Sunny the Dog Becomes the Best Big Sister! [Roscoe Village Newborn Photo Session]

To say I adore this family would be the biggest understatement! I met Sunny and her mom & dad at the Horner Park Farmer’s Market last spring and we got to talking after our dog’s met. My dog Emmie doesn’t love ALL dogs, but she liked Sunny and it made me quite happy! (It’s so hard to meet people as an adult and I’m so thankful for Emmie, who is often the ice-breaker!) These two are the sweetest and most genuine people I’ve met in a long time. I didn’t get their info at the farmer’s market, but I had Sunny’s name and found her on Instagram later that weekend. No shame here, I tracked her down! When Emmie DOES make friends, we need to keep them close by ;) Thus began our IG friendship! Later that summer, Ali announced Sunny was going to be a big sister & I’d been dying to photograph this gorgeous patch of wild Asters around this time. So, I asked them to model for me for a quick little sunset session, and we got the most amazing sunset. I was honored when they asked me to photograph them at home for baby girl’s newborn photos. I had the best time documenting this adorable little family of four and love watching Sunny shine in her new role. I only wish I could’ve stayed all day with them. Welcome, sweet baby girl. You’ve got the best mom, dad and fur-sister in your corner!

Mr. Oliver's Lifestyle Newborn Session at Home [Lakeview - Chicago, IL]

Repeat clients and families are so much fun for so many reasons. I get to watch your family grow, of course, and already know your kiddos so it makes it a little easier when photographing them. I got to meet Mr. Oliver and see his two big sisters and how much they’ve grown since I last saw them. I photographed his mom’s maternity session when she was pregnant with his older sister who was born in the height of the 2020 pandemic. While we had planned to do newborn photos for her, the world intervened. Miss A was two months old when we did her “newborn” photos but she ended up sleeping like a newborn at the last half of her session. Little brother was the same, even though he was about two weeks new here. He didn’t want to miss anything his big sisters were up to and was so alert, taking in his new world. I LOVE when newborns have their eyes open during their sessions. I feel like I can get a glimpse of who they are. Obviously there’s way less posing involved when they’re this alert, but it’s a trade-off! Oliver eventually did fall asleep for a few minutes at the end of his session so we got the best of both worlds in terms of the newborn photo world. Check out this cutie pie from one of my favorite families in Chicago!

This Beautiful, Messy Life

In this age of Instagram-worthy images that portray perfect and mess-less lives, I’m here today to remind you that life is not perfect. We need to stop falling down the rabbit-hole of lies that it is, and stop comparing our lives to social media posts. Life - it’s messy, yet beautiful. It’s chaotic and loud, in between quiet and lonely. No matter where you’re at on your journey in this life, it’s never going to look like anyone else’s. And that’s ok! In fact, it’s amazing. It’s what makes your life unique, your story different. Embrace the mess and the moments that aren’t picture-perfect. I try to in my own life, and I definitely try to for client sessions as well. Especially if there are small kiddos involved! Oftentimes, my favorite moments when editing are the real-life ones like this. These two big sisters have so much personality, and so much love for their new little brother. But change is hard, all, especially when you’re young and a new little creature that never leaves is brought home! Embrace the chaos, friends, and look for the beauty in the mess that life can be. Happy New Year!

Cheers, Courtney