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 & Booking Links
Maternity
A relaxed session celebrating the anticipation, connection, and excitement of this unforgettable season before your little one arrives.
• Up to a 30-minute session
• Select 10 professionally edited digital images from your private online gallery
• Full gallery upgrade available
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance
• Immediate family included
$545
BOOK YOUR MATERNITY SESSION HERE
Signature Newborn
Complimentary Maternity or Milestone session included
• Up to a 2-hour session in your home or in our downtown Downers Grove studio
• Access to download ALL images from your entire gallery of professionally edited digital images
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance
• Immediate family included
Booking Your Newborn Session
Babies have their own schedules, so you don’t need to know the exact session date when you book. Once you complete your proposal and pay the retainer, I’ll reserve space around your due date. After your baby arrives, just send me an email and we’ll choose your session date. Newborn sessions can take place anytime during baby’s first six weeks.
$1045
BOOK YOUR SIGNATURE NEWBORN SESSION HERE
Mini Newborn
A shorter studio session designed to beautifully document your newest little love while keeping the focus on baby.
• Up to a 1-hour session in our downtown Downers Grove studio
• Select 30 professionally edited digital images from your private online gallery
• Full gallery upgrade available
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance
• Immediate family included
Perfect for families who want a beautiful newborn experience with a shorter session and a baby-centered approach.
$745
BOOK YOUR MINI NEWBORN SESSION HERE
1st Year Milestone
Milestone sessions are perfect for babies 3–12 months, before those first birthday celebrations.
• Up to a 30-minute session in our downtown Downers Grove studio
• Select 10 professionally edited digital images from your private online gallery
• Full gallery upgrade available
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance
• Immediate family included
$545
BOOK YOUR MILESTONE SESSION HERE
Signature Family
• A relaxed, personalized session up to an hour
• Your complete gallery of ALL your professionally edited digital images
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance from booking through gallery delivery
- Immediate family included
$945
BOOK YOUR SIGNATURE SESSION HERE
Mini Family
• Up to a 30-minute session
• Select 10 professionally edited digital images from your private online gallery
• Full gallery upgrade available
• Comprehensive styling and planning guidance
- Immediate family included
$545
See below for holiday mini session dates
BOOK YOUR MINI SESSION HERE
A Note About Mini Sessions in 2027
Beginning in 2027, Summer's year-round mini sessions will be reserved exclusively for Story Members. A limited number of public fall and holiday mini sessions will still be offered, with approximately 50% fewer openings than previous years.
Story Members will receive priority booking access, while SBP&Co team photographer Tara Joseph Photography will continue offering publicly available mini sessions year-round.
2027 Pricing Update: New session rates and availability will take effect January 1, 2027 for Summer.
Current pricing is available for eligible sessions booked through December 31, 2026.
2026 Holiday Mini Sessions
Holiday Mini Sessions include everything listed in the Family Mini Session above at the same price.
November
21-22 The Studio HOLIDAY
Downers Grove
27-28 The Studio HOLIDAY
Downers Grove
December
5-6 The Studio HOLIDAY
Downers Grove
12-13 The Studio HOLIDAY
Downers Grove
19 The Studio HOLIDAY
Downers Grove
Bringing the Whole Family? Here's What to Know
Photographed by Summer Brader Photography & Co team Photographer Tara Joseph Photography
Our extended family sessions are photographed by trusted Team Photographer, Tara Joseph. She specializes in creating an organized, relaxed experience while documenting the genuine connections between generations.
If you're a returning Summer Brader Photography family and would like to inquire about Summer's availability, simply let us know when you reach out and we will see if her schedule can accommodate your date and time. *Extended Family Sessions photographed by Summer are subject to an additional $200 fee*
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.
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!