Chicago Children's Photography

Corner-Miller Family // Chicago

in

This family holds a special place in my heart but this little girl is very special. Mari June was born about a year ago, these photos were taken to mark her first year of life. She was born extremely early and the NICU was a place of home for her in her first months of life. There were pulmonary hemorrhages, oxygen tubes, waiting, unknowing, doctors, blood transfusions, PICC lines, brain bleeds, brain surgeries, scans, ventilators, blood clots, and ultimately a diagnosis of Hydrocephalus - a buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. Luckily, Mari will be ok and her life will be fulfilled to the max, plus she has this great family so we all know that smile of hers is a miracle. 

I met Candace, Mari and Henry’s mom at my first day as a Sr. Graphic Designer at ULTA Beauty Corporate in the burbs of Chicago. It was her orientation too, where she was the social media manager. I liked her from the get go. She was confident, smiley and had a cool sense about her that I gravitated to. Maybe it was that she was the young one amongst some IT folks in orientation or maybe it was because we both shared the love of our nose studs. We became friends over time and even managed to get into our own version of a supper club together. Supper club sounds dated but it was really a girl’s date night, where a few of ULTA girls who lived in the city and had to commute to Bolingbrook, bitched about the traffic and laughed about “those” co-workers. 

I met Candace and Johnny at Montrose Beach one August morning and the light was beautiful, perfect in my opinion. The sky was slightly overcast but rays of light peaked through various holes in the clouds. Both kids were smiley and hilarious, and I even got a rendition of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” by Henry and Candace. He knew every word! For a three-year-old, I am impressed! These photos are soft and gentle, and I think their outfits are just the cutest, not surprised by the woman who puts all us moms to shame when it comes to Halloween! 

They love these images and I hope they’re cherished for years to come. Thanks Candace and Johnny for allowing me to capture these special moments.

XO

J

Davis Family // Humboldt Park // Chicago

in

The landscape might fool you because we were neither lakeside nor in the suburbs, just a quick hop, skip and a jump to Humboldt Park in Chicago and you get everything - beach, pond, prairie and open field. Katie and her family were so great to work with. They found me through a past client and we met up on a beautiful summer evening. I was forewarned that their daughter, Hannah was 1) sick and 2) the shoot was close to her bedtime. Ha! I know what that means! Luckily, she was an angel, even smiley. I just love the warm light in these photos and you can really feel the love between them. I especially loved when Hannah kept kissing her mama, full chin suck and all. Enjoy these sweet moments with the Davis Family. <3

xo

J

Brody Michael is Here // Chicago

in

I shot Michelle and Brian’s wedding a few years ago and I just love when my clients have babies! I was able to meet Brody when he was just 10 days old. He was still so little, wrinkley skin and oh so hungry! Those newborns love to cluster. JI always have to allow for enough time with newborn shoots. Sometimes they won’t eat, they won’t sleep or they just want to be held. And in the end we were lucky enough to get some shots of Chopper with Brody, their beloved boxer who’s been with Michelle for years and years. Thanks for reading!

J

Hall Family // Chicago

in

I met one of my favorite clients at the beach, normally we just do local shoots at her home but today we ventured out to a bright early summer morning shoot. The sun was bright, the volleyball leagues were playing, the runners were out in full force. For some reason Valentina wasn’t up for a shoot. We tried walking with her, we tried tickling, giving her snacks, and it just seemed that this day was not her day. Her mom felt so bad because we made the trip out, we really wanted to make it work so then we took a stroll near the water. As we got close, we’d run from the wave. That’s when her tears started to dry. Valentina started to open up to me a bit if I just kept back and let her have her moment in the water. That’s when we got our photos!

J

Quinn Lake // Chicago

in

Quinn was born to some good friends of mine. Their son is just a month younger than my daughter so we were pregnant together. Quinn is sucha well-tempered baby, they are so lucky to have her. She is sweet, she sleeps, she eats AND she looks at the camera. If I was guaranteed to have a Quinn, I think I’d be better equipped to have No. 2! I went over to visit them at their home on a summer night, her brother wanted to go play outside and Quinn and her mommy were the best subjects. After a toddler bribe (happens ALL the time), I was able to capture a few of just the new brother and sister and  This family is so sweet, I am so lucky to have them as friends. <3

J

Lefevour Family // Oakbrook

in

It had been almost 4 years since the last time I photographed this family. Mikey was barely crawling and Mae was still so little. They’re both so tall now and hilarious. I love their brotherly- sister love. He always wanted to do what she was doing. I love when little boys look up to their sisters, that’s my feminist bone coming out. JWe met on a warm summer night in Oakbrook, I had never been to the Graue Mill, a water-powered gristmill and it sits on the Dupage Country Forest Preserve. It had water, trees, paths, and gorgeous summer light. I just wish it was closer to the city so I could shoot here all the time! So much personality in this family, we even had a to take a few photos with thumbs up to appease Mikey, the youngest. Haha! I hope you enjoy!

J

Sayers Family // Chicago

in

Here’s a great little mini family shoot I did for Sarah and Ryan and their not-so-baby anymore, big girl, Frances aka Frankie aka Frenchie. Frankie just turned two shortly before this shoot and it was so fun shooting her. I think my favorite age is two, they are so funny and just talking so the things they say are so entertaining.

We met at a garden park in Logan Square, across the street from their home. It’s a great little space, one city lot with a patio, trees and wildflowers. I love this family a lot, we’ve been friends for years, I go way back with Sarah to my hometown in Iowa so it’s fun to be able to do these kinds of things for her. Enjoy these!

J

Scholls Family // Olive Park

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting The Scholls. Abby, a long time friend of mine (we used to build forts and ride bikes) had asked me to shoot her family and I was thrilled. I loved meeting Matt and Sam. Sam is 2 and probably the smiliest child I have every encountered. I know, every kid has their moment of tantrum and just being tired but he was a dream. I also have a sweet spot for 2 year olds.

We met at Olive Park and strolled around Oak Street Beach. The weather was stunning for the end of October, we lucked out. I hope you enjoy these!

J

Gabriella // Lincoln Park

in

I took Gabriella’s 14 Month photos on a dreary day in March. She wasn’t so sure of me at first. Her faces in the first few photos below express her feelings, haha! She slowly but surely opened up and ended up being a total goofball. I love see the personalities of little ones come through. She is the same age as my daughter so it’s fun interacting with other children her age, sometimes they are so different! I hope you enjoy!

xo

J