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

new beginnings {oak park, il studio portrait sessions}

“A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is thereby a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.”
― Ansel Adams

As most of you have figured out by now, I’ve recently moved into a shared studio space. With this new dedicated space, new opportunities present themselves and I’m excited to share a little of what I’m up to.

It has never been my desire to spend my days in a traditional studio, churning out posed family photos. I’m happy to do them but I will always be better at allowing moments to unfold while I document and catch the candid moments.

These are the moments that bring me joy. They are the images that my clients love.

Beginning in September, I’ll be offering in-studio portrait sessions. Not headshots (though, I continue to shoot tons of headshots in studio and on location), but simple and beautiful portraits.

These portraits sessions will vary from single sittings to families and will still feel very much like the images that my clients expect from me: fun and modern.

So, without much chit-chat and blathering on from me, I’ll share a few images from recent studio sessions…

celebrating motherhood {oak park, il family photographer}

"So when all is said and done, if I can’t do it for myself, I want to do it for my kids. I want to be in the picture, to give them that visual memory of me. I want them to see how much I am here, how my body looks wrapped around them in a hug, how loved they are."-Allison Tate

I think that quote pretty much sums up how I feel about mamas getting in the frame. Do yourself a favor and read the whole piece. It's a quick read, but maybe it will help give you the nudge you've been needing!

"The Mom Stays in the Picture"

I had the pleasure of photographing some mom (and one grandma!) sessions this weekend...enjoy a little sneak peek!

Interested in booking a session? Get more info here: Find my session!

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!!

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...

sunday morning in the park {oak park family session}

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” 
― Pablo Neruda

Spring is officially here! Everything is turning green again and flowers are beginning to bloom...it's time to shed our layers and get outside for some much needed vitamin D!

I'm excited about all of my upcoming sessions, meeting new clients, and reuniting with returning clients. 

If you haven't booked a session yet, what are you waiting for? Find spring & summer dates here: Spring/Summer

In the meantime...enjoy a sneak peek of this lovely family 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. 

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. 

last taste from the weekend!

Phew!

I've completed the initial editing/culling of images from the weekend. This might be a record (for me)...

Now I get to move on to the fine tuning & tweaking so that I can get galleries uploaded & mailed out. Enjoy the last round of sneak peeks from the Riverside Junior Women's Giving Partnership Event! I hope that everyone had a lovely time & will love their final images...galleries will be going out over the next several days. Keep an eye out and thanks again for being part of this event!

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!

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. 

the official first day of Spring...

and it felt a lot like winter...

I had an early morning family shoot at Millennium Park and despite the temps being below 40, everyone was cheerful & ready to go! The family of 4 (almost 5) powered through and I had a great time using the park as my backdrop.