october...{oak park, il family photo session}

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L. M. Montgomery

We are past the halfway mark for October and in the past few days, the colors have finally been poppin’! Do you have a favorite autumn ritual? Is it apple orchards or pumpkin farms or…just enjoying all the wonderful changes that take the world from bright green to warm reds, oranges, and yellows?

For me, it’s really about watching the green disappear. I’m just going to say it…photographing super green environments makes me bananas. I need a little variety to break it up…flowers, prairie grass…something besides ALL THE BRIGHT GREEN!

Don’t get me wrong, I love when everything is blooming and green. But I prefer to photograph in more urban environments when the world is blanketed in lush, green grass. Give me sidewalks & brick walls & pops of green…I could keep going but I won’t bore you with more color talk.

Instead, I’ll share a few images from tonight’s session.

Those colors though…amiright?

a month of mamas: day 16 & 17 {oak park family photo sessions}

“Art is the child of nature in whom we trace the features of the mothers face.” 
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To the mighty mamas raising mighty girls…

a month of mamas: day 9 {oak park, il photo sessions}

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” 
― Robert A. Heinlein

To the mamas adding to their stories…

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)

love {oak park family photographer}

“Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”
David Alan Harvey

I love my job & I love my clients. 

Big hugs for all the warm fuzzies I got from all those who took the time to vote for little bitty productions...

According to Hulafrog, little bitty productions was voted most loved family photographer in Oak Park-River Forest!

I know that there are so many wonderful and beloved family photographers in the area, so I am truly appreciative and grateful for the support. 

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...

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!