I specialize in weddings, couples, and seniors, so don’t typically take on a lot of family photo shoots. That being said, I LOVE this family so much. They dress amazingly well (everyone - I mean everyone - take note)! This is the second year in a row I got to do their family photos, and it’s so nice to reconnect with my clients. This year, they brought along their newest family member, baby Nash (I’m in love)! This Chicago family photo session was so dreamy!

two parents and three young children dresses in white and navy gather in close and smile under a gazebo at sunset
mother and father kissing and holding their three kids under a gazebo at sunset
young blonde girl in navy dress and white lace long sleeve shirt smiling in front of the sunset
mom and dad smiling at each other and holding kids and one kid is hugging mom's knee under a gazebo at sunset
mom with long blonde hair in a navy lace dress putting her nose on her young baby son's cheek
mother holding baby and daughter hugging father as other little boy walks toward family in navy and white clothes

The kids are all so cute, and Blair + Jake are the cutest parents! They also totally crushed picking out the outfits to all go together so well. I mean dang!! I did NOT dress like that when I was a kid! hahaha!

The navy and white outfits worked so well together, especially for late summer/fall in Chicago. If you need some family picture outfit ideas, just take the basic tips from this family. Stick with two or three main colors, and mix up the textures and patterns on everybody's outfit so it isn't too matchy-matchy.

family of five wearing navy and white clothes laughing and talking to each other under the blue skies with clouds
two young children and a baby boy wearing navy and white smiling in front of a blurry green bush at sunset in Chicago
little girl laughing with two young brothers at sunset in Chicago Park
young girl kissing young brother on the cheek and holding baby brother at sunset in Millenium Park park
two parents sit on the grass with three young children at sunset in Grant Park Chicago
family of five in navy and white smiling at sunset in Grant Park
two parents kiss their two sons while young daughter dances in Grant Park
Family of five in Grant Park Chicago hugging at sunset
three young children in navy and white laying in the grass at Grant Park laughing at each other

We went to one of my favorite parks, and hung out for a while playing games with the kids. I barely had to direct them, and just let the whole family love each other and interact with each other. Not to mention, Nash is THE happiest baby I've ever seen...he didn't cry once. He was just smiles and pure happiness the whole time...even when he fell over hahah.

For family photos with young kids, I always recommend bringing along some favorite toys, blankies, and a few snacks - just in case!

young baby boy in white button down and navy pants and suspenders lays on a blanket and smiles
young blonde girl in navy dress and white long sleeves dancing at sunset in Grant Park
woman with long blonde hair holds her baby boy to her chest at sunset in Grant Park

I know evenings can be hard with younger kids, but golden hour (later in the evening) is the most beautiful time to shoot!

If you can feed your kids an early dinner and pack some extra snacks, it's totally worth keeping them up a few minutes past their bedtime!

And of course, being primarily a wedding and couples photographer, I think it's SO important to get a few good pictures just of mom and dad!

man in white shirt and navy pants holding woman with blonde hair in navy lace dress and smiling at sunset in Grant Park
husband and wife in white and navy clothes kissing at sunset
woman with long blonde hair in navy dress smiles at husband in white shirt and navy pants and tie
husband kisses blonde wife in navy lace dress on the forehead at sunset in Grant Park Chicago

I only take on a few bookings for family photos each year, so if you want to capture these precious memories of your babes, definitely don't wait! :)

Are you looking to do your own Chicago family photo session?

Need some ideas for locations?

Check out these couples photos at North Avenue beach, or these engagement photos at Chicago's Montrose Harbor!

I’m based in Chicago but travel anywhere - contact me to plan your family photos!