portraits of motherhood {oak park portrait photographer, family photos oak park, il}

“Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” 
― Donna Ball

Do me a favor and stop what you're doing (I know you just started reading this blog & now I'm asking you to stop reading...stick with me...or not?).

Take a look around your home and your Facebook/Instagram pages. 

When you look through the images that tell your story, how do they make you feel? 

Here's a better question: When your kids are older and they look back on these same photos (I hope you printed them...), how will it make them feel? Will the story make sense or will there be huge gaps? 

For somebody who takes up so much space in our hearts and lives, moms are suspiciously absent from our photos.

When you look through the photos in your home and on your social media accounts, how many include mom? My hope is that mom is in a lot of photos, but realistically, mom doesn't make too many appearances. I'm sure there are a million reasons why, including the fact that mom is usually the one behind the camera. 

"So when all is said and done, if I can’t do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are."-Allison Tate

I think that quote pretty much sums up how I feel about mamas getting in the frame. Do yourself a favor and read the whole piece. It's a quick read, but maybe it will help give you the nudge you've been needing!

The Mom Stays in the Picture

I always try to make sure that my sessions include a few frames with just mom & kids, but I also offer a few mini sessions during the year that are only for mothers & kids. Any of the portrait sessions I offer can be Motherhood sessions, but since mom's tend to prioritize everyone but themselves, I like to give you the option to do something that is only for YOU. It's in the title, so it's just for MOM! Maybe you hadn't considered it before or maybe you just needed "permission"...

Whatever reason you've been using for not being in photos, can we agree that there is a huge reason why you need to put that aside & get in the frame? 

Our kids need to be able to see that we were there...we are/were part of the story. Part of their story.

So, whether you want to book a session that's especially for you or you want to book a regular session, just make sure that you grab a few frames with just you and the kids or just YOU. Why not?

*this blog post was originally posted March 25, 2019. All images and session dates have been updated for 2020*

this is fall in the midwest...{oak park, il family photo sessions}

“Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.”
― Chad Sugg

Well, friends…here we are. We talk about it & wish it would arrive & then autumn is here & suddenly…we’re scrambling to do the things we’ve been so anxiously looking forward to.

Apple picking, pumpkin farms, sweater weather…all things I love about fall.

Rain, unpredictable weather shifts…not totally loving these things.

Today was especially tricky because we had wind gusts up to 22 mph. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer not fight the wind during my family photo session.

Luckily, my clients are braver than I and and we took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and moderate temps.

It’s here, folks…welcome to fall in the midwest. Enjoy the sunshine when it comes out & invest in a cute sock hat (I like the Free People sock hats…they don’t pay me to say that).

girl up: unite the midwest {chicago photographer, chicago event reportage}

“What it boils down to is simple: If we want to drive progress in the world, we need to put girls in the driver’s seat.” – Kathy Calvin, CEO and President, UN Foundation

I want to share the tiniest teaser from an event that I got to be involved with yesterday.

I was inspired and humbled to be in a room with so many young women who are changing the narrative of what it means to be female. The room was full of smart, funny, and focused young girls and women and I got to be a fly on the wall and document the day.

I urge you to read more about this amazing organization: Girl Up.

In the meantime, enjoy a few images from the day…

#thefutureisfemale

fall is here...are you ready? {oak park, il family photographer}

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
― Humbert Wolfe

Did you book a fall photo session?

Yes? Then it looks like you're all set! You can sit back and worry about other things...

Did fall sneak up on you without giving you a chance to secure a date for your family photos? No need to worry about it...you have options!

Check out some of the sessions that are open for October-December!

Let me know if you have any questions...I hope to see you soon!

Happy Fall!
Joey

(I have a few outdoor sessions remaining so if you have your heart set on outdoors, you might jump on that soon...there aren't many to choose from...)

word to your mother! {oak park portrait photographer}

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” 
― Donna Ball

Do me a favor and stop what you're doing (I know you just started reading this blog & now I'm asking you to stop reading...stick with me...or not?).

