Chicago Family & Newborn Photography
Capturing the authentic love, candid moments, and deep connection that make your family unique.
Real life. Real love. Beautifully captured.
Real moments make the best memories. Specializing in lifestyle family, newborn, and maternity photography in Chicago, these sessions are all about capturing connection, personality, and love—exactly as they are.
No stiff poses. No forced smiles. Just the real stuff: toddler giggles, baby snuggles, belly laughs, and quiet in-between moments that are easy to miss but impossible to forget. Sessions are relaxed, fun, and child-led—because little ones are at their best when they’re free to be themselves.
Worried your kids will go full chaos mode? They probably will—and that’s completely okay. With years of experience photographing thousands of families and newborns, nothing is too wild, too silly, or too unpredictable. The joyful, messy, beautifully unscripted moments are where the magic lives.
These aren’t just photos. They’re your family’s story—told honestly and beautifully. And when it feels like time is slipping through your fingers, these images will be your proof: we were here, we loved this hard, and it was worth remembering.
Meet your photographer, Natalie Starks!
Photo sessions take place at your home or on location at one of the many beautiful spots throughout the Chicago.
The booking process is simple, packages are all-inclusive (no surprise costs after your session), photo sessions are laid back, and receiving your images is quick and effortless.
Thank you for being here!
“I cannot recommend Natalie enough for newborn and family photos. Her work is so beautiful and exactly what I was looking for when I wanted to get family photos done. She made the whole process so easy - she was quick to respond, she handled all the scheduling, and she guided us through the whole shoot in a very relaxed way, even with a rambunctious toddler. She is very approachable and made the whole experience so comfortable. I would recommend Natalie in a heartbeat - she is truly amazing at what she does!”
View my portfolio
My family photo sessions aim to capture your family as authentically as possible…from love and joy, to moodiness and messiness…and everything in between. My goal is to invoke emotion through photographs.
My newborn photo sessions are baby-led. I don’t force babies to sleep or wake them up, and I’ll never pose them in an unsafe or awkward position. No space heaters, crazy props, or silly outfits. Your baby is perfect as is.
My maternity photo sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate your pregnancy and everything your amazing body has accomplished. These photographs commemorate the fleeting time before your little one arrives.
“Natalie has taken our photos since our second of three children were born - she’s been there for newborn, for holidays and just when something fun was happening (like a party for a 1st and 70th birthday at the same time). Her work is fantastic, and she is infinitely patient with the kids. Natalie is easy to communicate with, she turns her work around quickly, and works can both offer you ideas and guidance if you need them (I often do), or make sure you get what you are hoping for out of the photos. I would definitely recommend hiring her - you will be happy you did!”
What to expect from your photo shoot
Family photography sessions take place at your home or on-location anywhere in Chicago, or the surrounding suburbs.
Your photo shoot will be laid-back and fun! No need to stress about posing—your family is already perfect just as you are. The final images will capture your true personalities and the love you share in a way that feels natural, not staged or stiff.
Forget the practiced smiles—real moments are always better than forced, cheesy grins. While I’ll happily snap a few classic posed shots, most of your gallery will be filled with genuine, candid moments that I will lead you into with gentle direction. Some of the best photos aren’t the big smiles, but the curious, serious, or silly expressions that show who your kids really are. (Spoiler alert: Those usually end up being family favorites!)
Capturing real moments and turning them into timeless pieces of art you’ll cherish for years to come…these aren’t just photos; they’re a reflection of your family’s love, connection, and unique story.
“We’ve worked with Natalie several times, from our engagement photos to our son’s newborn photos and throughout our son’s first few years. After every shoot, we instantly fall in love with everything she captured and were so glad to have all of the memories. I love that she is more lifestyle-like because it makes the photos less staged and captures the true essence of the moment. Our only problem is we’ve run out of wall space for all the beautiful pictures she’s taken over the years! Natalie is professional and amazing with kids, making each session both easy and so much fun. We can’t wait for more photos and memories for years to come, thank you Natalie!”