Family, Illinois, Winter

Winter Family Photoshoot | Riverside, IL

Hi, I'm Kristen!
I'm an award-winning senior portrait and family photographer based out of Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. I love sunshine, cacti, chocolate chips, and a great cup of tea - but most of all I love photographing joyful clients. :)
TOp categories
Classy and comfortable senior portraits!
Relaxed and easy family portraits. and stunning artwork
Mom in pink dress hugging her toddler daughter at a Winter Family Photoshoot

Are you ready to see a super pretty winter family photoshoot? We lucked out with great weather – snow on the ground yet sunny and not too cold! 25 degrees is my cutoff temperature; if it’s colder than that it’s just not very comfortable for clients!

Woman in pink dress with her hand on her husband's chest in a snowy field

I actually love the golden grasses that we get in the wintertime! It makes for brighter backgrounds and more flattering light on skin than green foliage! Also, it’s a pretty pop of color in an otherwise pretty monochromatic background.

Family walking through a snowy field in Riverside, IL
Mom and Dad hugging their toddler daughter at a Winter Family Photoshoot
Family of three standing on a path in Riverside, IL at a Winter Family Photoshoot

This little girl was shy, but perked up to check out the pretty river right next to the meadow!

Mom kissing toddler daughter's cheek at a Winter Family Photoshoot

Such a beautiful family!!

Dad bouncing toddler daughter on his shoulders at a Winter Family Photoshoot

Dad was a champion, bouncing his little girl on his shoulders! She loved it!

Mom dancing with her toddler daughter in the snow at a Winter Family Photoshoot

I love this series of her running to mom to be scooped up in a big hug. Isn’t mom’s dress incredible? She told me it was from Free People.

Dad kissing his toddler daughter's cheek
Woman in pink dress, man in blue jacket and pants and toddle in pink jacket looking at river in the snow

A quiet moment, looking out at the river while snuggled up close together! I like to get a mix of poses – from higher energy shots to calmer, more composed shots. And of course, I’m carefully watching my clients to see what provokes a more genuine, happy response from their family so we can do more of that!

Winter Family Photoshoot in Riverside, IL

Mom dancing with toddler daughter while snow falls at a Winter Family Photoshoot

And then, we broke out the magic – snow showers for some sparkly fun!

Mom looking at toddler daughter while snow falls.
Toddler girl in pink jacket throwing snow at a Winter Family Photoshoot

As you can see – it was a hit!! She especially loved getting to throw some of the Artificial Biodegradeable Snow herself! I enjoy adding this in as a fun prop during winter sessions, and kids just ADORE it! It’s also nice because it’s not crazy cold on little fingers like real snow.

Mom and daughter watching snow fall

Sometimes I deliberately try to get some shots out of focus – obviously not the majority of the photos in a given shoot, but maybe one or two to add some dreaminess and magic! Think how cool this would look in a collage with the other shots. It would fit right in, yet provides a distinctly different feel.

Mom and Dad swinging their toddler on a foot path.

I am a sucker for a snuggled-in-close shot! This little girl is well-loved! She also loved it when her parents swung her back and forth.

Mom and Dad crouched down next to toddler daughter at a Winter Family Photoshoot

Saving one of my favorite shots for last!

Here’s what my client had to say about their experience!

Kristen was so easy to work with! She helped us pick the perfect location for our photos and really tried to get to know our family ahead of time. The day of the shoot she was very patient with our cranky 2 year old. It felt like we were taking pictures with a friend, she was so easy to talk to and so kind. Our pictures turned out beautiful and we got access to our gallery quickly. We would definitely hire Kristen again!

Kristen Hazelton is an Oak Park, IL (Chicago, IL metro area) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) senior, family, and engagement photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!

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As a mom, I know that our time with our kids is precious, fleeting, and occasionally frustrating. I promise your photo experience with me will be frustration-free.

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