Take a look around your home and your Facebook/Instagram pages. 

When you look through the images that tell your story, how do they make you feel? 

Here's a better question: When your kids are older and they look back on these same photos (I hope you printed them...), how will it make them feel? Will the story make sense or will there be huge gaps? 

For somebody who takes up so much space in our hearts and lives, moms are suspiciously absent from our photos.

When you look through the photos in your home and on your social media accounts, how many include mom? My hope is that mom is in a lot of photos, but realistically, mom doesn't make too many appearances. I'm sure there are a million reasons why, including the fact that mom is usually the one behind the camera. 

"So when all is said and done, if I can’t do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are."-Allison Tate

I think that quote pretty much sums up how I feel about mamas getting in the frame. Do yourself a favor and read the whole piece. It's a quick read, but maybe it will help give you the nudge you've been needing!

The Mom Stays in the Picture

I always try to make sure that my sessions include a few frames with just mom & kids, but I also offer a few mini sessions during the year that are only for mothers & kids. Any of the portrait sessions I offer can be Motherhood sessions, but since mom's tend to prioritize everyone but themselves, I like to give you the option to do something that is only for YOU. It's in the title, so it's just for MOM! Maybe you hadn't considered it before or maybe you just needed "permission"...

Whatever reason you've been using for not being in photos, can we agree that there is a huge reason why you need to put that aside & get in the frame? 

Our kids need to be able to see that we were there...we are/were part of the story. Part of their story.

So, whether you want to book a session that's especially for you or you want to book a regular session, just make sure that you grab a few frames with just you and the kids or just YOU. Why not?

Session date: April 27 & 28

Exact location to be determined as the date approaches.
If you'd like to book a Motherhood Mini, follow this booking link
(Motherhood session dates are not available on my regular booking calendar)
Motherhood sessions are for moms & kids only!

springtime? not so fast...{oak park & chicago area senior portrait sessions}

“The deep roots never doubt spring will come.” 
― Marty Rubin

Every year it happens…March arrives and I’m certain that the ground will thaw and flowers will bloom and trees will once again be covered in green. By the time April rolls around, I start to feel a little defeated and I become desperate for warmer days and sunshine.

Everyday, I think “Today is the day. It has to feel like Spring. We NEED Spring.”

Finally, when we reach May, I forget how horrible and long the winter was.

Is it May yet? I would love to fast forward to May & be done with winter for now. Pretty please?

The next best thing that I can do is prepare for Spring’s arrival: plant seeds indoors and watch them pop out of their soil, plan for summer camp and maybe plan a few getaways.

Some of my clients are planning big things for Spring/Summer as well: I’ve got a couple of weddings booked, several corporate headshot events, and high school graduations.

Speaking of high school graduations…

My niece, who lives in Texas, recently came to visit & we spent a couple of days shooting her Senior portraits. You wouldn’t really know it by looking at her, but it felt very much like winter while we were shooting. On the plus side, the sun did come out…so…it could have felt worse, right?

How do you stay upbeat during these last months/days of winter? What are your plans?

happy NEW year! {oak park newborn photographer}

“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 
― A.A. Milne

It’s January 14 and my new year has been filled with new life.

My first clients of 2019 were a family of 4, whose newest member was a beautiful 6 week old boy. After that, I had the pleasure of photographing a long time client & her 3rd baby…a baby girl who was less than 24 hours old when I got to photograph her. Today, I got to photograph Tina Harle, a friend and fellow Oak Park photographer, and her family of 4, including her newest addition: a baby girl who was a little more than 24 hours old when I got to the hospital.

It’s always a little nerve-wracking when I’m photographing another photographer. You never know how it will all play out, especially when small children are involved. I know that my kids are terribly uncooperative with me, but they do ok with other photographers (usually). Tina and her family were amazing though…there’s nothing I love more than a client who tells me to do whatever I want & that nothing is off limits. I can just shoot what I see & document the moments as they happen.

