TO THE BLOG

Sending holiday greetings as we enter the last portion of 2025! It has been an amazing year meeting new clients, catching up with old. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When I think of my friend, Michele, there are some words that come to mind. Generous, selfless, caring, empathetic, kind-hearted, compassionate.

Michele was our dog walker from many years ago. We met her before we even had children. She is such a wonderful friend to have in your life. Michele loves animals and her fur babies. She always ensures to book a session with her little family. And it has been a honor to capture them for her.

There comes a time, when those pets, can no longer be held, loved in person or taken for walk. The lifespan of our furry friends is far too short. Sometimes their lives are even taken tragically. Making it even harder to cope with that reality that they are gone too soon.

This year, at Michele’s photo session, there was one less snuggly pup to capture. Beau had crossed the rainbow bridge. Making my job feel more important than ever. I am so sorry for your loss, Michele. He will be forever in your heart.

Our pets give us so much joy and although their time here is short, we must ensure to enjoy each minute. Even the muddy paws, barking at the neighbors, and scratching our floors. Give those fur babies a hug & cherish the time you have together.

Until next time,

xoxo

Renée

Hello & Happy Fall! It just snowed & it is early November! The snow has got me a little excited about the upcoming, festive season!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! It’s about giving thanks for all that you have & let’s be real…about some tasty food! Growing up in an Italian family, we go all out. Ravioli to start , turkey and stuffing in between, desserts  … you get the idea. 

Speaking of thankfulness, I can imagine how grateful Andrea was this entire year watching her beautiful baby girl grow before her eyes. All mothers can speak of how fast their babies become toddlers and so on. You look back at old pictures and some of those infant stages are a complete blur. Always reminded how time is a complete thief. One of the hardest parts of watching them grow up, is how fast it all goes. Each year becoming more independent. That is a blessing as well, but you can’t help but think, they don’t need you as much anymore, they don’t play with those toys any longer, their own opinions becoming more clear.

I normally wait until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for the next merry season. But this year my desire has crept in early! I am holding back from decorating just yet, but I’d love to share with you, these images from last holiday! 

A wonderful reminder of that time in Andrea’s life. A new mom, a new routine, a growing family. 

A look back at what is in the distant past. Your baby girl, now almost one years old. A lot has changed, and perhaps so have you.

Cannot think of a better gift.

Until next time,

xoxo

Renée

Hello again! Nearing the end of September, another year is just flying by! Hope all is well in your world.

Maternity sessions are simply one of my favorite sessions to capture. Being pregnant is such an amazing experience. Whether you enjoy those 9 months or they were some of the toughest of your life, the glow that exists is pretty undeniable. And the life you create, the most extraordinary thing you will ever accomplish. So there is undeniable beauty involved. 

This is the second Maternity session I was able to capture for Christina and her husband Dan. (Always an honor to be asked back to capture your most precious memories!)

And as the last moments as a family of three, capturing these family pictures was even more special. Your first born, is now such a big part of the family dynamic!

Check out Big Bro Brandon!

It was just an amazing evening capturing this glowing momma! As your family grows, you realize just how precious time is, and that it slips thru your fingers faster than you wish.

Capturing both of Christina’s beautiful pregnancies is an honor beyond belief!

I hope the next chapter of the McKee family is one full of joy, laughter and eventually more sleep!

Until next time friends! Enjoy your week!

Renée

Hello again! Hope all is well! What about this fabulous weather we are experiencing?! It’s the perfect blend of I am not freezing and I am not sweating chasing my kids around! What more, can we ask for? I think it allows us to spend more time outdoors and reflect on the beauty of the season!

So here we are, in the “ember” months already. Another year is just flying by. I am going to go back to some amazing fall sessions from the year previous so we can start to embrace those gorgeous colors!

I introduce to you, the Washburn family! A stunning little crew if I may say. We met last October to take family photos. As they had recently become new parents of their adorable baby girl, I could see why they would want to capture this season of their lives!

It is hard to resist not loving this time of year. When all is golden. Autumn is a gentle hush, a season stitched with warm sweaters, crisp air, and the sweet crackle of crunchy leaves.

