Finding the Perfect Backdrop for Your Family's Story
The Location Guide
A thoughtfully curated collection of some of my favorite locations throughout Chicago's western suburbs.
Every Great Session Starts with the Right Location
"Where should we go?"
The answer is different for every family.
Choosing the right location is about so much more than finding a pretty backdrop. Throughout the year, I personally scout and revisit locations to make sure they photograph beautifully in every season. I'm looking at the quality and direction of the light, how crowded a location typically is, what's in bloom (or not and even with my name I do not have control of mother nature lol), and whether it complements both your session and my editing style.
Whether we're planning a maternity session in an open field, a cozy family session beneath the trees, welcoming a new baby in your home or my studio, or exploring a charming downtown area, every location is intentionally chosen to fit your family and tell your story.
The locations in this guide are places I trust because they consistently provide beautiful light, timeless scenery, and the relaxed environment that allows you to focus on what matters most, simply being together.
Cantigny
A timeless favorite, Cantigny offers beautifully manicured gardens, winding pathways, charming architecture, and open green spaces all in one location. It's perfect for families, maternity, and milestone sessions if you're looking for a classic, polished backdrop with plenty of variety. Because of its popularity, I schedule sessions strategically to avoid the busiest times and make the most of the beautiful light. Please note: Cantigny requires an parking/admission fee of $16, which is the client's responsibility. I cover the permit for all clients at Cantigny.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
🌿 Vibe: Classic • Elegant • Gardens
🐾 Dogs: No
Exact locations within the park will vary based on events being held at Cantigny on your session day. A lot of walking.
Dean Nature Sanctuary
One of my favorite hidden gems, Dean Nature Sanctuary offers an incredible mix of prairie grasses, seasonal wildflowers, towering trees, winding trails, and beautiful natural light. Because it changes throughout the year, it provides a completely different look from season to season, from lush greens and colorful wildflowers to warm golden grasses in late summer and beautiful fall color. Its quiet, undeveloped feel creates a relaxed setting that's perfect for genuine connection without the distractions of a busy park.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
🌿 Vibe: Natural • Peaceful •
Barn, Split Rail Fences & Prairie
🐾 Dogs: Yes (Leashed)
🚶 Good to Know: Easy mowed grass walking trails with a mix of open spaces and wooded paths. More walking than some locations. Open from dawn to dusk.
Morton Arboretum
If you're dreaming of a location with incredible variety, The Morton Arboretum is hard to beat. From towering tree-lined paths and sweeping meadows to seasonal blooms and stunning natural landscapes, it offers endless opportunities for timeless photographs throughout the year. I carefully choose areas based on the season, lighting, and the look we're hoping to create, ensuring your images feel beautiful, natural, and uniquely yours. Professional photography requires a permit, and admission is included with the permit fee.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestone Sessions
🌿 Vibe: Natural • Scenic • Timeless
🐾 Dogs: No
🎟️ Good to Know: A professional photography permit is required, and sessions must follow Arboretum permit guidelines. Clients are responsible for the cost of the permit which includes the photographer in the headcount.
1 to 4 Party Members
Cost: $125
5 to 10 Party Members
Cost: $250
Maple Grove
One of my favorites right here in Downers Grove, Maple Grove is a peaceful, heavily wooded preserve with towering maple trees, winding trails, and a charming bridge that creates a timeless, natural backdrop. It's one of my favorite locations for fall sessions when the leaves put on an incredible display of color, and it's also my go-to location for creek sessions, making it especially fun for older kids who love to explore and get their feet wet. The crushed limestone trails and wooded setting create a beautiful, rustic feel, though there are no grassy fields or designated sitting areas so this location is best for toddlers and older.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity, Milestone & Creek Sessions
🌿 Vibe: Wooded • Cozy • Rustic • Adventurous
🍂 Best Season: Fall (beautiful foliage) & Summer (creek sessions)
🐾 Dogs: Yes, leashed
🚶 Good to Know: Crushed limestone paths throughout the preserve. No grassy fields or seating areas, so this location is best for families comfortable with walking and exploring out in the woods.
Wilder Park
Wilder Park offers a timeless blend of beautifully landscaped gardens, mature trees, historic architecture, and the stunning Wilder Mansion, creating a classic and elegant backdrop with plenty of variety. It's especially beautiful in the spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom, making it a wonderful choice for maternity, family, and milestone sessions. The park is also home to a small conservatory, but because it is open to the public and can become quite crowded, it's best thought of as a bonus rather than the focus of your session. I never guarantee we'll photograph inside the conservatory, as availability depends entirely on visitor traffic that day.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
🌿 Vibe: Classic • Garden • Elegant
🌸 Best Season: Spring and Summer
🐾 Dogs: Yes, leashed (outdoors only)
🚶 Good to Know: Sessions are planned around the beautiful gardens, grounds, and Wilder Mansion. If the conservatory happens to be quiet, we'll absolutely take advantage of it, but because it's a small public space, access can never be guaranteed.
