Preschool Picture Day! (River Forest, Oak Park, Illinois)
“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Will I ever tire of photographing these tiny, adorable humans? I can’t even imagine that happening…
Though I’ve cut back on the amount of preschools that I photograph each year, there are a few that I get to come back to year after year. I love documenting these growing kiddos and it’s especially fun when a sibling or 2 is in the mix.
I know that many parents & caregivers are hoping for the perfect smile…I do have some tricks to make that happen but there are no guarantees, ya know? I will never force a smile and I will never force a child in front of the camera if they are clearly distressed. I would never want to make photography a stressful or traumatic experience for anyone, but especially young children! If a smirk or a serious face is how your child is feeling on picture day, that’s great. Wouldn’t you prefer to document who they are in this moment?
They’re perfect…just as they are!
it's been a minute...{oak park, illinois portrait photographer}
I am often asked if I photograph high school seniors. The answer is YES! Am I a senior photographer? Not specifically but I am a portrait photographer.
What’s the difference? I guess it depends on who you ask…
For me, it just means that high school seniors are part of my clientele but aren’t my only clientele. I don’t have packages geared solely toward senior sessions…any of my portrait sessions can be a senior session!
Is your senior a minimalist who doesn’t want a big to-do when it comes to photographs? A fine art session or Anywhere Mini might be a good fit.
Does your senior want at least one outfit change & a little more time in front of the camera? An hour-long session is probably the way to go. This session also works if your senior is a minimalist but you’d also like to spend part of the time capturing sibling or family photos.
Maybe your senior is interested in multiple outfits and locations…an extended portrait session or Day in the Life session is perfect!
If you’re looking for a portrait photographer to capture your senior and any of these scenarios sound good, give me a shout. If you don’t see a scenario that fits your needs, reach out, and let’s chat about it!
I can’t wait to hear from you!
-Joey
too cool for school (photos)? studio portrait session booking is live... {oak park, il photographer}
“There are no bad pictures; that’s just how your face looks sometimes” – Abraham Lincoln
School picture day…the day when kids are forced into awkward poses, wear clothes they'd never choose, and smile as if they're being tortured. I suppose it’s a right of passage but if you find yourself wondering why they never quite look “normal”, maybe a studio session is the answer.
Skip the school picture order & bring your kiddos into the studio for a quick, updated yearly portrait. I promise not to force anyone to smile & I can almost guarantee that the photos will actually look like your kid. Wild, right?
There are 2 types of sessions to choose from: Tiny Studio Sessions and Fine Art Portrait Sessions.
Fine Art Portrait Sessions: 1 Child | Fine Art Portrait Sessions: Up to 3 Children
What is the best session for you? So happy you asked… as always, if you have further questions or concerns, send me a message! joey@littlebittyproductions.com
it's september, y'all...time to think about fall photo sessions {oak park, il family photo sessions}
“I never put off till tomorrow what I can possibly do - the day after.”
― Oscar Wilde
Hey, friends!
Whether or not we care to admit it, another summer is wrapping up. Soon we will be pulling out our fall necessities: sweaters, warm socks…snow boots (I know…I know.).
It also means that fall photo sessions are beginning to fill up…have you booked yours or have you been putting it off?
(tick, tock…)
Maybe you’re a planner and you’ve already booked your session. I tip my hat to you! Maybe you like to fly by the seat of your pants & wait until fall is a little closer before you can even THINK about scheduling. I think you’re fantastic (and I relate)!
If you’re still thinking about booking something this fall, now is the time.
I look forward to seeing you soon❤️
Joey
fall updates, y'all!🍁 {oak park, il family photographer}
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
― Lauren DeStefano, Wither
Happy fall, y'all!
Outdoor photo sessions are in full swing & the busy fall season is upon me.
I wanted to take a minute to send out an update on the remaining sessions for 2022.
Here's a quick breakdown of the remaining October sessions:
Weekday Mini Sessions - 4 sessions (10/24 & 26)
Sidewalk Mini Sessions - 2 sessions (10/11 & 18)
Weekday One-Hour Sessions - 4 sessions (10/20, 21, 27, and 28)
There's also a handful of outdoor dates for November...