Tina has a 6 year old who was there for the session. She was so sweet & caring towards her new baby sister…”teaching” her the alphabet, talking to her, combing her hair, and giving her lots of kisses. I was able to capture so many loving gazes from her…these were genuine moments! My newborn sessions aren’t staged, so what you see is what was occurring naturally. It was beyond adorable! It was not the experience that I had with my kids…Oliver wouldn’t go anywhere near Milo in those early days…I think he was terrified of him! HA! (We should all be a little terrified of Milo…just saying!)

It’s truly a gift to be invited into people’s lives, homes, and hospital rooms during these early, hazy, sleepless days. I do not take it lightly and I am so thankful that I get to be an observer of these real and special early days.

How’s your new year going?

here comes the bride {oak park, il documentary photographer}

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 
― Eleanor Roosevelt

A little over a month ago, I came across this post on a local Facebook page:

"Wise Moms, I'm looking for advice and recommendations for a wedding dress shop in the area for my Mom, who's nearly 70 and living with Parkinson's. Short of the long story: my parents were broke as a joke when they got married in 1968 and my mom wore a dress she made herself. (She had bought all the material and her college roommate was supposed to make the dress, but roommate dropped out of school and left town with the dress half-finished. My mom can't sew, but cobbled it together.) She's always hated her wedding dress. My sister and I want to make up for it by buying her a wedding dress she loves for their 50th anniversary this year. We'd love to take her to a shop that has a selection for "older" brides and a staff that will make her feel special and fabulous, despite her age and shakes. She never had any of the experiences she gave to my sis and I, and we want to pay it back!"

So many people posted comments to this sweet daughter with advice & words of encouragement. I did not, but I read & re-read the post a few times. I couldn't stop thinking about it. 

The next day, I sent a private message to this stranger who had been on my mind. I won't bore you with the planning & chatting, but I will tell you that I'm so glad that I made the decision to reach out.

Being a fly on the wall during this beautiful day was such an honor. These are the moments when I can say that, without a doubt, I am doing what I was meant to do. 

I loved meeting these amazing women & spending a few hours with them at House of Brides in Glen Ellyn! Here's a little sample of their magical day... 

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

hop in my time machine...{spring & fall mini photo sessions}

"Photography is a form of time travel…A ghost preserved by light” -Neil deGrasse Tyson

Last week, I added Spring, Summer, and a few Fall sessions to my booking calendar. For those who get my newsletter, I included a few promo sessions with 2017 pricing.

These sessions can't be found through my regular booking link, but if you're still reading this blog post...you can follow this link & grab one of those sessions before they are released into the wild, at their regular price.

Take me back in time: Spring/Fall Session Promo

Grab your session soon, because the promo pricing is only good until April 15, or until all sessions are booked.

 

and baby makes 3! {chicago newborn lifestyle photographer}

“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” 
― Elliott Erwitt

With that quote in mind...enjoy a recent day in the life/newborn session!

getting to know you... {oak park headshot event}

“It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.”
-Alfred Eisenstaedt

One of the things I love most about my job is that I meet so many people. When I'm photographing families, If I'm doing a good job, I get to see many of them on a (fairly) regular basis. The better I know my clients, the easier my job becomes. 

For headshot clients, I may not see them as often. But, if I'm doing a good job, I get a LOT of referrals. A LOT. My headshot clients are quickly gaining on my family clients!

(this is me, doing a happy dance!)

I think it is important to be tuned into what my client wants & needs from me, especially regarding headshots. It's not enough to sit them in front of my lens & release the shutter a few times, I want to know how they see themselves and get a feel for their comfort level. These photographs will represent them to potential employers, clients, etc and it's important that people feel good about how their headshot looks. It's crucial that they be comfortable. 