I’m so glad the Washburns were able to capture some sweet memories with their new family amougst the beauty of fall.

To think, they now have a one year old who will enjoy walking (or toddling) thru those crunchy leaves as well this year. Last year, she was safe, in your arms. Just a reminder to embrace the season, take in all the memories – time really flies folks.

With love,

Renée

Hello again! Summer is just passing us by as we approach August! I have had a busy summer with more garden sessions then ever before! That makes me very happy. To take advantage of the flowers and all the colors, it is just the opportune time in this photographer’s eyes!

Today, I share the session of Iririan and Sam! Sam popped the question on Valentine’s Day 2025! When I heard from this adorable couple earlier in the year, they shared they would love to take their engagement photos at the Chicago Botanic Garden! That is honestly one my favorite places to be! And sadly it had been too long since my last visit! SO a happy dance was happening on my end!

On my drive over to the garden the day of their session, I heard the “Forever Young” Remix! 😉
A classic song (with a catchy new beat) about remaining young and free, well forever. It had me thinking how I used to think being in your 40s was old. Well, twenty some years later, 40 is no where near old, just more experienced and wise.

Meeting Iri & Sam in person, I felt that youthful energy thru their presence. They are young, they are in love and have both of their futures to look forward to. It really is a wonderful feeling. And, you know, life is short! So enjoy each day to fullest. I feel like Iri and Sam have the same mindset!

This adorable couple share a love of music, food, attending sporting events & spending quality time together. Each date, thoughtfully planned. We walked around the gorgeous grounds capturing the scenery, just is awe of the all beauty surrounding us. These kids are the sweetest, and I am so thrilled I was about to capture their love story!

Walking thru the gardens, with your love by your side, that is a good day! You would never even know, we waited for hours for a rain storm to pass that day. Good thing you can check the weather before a long drive! So excited for these two! They sure have a lot to look forward to!

Until next time,

Renée 💕

Sometimes, things are just meant to be. You know that feeling, like it all worked out the way it was supposed to.

It was a random Wednesday in early October. I received a text message about possibly booking a fall senior session. It was already fall, so my schedule was pretty booked up. BUT I had an opening for the coming Sunday & it worked for the client too! I was going to be in Wheaton for other sessions. The weather seemed pretty perfect, the colors still present. Let’s do it!

So I met Jackson and his lovely mother at Hurley Gardens. One of my favorite photography locations. I must say quickly upon meeting Jackson, I was impressed! He was kind, polite and while speaking to him I learned he was also very smart! Favorite subject, Chemistry. Jackson mentioned PRE MED ! Plus a complete soccer star! Impressive kid!

His mom just really wanted to capture him at this very moment of his life. Paula, I could not agree with you more!

I am excited he was up for the opportunity as well! It is not always the senior fellas who want to hang out in front of my camera, of course, they totally should! LOOK at these amazing results!

Remember folks, take the photos! Soon Jackson will be graduating from Wheaton North and heading off to college. Likely feels like he was just starting Kindergarten to mom. Big things ahead for Jackson! Congrats on graduation and best of luck in the next chapter!

Until next time, friends!

Renèe

Senior year, what a time of your life. Flashbacks appear when I think of it. The friends, the fun, the excitement of a new chapter ahead. Classroom memories, maybe, but more the experiences created during that time.

Kaitlyn’s mom reached out to me in the fall of 2024. Her daughter was not pleased with her original class photos and was eager to retake them. Kaitlyn wished for a forest like location. Challenge Accepted! ✅

I was so excited to provide an exceptional experience for Kaitlyn! And to create beautiful memories for she and her family to look back at.

Kaitlyn accepted the challenge to dress to impress! We decided on an outfit and location change as well. Starting off in beautiful Riverside, IL.

It was fun getting to know Kaitlyn during her session. A smart little cookie, she was also completing her cosmology certification along with her senior year workload. She plans to study business in college and open her own salon one day! Love the goals she has created for her future! You go girl!

Next, we moved over to Brookfield to capture whatever was left of the color in early November.

