Children & Family
No stiff poses. No forced smiles. Just your kids as they are right now, captured in a way that feels relaxed, fun, and beautifully real.
These sessions are perfect for just the kids, immediate families, couples and graduates.
If you'd like to include grandparents, cousins, or any extended family,
please inquire about an Extended Family Sessions with Monica, see under Meet the Team tab,
so we have the time and space to capture everyone comfortably.
Sessions start at $495
Full Family Session
• A relaxed, personalized one-hour session tailored to your family's story
• Your complete gallery of professionally edited digital images (30+ images) to download, print, and cherish forever
• A beautifully designed keepsake Storybook, professionally curated by me and delivered ready to enjoy. No designing or decisions required, just your story beautifully preserved
• A private mobile gallery app so your favorite moments are always at your fingertips and easy to share with loved ones
• A seamless, concierge-style experience with professional guidance from planning your session through final delivery
Take your time with the full
experience
Mini Session
Short + sweet session
•Up to 30 minutes
• 10 final edited images
• Styling and planning support
Best for family milestones and multiple sessions spread across the year
See below for fall mini session dates and locations
Get your
quick fix
Fall Family Mini Sessions
All of the fall minis are set at specific times and locations, so the location is chosen for you rather than selected individually. This is how we’re able to keep everything running smoothly with back-to-back sessions.
If you’re hoping for a different location or more flexibility, the best option would be to switch into a full session where we can fully customize everything.
September
3-6 Dean Nature Sanctuary
Oak Brook
10-13 Cantigny
Wheaton
17-20 Dean Nature Sanctuary
Oak Brook
24-26 Cantigny
Wheaton
September rain date is the 27th at Dean Nature Sanctuary Oak Brook
October
1-4 Dean Nature Sanctuary
Oak Brook
8-11 Cantigny
Wheaton
15-18 Cantigny
Wheaton
22 - 24 Maple Grove
Downers Grove
October rain date is being held October 24th at Maple Grove in Downers Grove
November
1 Maple Grove
Downers Grove
5-8 Maple Grove
Downers Grove
12-15 studio
Downers Grove
19-22 studio
Downers Grove
27-28 studio
Downers Grove
November rain date will be November 29th in studio
Questions & Answers
01.
When is the best time of year for family photos?
There really is no wrong time for family photos, it just depends on the look and feel you love most. Spring and summer offer soft greens and warmer sunsets, while fall brings beautiful color and cozy tones. Winter studio sessions are also perfect for a more relaxed, neutral, and timeless feel. Fall tends to book the fastest, especially September through early November, so I always recommend planning ahead for those dates.
02.
What should we wear for family photos?
I always recommend sticking with soft, neutral, and coordinating tones rather than perfectly matching outfits. Creams, warm neutrals, muted earth tones, soft textures, and layers tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your connection rather than distracting patterns or logos. Once booked, I also provide styling guidance to help pull everything together without feeling overly formal or stressful.
03.
Can we use your studio for family photos?
Absolutely! My downtown Downers Grove studio is available year-round for family sessions and is designed with warm neutrals and natural light for a relaxed, timeless feel. Studio sessions work especially well during colder months or for families wanting a more cozy and minimal look.
04.
How far in advance should we book?
I recommend booking family sessions at least 2–3 months in advance whenever possible so we have plenty of time for planning and securing the best seasonal availability. Fall dates tend to book the fastest and are often reserved many months in advance, so I always suggest reaching out as soon as you know you would like a fall session. Studio sessions and weekday availability can sometimes offer a little more flexibility throughout the year.
"Kids outgrow stuff they never outgrow adventures"
© Summer Brader Photography. All pricing structures, collections and offers
are original to our studio and may not be copied or reproduced.