Many times, I hear "You're the professional. You tell me what to do." While this is fair to say & I do plenty of guiding, I often don't REALLY know your quirks. So many people have a "good" side...did you know that? Do you have one? Take a quick scan of your photos (selfies count) & see if there is a pattern. If so, then you fall into the "good" side group.

This isn't a bad thing. In fact, this is great info to share with your photographer! This is information I can use! 

I hope that my most recent headshot clients LOVE their portraits. I am always so thankful to be trusted with such an important & intimate job. 

riverside family photo sessions {riverside, illinois}

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house."

[Notebook, Oct. 10, 1842]” 
― Nathaniel Hawthorne, The American Notebooks

Today is the first day that has actually felt autumn-like and it is heavenly...

This year, I made a promise to my family that I would make at least 1 weekend a month work-free. No clients, no editing. 

The coming weekend is one of those work-free weekends. But, guess what? Everyone else has plans. Milo has 2 birthday parties and Oliver has 1 birthday party. 

So...my big plans for the weekend will involve weeding, planting bulbs, and moving at a slow & relaxing pace. Maybe we'll go pick apples on Sunday, but we have no serious plans, which is lovely...

I'll get back to editing client work on Monday, but in the meantime, I'll share a few favorites from last weekend's family sessions. 

Have a lovely weekend!

ready, set...fall! {oak park and chicago fall photo sessions}

“Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.” 
― Brian Andreas

Even though it's in the high 80's outside, fall is here...

In spite of the weird weather, some of the trees are beginning to turn & leaves are on the ground.

Tis the season for non-stop family photo sessions! 

Last weekend kicked off the start of my official fall season & I am almost completely booked for the remainder of 2017! (Huge shout out to my amazing clients!)

As bloggers go, I'm not always on my A-game. But...I'll stop by & update occasionally, because I love you guys!

Now it's time to edit, so I'll leave you with a few sneak peeks from the past 10 days/10 sessions...until next time!!

a day at garfield park conservatory {k extended family session}

August seems to be the month for travel & family get-togethers. 

Since moving to Oak Park about 10 years ago, we travel back to Texas at least twice a year: during the holiday season & in August. It's during our August visit that we get to see many family members that aren't always around during the holidays. 

August is also the time when I get the most requests for extended family sessions. Coincidence? Maybe...but...probably not.

I love being able to photograph large families: cousins, grandparents with grandkids, grown siblings and their partners, etc., but since I am usually out of town in August, I typically have to refer these lovely families to other photographers.

Occasionally, the stars align for me...

We returned from Texas on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, I headed to Garfield Park Conservatory to spend some time with an awesome family of 13 (parents, grandparents, siblings, partners, cousins...). 

I say it all the time, but I'll say it again: I love my job.

It was a lovely day, with a beautiful family...

sunday sunset {riverside sibling photo session}

It's May 1...I think that we can safely say that winter is behind us. 

{slow clap}

And so...since it's a new month, I'm working on wrapping up all client work from April, including a lovely Riverside sunset session.

Here's a sneak peek at these sweet & silly siblings...

day in the life photo session {oak park, il family}

“Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?” 
― Stephanie Perkins

A couple of weeks ago, a lovely family contacted me to ask about our neighborhood. They were considering a home nearby and wanted some first hand thoughts on the area. I love our neighbors, neighborhood, and school, so of course I had all good things to say! I think everyone should live in our neighborhood and I look forward to having them as neighbors. 

As they look forward to a new adventure, they will leave the only home their young children have known. Bittersweet, for sure...but...a house is just a house. The people who inhabit the space make it a home. (cliché, but true)

So, as they prepare to pack & leave their current home, they reached out again to schedule a "day in the life" session. These sessions are my absolute favorite, hands down! For anybody who follows my personal, family work,  "day in the life" sessions are really just a condensed version of what I do with my family & close friends every day, all the time (just ask my 7 year old...he's over it).

