There just a couple time slots remaining for the February and March GIMME 5 dates. Click here for more info.

We held this session downtown, partially in Millennium Park and partially off Michigan Avenue. I think every photographer in the tri-state area was in the park that day so I was so happy when everyone agreed to head over to the grove of trees next to the Art Institute.

For photogs: The grove of trees was DARK. This was a true case of pushing my equipment to it’s limits. These shots are iso 640 with a Nikon D700, 85mm, 1.4f.

I love that we captured posed pictures with grandma and grandpa as well as spontaneous images of the girls during the window of late afternoon light. (Photogs out there, can you say “natural rim light?”)

Oh, and the weather seems set to continue with this ridiculous gloriousness all weekend… pinch me.

This final image below I had to add in black and white, because color really doesn’t matter here. This is an image about what it feels like to be a mom. This is posted for any mom out there with little living, breathing bundles of energy clamoring all over you (physically climbing on you!), wanting you to share in their every moment, loving you, watching you, waiting for you and making your life unpredictable.

Extended family portraits are the hardest to orchestrate for both the client and the photographer. There are the extra logistics of coordinating many family schedules, a suitable location, and usually a wildcard toddler. Let’s not also forget that most extended sessions happen on weekend afternoons, when dads would really prefer to be out on the golf course, at home watching a football game, or catching up on odd jobs around the house.

I used to shy away from extended sessions but in the last few years I have done a 180. Soppy as it sounds, having a record of everyone in an image together truly is priceless. And of course after the main group portrait is shot, a family can spend time catching up together on a beautiful afternoon while I photograph smaller groupings and the children on their own.

Many thanks for a delightful afternoon!

And finally, I was thrilled to capture this “touching noses” moment between granddad and toddler while getting everyone in position for the extended family portrait.

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The June GIMME 5 sessions are now full. The July 16th GIMME 5 sessions at Fuller House in Oakbrook have some availability in the afternoon only. Contact the studio to reserve a spot.

{ ps. If you know this family, keep the pictures stumm. They are a Father’s Day surprise! }