Ever try to take photos of a two-year-old? The set up is perfect, but then baby wants to move! This little lady kept trying to run off. What do I do? Let me take you behind the scenes to show you one way I solve this problem.

If you have clicked around my website you might know the answer – it’s Greene Valley Forest Preserve. But why would I push this location over others in the area? I’m not against other sites at all. I’m just very familiar with Greene Valley so no matter if it’s sunny or cloudy I know just the spot.

The Full Session photoshoot is created for families who want artistic candids that turn into wall-worthy pieces of art for their home. The Mini Shoots I offer are great for busy families. However, sometimes it’s good to slow down and plan something a bit more personal.

I wish I could say that it was my charming wit that made them laugh, but no. Just trying a different pose I normally don’t use on clients. I know these guys so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

I was so impressed by this senior guy. He earned enough money from his lawn service business to buy himself this truck before graduating high school.

Ah, the weather. The day before this shoot it was an absolute downpour. That’s why I like to ask clients for alternative dates just in case the weather gets impossible. What a difference a day makes!

One of the many changes I’m making with my business this year is offering senior photography. Clients can either book a mini or full session with digital images included so you can make a slide show, announcements, prints for family and friends. The possibilities are endless with digitals!

I remember when the youngest little lady was a baby. I am a photographer for a local preschool delivering custom photographs of students. One fun part of that job is watching the kids grow up.

This year I am offering a Fall Mini Shoot on Saturday, October 7 and Saturday, October 14. The cost is $200 which includes a 25-minute session, 5 digital images and a “What to Wear Guide!” The Fall Mini Shoots will be held at the Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Naperville IL.

As soon as I saw these two brothers running toward the field I was shooting in, I swapped out my memory card for a faster memory card. I might have even upped my shutter speed to make sure my camera caught them.

Right when these siblings walked up the sun softly appeared. I love how the sparkle of the sunshine matched their happy faces.

As I’m looking at the above image of those three smiley girls I remembered what was making them smile. As you can imagine, when shooting families it takes a bit of effort to get everyone looking at the camera or thereabouts.

Like with many families I photograph, this group was well prepared for their shoot. So much so, that we had time to spare at the end. So we took a little walk to another part of the park to get them walking down a path.

These three girls were full of smiles and energy which made this photo shoot fly by. It’s always fun when a family is up for anything. And I’m glad their mom and dad were able to enjoy their spunk

I could have taken photos of this family all day. But this is a busy family and they had activities planned. So a mini shoot photo session was just the right fit for all of them.

I have decided to switch my business model to only offering mini-shoots. I think the change helps both my clients and myself because mini-shoots are super simple.

If you just want great photos of your kids, here is why a mini shoot is the perfect solution: they only have to act like they love each other for 25 minutes!

The last time you were in a family photo was? Let’s take care of that this year! Nothing could be easier than a mini shoot!

This is one good-natured little lady! The day of the mini-shoot, it was so cloudy. Dark and cloudy. A few rain drops fell, but that didn’t stop me. The shoot was on.

This shoot was taken back in the beautiful fall of 2015. I love when everything comes together. The weather, the light, great family…ah!