It’s so special to be able to capture memorable moments with you and your kids. I don’t think I’m alone in having thousands of action photos of my kids, but very few with me in them. And nothing compares to the quality of professional photographs. I made the mistake of not having family photographs taken for many years and I definitely regret it!
So how do you find a local family photographer? We have a great resource for you! The photographers in this guide are incredibly talented with their camera, lighting, and editing, which makes a big difference. Searching for “family photographers near me”? Keep scrolling to see our recommended family photographers.
All of the photographers in this guide come recommended, serve the suburbs of Chicago, and chose to be featured. You will find a description of each family photographer, contact information, and samples of their work to help you find the perfect fit. So take a look at all of them and book now for whatever season you have in mind because their sessions fill up!
Summer Brader Photography

Maternity • Newborn • Families • Branding • Headshots • Interiors
summerbraderphotography.com
Facebook | Instagram
EsteeG Photography

on location or in studio
based in Countryside, IL
esteegphotography@yahoo.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hi, I’m Esther of EsteeG Photography. I love meeting new families and seeing my dear regular families year after year. A photography session with me will have lots of laughs, tickles and smiles. Don’t worry, I will capture your traditional family photo while capturing those tender moments of snuggling with mom, the big bear hugs for dad and your little ones holding hands and even giving those cootie kisses.
The diversity of the session will make the time fly by and you won’t even realize you’re having your picture taken. I believe photographs are extremely important as they tell your family’s story and become your history. I look forward to giving you photographs that you can revisit over and over again.
Moira Nolan Photography

on location
based in Bolingbrook, IL, serving Chicago suburbs
mknolanphoto@gmail.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hi! I’m Moira, photographer, memory-keeper, and toddler-wrangling mom.
I’ve always had a love for capturing life’s little (and big!) moments, the kind that fly by in the blink of an eye but mean everything. Becoming a mom made that passion even stronger. I understand how quickly these seasons pass, and how important it is to freeze them in time: messy hair, belly laughs, and all.
Whether you’re growing your family, celebrating a new milestone, or just want to bottle up the joy of this moment, I’m here for it. Sessions with me are easygoing and fun. I’ll guide you through the must-have portraits and also chase down those unscripted, in-between moments that show the real magic of your crew.
For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing life’s genuine, joyful moments.
Visit my website to learn more and connect. I can’t wait to meet you!
www.moiranolanphotography.com
Kristen Hazelton Photography

based in Oak Park, IL, serving Chicago, IL and the San Francisco Bay Area
kristenhazeltonphotography@gmail.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hi! I’m Kristen, an award-winning Chicagoland family and high school senior portrait photographer based out of Oak Park. I create custom, comfortable photoshoots that showcase my clients’ personalities and interests, and particularly love working with older children and teens.
Clients say they love how comfortable they feel at their photoshoots, and they love the attention to detail they receive. Through questionnaires and consultations I make sure that I really understand your family’s photoshoot needs so I can create a perfectly tailored experience.
Whether you’d like your portraits along North Avenue Beach, in the gardens of the Chicago Botanic, or among the fall foliage at the Morton Arboretum, I’m ready! Please check out my portfolio and reach out if we’re a good fit – I can’t wait to work with you and your family! https://kristenhazelton.com/
Tesoro Photography

on location
based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Welcome to Tesoro Photography! I’m Crystal Campos-Juarez, a veteran family portrait photographer with over a decade of experience in family portraiture. Tesoro, translated from Spanish means treasure. Capturing your family memories for me, is capturing tiny treasures for you to remember and cherish.
From maternity, to newborn, to spirited toddlers, to seasoned families, my goal is to create portraits that capture the joy and love of your family!
Your session experience will include a phone consult to discuss your clothing selections. The right color palette and wardrobe combo will elevate your portraits! You can expect me to guide you through poses during your session while also capturing candid moments in between. And, you can also expect LOTS of silly moments as I work my magic to capture the sweet smiles you know and love!
I look forward to meeting your family, and creating meaningful portrait art for you to treasure!
Ligia Chiu Photography // Film

on location photographs
based in Mount Prospect, serving Chicagoland
ligia.chiu@gmail.com
Website | Instagram
Ligia is a family photographer based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and serving the greater Chicagoland areas. Her focus is on capturing the essence of families through a unique blend of styles. With a primary focus on light and airy compositions, she creates beautifully posed portraits that exude elegance and timelessness. She also loves embracing the magic of candid moments, allowing genuine emotions to shine through. From heartfelt connections to silly antics, her goal is to preserve the joy and laughter that make each family truly special. Join her on this journey of capturing both the timeless and the whimsical, ensuring that your memories last a lifetime.
Amanda Kay Photography

