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

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Chicago Lifestyle Family Photographer | Super 8 Film at Golden Hour

As a Chicago lifestyle family photographer, I’m always looking for ways to make sessions feel less like “Okay everyone, smile nicely for the camera” and more like, well… real life. The playful, messy, laughter-filled parts that you want to remember years from now. And this session with Holly and Jeff’s family was exactly that kind of magic.

I’ve known them for years, and they’ve always been the type who say “Sure, why not?” when I propose a new creative idea…whether that’s incorporating 35mm film into their session for something new, or in this case… pulling out the Super 8 camera. (Honestly, families like this are a photographer’s love language.)

We photographed this session just outside Iowa City, but the entire evening channeled that relaxed, natural vibe I aim for in all my Chicago (or Iowa City) lifestyle family photography sessions. Beautiful portraits but also movement, play, lots of genuine connection.

And yes, a whole lot of golden hour goodness.

I photographed them in digital as usual, but added in some 35mm, and Super 8 video. Such a fun, creative evening!

Why Lifestyle Family Photography Is Pure Magic

Lifestyle photography hits different because it’s not about forcing perfection…it’s about capturing your family exactly as you are. Kids running wild. Parents laughing instead of adjusting collars. Real smiles, not the “okay just one more” kind.

And when you mix that with Super 8 film? Forget it. My heart can’t take it.

During this session, I let their daughter Elliot film a few bits of Super 8, and the boys proclaimed the sunset to be the “Lion King moment,” and honestly? They weren’t wrong. The light was unreal. They played blanket parachute, ring around the Rosie, and duck duck goose as a family. Not to mention Mason exploring the surrounding woods and foliage like he was auditioning for a very chaotic nature documentary.

All I did was follow along, letting the moments unfold — the real magic of lifestyle photography.

Super 8 Film + Chicago Lifestyle Family Photography = Nostalgia Heaven

If you’ve ever watched an old home video and immediately felt transported back in time, you already understand the appeal of Super 8 family film. It’s imperfect in the most beautiful way — grainy, whimsical, a little wobbly, and totally enchanting.

The Super 8 clips from this session captured everything I love about photographing families: the movement, the emotion, the tiny interactions that happen between poses.

And while the digital images were gorgeous (hello, glowy backlight), the Super 8 film added something deeper — something you feel when you watch it.

As a Chicago lifestyle family photographer, this session’s Super 8 film immediately made me want to start offering it regularly. Families get to relax. Kids forget the camera exists. And the final video feels like a love letter to your current season of life.

Add Super 8 Film to Your Chicago Lifestyle Family Session

If you’re craving something a little different (something that feels honest, nostalgic, and deeply you) adding Super 8 to your session might be the perfect fit.

Here’s what the add-on includes:

A 2–3 minute vintage-style Super 8 family film
Set to licensed music (no awkward audio!)
Delivered with your full gallery of images
Perfect for playful, movement-filled sessions
Zero pressure — just natural connection and joy

Whether we’re exploring a favorite Chicago park, letting the kids run along the lakefront, or hanging out in your backyard, Super 8 weaves your story together in a way nothing else can.

If you want to add this nostalgic layer to your next session, just mention Super 8 when you inquire!

This golden hour session reminded me why I love being a Chicago lifestyle family photographer. It’s not about perfect outfits or perfect smiles, it’s about the moments that feel like home. The way your kids laugh. The way you look at each other. The way the light hits when everyone forgets the camera is there.

Whether you’re in the Chicago area, Iowa City (my former hometown), or somewhere else (I love to travel)… I’d love to help you create something heartfelt, playful, and completely genuine.

Family of five sitting close together on a blanket in a leaf-covered field, smiling in a timeless black and white photo
Family gathered on a wooded path, parents holding children in a natural moment captured in black and white. Mother holding her toddler son, smiling at each other during a fall session, in a softly lit black and white photo.
Family of five standing on a wooded path surrounded by golden fall leaves, smiling for a group portrait.
Three children posing individually on a forest path with golden sunlight filtering through fall trees.
Mom in a denim jacket holding her toddler son in the woods at golden hour, faces close with soft backlight.
Chicago lifestyle family photographer super 8 film jen madigan
Family of five playing and tossing dry leaves in the air during a candid fall photo session in a forest clearing.
Family sitting close together on fallen leaves at sunset, with soft golden light and relaxed, natural poses.
Young boy holding a flower while walking through tall grass, with a parent nearby during a sunset photo session.
Family members holding hands and spinning in a circle on a leaf-covered field during a playful outdoor shoot.
Family lifting a large cream-colored blanket over young kids in a clearing, surrounded by fall leaves and trees.
Parents and children playing with a large blanket in a wooded area, with dry leaves scattered on the ground.
Mother in denim jacket walking hand-in-hand with her toddler through a wooded clearing during a fall session.
Family of five standing on a winding path at sunset, with soft light and trees in the background.
Young girl holding her toddler sibling with their brother beside them, smiling on a quiet path at sunset.
Parents standing together on a path as children run in motion around them; young girl holding her toddler sibling.
Parents and three kids walking hand-in-hand along a path, swinging the youngest child between them.
Family of five smiling and walking on a paved path at sunset, holding hands and playing along the way.
Parents giving piggyback rides to their two young sons in a grassy field, smiling and looking at each other.
Young girl filming her parents kissing while they carry their kids piggyback, with trees and grass in the background.

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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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