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 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

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 2 (sort of)...{oak park, il portrait photographer}

“Children are knives, my mother once said. They don’t mean to, but they cut. And yet we cling to them, don’t we, we clasp them until the blood flows.” 
― Joanne Harris

Tough as a mother…

(Interested in booking a session? Find dates & times here: Booking Calendar)

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!

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. 

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. 

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!!

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.