalie Maria Photography From Start To Finish

I promise a photo session with me will not stressful. It will be laid back, fun, and easy. I strive for relaxed and easy sessions…posing will mostly be guided and directed, and you don’t have to practice smiling or anything…just be yourself and know that you will have fun and we will capture some great shots. Read on to learn how my maternity, newborn, and family sessions go from start to finish.

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When To Book Your Family Session

Thinking about booking a fall family photo session? Imagining the pretty leaves changing color and beautiful soft golden hour light? But it’s only April…you want a session in October. Might as well wait a few months to book, right? WRONG! Summer and fall are both very busy times for photographers. Specifically August-December, with September, October, and November being the busiest for me personally. It’s best to book your session as early as you can.

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7 Reasons You Should Schedule An Annual Family Photo Session

Personally, I think it’s important to document your family and your life through family photo sessions as often as you can. You could do it every couple of years, but then you’re missing out on all the big changes your little ones go through. Ideally I think once a year is great.

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Session Spotlight: A Special In Home Family Photo Session

Around the holidays I did a really special family photo session here in Chicago, in Lincoln Square. I was told ahead of time that this family had a two and a half year old son, and daughter that passed away shortly after she was born in early 2022. They wanted to include their daughter’s photo and a container with her ashes in our photo session… and of course, I said we could absolutely do that and I thought it would be great to honor her in that way.

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Choosing An Outdoor Location For Your Family Photo Session (In And Near Chicago)

The weather is getting warmer here in Chicago and you know what that means…outdoor photo sessions will be starting soon! Here are a couple of my favorite outdoor spots in Chicago, and in the suburbs, along with photos from each of those locations.

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The Importance of Printing Your Family Photos

Do you know that having family photos up can boost a child’s self-esteem? Really! According to actual research, when kids see themselves in photos that are hung in their home it can help them feel like a valued and important part of the family. Seeing their photo on the wall every day, lets them know they are loved and helps them develop a positive self image…more so than kids who grow up in homes without any family photos up. Great reason to order some prints and hang them up.

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