I last photographed this family when Henry was just a baby during their in-home newborn session — all sleepy stretches and tiny newborn noises. And now? He’s 3. Fully in his little boy era, which meant approximately 74 sticks/swords were collected during this session. One of my favorite parts of being a Chicago family photographer is getting to watch families grow like this, I just love getting to see how much can change between sessions.
Since then, Kate and Bob also added baby Hazel to the family (such a good name). She was perfectly content being snuggled while her older brother ran around the boardwalk. He was looking for the next great stick discovery. A very accurate representation of life with two kids.
We met at the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park, Chicago on a chilly spring morning for a 7:30 am session. And listen… I know that sounds aggressive, especially for parents of small kids. Kate even told me her kids are always up early… except for this specific morning when they actually had to wake them up. Of course!
However, early morning at the boardwalk is worth it every time. There are less people, much better light, and way fewer random tourists accidentally wandering into the background of your photos.
Why I Love Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk for Family Photos
I love this location because it gives you so much variety without having to walk all over the city carrying snacks, water bottles, extra layers, and whatever tiny toy your child suddenly cannot live without. You get skyline views, water, greenery, wood textures from the boardwalk — it somehow feels very “Chicago” while also feeling calm and tucked away from the city for a minute. It checks a lot of boxes for family sessions.
As a Chicago family photographer, I’m always looking for locations that photograph beautifully and work well for actual real-life families. Especially when little kids are involved. Nobody wants to trek a mile across a park while carrying a toddler who suddenly decided they’re done walking for the day.
The Nature Boardwalk is one of those spots that just works. There’s enough space for kids to move around and explore, but everything is still close enough together that sessions feel easy and relaxed instead of rushed or exhausting. Honestly, little kids are always better during sessions when there’s room to just let them be kids.
Henry explored. Found sticks. Ran around. Made us laugh the entire time. And those are always the moments I want parents to remember years from now anyway. It’s not all perfectly posed smiles. Just what this season of life actually felt like.
A little chaotic. A little sleepy. A lot of love.
The Best Family Photos Happen in the In-Between Moments
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about family photos is that kids need to “behave” the entire time for the session to be successful. Truly could not be less true. Some of my favorite images happen in the in-between moments — when your kid is running toward you, asking a million questions, or showing me the world’s most exciting stick they just found five seconds earlier. Moments like these feel like your family. Years from now, that’s usually what matters most.
One of my favorite things about photographing returning families is getting to see how much changes in what feels like five seconds. Suddenly the newborn you photographed is talking to you, running around, and showing you his latest stick collection while there’s a brand new baby in mom’s arms. It’s wild in the best way.
Also, side note: spring sessions in Chicago are always a bit of a gamble weather-wise. It can be 75 and sunny one day and then fully winter jacket temperatures the next. But we lucked out with one of those perfect crisp spring mornings where the light was beautiful, the skyline looked amazing, and the boardwalk wasn’t packed yet. Absolutely worth the early alarm.
Kate and Bob — so good seeing you guys again and finally meeting sweet Hazel. Sessions like this are exactly why I love being a Chicago family photographer. Even if it did require functioning before coffee fully kicked in.
+ Comments