Lake County Il Child Photographer | Bernie’s Book Bank

I had the pleasure of photographing a Bernie’s Book Bank book distribution at Dever Elementary in Chicago this past week.

Bernie’s mission is to increase book ownership among at-risk children throughout Chicagoland.

Bernie’s sorts the books into individual bags for the children. Each child receives a collection of books appropriate for their grade level.

Watching the excited smiles and hearing the oohs and ahhs as the kids opened up their individual bags was a lovely site to behold.

The kids had a great time perusing their new treasures, as well as trading the books they received with friends.

Bernie’s Book Bank book distribution at Dever Elementary in Chicago. February 17, 2017

I also love doing day in the life sessions with families. If you would like to see some examples of those photo shoots, click here and here.

Interested in seeing my bar mitzvah photography? Click here and here .

And my favorite thing to photograph is Grandparent Sessions. There is nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. To see examples of a Grandparent Session and hear why those are so important, click here, here and here.

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Susan Ryan Kalina is a Lake County, Il, Family Photographer, Lake County, Il, Event Photographer, Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer, Chicago Event Photographer, Newborn Photographer, Grandparent Photographer, Day in the Life, Documentary, and Candid photographer servicing Chicago, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Glenview.

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | Pinstripes, Northbrook

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer

Katie S had a fantastic Saturday night party at Pinstripes in Northbrook. As a Chicago bar mitzvah photographer, I have photographed at many different venues. Between the bowling, bocce, and gorgeous party room, the guests at Pinstripes always have a great time.

And as expected, Katie S’s bat mitzvah party did not disappoint!

Before her big shindig, Katie had a beautiful bat mitzvah service at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston. To see photos from the temple shoot, click here.

Before the Guests Arrived

Let the Games Begin!

The kids started off their evening with bowling and goofing around in their own dedicated space while the adults had cocktails and played bocce in a different area.

Bocce ball was a hit with the adults and littlest guests.

Speeches

As expected, the girls made the sweetest tributes to their big sister during family speeches.

Dance Party

And of course Brandon and his crew from Famos! DJ Entertainment kept the kids and adults on their feet dancing and entertained throughout the night.

I think Katie’s mom, Carrie, was as excited about the chocolate fountain as any of the kids!As the night progressed, the kids and adults kept the energy high and the dance floor hopping!Katie S is a very special girl. She has two moms who love her very much, her mother Carrie who adopted her and has raised her and her birth mother Mary. The whole family got their turn in the chair during the hora.

Interested in seeing more bar mitzvah photography? Click here and here .

I also love doing day in the life sessions with families. If you would like to see some examples of those photo shoots, click here and here.

To follow me on Facebook, click here.

To follow me on Instagram, click here.

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | JRC Temple Photography

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer| JRC Temple Photography

The S family was such a treat to photograph at the temple before Katie’s bat mitzvah.

And the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, Il, is definitely one of the most beautiful synagogues I have ever had the pleasure of photographing in.

I started my day by meeting Katie and her family at their home while they were getting ready. After photographing Katie getting the finishing touches on her gorgeous, golden hair, Katie and I went to the temple to take some photos while her family finished getting ready.

After her immediate family got to the temple and we were able to take some photos with her siblings, parents and grandparents, the rest of the family and relatives started to arrive.

You could literally feel the love in the room as Katie, Carrie, Andrew and the family were greeting family and friends.

And while I was not allowed to photograph during the ceremony (this is a pretty typical rule I encounter as a Chicago bar mitzvah photographer), everyone told me afterwards what a touching, lovely ceremony it was and how fantastic Katie did.

Getting Ready

At the Temple

I am so thankful I met Katie’s mom a couple years ago. I did a candid family photography photo shoot for Carrie and her family. After that, she invited me to document Katie’s bat mitzvah.

Carrie is a wonderful blogger and author who writes about adoption and bullying, among other current issues facing girls and women. You can read more about Carrie’s work here. You can read her blog about adoption here.

If you would like to see more of my work photographing Chicago mitzvahs, please click here and here.

To follow me on Facebook, click here.

To follow me on Instagram, click here.

