Family Sessions
Family sessions at Emerald & Aster are not about perfection. They are about connection, energy, and telling the truth of what your family feels like right now. My approach is modern and playful. There is guidance, but nothing stiff. We will do some posing, yes, because everyone deserves a few images that feel timeless and frame worthy. The kind your grandma proudly hangs on her wall. But most of what I create is led candidly. I guide you into movement, into closeness, into moments that feel real. The laughter, the chaos, the quiet affection. Those moments are never accidental, but they are never forced either.
Locations & Session Types
Here you'll find some of my most requested locations. I've taken the guess work out of what you are looking for. Is it trees, bridges and greenery you seek? A field of grass to frolic or have a picnic with your family, friends and most precious pups? Maybe an editorial style shoot with paver paths & fountains wearing your Sundays best? Whatever your vision - I'm here to make it happen!
SPRING - SUMMER - FALL - WINTER
The locations listed are to give insight for shoot aesthetic but not limited to - so please reach out with your perfect location.
LeRoy Oakes - St. Charles
barn - fields - paths - golden hour
In The Moment Candids
I do not shoot stiff poses. I am not asking you to freeze, smile on command, or worry about doing it "right." I care far more about how the image feels than whether every detail is perfectly sharp. If a limb is cut off, if hair is flying, if someone is mid laugh, that image might just be the one that stops you in your tracks years from now. Those are the frames that feel editorial, emotional, alive. The ones where you are playing, laughing, loving your people without thinking about the camera at all.
Mallard Lake - Hanover Park (Bloomingdale)
tree paths - bridges - fields - water - golden hour
It’s Your Vibe
Every family brings their own rhythm, and I honor that. I do not believe in slapping the same preset on every gallery. At Emerald & Aster, we love color. Real color. Thoughtful color. A bit of mood paired with warmth and depth. Movement matters here. Emotion matters here. Your gallery will feel cohesive, but it will also feel personal, because it is shaped around you, not a formula. I will guide you when needed. I will step back when the moment deserves space. Kids are allowed to be kids. Parents are allowed to breathe. You do not need to perform. You just need to show up as yourselves.
Fabyan Forest Preserve - Geneva
water, windmill, paver paths, Japanese garden in background, cool wooden fence, plant arch walk-through
Hurley Gardens - Wheaton - Lilacia Park - Lombard
garden park, fountain, paver paths, white pergolas, building structures
It’s Your Story
These sessions are for families who want more than a checklist of poses. They are for families who want images that feel like memories, not productions. Images that tell a story. Images that look beautiful on your walls and feel honest in your hands. If you are drawn to photos that feel modern, emotive, and full of movement, this is for you. If you want a gallery that feels both artful and deeply personal, this is for you. And if you want to walk away with photographs that make you feel something every time you look at them, then it is time.
Book the session - Let your family be seen the way they truly are.
