Before you share your story..
Let me tell you mine
I’m lucky enough to do what I love every single day—no complaints here! I’ve got a thing for tattoos because I believe self-expression is just that—expression. Around here, there’s zero room for judgment. I keep my music loud, my humor a little sarcastic, and my vibe 100% real. I love hard, laugh often, and feel most at home when I’m out in nature (the mountains will forever have my heart). Work hard, live harder—life’s too short for anything less.
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 the genuine connections and those heart-squeezing memories, then hi, I’m your photographer.
I’m here to help you capture life as it happens—perfectly imperfect, wonderfully messy, and authentically you.
Whether you’re after a relaxed family session, sweet maternity and newborn memories, lifestyle photos in your cozy home, on-location magic, headshots, branding shots, or even interior photography that showcases your space, I’ve got you covered.
So, what’s next? Grab your favorite beverage (bonus points if it’s coffee or wine),
scroll through my galleries for some inspiration, and let’s chat!
Together, we’ll create stunning, natural images that feel like you and last a lifetime—
right here in Chicago and the ‘burbs.
Because life’s too short for boring photos, don’t you think?
🌈 I am proudly LGBTIQA+ inclusive. EVERYONE's fabulous self is welcome! 🏳️🌈
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
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@summerbraderphotographyAreas served but not limited to:
Chicago, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, La Grange, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, Naperville, Evanston, Oak Park, River Forest, Lisle, La Grange Park, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lake Forest, Riverside, Willowbrook, Indian Head Park, Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Woodridge, Lemont, Westmont, Warrenville, Winfield, Geneva, St Charles, Batavia, Darien, Lombard, Plainfield, Sugar Grove
I want to keep it simple for you, so for most sessions there are no travel fees. Travel fees are as follows: total round trip mileage times 1.2 from anything over 10 miles from 60516 and will be added to your session invoice. If your session requires us to travel to a destination, please inquire for travel fee structure.
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