A Greek Orthodox Baptism

Have you ever been to a Greek Orthodox baptism? Previously, I had only done Catholic baptism photography. Yesterday was my first experience attending and doing baptism photography at the stunningly gorgeous Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. I can now tell you it’s a beautiful ceremony, rich with tradition and attention to detail.

Before the Baptism

The L family arrived early to get everything perfect before the ceremony. I had an opportunity to photograph some details, the gathering crowd of well-wishers as well as portraits before the baptism started.

The Ceremony Begins

The priest began the service saying prayers with Christos and his godfather, George, in the back of the church.

After a few prayers, they moved forward. And then a few more prayers were said, and they were up on the alter.

The Main Event

A Greek Orthodox baptism is different than the Catholic baptisms I have attended and photographed. Christos was undressed completely, annointed with oil and then fully immersed in the baptismal font. Additionally, they cut a few locks of his hair.

The Ceremony Continues

Once he was dressed in his white baptismal outfit, more prayers are said, incense and candles are lit, and the ceremony continues.

I am thankful that I was hired to do baptism photography for Christos’s big day. I always enjoy learning about and photographing the beautiful rituals of different religions.

Do you have a baptism or other religious event you would like photographed? To see examples of some of the mitzvahs I have photographed, click here and here . To see examples of my family photography and grandparent photography that celebrates the beauty in the every day, click here, here, here and here. Never heard of a grandparent session? Click here and here to learn why I think it’s some of the most important photos you will ever take.

To follow me on Facebook, click here.

To follow me on Instagram, click here.

Candid Family Photography with the Grandparents | Chicago

A New Take on Family Photography

What do you get for the grandparent who has everything? How about a candid family photography photo session that they will cherish?

If your parents are anything like mine, they are soooooooo hard to buy gifts for. My parents aren’t into gadgets and stuff. And they pretty much have everything they need. But one thing they do love to receive? Photos of the grandkids. And you know what’s even better? Photos of them ENJOYING their grandkids like the photos posted below.

Why I Love Doing Candid Family Photography Sessions with Grandparents

It is my mission to photograph more grandparents and grandkids sharing beautiful candid moments together. I love this relationship. I was obsessed with my grandparents. I would do anything to have photos of the sleepovers and tea parties I had with my grandma. And I don’t want my children to have that regret when they are my age.

How cool would it be to be able to pull out photos of your cherished memories with your grandparents and share them with your kids?

Well, we can do that for your children. Imagine them in thirty years being able to browse through a book of photos documenting an afternoon with their beloved grandparents.

AND don’t forget this can solve the dreaded gift-giving dilemma we run into every holiday season. (or birthday, or mother’s day, or father’s day, or anniversary …)

The K Family Spends the Afternoon with their Grandkids

When the K family heard about my new twist on getting family photos taken, they knew they wanted to try it! Like many Chicago grandparents, they help out babysitting with their grandkids. I spent a couple hours one afternoon documenting their time together. And what did I find when I looked at the photos after the shoot? Unconditional love. Joy. Kindness. Tenderness. And I know these photos will only become more precious with every passing year.

What Are You Waiting For?

So let’s talk! Shoot me an email through my “Inquire” link or call me at 773 510 7105 . You know this is a great idea. This is one gift certificate the grandparents in your life are guaranteed to love!

Would like to hear more about why candid family photography with the grandparents is so important? If so, click here, here, here and here.

Would like to find answers to common questions about Grandparent Sessions and how to book? Click here for all your answers.

To follow me on Facebook, click here.

To follow me on Instagram, click here.

Lake County Il Family and Corporate Photographer

Susan Ryan Kalina is a Lake County Il Family and Corporate Photographer Specializing in Candid Moments and Events

Lake County Il Child Photographer | Bernie’s Book Bank

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | Pinstripes, Northbrook

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer

Before the Guests Arrived

Let the Games Begin!

Speeches

Dance Party

Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer | JRC Temple Photography

Getting Ready

At the Temple

A Greek Orthodox Baptism

Before the Baptism

The Ceremony Begins

The Main Event

The Ceremony Continues

Candid Family Photography with the Grandparents | Chicago

A New Take on Family Photography

Why I Love Doing Candid Family Photography Sessions with Grandparents

The K Family Spends the Afternoon with their Grandkids

What Are You Waiting For?