You’d Never Know She Cried the Whole Family Session…

You’d never know it from the gallery.

The sunlight wrapped around them like a warm hug, laughter danced between frames, and the little toddler smiles lit up the lens like magic. But here’s the truth behind these photos:

She cried.
The whole session.

Within minutes of arriving, this sweet 19-month-old began to melt down. Her mama wrote:

“She cried during the entire session… and I mean the entire session!! My husband became agitated, and what I hoped for in these photos soon started to fade.”

But then—candy.
A little burst of sweetness turned everything around.

Photos You Can Feel, Even When Things Don’t Go As Planned

In every session, I lead with calm guidance and gentle observation. I photograph the in-between moments—the glances, the giggles, the way your child reaches for your hand even while holding back tears.

And by the end of this session?

That same mama wrote:

“Rachel remained calm, engaged, and captured THE most beautiful pictures. I look at them and can’t believe they came from the same day. I am beyond grateful.”

If You’re in the Chicago or Naperville Area—You’re Not Alone

So many parents worry their child won’t cooperate. That their toddler’s mood will “ruin the session.” But I promise—what feels messy in the moment can still turn into magic.

This is what I offer:

• A session where your family feels safe to be themselves.
• Styling support to help you feel effortlessly beautiful.
• Golden hour light that makes everything look like a dream.
• A calm, compassionate approach (even when candy becomes the hero 😉).

Let’s Capture Your Real Moments—Tears and All

If you’re in Naperville, Hinsdale, Oswego, or anywhere around the western suburbs of Chicago, I’d love to preserve your season of life—exactly as it is. Because the beauty isn’t just in the smiles. It’s in the way you show up for your family, day after day.

Let’s turn even the hard moments into heartprints.

Ready to turn this season into something you can hold onto?
Whether your little one is all giggles or full of big feelings, I’m here to capture the truth and tenderness of it all—with warmth, patience, and light that makes the everyday feel like magic.

Let’s create images that feel like home.
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