Chicago Newborn & Family Photographer capturing natural, timeless moments of love, connection, and all the beautifully messy magic in between.

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In-Home Newborn Session in Lincoln Park | Chicago Newborn Photographer

There’s something extra special about photographing a family at home during those first few weeks with a new baby. The house is a little quieter, a little slower… and somehow still full of chaos in the very best way. This in-home lifestyle newborn session in Lincoln Park, Chicago had all of my favorite things: a brand-new baby, a proud big brother, a golden retriever who clearly considers himself another sibling, and the kind of cozy, lived-in moments that just can’t be recreated in a studio.

A Lifestyle Newborn Session at Home in Lincoln Park

As a Chicago newborn photographer, I always tell families that their home is the perfect backdrop for newborn photos. No rushing out the door, no packing the diaper bag like you’re moving out for the weekend — just your real life, documented beautifully.

This Lincoln Park home had the most gorgeous natural light, which made everything feel soft, warm, and timeless. We moved slowly, followed the baby’s lead, and let moments unfold naturally. Feeding breaks? Built in. Outfit changes? Optional. Puppy interruptions? Absolutely encouraged.

Lifestyle newborn sessions are about connection, not perfection. And this family leaned fully into that.

Why I Love In-Home Newborn Photography in Chicago

Chicago winters, unpredictable weather, postpartum recovery — there are so many reasons in-home newborn sessions just make sense. But beyond logistics, they tell a deeper story.

Your home holds the tiny details you’ll forget with time:

  • The nursery you spent months preparing
  • The couch where you’ve already logged countless feedings
  • The way your family fits together in this exact season

As a Chicago newborn photographer, my goal is to capture those details alongside the big emotional moments — because together, they create something truly meaningful.

Adding Super 8 Video: A Nostalgic Bonus You’ll Treasure Forever

One of my favorite parts of this session was filming Super 8 video alongside the photos. If you’ve never seen Super 8 footage before, think vintage home movies — soft movement, subtle grain, and a timeless feel that immediately takes you back.

Super 8 isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling. And as your kids grow, it becomes a priceless way to remember what life actually looked like in those early days.

It’s available as an add-on to newborn sessions, and it’s hands-down one of my favorite ways to document a family’s story.

A Thought for New Parents

If you’re expecting and debating whether newborn photos are “worth it” — I’ll gently say this: these days go fast. Faster than you think. And having photos (and video!) that reflect your real life, right where it’s happening, is something you’ll never regret.

If you’re looking for a Chicago newborn photographer who focuses on natural moments, connection, and a relaxed experience, I’d love to help you document this season.

Newborn baby lying on a white textured blanket, wearing a light blue knit onesie with "little brother" stitched on the front.
Smiling family of four sitting on a bed, with parents holding their toddler and newborn dressed in matching knit outfits.
Toddler and newborn lying side by side on a bed, wearing matching knit sweaters labeled "big brother" and "little brother."
Toddler lying on a bed in a blue sweater and white pants, smiling and holding both feet up in the air.
Golden retriever sniffing a newborn’s head while the baby rests on mother's legs by a bright window.
Newborn and toddler lying on a bed in matching “little brother” and “big brother” sweaters, heads gently touching.

Golden retriever resting its head near a newborn baby in a light blue "little brother" onesie, lying on a white blanket.
Toddler in a knit "big brother" sweater gently touching a newborn’s nose while sitting on a bed together.
Toddler in a pale blue knit sweater crawling on a white bed, looking toward the camera with a slight smile.
Toddler lying next to a newborn baby on a white bed, both wearing matching light blue knit "brother" sweaters.
Mother holding her newborn in a light-filled room, sitting by a large window in soft natural light.
Parents sitting on a couch with their toddler and newborn, all wearing cozy outfits in a light-filled living room.
Mother lying on a bed beside her newborn in a light blue knit onesie, both resting on a white blanket.
Mother and father smiling while holding their newborn together in a softly lit nursery with a crib in the background.
Smiling toddler sitting on mother's lap while the family’s golden retriever looks up at the newborn cradled by the father.
Close-up of parents sitting on a bed with their toddler and newborn, all dressed in soft knits and cozy textures.
Toddler lying on a bed, leaning over a newborn baby, both wearing soft blue knit outfits.
Mother standing in front of a large window, holding her newborn upright against her chest in natural light.
Father sitting in a cozy armchair holding a newborn, with a golden retriever lying on a white rug in a softly lit nursery.
Father smiling while cradling a newborn in a light-filled nursery, with dog artwork and a mobile in the background.
Newborn lying in a light wood crib beneath framed dog illustrations and a wooden mobile in a dog-themed nursery.

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Hi, I’m Jen, the photographer behind Jen Madigan Photography. I specialize in capturing the real moments that tell your family’s story. Check out my collections or reach out—I’d love to connect!

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