More Than Beautiful Photos
A photography experience designed to help your family slow down, connect, and remember what matters most.
Why Families Choose Summer Brader Photography
Guidance Instead of Guesswork
From choosing the perfect location to styling your family, I'll guide you through every step.
Kids Can Be Kids
No pressure to sit still or smile on command. Movement, play, and genuine connection always create the best photographs.
Stress-Free From Start to Finish
I've photographed thousands of families over the past 20 years. I've seen it all, and I promise you're never expected to have everything perfectly together.
MEMORIES THAT YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE ON YOUR HARD DRIVE
Your photographs deserve more than a folder on your computer. They're meant to be held, displayed, and passed down.
Session Options & Pricing
Maternity
✔️ Up to 30-minute session
✔️ Select 10 images to download from a private gallery of 20+
✔️ Style guide or stylist recommendation
✔️ Immediate family only
$495
Add on an additional 30 minutes and 20 images for $195
Full newborn
Maternity or Milestone
session included
✔️ Up to 2-hour session at home or in the studio
✔️ ALL images to download from private gallery of 60+
✔️ Extensive style guide provided
✔️ Immediate family only
This session is designed with a stronger focus on the whole family.
$995
mini newborn
✔️ Up to 1-hour session in my Downers Grove studio
✔️ Select 30 images to download from a private gallery of 45+
✔️ Extensive style guide
✔️ Immediate family only.
This session is designed with a stronger focus on baby.
$695
Milestone
✔️ Up to 30 minute session in my Downers Grove studio
✔️ Select 10 images to download from a private gallery of 20+
✔️ Style guide or stylist recommendation
✔️ For babies 3–10 months - immediate family only
$495
FULL FAMILY
✔️ A relaxed, personalized up to 1 hour session
✔️ Download your complete gallery of digital images
(30+ images)
✔️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
$895
mini family
Short + sweet session
✔️ Up to 30 minutes
✔️ Select 10 images to download from a private gallery of 20+
✔️ Styling and planning support
Best for quick updates
$495
See below for fall mini session dates and locations
2026 Fall Family Mini Sessions
Fall Mini Sessions are offered on select dates at carefully chosen locations with pre-scheduled time slots. This allows me to photograph multiple families efficiently while still providing the same relaxed, guided experience you've come to expect.
Fall Minis include everything listed in the Family Mini Session above and are offered at the same price.
If you're looking for a different location, a longer session, or more flexibility with scheduling, a Full Family Session is the perfect choice. Together, we'll customize every detail to create an experience that's uniquely yours.
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
Bringing the Whole Family? Here's What to Know
Whether you're planning a session with grandparents, adult siblings, cousins, or multiple generations, here's how extended family sessions work and how we'll make the experience smooth, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.
Up to 10 Family Members
✔️ Up to a 1-Hour Session
✔️ALL images to download from a gallery of 45+ images
✔️ Extensive style guide provided
✔️ Up to 10 people included
SMALL EXTENDED SESSION
$ 1095
11-15 Family Members
✔️ Up to a 1 1/2 hour session
✔️ ALL images to download from a gallery of 60+ images
✔️ Extensive style guide provided
✔️ Up to 15 people included
MEDIUM EXTENDED SESSION
$ 1295
16-20 Family Members
✔️ Up to a 2 hour session
✔️ ALL images to download from a gallery of 75+ images
✔️ Extensive style guide provided
✔️ Up to 20 people included
LARGE EXTENDED SESSION
$ 1495
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK TOGETHER
You never have to worry about getting it "right."
✔ You'll never wonder what to wear.
✔ You'll never have to figure out where to go.
✔ You'll never be expected to know how to pose.
✔ You'll never have to apologize if your toddler has big feelings.
✔ You'll never have to stress if your husband isn't excited about photos.
✔ You'll never have to wonder what happens next.
You simply get to spend time loving on your family
while I take care of the rest.
Professional Headshots
While you're already dressed and feeling your best, why not update your professional headshot too?
Headshots are available as an add-on to any session or can be booked separately for timeless, natural headshots.
✔ Available as a standalone session in the studio
✔ Or add to any family, maternity, or newborn session
✔ Natural, polished editing
Because parents deserve to be seen, too.
$195
AFTER YOU BOOK
Here's everything waiting for you.
✓ Confirmation & Booking Details
✓ Welcome Guide
✓ Planning Questionnaire
✓ Styling Assistance
✓ Personalized Location
✓ Helpful Reminders
✓ Final Session Prep Guide
You'll never have to wonder what's next because I'll be with you every step of the way.
You bring your family.
I'll take care of everything else.
From planning your session to helping everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera, every detail has been thoughtfully designed so you can simply enjoy being together.
All that's left is choosing a date.
I can't wait to meet you.
Follow me on Instagram
@summerbraderphotography
Areas Served (But Not Limited To): Downers Grove, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Lisle, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Darien, Willowbrook, Woodridge, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Western Springs, Wheaton, Burr Ridge, Naperville, Elmhurst, La Grange, La Grange Park, and Lemont.
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.
Additional Fees: Clients are responsible for any entrance fees, parking, or permits, if required.
Chicago Sessions – City Surcharge: I absolutely love a good city session, but getting in and out of Chicago comes with its own kind of chaos (hello, traffic and parking adventures 🙃). Because of the extra time and juggling involved, a $150 City Session Surcharge will be added to any session taking place in the city of Chicago. This is in addition to my standard travel fee and helps cover the added travel time due to traffic and not being able to take other sessions at that time. If you're dreaming of a city vibe, I'm totally in, just know this fee helps keep things sustainable on my end. Thanks for rolling with it!