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.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
πΏ Vibe: Classic β’ Elegant β’ Gardens
πΎ Dogs: No
Exact locations within the park will vary based on events being held at Cantigny on your session day. A lot of walking.
Naperville Riverwalk
Known as the "Crown Jewel of Naperville," the Riverwalk offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and timeless architecture. Winding brick pathways, peaceful river views, charming bridges, colorful seasonal flowers, and mature trees create a beautiful backdrop that feels both elegant and relaxed. Whether you're strolling along the water, cuddling on a stone bridge, or watching little ones explore the paths, the Riverwalk offers endless variety within one location, making every gallery feel unique.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Couples
πΏ Vibe: Classic β’ Charming β’ Waterfront β’ Downtown
πΎ Dogs: Yes (Leashed)
πΆ Good to Know: Mostly paved walking paths with minimal elevation changes, making it stroller-friendly and easy for all ages. This location can be busy, especially on weekends and during special events, so weekday evenings or quieter times often provide the best experience. Paid parking may be required depending on the day and season.
Dellwood Park
One of the area's most unique locations, Dellwood Park combines dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic overlooks, peaceful wooded trails, and beautiful views along the DuPage River. Its natural landscape offers incredible variety, from towering cliffs and winding forest paths to quiet riverbanks and open green spaces. During the warmer months, the shallow creek also creates the perfect opportunity for playful, barefoot moments that kids absolutely love. Whether you're looking for adventurous scenery, beautiful natural textures, or a fun creek session to end the evening, Dellwood Park offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
πΏ Vibe: Bluffs β’ Riverside β’ Wooded β’ Adventurous β’ Natural
πΎ Dogs: Yes (Leashed)
πΆ Good to Know: A mix of paved and natural trails with some uneven terrain and moderate walking between locations. The limestone bluffs and scenic overlooks provide stunning views, while the creek is perfect for families who don't mind getting a little wet during summer sessions. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking to some areas before changing into session footwear if desired.
Hadley Valley
One of my favorites in the New Lenox/Joliet area, Hadley Valley Preserve is one of those locations that gives us a little bit of everything. Wide open prairie, tall grasses, winding trails, mature trees, and rustic wooden bridges give us plenty of variety, while lots of open space means kids have room to move, explore, and just be themselves.
This location is especially beautiful at golden hour, when the open prairie fills with that soft, dreamy light I love. Summer brings lush greens, wildflowers, and pops of yellow throughout the fields, while fall transforms the preserve into warm golden amber grasses, earthy tones, and all those beautiful textures that make the season feel like fall.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity, Milestone Sessions
πΏ Vibe: Open β’ Peaceful β’ Rustic
π Best Season: Fall (warm, golden tones) & Summer (wildflowers & lush greens)
πΎ Dogs: Yes, leashed
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πΆ Good to Know: This is a very open location with limited tree cover and shade, which means timing matters! Sessions here are best scheduled around golden hour when the light is softer, warmer, and much more flattering.
Pilcher Park/Birdhaven greenhouse
Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory is a beautiful historic location featuring an Italian Renaissance-style glass conservatory surrounded by three acres of manicured gardens, brick pathways, mature greenery, and charming wooden bridges. It has a classic, garden feel with plenty of variety, making it a beautiful option for families who want something a little more polished while still keeping things relaxed and natural.
Inside the conservatory, you'll find towering palms in the Tropical House, incredible textures in the Cacti Room, and colorful seasonal blooms in the Show House. Because the conservatory is a smaller space and open to the public, I like to think of indoor photos as a fun bonus rather than the focus of your session. If it's quiet, we'll absolutely take advantage of it, but access will always depend on visitor traffic that day.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
πΏ Vibe: Classic β’ Garden β’ Elegant
πΈ Best Season: Beautiful Year-Round (and a great option for unpredictable Midwest weather!)
πΎ Dogs: Yes, leashed (outdoors only)
ο»ΏπΆ Good to Know: Sessions require a photography permit purchased in advance, so a little extra planning is needed when booking this location. While we'll absolutely use the conservatory if space allows, indoor photos can never be guaranteed since it is a small public space.
Urban Charm
If you're looking for something a little different than a traditional nature setting, the charming downtowns of Lockport, Plainfield, and Frankfort offer a timeless backdrop full of character. Historic architecture, brick streets, boutique storefronts, ivy-covered walls, cozy alleyways, colorful seasonal planters, and beautiful window displays create a warm, lifestyle-inspired feel that photographs beautifully in every season. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Lockport, the welcoming atmosphere of Plainfield, or the picturesque streets of Frankfort, each location offers its own unique personality. Together, we'll choose the downtown that best fits your family's style, the season, and the vision for your session.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
ποΈ Vibe: Urban β’ Historic β’ Charming β’ Lifestyle β’ Timeless
πΏ Best Season: Beautiful Year-Round (especially spring through the holidays)
πΎ Dogs: Yes (Leashed in outdoor public areas)
πΆ Good to Know: Downtown sessions include more walking than a traditional park and may involve sidewalks, brick streets, stairs, and uneven surfaces. These locations are ideal for families with older children or little ones who love to explore. Weekday evenings and early mornings typically offer the best light and the fewest 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.
π€ Best For: Newborn, Family, Milestone & Lifestyle Sessions
π‘ Vibe: Personal β’ Relaxed β’ Meaningful β’ Documentary
πΏ Best Season: Perfect Year-Round
πΎ Dogs: Absolutely!
πΆ 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.
π€ Best For: Newborn, Baby, Maternity, Family, Milestone & Headshot Sessions
π‘ Vibe: Bright β’ Cozy β’ Minimal β’ Timeless
πΏ Best Season: Perfect Year-Round
πΎ Dogs: Unfortunately, no pets are permitted in the studio.
πΆ 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.
Hickory Creek Junction
If you love wide open skies, glowing sunsets, and the beauty of nature without venturing too far from town, Hickory Creek Junction is a favorite. This peaceful preserve features rolling prairie grasses, winding gravel paths, mature trees, a picturesque wooden bridge, and beautiful views along Hickory Creek. Throughout the seasons, the landscape transforms from fresh spring greens to colorful wildflowers, golden summer grasses, and vibrant fall foliage, giving every session its own unique look. The open spaces and soft evening light create the perfect setting for relaxed, connection-filled images that feel timeless and natural.
π€ Best For: Family, Maternity & Milestones
πΎ Vibe: Prairie β’ Open Fields β’ Creekside β’ Peaceful β’ Golden Hour
πΎ Dogs: Yes (Leashed)
πΆ Good to Know: Easy gravel and paved walking paths make this location accessible for most families, with just a short walk between photo spots. The open prairie can be breezy, adding beautiful movement to dresses and hair, while the surrounding trees provide plenty of variety and shade. Sunset sessions are especially beautiful here, with wide-open skies creating incredible golden light.
Location Tips & FAQ
What Does the Planning Process Look Like?
- Choose Your Location β We'll select the setting that best fits your family, the season, and the look you're hoping to achieve.
- Coordinate Your Wardrobe β Once we've chosen the location, we'll style your family with colors and textures that complement the scenery.
- Enjoy the Experience β 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?ο»Ώ
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.
