and then there were 5...{in home family photo session, oak park, il}

“[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
― Jim Henson

We live in a world full of “perfect” Facebook families, Instagram worthy photos of siblings who never fight and only ever get along in their perfectly curated, camera ready homes, and holiday cards that rival the royal family/Kardashians (take your pick).

Sorry, but nobody is buying your picture perfect life! We’re onto you!

I don’t know about you, but I’m always relieved to see photos of shit getting real.

I like to see messy, chaotic, funny, silly, sad, happy, frustrated, skinned knees, real tears…all of the things that come with life.

When I look through old photo albums, I prefer the candid moments over the curated moments because it helps me remember that moment. It transports me to another time and that is a beautiful thing.

That’s something that never happens when I look at the “fantasy” version of family photos: Everyone dressed impeccably. No hair out of place. Not a blemish to be found. All eyes on the camera and pained smiles across everyone’s lips (especially mom, because she has been threatening everyone within an inch of their lives).

My hope for all of the amazing people who hire me is that they are able to relax & enjoy the ride. I want them to know that we will get that “perfect” photo, but that they need to be flexible in what their definition of "perfect” is.

Also, bribes are a perfectly legit tool to keep in your bag of tricks! ( I almost always have lollipops to offer up)

Will everyone be looking at the camera? Maybe, but I can’t guarantee it. Will everyone have a smile on their face? Possibly, but I never force people to smile. I have tricks & sometimes they work, but not always!

What I will promise you: I will be there to document your family in this moment. When you look back on the images, they will make you smile, laugh, cry, or maybe all 3.

If this isn’t the reaction you have, I may not be the photographer for you…but, I hope I am.

I love being invited into the chaos and being part of these milestones.

I’d love to tell your story too…(you can book sessions here)

mental breaks

When I'm all caught up with client work, I usually like to share images on my blog. Sharing is a way for friends and clients to see what I'm up to. On the business side of things, it's important for future & potential clients to see continuity in my style and storytelling.

I recently completed a family session and I'm kind of in love with the images. I would love to share the images...I really would, but I am not able. Photographing children is a lot of what I do. The majority, really. My contract contains an "opt out" option, meaning, if a client does not want their images used online...I do not post them. When working with children, this is to be expected. It's understandable, not a big deal. But sometimes, it is a bummer for me.

So...I decided that I will share some photos from our recent "mental break mini vacay". Jeff & I took the boys and Stella to Michigan for a long weekend. I would have liked for it to be just a bit longer than it was, but it was a lovely getaway. A reset, of sorts.

For those of you who follow me on instagram, I'm sorry. You may have already been spammed with a lot of these images. For those who don't do instagram...enjoy!

go home

“One day you will do things for me that you hate. That is what it means to be family.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything Is Illuminated

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by client work or unsure of how my work is being received, I turn my camera towards home. To capture the everyday, the ordinary, the mundane, the authentic in my own life.

The work I create for myself doesn't have deadlines. I don't have to worry about how the work will be received...I know it will be loved. And so it is.

sneak peek from this mornings family session...

If you haven't been outside today, you should go NOW. It feels amazing. The sun is shining...all is right...

I had a morning family session that was close enough to my house, that I decided to walk. It was a lovely walk, despite carrying my gear (I hadn't really worked that into my equation).

After this morning, I've decided that 2 to 3 year olds might be my favorite age to photograph. They are fiercely independent & don't really want to do what you ask of them, but that's what is so wonderful about photographing them. They are genuine. Their smiles, or lack thereof, are true. You know exactly how they feel at any given moment. You just have to ride the wave...

Sometimes there is magic & other times...less magic. But there is always truth and that is a lovely thing.

colorful eggs & magic bunnies...

winter weather special

While the weather outside may be frightful, we are offering a warm & cozy deal.

From now until the end of March, we are offering $50 off photo sessions (excluding wedding packages). Are you feeling toasty yet?

To receive the discount, the session must be paid in full at the time of booking. To book your session or ask a question, send us an email! joey@littlebittyproductions.com

some favorites from yesterday

Editing is complete...here are a few images. Enjoy!

riverside and home again

Another beautiful weekend and 2 beautiful families to photograph. Here's a sneak peek...

catching up

I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the editing tunnel & that is a beautiful thing. Let's just say that 7 shoots in 1 weekend might have been a bit overboard...but it's all good and now it's on to the next round! I'm trying to complete all edits from this past weekend so I can head into next weekend with a clean slate. I'm looking forward to a laid back weekend of make-up soccer games and a manageable schedule of 3 shoots. The weather has really been on my side lately...and I've been so lucky to be able to meet and photograph so many great families! Here's a peek from 2 recent family shoots...

the space between

I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. ~Willa Cather

recently, my family suffered a great loss. the death of my granny was a blow to most who knew her, especially family & close friends. though she had been having health problems in the past year, she seemed to bounce back, as is (was) her nature. she was a tough broad & she fought until she was just too tired to fight anymore. at 88 years old, she was ready for her next act. i was privileged to sit with her in her final days and talk to her without any back talk (i guarantee you, that was a first).

she was an amazing person who lived for her family and loved fiercely. there was never a question of who was in charge...she was the shot caller, the ball buster, and the person who told you things that you might not want to hear. I disagreed with her a lot, but i'm not saying she wasn't right a lot of the time. she spoke her mind, whether or not you wanted to hear it. it's who she was & she made no apologies about it.

in the days following the loss, my grief has led to a focus on my grandfather. At 88, with health issues of his own, my grief has shifted to worry as i think about the days ahead and how they will look for him, without his mate of 70 plus years. to say that it breaks my heart would not begin to describe the feelings i have. their life together was full and perfectly imperfect. they celebrated great highs and devastating lows. they were steadfast in their love of one another and of their family. to be part of the life they made is a privilege.