it's official...summer is here! {oak park, il family photographer}

“Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.” 
― Henri Cartier-Bresson

I often hear that one should be "living in the moment", taking it all in, and bearing witness to that which is happening around us. In a world full of smart devices that are meant to make our lives easier, we often seem preoccupied and overwhelmed by "it" all. 

I've heard it said that people spend too much time photographing their lives to share on social media, but they aren't actually living their lives. I'm sure there is some truth is this statement, but in general, I totally disagree with it.

Documenting our lives, and all the minutiae therein, is a gift to ourselves and those who come after us. I can spend hours sifting through old photo albums at my mom & grandma's house. I can't possibly be alone in this... 

This past week, I finished a photo book I've been working on. It will be gifted to a friend & I can only hope that it brings them as much joy as it brought me, while putting it together. It covers a 3 year period and it's full of images from various stages and ages of my boys' lives.

These are the moments I want to remember. I want to be able to look at these photos in 20 years & smile or cry happy tears or both!

So, I'll keep carrying my camera with me...to all the places life takes me: a walk around the neighborhood, a vacation, a backyard bbq, or local park. No moment is too insignificant...they all matter. 

Interested in booking a documentary/lifestyle session? Let's chat!

preschool photos {oak park river forest day school photos}

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.”
Destin Sparks

This past fall, I was asked if I would be interested in taking school photographs for Milo's preschool, The Day Nursery. I immediately said yes & then I sort of panicked...

I'd never taken photographs of large groups of young children. They are definitely my demographic, but I needed to sort of figure out the logistics. I also had to make sure that everyone was on board with "non-traditional" school photos

There were a few hiccups, but all in all, it was a lovely experience. I learned a lot and the next time around, it will be a much smoother operation. 

I have to say...it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work, but looking at those super cute faces for hours of editing was so worth it. 

I hope that I will be keeping The Day Nursery school pictures as part of my regular rotation and I would love to add a few more small schools! 

Here's a little snippet from the fall preschool photos...enjoy!

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!!

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...

in the park {oak park family photo session}

One of the best things about my job is watching my clients grow. From growing families to growing babies, it's so fun to document & look back.

This past weekend, I photographed a beautiful family who I first met (and photographed) in the spring of 2016. The littlest member of their family was only 8 weeks old when I last saw her and I remember how sweet her big brother was when he held her!  

They are a year older & have more hair than last year, but big brother is still super sweet with his little sister.

It was a lovely day for an outdoor session & I was happy to spend it with familiar faces!

Here's a little sneak peek from the session...

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!

early morning mini sessions {oak park, il}

I normally like to write or muse about recent work or other points of interest, but since I'm still trying to catch up with my client work...I'm afraid I've got no witticisms to lay out for you. It's time to share some sneak peeks from a couple of recent mini sessions. 

I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing weather!

family sneak peeks {oak park, il}

I'm lagging on sneak peeks, but I pulled a few from last week's sessions.

I still have a few more sessions to catch up on, but hopefully I'll have those sneaks up in the next day or so. Until then, here are a few from a hybrid in-home/outdoor lifestyle session. These types of sessions are, by far, a favorite of mine. There's nothing better than catching people where they are most comfortable & at ease. It's always a pleasure and an honor to be invited in to capture a snippet of the day to day stuff...playing with a favorite toy, reading a book or just being silly. Enjoy this little peek...

sunset sneak peeks {oak park & st. charles}

On Monday, I'll be delivering about 8 family sessions plus a wedding. To say that will feel kind of amazing, is an understatement.

Until then, here's a sneak peek at 2 recent sunset sessions that I am in love with...enjoy!

in search of fall...mini photo sessions {oak park & riverside, il}

We're 17 days into October and the high is supposed to be 80 today. Where is fall? I'm not one to complain about mild weather and I'm definitely not ready for winter, but I am having a heck of a time finding those lovely, warm fall colors. 