Urban Charm
If you're looking for something a little different than nature, our local downtowns offer a timeless mix of historic architecture, brick streets, boutique storefronts, ivy-covered walls, charming alleyways, and beautiful seasonal planters. These locations create a relaxed, lifestyle feel that's perfect for families who love an urban backdrop with plenty of personality. Each downtown has its own unique charm, and I help choose the one that best fits your style, the season, and the lighting for your session.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
🏛️ Vibe: Urban • Charming • Historic • Lifestyle
🌿 Best Season: Beautiful Year-Round (especially spring through the holidays)
🐾 Dogs: Yes, in most outdoor public areas (leashed)
🚶 Good to Know: Downtown sessions involve more walking than a traditional park session and may include sidewalks, brick streets, stairs, and uneven surfaces. They are best suited for families with older children or little ones who enjoy exploring. Early mornings often provide the softest light and fewer crowds.
Your home
Some of the most meaningful photographs are made right where life is happening, at home. Whether it's cuddling on the couch, reading books in the nursery, baking cookies in the kitchen, or playing in the backyard, your home tells your family's story in a way no park ever could. Don't worry if your home isn't magazine-perfect. I'm always looking for the best natural light and the little corners that feel like you, creating beautiful images that celebrate this season of life exactly as it is.
🤍 Best For: Newborn, Family, Milestone & Lifestyle Sessions
🏡 Vibe: Personal • Relaxed • Meaningful • Documentary
🌿 Best Season: Perfect Year-Round
🐾 Dogs: Absolutely!
🚶 Good to Know: You don't need a perfectly decorated home. Before your session, I'll help you identify the best spaces with beautiful natural light, and I'll guide you on a few simple ways to prepare. The focus is on your family... not your house.
Studio
Designed to feel bright, cozy, and welcoming, my downtown Downers Grove studio offers a timeless, distraction-free setting where the focus stays on your family. With beautiful natural light, soft neutral tones, and carefully curated furnishings, it's the perfect option for families who want a clean, classic look without worrying about the weather. The studio is especially ideal for newborns, babies, maternity, milestone sessions, and families with children who appreciate a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.
🤍 Best For: Newborn, Baby, Maternity, Family, Milestone & Headshot Sessions
🏡 Vibe: Bright • Cozy • Minimal • Timeless
🌿 Best Season: Perfect Year-Round
🐾 Dogs: Unfortunately, no pets are permitted in the studio.
🚶 Good to Know: The studio is climate-controlled with easy parking nearby, making it a wonderful option during hot summers, cold winters, or unpredictable weather. Its neutral design complements every season and allows the focus to remain exactly where it belongs, on you and your family.
Beach or city
Looking for something truly unique? Whether it's the peaceful shoreline of Lake Michigan or the iconic skyline of downtown Chicago, these sessions offer breathtaking backdrops and a completely different feel from my local locations. Because lighting is everything, beach and city sessions are photographed within a couple of hours of sunrise, when the light is soft, the temperatures are comfortable, and the beaches and city streets are at their quietest. These specialty sessions require additional planning and travel, but the results are well worth the early alarm.
🤍 Best For: Family, Maternity, Milestones
🌅 Vibe: Coastal • Urban • Iconic • Editorial
📅 Best Season: Spring through Early Fall
🐾 Dogs: Varies by location
💲 Good to Know: Beach and Chicago city sessions require a $150 specialty location surcharge in addition to applicable travel fees. Sunrise timing is required to achieve the beautiful light and uncrowded experience featured throughout my portfolio.
Location Tips & FAQ
What Does the Planning Process Look Like?
- Choose Your Location – We'll select the setting that best fits your family, the season, and the look you're hoping to achieve.
- Coordinate Your Wardrobe – Once we've chosen the location, we'll style your family with colors and textures that complement the scenery.
- Enjoy the Experience – By session day, all the planning is done. You can simply show up, relax, and enjoy making memories together.
When Do We Choose Our Location?
One of the first things we'll do is select your location. Once we know where we'll be photographing, it's much easier to coordinate outfits that complement the scenery and create a cohesive, timeless look. We'll finalize your location well before your session, leaving plenty of time for styling and planning.
Can I suggest a location?
Absolutely! I love hearing your ideas. If it's somewhere I haven't photographed before, I'll let you know if it's a good fit or recommend a similar location that offers better light and scenery.
What if the weather changes?
We'll make the best decision together. Sometimes cloudy skies are beautiful, and other times we'll reschedule if Mother Nature isn't cooperating.
Why These Locations?
You may notice this isn't a list of every beautiful park in the western suburbs, and that's intentional.
Over the years, I've carefully refined the locations I offer based on one simple goal: creating the most beautiful experience and photographs possible. I regularly scout each location throughout the year, paying attention to seasonal changes, lighting, bloom conditions, crowds, and even construction projects before ever recommending it to a client.
Rather than photographing at dozens of parks, I've chosen locations I know exceptionally well. That means I know where the light is best, when each location shines, and how to create the timeless images you see throughout my portfolio.
The result? Less guesswork for you and a more relaxed, consistent experience from start to finish.