By popular demand, I've added two days of children's studio sessions. Two options are available this year...these sessions are perfect for updated children's portraits!
Find all available sessions here: Fall Bookings
I'm excited to see returning clients & meeting new clients in the coming weeks!
See you soon!
Be well.❤️❤️
fall photo sessions are live!🍁 (and a few summer sessions remain!)-Oak Park, Il Family Photographer
“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.”
Hey, y'all!
It's that time again...fall session dates are live!
*For those of you who prefer a warmer session, I also have a limited number of summer sessions in June and July...beach sesh? city sesh? Let's mix it up!
Heads up-There are only a few weekend dates remaining but there are plenty of weekday sessions!
As always, I'm grateful for your continued support and trust.
Be well.
1-hour Session
Up to 1-hour session outdoors
20 hand-edited, high-resolution image files
4x6 prints of your chosen image files
print release with rights to make prints for personal use
Option to purchase additional files, print products, and full gallery upgrade.
$600 weekdays
$700 weekends
Sidewalk Sessions
Up to 30-minute session on the sidewalks in your neighborhood, your front porch, or backyard*
10 hand-edited, high-resolution image files
4x6 prints of your chosen image files
print release with rights to make prints for personal use
Option to purchase additional files, print products, and full gallery upgrade.
$425
*due to time constraints, sidewalk sessions must be in or very near Oak Park
Headshot Sessions
Headshot sessions take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the package
Pricing is for one person only
Additional files & prints are available for an additional fee
Location: our Oak Park Studio*
Pricing starts at $250
*We can also come to you! For non-studio location headshots or office events, please reach out to plan your session
Want to be the first to know when we have openings? Join our mailing list! We promise not to send too many emails…we usually only send 2-4 newsletters a year. That’s not so bad, right?
new year...
The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings. -- Okakura Kakuzo
Well, hello. Here we are again…
Another year is behind us. So many things were supposed to be better by now and yet, so much is still upside down.
Don’t get me wrong…I’ve got plenty for which to be thankful. I really try to focus on the good things, the positive stuff…but, damn…some days it is a challenge.
2021 tested me in new and “exciting” ways.
In my personal life, the biggest challenges were the unknowns surrounding school, lack of after-school care, and not putting the boys in some sort of summer camp which left me very little time to have a normal workload from June-August. On the plus side, I spent a lot of time at the pool with my boys & we even took a couple of quick trips to Michigan.
In business, the challenges were…well…I’m not even sure where to begin. Let’s just say that there were good days and there were awful days.
As always, my clients continue to be the highlight of my work. My clients keep me focused when I want to pack it all in and call it a day.
The normal struggles of running a small business will always exist. Now add in the uncertainty of a pandemic, mix in unexpected damages to my work studio, sprinkle increased prices from every single vendor I use, and the cherry on top…studio rent increase.
That’s right. After months of waiting for our landlord to repair an ongoing leak from the ceiling & then dealing with a couple of months of terrible communication (avoidance) & delayed repairs after a car drove through the front of the building, our rent increased. During a pandemic. Cool, right? I mean…it is what it is but it sort of felt like a punch in the gut ya know?
But we must roll with the punches, right? We readjust. If we get knocked down, we pick ourselves up & figure out our next steps.
That’s what I’m working on, friends. Next steps.
I got knocked down a lot in the fall of 2021 & it’s forcing me to take a step back and readjust some things. I know that change can be hard but growth is often uncomfortable…and necessary.
So…I hope you’ll come along & stick with me through some necessary changes and adjustments. I understand that not everybody will and that’s okay.
If you are a current client, you’ll be receiving an important update regarding booking for 2022. You should have an email by the end of the month❤️
If you’re looking for ways to support me right now, I’d love for you to leave me a google review…these go a long way in helping clients find me! (link below)
As always, thank you for your continued support and trust in me. I look forward to better days ahead!
wrapping up 2020...{oak park, il photographer}
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
I really try to wake up each day without the heaviness of past missteps on my shoulders. I fail quite often but life goes on, as the saying goes.
