Before you share your story..
Let me tell you mine
I’m lucky enough to do what I love every single day—capturing real moments, genuine connections, and all the beautiful chaos in between. No complaints here! As a Downers Grove photographer, I specialize in maternity and newborn, children and family, headshots and branding, and interior photography—because life is meant to be documented, not posed, although I mix that in seamlessly too. I keep things fun, laid-back, and totally judgment-free, because life’s too short for anything else.
Hey there, I’m Summer!
When your kids are grown and you’re sitting on the couch flipping through old photos
(probably on some futuristic holographic screen because, you know, technology),
do you want to see stiff, forced smiles that scream, "Mom made us do this"?
Or do you want to relive the real moments—the belly laughs, the snuggles, the happy chaos that made your life yours?
If you're all about genuine connections and heart-squeezing memories, then hi, I’m your photographer.
I’m the face (and camera) behind Summer Brader Photography, specializing in lifestyle maternity, newborn, and family photography in Downers Grove and the western suburbs of Chicago. My goal? To capture the real, unfiltered joy of your family—without the stiff poses or awkward moments. Whether it’s a snuggly newborn session at home, a playful outdoor family session, or a personal branding shoot that truly reflects you, I make sure every experience is fun, effortless, and authentically yours.
I believe the best photos happen when you’re comfortable and just being yourself—which is why I bring a mix of laid-back energy, humor, and years of experience to every session. You don’t have to stress about perfect outfits, poses, or making your kids sit still (spoiler: they won’t!). I’ll guide you through the session in a way that feels natural while capturing the fleeting, beautiful moments you’ll want to remember forever.
In addition to family and newborn photography, I also offer branding and headshot photography for entrepreneurs and businesses, as well as interior photography that highlights spaces in their best light. And if you’re looking for a cozy, neutral-toned setting, my studio in downtown Downers Grove is the perfect spot for year-round sessions.
Beyond the camera, I’m always working to make your experience seamless—whether it’s through clear, friendly communication, helpful styling tips, or a stress-free process from booking to delivery. Plus, I’ve put a lot of love into optimizing my site so local families searching for Chicago suburbs family photography, Downers Grove newborn photographer, or Chicagoland branding photography can easily find exactly what they need.
So, what’s next? Grab your favorite drink (bonus points if it’s tea, coffee or wine (again, we don't judge here!) and scroll through my galleries for some inspiration.
Because life’s too short for boring photos, don’t you think?
I’d love to help tell your story in a way that feels genuine and timeless. Let’s make some magic together!
📩 Ready to book? Reach out here!
Tips when choosing your photographer
I. Where should you start?
When selecting a professional photographer, prioritize easy communication and shared vibes. Ensure they're accessible and running a legitimate business because your time is valuable. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.
III. How long will you wait to view and receive your gallery?
It's common for photographers to take 4-6 weeks for you to receive your full gallery.
For me, it's within 1-2 weeks, but sometimes even sooner!
V. Are they in your budget?
I price myself to reflect my experience and quality, while also remaining affordable in our area and ensuring a living wage. We all need that, right? While there may be other photographers who are cheaper, I firmly believe you get what you pay for. With years {over 18 to be exact without aging myself lol} of education and experience, I'm confident in what I offer to each and every one of my clients
II. Do they have a large, diverse clientele?
Are they primarily showcasing their own children, repeating the same clients, and displaying old sessions without demonstrating versatility with a variety of kids?
With me? Not at all! I adore children of all ages and abilities, working with over 350 families annually – no exaggeration! You'll often find me exploring forest preserves every day from May through November.
IV. Do they have a lot of repeat clients?
You can review portfolios and social media to gauge if work is being recycled or if they're primarily photographing friends or other photographers without showcasing new client work.
I have a ton of client work! Check out my testimonials on Google for a good representation of what to expect when working with me.
VI. Are they insured and do they provide a contract for your session?
This is a no brainer when working with any professional photographer. And is absolutely necessary! Protecting my clients and myself is paramount. It's usually evident if a photographer avoids locations that require proof of insurance for permits. Unfortunately, there are many in our industry who aren't properly set up as legal businesses or insured
Local Love
I love supporting local businesses here in Downers Grove and the surrounding suburbs! Whether it's grabbing a coffee from a cozy café, finding unique gifts at a small boutique, or sourcing beautiful props and client wardrobe pieces from local shops, I believe in celebrating and uplifting our community. Shopping small means more than just great finds—it’s about building connections and supporting the passionate people behind these businesses.
Follow me on Instagram
@summerbraderphotographyAreas Served (But Not Limited To):
Chicago, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, La Grange, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, Naperville, Oak Park, River Forest, Lisle, La Grange Park, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Riverside, Willowbrook, Indian Head Park, Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Woodridge, Lemont, Westmont, Warrenville, Winfield, Darien, Lombard
Travel Policy:
For most sessions, there are no travel fees within 10 miles of 60516. Beyond that, a travel fee of total miles x 1.2 per total round-trip mileage will be added to your session invoice. If your session requires travel to a specific destination, please reach out for a custom travel fee quote.
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