It's such a wonderful feeling when someone trusts me enough to invite me into their home,  to follow them around with my camera. There is no direction or posing, just watching & documenting what unfolds organically: giggles, tears, and everything in between. It gives me the chance to get to know people a little more and to really see their personality. I had a great time being a fly on the wall & capturing some memories for them.

I've got a bit of editing to do, but here's a little taste of the session. 

sneak peek {cousins photo session, riverside, il}

For the past few days, the weather has been amazing!

I was lucky to get the boys out of the house, go for several long walks to playgrounds and parks & I even snuck in some time with clients. It was a great (extended) weekend!

Now is the time to book your Spring session and if you book by the end of February, I've got a few promo deals to offer (spring mini promo). You can find all spring session dates & times here: calendar

Or, send me an email & we can chat: joey@littlebittproductions.com

Here's a little sneak peek from some of my favorite clients...they never fail to bring great energy!

last minute "awesome weather" promo

You guys...it's going to be 60 & sunny this weekend.

It's the middle of February.

In the Midwest.

let's get excited!

I think we can all agree that the forecast sounds amazing. So, because I'm craving some time outside without 10 layers of clothing, I'm offering a last minute "awesome weather" promo. Let's get outside & stalk some light, shall we?

The sessions will take place at an outdoor location in or near Oak Park. I'm opening 4 mini sessions & offering $50 off each session. Total price, after discount: $175.

Saturday, February 18: 4:20p & 5p (Oak Park) | Sunday, February 19: 4:20p & 5p (Riverside)

If you'd like to book a full, 1 hour session & both time slots are still open, we will offer $75 off. Total price, after discount: $300 

To book a session, email me: joey@littlebittyproductions.com. 

The fine print: To secure your time, payment must be made in full at the time of booking. This promo is only valid on February 18 & 19, 2017. 

spring sessions...now booking!

So, I started writing this post on January 15 and then everything went south...

We had a plague that hit our home & had a total of TWO days in January that were without sick people. TWO days. 

Now that we are (mostly) on the mend, let's get back to our regularly scheduled programming, shall we?

2016 has come to an end and I, for one, am thankful for that. It was, at times, a very trying year for me.

Work was busier than ever, and for that; I'm so thankful. If there is a downside to that, it's that I missed out on a lot of time with my boys (all 3). I hear a lot of talk about work/life balance and "having it all". That this conversation is typically reserved for women is not lost on me.  If there is a formula or magic wand that can get me closer to "having it all", I haven't found it yet. In fact, I'm certain that this is a myth. 

my boys

With balance in mind, I'm working toward a more organized and thoughtful business schedule. I understand that September through December will always be a bit crazier than all the other months and I will embrace that, but I also hope to come up with a better session schedule and stick to it.

Without further ado, my scheduling calendar is up to date and ready for bookings through the end of May. 

Available Spring session dates can be found here: book your session

As an early booking incentive, any regular portrait session (1 hour or more) that is fully booked* by February 15, will receive a $100 file or print credit. 

I know that everyone is different and not everyone plans that far in advance, so I will do everything that is reasonable to fit in last minute sessions or alternate dates for current/past clients. Just send me an email!

Spring Mini session dates will be released this week, so stay tuned...

*the fine print: a session isn't considered fully booked until it is paid in full. to receive the early incentive file or print credit, sessions must be paid in full by february 15, 2017. 

Happy Holidays & a family session sneak peek {garfield park conservatory}

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” 
― George Burns

I hope that everyone is having a lovely holiday season, spending time with family, spending time alone, or doing whatever it is that fills your heart. 

We are spending time with family, in Texas, and currently winding down the first leg of our trip. We will be driving south today, to spend a few days in Houston...followed by the third leg of the trip, Dallas. When all is said and done, we are/will be exhausted, but it will all be worth it!

With family in mind, I wanted to share a little sneak peek from my final session of 2016. This adorable family is celebrating once around the sun for their little guy! We spent a Sunday afternoon at Garfield Park conservatory, a perfect alternative when the windchill is negative 20. Enjoy!