I know that we won’t wake up to a problem-free world on January 1, 2021, but something about a new beginning feels very different than it has in past years. I would actually love to skip past all the holiday hubbub and go straight to 2021.
2020 has tested me in ways I never could have imagined. I know I’m not alone in this.
As a small business owner, the uncertainty of what lies ahead has been a lot to manage. Trying to plan for tomorrow when tomorrows limitations are not known can feel impossible. There are a lot of “what ifs” and “maybes” but the truth is, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to work again in any “normal” capacity.
So I take it day by day. What option do I have? Every day is a new day.
I’m grateful for the health of my family and friends.
I’m grateful for a business that will crawl across the finish line this year. It isn’t the year I expected but I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
So…as I wrap up the year and prepare to take some time off, I just want to say thanks.
Thank you to everyone who supported my small business. I am so grateful to all of you!
I look forward to better days in 2021!
it's time...{oak park, il family photographer}
“Life is at its best when everything has fallen out of place, and you decide that you're going to fight to get them right, not when everything is going your way and everyone is praising you.”
― Thisuri Wanniarachchi
Hi friends.
It’s been a minute.
Like many of you, I’ve spent the past 6 months navigating strange and unfamiliar waters. I can’t say that it’s been great but since I’m still here and my family remains healthy, I can say that we are doing our best to remain positive and forward-moving. Is it easy? Nope.
School started this past Tuesday and our school district is fully remote. We are juggling our work schedules while being home with our boys and assisting with e-learning. My husband and I take turns (sort of) working from home…It’s going to be an interesting time and I’m hopeful that the coming months are not as hard as I imagine they will be.
Hopeful.
It’s become my go-to adjective.
With hope in mind, I’m ready to open up some fall session dates. October is partially booked but I’m hopeful that I’m able to offer enough options to fit most schedules.
I’ve had several inquiries about school photos & I’m working out details to offer studio and outdoor options.
At this time, I’m unsure of holiday studio sessions but I will revisit the idea by the end of October.
I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe and remaining hopeful…❤️
click on the photos to find and book sessions
To find and book a session, check my full booking calendar here.
Questions or just want to drop me a line? Send me an email: joey@littlebittyproductions.com
one for one {oak park, il family photographer}
“What you do with your time daily is essential for spiritual and physical growth”
― Sunday Adelaja
Hi. How are you? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise? Have you picked up a new hobby or language?
Yeah, I haven’t really been doing any of those things either…
In these past 35 days, I’ve had a lot of time to think. On the best days and on the worst days, my thoughts turn to those who are putting themselves and their health at risk by continuing to work. “Essential” workers who are keeping us safe, fed, healthy, etc. The list is long…it includes everyone from medical professionals to grocery store workers to janitorial staff, many of whom are low wage earners.
I think about ways that I can help. What can I do? Like many others, our income has been greatly reduced and we are struggling to tighten our budget. But we are incredibly grateful to be healthy and have a home to stay safe in.
Besides the obvious, which is staying home, I’ve made small donations to a few organizations. I’ve made purchases from local, small businesses for the occasional dinner, Easter gifts, and most importantly, coffee. Shout out to Big Guys Sausage for feeding my family, Hilary’s Soapbox for filling my kids’ Easter baskets, and Dark Matter Coffee for keeping me sufficiently caffeinated.
But…I want to do more.
I try not to jump on photo “bandwagon” ideas…Glitter sessions? Not gonna happen. Porch sessions? Nope. However, I’ve seen a couple of other photographers who came up with a plan to donate sessions to first responders and essential workers…and this is a trend that I’m happy to get behind.
So, I’m offering a limited amount of “One for One” gift card purchases. When you purchase a gift card for a future session, you can nominate an essential worker who will be given a gift card for a future session. If you don’t have someone in mind, we will happily nominate and donate a session in your name.
