Lifestyle Newborn Photography in ChicaGo
They’ve always been a part of you
even before you held them. in your arms
Your baby will never be this small again
The way their tiny fingers instinctively curl around yours. The soft rhythm of their breath as they melt into your chest. The way you cradle them without thinking, as if they’ve always been a part of you.
These moments are fleeting, slipping through your hands like sand—gone before you even realize how much you want to hold on.
I'm rachel, Your Chicago Lifestyle Newborn Photographer
I believe your newborn session should feel like a warm embrace
Not a production. No props, no stiff poses—just real, honest moments unfolding in the sacred space of your home. The way you brush your lips across their downy head. The way they stir at the sound of your voice. The way love lingers in the quiet in-between.
It’s not about perfect outfits or staged smiles. It’s about capturing the heartbeat of your family—the way you nestle close in the morning light, the weight of their tiny body against yours, the tenderness in your touch.
Photos with moments that echo even after the laughter softens
The newborn days are a blur of sleepless nights and endless firsts, a mix of exhaustion and an all-consuming love you never knew was possible. That’s why my sessions are slow, peaceful, and entirely baby-led.
In-Home Comfort: Your home is where love lives. Whether you're curled up on the couch, rocking them in the nursery, or tracing their delicate features in the golden morning light, I’ll be there—documenting the beauty of your everyday.
Gentle Guidance: No forced smiles, no unnatural poses. Just simple, heartfelt moments. I’ll offer soft prompts, like whispering their name, tracing their tiny toes, or simply holding them close and breathing them in.
Unscripted Memories: The little things—the mid-session diaper change, the quiet feeding break, the way they curl against your chest—are all part of your story. These moments, unfiltered and raw, are the ones you’ll long to remember.
Not rushed.
Not posed.
Rather than posing your baby, I gently guide you into the moments that are already happening—the ones that often go unnoticed but are, in truth, the most meaningful. The way you instinctively sway when you hold them. The soft kisses on their forehead. The awe in your eyes as you take them in, still unable to believe they are yours.
That Lets You Simply Be
Chicago Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Within two weeks, you’ll receive a gallery of hand-edited images filled with sleepy sighs, tiny toes, and the raw, breathtaking wonder of your baby’s first days.
remember
In a warm, peaceful space, we’ll follow baby’s lead—no rush, no pressure. I’ll gently document the quiet bond between you and your little one, just as you are.
illuminate
You’ll receive a session prep guide with tips on what to expect, what to bring, and how to keep baby cozy and calm—because your only job is to soak it all in.
prepare
Reach out and tell me about your growing family. I want to hear your heart—what you’re hoping to remember from these first fleeting days.
connect
it's what means the most for me
Your ExperiEnce
–Stephanie
Rachel is an amazing photographer and captured our little family so beautifully. She makes you feel comfortable during the shoot and captures the raw and sweet moments perfectly. Not only is she a creative photogrpaher, but also a kind human. You will feel right at home and confident behind her lens. The memories will be ones you and your family will cherish forever.
She makes you feel comfortable,and captures the raw and sweet moments perfectly.
–Natalie
Her photos have a unique and creative perspective that is simply incredible. They tell a story–more importantly–YOUR story. She focuses on the raw emotion and encourages clients to just be present with each other and have fun! There is nothing more magical than just being your true self and having someone capture the beauty. I would especially recommend Rachel if you’re looking for more candid, raw emotional moments—more of the “in-betweens” (laughing, walking, talking, kissing) as opposed to the posed photos.
She encourages clients to just be present with each other and have fun!
If you’ve ever looked back and wondered how that first year passed so quickly, this is for you. The bundle makes space for you to slow down and soak it all in, not just once, but again and again as your baby grows and changes before your eyes.
• Three sessions over the course of baby’s first year
(Recommended: 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months)
• Personalized prep and styling guidance each time, so you always feel supported and never have to overthink it
• 5 hand-edited, high-resolution digital images per session
• Priority booking throughout the year, your sessions are reserved and waiting for you
• Gentle savings on extra images and heirloom pieces, in case your heart says yes to more.
starting at $750
More than one moment
The Milestone Collection Bundle
A sweet and simple way to pause time for just one season. Whether it’s those gummy baby smiles or a quiet moment wrapped in your arms, this session is here to hold whatever feels most important right now.
Session Fee: $275
• Up to 45 minutes together, plenty of time for snuggles, breaks, and just being you
• A slow, relaxed pace with no pressure to pose or perform
• Session prep and styling guidance so you feel comfortable from the start
• Digital images are purchased separately after you view your gallery, collections begin at $280
ffor preserving the beginning
The Simple Session
You’ll receive a gallery of 40+ hand-edited images. From there, you can choose your digital collection: 8, 20, or the full gallery. Every image is lovingly curated to tell your baby’s first story.
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How many images are included?
I gently edit to enhance and preserve your baby’s natural beauty. I’ll remove flaky skin or temporary blemishes if you’d like, but my goal is to keep your images honest, timeless, and full of heart.
Will you photoshop our pictures?
That’s completely okay. Newborns run the show—and I expect that. We follow baby’s lead with plenty of time for feedings, cuddles, and diaper changes. Some of the most tender images come from the in-between.
What if my baby is fussy or awake the whole time?
Absolutely. Whether you're combining maternity + newborn sessions or looking for a milestone bundle, I’d love to create something tailored to your family’s story.
Can you create a custom package for us?
Are you available for travel?
Because these early days are raw, real, and fleeting. Lifestyle newborn photography focuses on connection, emotion, and the natural rhythm of your family—no stiff posing, no props. Just your baby, held in your arms, exactly as they are.
Why Choose Lifestyle Photography for Your Newborn?
FAQ
Yes! I offer in-home newborn sessions throughout the Chicago suburbs and beyond. If you’re outside the area or dreaming of a session in a meaningful place, let’s talk about making it happen..
I know these moments feel fleeting, but they’re part of the incredible story you’re writing — the one your child will look back on and see just how deeply they were loved before they even arrived.
Will you remember how it felt