in-home and on-location photographs
based in Elmhurst, serving Chicagoland
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Amanda Kay Photography is a family photographer based in Elmhurst, serving the Chicagoland area and suburbs. As a mom of three, Amanda understands how quickly moments pass and is passionate about preserving them through natural, timeless images. She creates a relaxed and fun environment, making sessions stress-free and enjoyable for all. Known for her patience and ability to connect with children, she captures both authentic interactions and beautifully composed portraits.
AKP offers in-home and on-location shoots, as well as seasonal mini sessions. Every session includes all digital images with the option to purchase professional-quality prints. Whether capturing newborns, families, seniors, or headshots, Amanda provides a personalized experience to turn fleeting moments into cherished memories.
Tara Joseph Photography

Maternity • Newborn • Families
Naperville + Plainfield
tarajosephphotography.com
Instagram
Hello! I’m Tara, the calm in the chaos, memory catching, real life loving photographer behind Tara Joseph Photography. Let’s skip the stiff poses and awkward smiles. You want photos that feel like your real life. The cuddles, the giggles, the tiny details, the moments that fly by way too fast. No yelling “say cheese,” no forcing perfection, and absolutely no stress if your toddler decides today is the day they run the show.
Whether you’re growing a tiny human, soaking up those newborn snuggles, or chasing your kids through this beautifully messy season, I’m here to make the experience easy, relaxed, and actually fun. Think soft connection, natural movement, golden light, and images that feel warm, emotional, and very you. The kind of photos that bring you right back to how it felt, not just how it looked.
“Tara made us feel so comfortable and captured our family exactly as we are. These photos mean everything to us.”
If you’re looking for maternity, newborn, or family photos that feel genuine, effortless, and timeless, you’re in the right place. If your vibe is real life but prettier, let’s do this. Reach out through my site below and let’s make some magic.
Proudly serving families in Naperville, Plainfield, and surrounding areas. Associate Photographer with Summer Brader Photography.
Monica Cisneros Photography

In Hospital Newborns • Extended Family • Events
Chicago + Surrounding Areas
monicacisnerosphotography.com
Hi, I’m Monica, the calm observer, detail catcher, and memory preserver behind Monica Cisneros Photography.
I specialize in documenting moments exactly as they unfold. The quiet ones. The emotional ones. The once in a lifetime ones you didn’t even realize were happening until they’re gone. From those first hours in the hospital with your brand new baby to gathering generations together for an extended family session, my approach is gentle, intentional, and rooted in real connection. No forced posing, no interruptions, just honest storytelling that lets the moment lead. If you’re welcoming a newborn, I focus on the tiny details and tender interactions that make those early hours so powerful. If you’re bringing family together, I help everyone relax so the images feel natural, meaningful, and true to your family dynamic.
I also photograph events with the same documentary approach. Think baptisms, showers, birthday celebrations, small weddings, quinceañeras, and milestone gatherings where the goal is to remember how it felt, not just what it looked like. My style is warm, emotional, and unobtrusive. I blend in, observe, and capture the in-between moments that often become the most treasured.
If you value authentic moments, real emotion, and images that tell the full story of your day, I’d love to document it for you. Reach out through my site below and let’s make something meaningful together.
Proudly serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Associate Photographer with Summer Brader Photography.
other family photographers to consider
- Danielle Hardesty Photography
- Julianne Green Photography
- Jacqueline Barkley Photography
- Ashley Hamm Photography
- Susan Athens Photography
- Julie Faifer Photography
- Cristina Hope Photography
- Lindsay Chan Photography
- DeAnda Photography
- Edyta Grazman Photography
- Alley and B Photography
- Helga & Video Photo
- Photography By Kimberli
- BK Rose Studio
- Narmin Nasir Photography
- Picture Perfect Photography by Renee Craig
- D’anina Photography
- Krystal Shuga Photography















2 Comments. Leave new
Amazing blog! I really like the way you explained such information with us. And blog is really helpful for us.
New to this !!❤️🙏❤️
I better brush up on what to do with -“Littles” 2nd grandchild on the way🎊🎉🎶🐰🎉🎊🎵❤️