If you are able to purchase a gift card now, follow this link for the “One for One” offer:
One for One 1-hour Session Gift Certificate
One for One Mini Session Gift Certificate
When you make your purchase, you can include the name and email of the person you’d like to nominate in the notes section of checkout.
I can’t wait to see you all again!
Be well, friends.
storytelling {oak park, il documentary photographer}
“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.”
― Joan Didion
We are living in very strange times.
My immediate family has been homebound since March 12. Today is April 5.
I haven’t stepped foot in a public building (grocery store, retail shop, restaurant, etc) since March 11.
In the past 25 days I have:
- Had massive anxiety and panic attacks and trouble sleeping.
- Spent a lot of time watching movies with my family.
- Told my confused 7 year old to “carry the 1” while helping him with math.
- Had moments of pure hope & vision for what will eventually come and moments of pure terror for what is currently happening.
- Spent hours listening to music with the boys while they fall asleep (Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Fleetwood Mac are favs).
- Walked to my studio 3 times to water plants and do a general check to make sure that everything is ok. Since my business is not considered essential, the studio is closed for business and I am essentially unemployed (temporarily).
- Gone for (almost) daily walks with the dog, the boys, and the husband. On my walks, I typically stay pretty close to home and I am hyper aware of keeping my distance and the distance of my boys far from other people.
Another thing that I do on my walks is carry my camera. Yes, I do. This is absolutely nothing new. Anybody who knows me will tell you that I almost always carry my camera…on walks, visits to friends homes, a night out, etc…
I say this because during this unimaginable time in our lives, you will see me continue to post photos. Some of them may be from months ago. Some may be from yesterday. Many will be of my children. Some may include neighbors…on their porches or inside their homes, who I encounter on my walks.
About 4 weeks ago, when we found out that our state was advising the public to self-distance and stay home, I started imagining what daily life would look like. A friend reached out and pitched an idea about taking photos during this time & I admitted to her that I had already sort of been planning something but needed to work on the details.
I sent an email to clients and friends and pitched my idea to gauge interest & there was a lot of interest. I even started getting inquiries from people who I didn’t know. I was excited by the idea of having a project to keep my mind busy…
Less than a week after I sent my email, the state ordered all non-essential people to “shelter in place”, restaurants were ordered to close dine-in options (allowing delivery & pick up only), and eventually, the mayor shut down parks and the lakefront in Chicago. (Side note: Lori Lightfoot’s disappointment in the people of her city and the memes that followed have been a high point during this shit sandwich)
So, why am I posting this? I wanted to share with everyone what is going on (or, you know…the few people who read my blog posts…LOL) and why I haven’t followed up regarding my photo project.
For the safety and well-being of everyone:
I am not currently able to work. I am not currently able to book sessions. I am not currently able to take new clients. I am not currently able to move forward with this project.
Many people have asked me why I can’t move forward…assuming that if I keep my distance then it’s technically ok & I tend to lean in that direction myself. But. I do not want to risk my business on a technicality.
If you’ve been watching the news, then you are probably aware that porch sessions are a huge trend that is currently happening: The Front Steps Project or Front Porch Project or other similar names. Many photographers have been participating in this project. They have gotten news coverage & raised money for great causes & I do not wish to say anything negative to or about these people.
If you’re a photographer, then you also probably know that MANY photographers are upset about this project, to the point that it is being mentioned repeatedly in post after post in Facebook groups and blogs. Many of the posts are trying to “educate” others on all the reasons why it’s a bad idea but a lot of the posts I’m seeing seem to devolve into bullying and condescension. What started as an effort to help others understand all the ways they might be hurting their business and the photo community has turned into passive-aggressive shaming and I’m not interested in being part of it.
At this time, we are still allowed (and encouraged) to go outdoors for exercise and fresh air. As someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder and with anxiety, getting outside is crucial for my well being. As long as I am still safely able to do so, I will continue to go on walks with my family and I will probably have my camera with me…and if I see you out and about, I will probably offer an overly enthusiastic wave and I might turn my camera on you for a hot second…
During these incredibly uncertain and scary times, I prefer to look for the helpers and the good things that are happening around me.
