illinois WEDDING & PORTrAIT PHOTOGRAPHER capturing authenticity

Portrait Photography

Whether your babies are big, small or furry, this time in your life deserves to be captured. I love nothing more than being the one to photograph your family over the years as it changes and grows through the seasons.

Family photographs remind you of the beauty in between moments of utter chaos. You'll look back on these photos over the years and reminisce—forgetting all about the sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, and leftover fries strewn all over your car.

So let's plan a day, pick a location that is meaningful to you, and create beautiful imagery that will fill both your heart and the frames on your walls for years to come. 

A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

the details

I'm READY TO BOOK!

I know, it's hard to coordinate dates. That's why I've taken out the middleman (aka email) and made it simple with a booking form where you can choose your desired location and date so that you can spend less time in your inbox and more time choosing which outfits to wear for your photos. (Don't worry, I'll help with that too!)

SCHEDULE YOUR
FAMILY SESSION 

SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION TODAY

st.charles, illinois

brandwein family

“I am blown away by her fun personality, high-quality photos and the way she helped us all look our best!”

WORD ON THE STREET

PARENTHOOD COLLECTION

SARAH & JOE

LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION

VARGAS FAMILY

URBAN SESSION

PETRY FAMILY

NEWBORN LIFESTYLE SESSION

HOGAN FAMILY

2021 fall families

MINI SESSIONS

LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION

VAZQUEZ FAMILY

st. charles, illinois

nolan family

It was such a fun and low stress time. That alone was worth every penny-then we saw the photos. We couldn’t be happier and would recommend Kayla to anyone.

01

lily lake, illinois

taylor and paul

 When we got our photos we were blown away at how many amazing moments Kayla captured and the quality of the photos themselves.

02

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

no.

family portraits

Family photographs remind you of the beauty in between moments of utter chaos. 

NEXT QUESTION

If it looks like it's going to rain, snow, hail or some other weather catastrophe, we'll be in touch via email or phone to reschedule. Often, when we're scheduling our initial portrait session date, if it works for our calendars, we'll set up both a main date and a rain date just to make sure we don't have to postpone your session for very long if the weather is bad on the original date. 

what do we do if it rains?

NEXT QUESTION

The sooner the better! It never hurts to throw a few prospective dates out as early as possible. Ideally your session will either take place around 2 hours prior to sunset or right at sunrise for the most beautiful light. This means navigating work and life schedules to find a date that works for you.

In the off-season (November - March) I am able to schedule your session for a weekend. In wedding season (April - October), family sessions take place on weekdays!

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?

NEXT QUESTION

When in doubt, neutrals are always beautiful and timeless. Dressing the way you would if you were wedding guests creates a classic gallery that will not go out of style with the seasons.  If you're feeling stuck, visit my client style guide for inspiration and ideas for coordinating family outfits and colors.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

NEXT QUESTION

If you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, you are not alone! As the session goes on and I prompt you through natural poses and movements, I think you'll find that being photographed can actually be fun.

I always read the room with the kiddos and won't force an emotion that they aren't feeling. As difficult as it can be, keeping a calm demeanor helps your kiddos do the same. A little post-session ice-cream bribery doesn't hurt...

WE'RE AWKWARD AND MY KIDS DON'T SIT STILL.

NEXT QUESTION

Within two weeks of your session, you'll receive a link to a digital gallery that will allow you to download high resolution images. From there you can share, save, or order prints of your photographs!

HOW WILL I RECEVE MY PHOTOS?

frequently asked questions

INQUIRE

For investment details and availability, please send a message via the form below. Hour long portrait sessions with full access
to your gallery begin at $379.

INVESTMENT 
DETAILS

READY FOR MORE?