Kaitlyn, just a beautiful soul inside and out! I wish you nothing but the best! Congrats on your 2025 graduation & best of luck in your next ventures!!

Until next time friends!

Renée

Hello! Welcome back to the blog! I hope you are enjoying longer days and sunshine! I sure have.

Today we have a new family session feature- the Malcom Family! Brooke reached out to me as a referral from a past client, always love when that happens! As I was getting to know Brooke over the phone, I found out, she has twins (too!) It is wild to think how many of my clients have twins. The Malcom twins are teenagers! Considering my twins are approaching five, this was fun to witness. Kids grow up, they turn into teenagers. And also on the verge of becoming a teenager is Luke! Their younger brother.

Our days get so busy, plans for weeks and months in advance. Everyone going a different direction, it can be hard to plan a family photo session. Then you realize, like Brooke, it has been too long, and you’d love to capture your kids ( or teens) and your family as it is, right here, right now.

And don’t forget Logan, the precious pooch!

The Malcom family is so adorable! Soon the girls will be looking into schools or their next chapters after graduation. It could just be Luke at home. Hard to imagine that, but time really ticks faster and faster with each year.

I will say, this family was just as perfect as shown here. They were simply charming, kind and friendly.

Mr. & Mrs. Malcom have done a great job. I know they are proud of their kids, and they should be! They are something to be proud, of.

Thank you for allowing me to capture your picture perfect family!

Until next time,

Warmly,
Renée

Hello, and welcome back to the blog! It has been sunny & warm (ish) in Chicagoland and that makes my heart so very happy! It is almost like spring is in the air! I hope you are happy & well as we move closer to March and April!

There is nothing better than a notification that has just arrived from a potential new client via your website! It is sooo exciting (to me!) 🎉

A referral from a past client (whom I just adore) had come in! Maggie was looking for a family photo session in Chicago. We were able to find a date, time location that worked just before busy season was going to pop off in the fall. Maggie and Sam were enjoying life with their baby boy Owen and wanted to capture their adorable family. My pleasure!!

After all that hard work of fitting them in, the morning we planned for our session, Mother Nature wanted to bring some rainfall over Chicago. I NEVER want to cancel a session, I will wait…it … out…. So we all agreed, we would let Mother Nature do her thing, wait in our cars and meet once the weather cleared. I was so happy the Pranckus family was willing to go with that plan- it all worked out!

I could clearly see, Maggie & Sam are the kind of parents who were warm and kind, radiating love and patience, while their little one was full of giggles and curiosity. Watching them interact was heartwarming; every smile, every gentle touch, spoke of a deep, unbreakable connection. They were the kind of family that made you believe in the beauty of simple, everyday moments.

Owen is now one years old. That little baby face that once existed is changing and it will bring back tears when you look back at photos. He will never be this young again. And all those “firsts” are all just so fun and exciting with your first born.

Thank you Pranckus family, for allowing me to capture these moments for you, for waiting in the car until the rain was finished and bringing sunshine to our session.

Until next time friends,

Warmly,
Renée

Do you ever wish you could freeze time? I know all parents have those moments where they think to themselves….Where. Did. The. Time. Go? One moment you are waking up at night to feed a baby and the next second you are getting them ready for their first day of Kindergarten.

A memory pops up on your phone or social media and you can hardly remember those moments while in the midst of what, can sometimes, become a crazy moment in your parental life. It is something that you are warned about, it all goes so fast, but you never really “feel it” until it’s your children on the screen, in the photograph, in the video, before your very eyes.

The days are long, but the years fly by. Some days are so, so hard and other days are filled of so much joy, you can’t imagine how you got so lucky. ✨

Marci is a long time family friend. I have known her since she was a young lady. Her three children are her life. She is an amazing mother to these three precious children. They really are so lucky they get to call her momma. Marci is kind, she is loving and she is sweet. And so are her babies!

It is always an honor to capture your family memories. I hope each time you look at your pictures, your heart is reminded of this cherished time in all of your families’ lives.

Oh, and may I remind you how colorful and cheery summer sessions can be! Love all the florals too. We met in River Grove in a garden near Triton College for this fun family photo shoot.

Until next time,

Renée