I don’t know what tomorrow or next week or next month will look like for my family or my business and I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me and continues to support me.
Be well, friends.
welcome to the world, baby girl! {oak park, il newborn photographer, oak park documentary photographer}
“What strange creatures brothers are!”
― Jane Austen
This lovely family recently moved from California to Oak Park & I had the pleasure of being invited into their home as they welcomed their sweet, baby girl into the world.
This sweet girl is lucky enough to have 2 big brothers who are ready to jump in and help out…well…right now they have shenanigans to attend to but I believe that in time, they will be her biggest champions!
It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to document these moments for people. I recognize the trust that is being extended to me and I do not take that lightly.
new addition! {oak park, il newborn photographer}
If I wasn’t so tired, I’d attempt to write something fun and witty here…
Instead, I’ll recommend that you enjoy these lovely photos of this beautiful family and then go read more about their story & journey here: Trying For Two.
What a fantastic way to close out my 2019 photo sessions.
(That’s right…I don’t have plans for taking any more sessions until 2020!)
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?
Hello Autumn...{oak park, il family photographer}
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― Albert Camus
This is the time of year when my blog posts sort of disappear for a while…I try my best, I really do but…it is what it is, right?
Let’s be honest, I’m not the most prolific blogger but I do like to post some photos.
And with that…I’ll leave you with some fall photos.
Until next time…enjoy!
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).
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...)
celebrating 90 years! {oak park, il documentary photographer}
“What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.”
― Gabriel Garcia Marquez
August is typically my month off work. It’s why you don’t see very many posts from me.
I know…taking a month sounds like a really amazing vacation, but let me be clear: it’s not really vacation time. When you own and run a business, there really aren’t many “off” days. I only occasionally hire assistants, so the majority of the time I am my only employee & I think clearing my calendar or 1 month is a good way to “reset” myself. With fall shooting just around the corner, I need a little time to relax & catch my breath.
I usually spend at least a couple of weeks visiting family in Texas followed by a week or 2 of getting ready for back to school. I have plenty to do…so no worries that I’m living my best life while kicking back & resting (I do a little of that also…and I don’t feel bad about it!).
BUT…
There are exceptions to my rule…in the past, I’ve been contacted by clients who were planning to have extended family in town and on this rare occasion, they wanted family photos. If I am able to make that happen (like, I’m in town) then I’m happy to do it!
Today was another exception and I’m so happy that I was in town and able to take the job.
I had the honor of photographing a special event for my dear friend, Nallely. Today was her grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration and I loved being able to be part of this special day.
What a fun day, full of all the people who love her and came to celebrate her!
Here’s a little snippet of today’s event…enjoy! I’ll be back in full swing by September!
studio portrait sessions...book your session now {oak park, il fine art portrait sessions}
“If I had a photograph of you
It's something to remind me
I wouldn't spend my life just wishing” - A Flock of Seagulls
Well…September is just around the corner and as promised, I’m ready to get this party started!
These sessions will be quick and casual and will capture your kids as they are: silly or serious (and everything in between).
To book a time, there will be a $100 session fee. This fee is non-refundable and books and holds your session time.
No digital files, prints, or print products are included in the session fee. Your edited images will be delivered via online gallery and you will be able to purchase the images you love a la carte or as a collection.
Print pricing starts at $25.
Find and book your session: Studio Sessions
Need more info? Send me an email!
Sessions will be held at my Oak Park studio, located at 38 Lake Street.
fall booking is going, going...{oak park and chicagoland fall photo sessions}
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
― Albert Camus
Fall booking is underway!
If you haven’t already booked your session, now is the time…Many of the weekend options have been booked but a few have been added.
As usual, mini sessions are limited and there are only 3 fall days with mini sessions remaining.
Find your session here (hover and click on the session you’d like more info about)…
If you’re interested in booking other types of sessions and don’t see a link for booking here, send me an email and let’s chat! joey@littlebittyproductions.com
