This client contacted me for some early fall River Forest IL family portraits with a few requests. She wanted to know if she could split the time between a park for color, and at home so they could get photos with their well-loved dog. It was a fun to take photos in two separate locations and provide more variety for them!
On my client’s wishlist for her photoshoot was beautiful light streaming in through the leaves, and boy did this day and location deliver!!
I have a couple of favorite spots at this park, but as soon as I saw the color palette they chose for their outfits I knew that this location would be an amazing fit! Look at that complementary (ish) color pop against the yellow!
After much internet sleuthing I think I’ve identified the white flowers as Eupatorium perfoliatum. It’s fun to figure out the names of the plants around us!
Do you spy the beautiful bracelet on this girl’s wrist? Her mother is a talented jewelry maker and her work can be found at local boutiques, including Gem Jewelry in the Hemingway District of Oak Park. I love it when I am able to shout out clients’ small businesses on their blog posts!
Absolutely in love with this image!! How beautiful are they?! I love the way the yellow grasses complements their hair and blue outfits!
These are just the sweetest photos of Dad and daughter! I adore them!
River Forest IL family portraits at home
Then we changed locations (I managed to hit *every possible* red light on my way over) to their home for some casual backyard portraits with their much-loved dog!
This sweet dog!! She is an older lady and getting to be a bit hard of hearing. Shenanigans ensued to grab her attention for some shots, but she was extraordinarily well-behaved and I could not be more pleased with this classic portrait of her!
Pets are just so special. They are truly part of the family and it delights me every time a family decides to include them in their photo session!
I love the details in their garden! There’s a soft blush hydrangea, the lantern, and even a statue hiding in the corner! Clients tend to feel more at-ease on their home turf. Also, one of the joys of at-home sessions is freshly seeing the beauty of your space through someone else’s eyes. 🙂
Here’s what my client had to say about her experience!
Kristen is an absolute delight to work with! She scouted the perfect location to take our family photos, and was so easy and amenable leading up to and during our session – all in the name of capturing fantastic photos, which she did! We will cherish them for years to come, and are thankful we found her for our future photo needs as well. 10/10 would recommend Kristen!
Do you have a special request for your own family photos? Are you interested in including your pets in your family photoshoot? I would be delighted to hear what you’re thinking and help plan a custom-tailored photoshoot for your needs. Reach out and let’s get this ball rolling! 🙂
Kristen Hazelton is an Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) 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!