Fall colors notwithstanding, I'm having a lovely time meeting with new clients and reuniting with return clients.

Fall is still the most wonderful time of the year, in my opinion...I'll keep searching for the elusive colors. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek from a few recent sessions...

fall photo minis are in full swing...

September started out with a bang...back to school time for the boys & weekends full of wonderful clients for me. It's been a whirlwind and that's just how I like it.

After a few family sessions and a wedding shoot, we took last weekend off! Me, Jeff, the boys, and Stella spent the weekend in Michigan. With 30 sessions on the books for October (and more in the queue), I felt the need to take a few days to rejuvenate. Fall is the most wonderful time of the year & I want to be ready for it!

But first...here are a few snippets from the past couple of weeks. See you back here in October!

a rainy, extended family portrait session

On Monday, I had a sunset session scheduled. 

On Monday, it rained all day.

{sad face}

I was convinced that there was going to be a break in the weather for our session, but that didn't really happen. Luckily, the family didn't mind a little drizzle & mist...they were such good sports! Besides the few photos that involved umbrellas, you can't really tell that we were getting pretty damp during our hour long session. Whatever it takes, right? 

Here's a little sneak peek of this gorgeous family...enjoy!

a hot & humid day in the park

Holy moly...this past Saturday was H.O.T. To add insult to injury, there was also 300% humidity. I'm from Texas y'all...this is not an exaggeration*. 

*total exaggeration

But really, it was sticky and hot. I felt like I was back in my home state. My weather app read "feels like 113"...

I had a lovely, extended family session scheduled for 8am. My camera lenses kept fogging & I was worried that every frame would look like I was shooting through a nylon stocking. I don't know if people still use this method or if they just create the look in post production. For those of you too young to remember, a nylon stocking over your camera lens is used to "soften" the look of anyone who doesn't have the beautiful, flawless skin of toddler. Remember those Elizabeth Taylor commercials from the 80's? That's what a nylon can do for you. And maybe a smoke machine...But I digress.

Everyone was beautifully dressed & ready to take care of business. Within minutes, we were all melting...Somehow, between staying shaded & blotting between shots, our session was a success. We powered through. Or, I should say, they powered through. (Nobody cares what I looked like, but I can tell you that I was a hot mess)

I'm working my way through edits but wanted to post a few sneak peeks for the family to see...enjoy!

have you booked your fall mini session?

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” 
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

Most people don't want to think about it today, but Fall is just around the corner. I know...the truth hurts.

I finally made myself sit down and look at the calendar so that I could release Fall mini session dates. Mini sessions are great for anyone who wants an updated photo, but doesn't necessarily need a full 1 or 2 hour session. 

Sessions will be held outdoors, at a location to be determined. Most sessions will be in or near Oak Park. Due to several requests, we are also planning at least 1 day of sessions in locations near Riverside and 1 day in Millennium Park.

Too many choices? I'm happy to chat with you to help you sort out what type of "look" you want and help determine the best location for your shoot.

All mini sessions will include:

30-45 minute session  |  10-15 edited, high res image files  |  print release

Cost per session: $200

Here's the best part: if you book and secure your session by August 15, you will receive your choice of 5 additional image files OR an 8x10 print. Awesome, right? 

For available dates and times, click this link!

What are you waiting for? I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have! Contact me: joey@littlebittyproductions.com

the fine print:  $100 non-refundable retainer is required to book and hold your session time. if you are unable to attend your scheduled session, you may apply your deposit to a future session, to be used within 6 months of the original session date. in case of inclement weather, sessions will be rescheduled on a mutually agreed upon alternative date/time. 

a few more from the weekend...

I'm getting there...slowly, but surely. I've been editing in the weirdest places this week: a laundromat, school playground, and while getting a pedicure. It's all about multi-tasking this week!!

I have a few images to share from Sunday's sessions. If you don't see yours here, never fear...they are coming soon!