Some stories feel extra personal to document. The ones where you’re not just the photographer, but part of the story itself.
This year marks 10 years since my sister and her family packed up their life in Chicago and drove west toward something new. Ten years since we loaded cars, said emotional goodbyes, and watched familiar city streets slowly fade into open highways and mountain views.
And somehow, it still feels like yesterday.
Before Colorado became home, Chicago held so much of their story, and mine, too.
Weekend walks through tree-lined streets, kids growing up between seasons, and countless ordinary moments that later became the ones we missed most.
As a photographer, I had the privilege of documenting their family again and again over the years. So many photo sessions scattered across the city, parks we returned to every Summer or Fall, sidewalks filled with laughter, familiar backdrops that watched their family grow alongside my career.
Those photos now feel like a time capsule.
Leaving Chicago wasn’t just a move. It was a leap into a completely different rhythm of life.
Skyscrapers traded for mountain peaks. Busy streets replaced by open trails. Familiar routines rewritten into something entirely new.
Over the past decade, I’ve watched them all grow and thrive in Colorado life. Today, they celebrate ten years in Colorado. Ten years of new traditions, new memories, and a life built among the mountains.
And for me, it’s a reminder of why photography matters so much.
Photos aren’t just about where you are, they’re about when you were there. They hold the transitions, the growth, and the stories we don’t realize are milestones until years later.
From Chicago neighborhoods filled with early memories to the mountain landscapes that now define their everyday life, it has been an honor to document both versions of home for them.
Because no matter the backdrop, city streets or mountain views, family is what makes a place meaningful.
And getting to preserve that story, across miles and across time, is something I’ll never take for granted.
LOVE YOU, MY AMAZING ARABIAN FAM!
And the memories continue…
Fall family photos in Lincoln Park: Fall in Lincoln Park is the perfect combination of vibrant colors, sunshine, and natural beauty, creating a breathtaking backdrop for family photos. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying time together, a sunny fall day in Lincoln Park will provide memories that last a lifetime. So, gather your loved ones, put on your favorite fall outfits, and head to Lincoln Park for a photoshoot that captures the beauty of the season—and your family—at its best.
Timing Is Key: A Sunny Fall Day
The beauty of fall in Chicago is undeniable, but it’s important to consider the timing of your photoshoot. For a sunny day photoshoot, the golden hour – which happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset – is especially enchanting. The soft, diffused light during this time creates a warm, glowing effect, making your family photos look even more intimate and radiant. If you’re shooting midday, the sunshine will add vibrancy to the leaves, creating a stunning contrast against your family’s attire.
Pro Tip: Aim for the early morning or late afternoon for the best light, avoiding the harsh midday sun, which can create unwanted shadows.
What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
Autumn is all about layers, texture, and rich colors, and choosing the right outfits for a fall family photoshoot can make all the difference. For a coordinated but not overly matched look, choose colors that complement the surroundings – earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, burnt orange, and deep burgundy work beautifully with the fall backdrop. Textures like chunky sweaters, scarves, and denim add visual interest without distracting from the natural beauty of Lincoln Park.
Making the Most of Your Photoshoot
To truly capture the essence of your family, let the natural beauty of Lincoln Park guide the session. Have fun with candid moments—laughing together, playing in the leaves, or simply walking hand-in-hand down a tree-lined path. These spontaneous moments will often result in the most genuine and heartwarming photos.
HUGS FRIENDS!
Maternity photos at Montrose Harbor in Chicago: Rachel and Connor first started with a family of 3. One just happened to be a dog.
I first met these two for their engagement photos with their adorable dog Kota. We spent a cold winter afternoon down by the riverwalk and were lucky enough to catch some of the prettiest sunshine sneaking through the buildings.
That following August, we celebrated their wedding at Cafe Brauer with photos all around Lincoln Park. Kota of course joined in on their first look and a few wedding party photos. These three were always so much fun to photograph. So when they told me they wanted to get maternity photos, I was overjoyed.
With a big love for the city of Chicago, they wanted to make sure we showcased it in yet another big-life milestone. So we made our way up North to one of my favorite spots to look over the skyline, Montrose Harbor. Once again, sweet Kota joined us as one of the cutest ‘BIG SISTER’ dogs to be. We truly lucked out with a gorgeous blue sky and a sunset that, well, speaks for itself.
I was overly excited about that unbelievable sky and so thrilled to see these two as parents. I knew they would be the most kind-hearted and loving mom and dad. This maternity session for sure goes down in the history books as one of my favorites.
For even more sweetness, scroll down to see a few of sweet baby Stella’s newborn photos.
Congratulations Rachel and Connor!
WELCOME BABY STELLA!
And for a little comparison fun, here is their wedding day on the same stairs compared to their newborn session day. Kota, and now Stella as well, both stealing the show.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!
The Siano Family : When a hot Summer afternoon ends with a family jump in the pool.
This beautiful family is always so much fun to hang out with and they only continue to grow in size! With baby boy #4 on the way, this gorgeous momma wanted to make sure we captured their last Summer together as a family of 5.
We met at their suburb home on an unusually humid evening. “Of course!” We all laughed off as we immediately started to sweat within seconds of walking outside. The hot weather didn’t seem to matter to the boys, though. With water bottles in hand, we ran over the bridge and they leaned over the side pointing out all the fish swimming below. The neighbors generously let them play around on their swinging bench nearby, and we laughed as each kid stood taking turns getting their photos taken.
After a lot of running around, we all decided that a final jump in the pool, clothes and all, would be the best way to end this sweet session. I for sure dunked my head as well. Best feeling ever!
These boys are all such beautiful combinations of their parents and I’m so excited to see what baby #4 looks like!
An afternoon at home and the park.
This family is the sweetest! I had last seen them all a few years past during winter when they still lived in the city. The boys were a lot smaller back then and it was a lot colder too! This time, I got to meet them at their new home in the suburbs. They wanted to document this time in their lives after such a big change.
We all experienced the pandemic differently, but I know most families just wanted a little normalcy back into their every day lives after so much time away from each other. A fun photoshoot at home was the perfect way to bring out the needed smiles.
The boys were so interactive with me and not afraid to smile and be silly in front of the camera from the start. We started at home and then made our way to a park nearby, staying cool in the shade. I’m so grateful to this family and all my other #egpfam families that allow me and my camera to glimpse a part of lives. I truly cherish these moments as I hope they all will too.
By the way, how cute is this first picture with their family dog?!
