Tag Archives: Chicago kids

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.

A Special Outing with Grandma | Family Photography Chicago

Family Photography Shoot Ideas

Do you want to have a special family photography shoot that you will cherish forever?

How about a photo shoot that captures the special relationship between your children and their grandparents? Like that idea, but don’t know where to start?

Anything your children enjoy doing with their grandparents is a great possibility for a family photography shoot. Do they like to bake cookies together? Perfect!

Do they take the kids on walks around the neighborhood, inspecting each bug and leaf? Love it.

How about a sleepover? Or just as special, how about a day in the life of them babysitting on a regular day? Going through the rituals of the day together is always rich with little, lovely moments of connection between the generations.

Or if your kids are a little older like mine, they love to take the Metra train with their Bubbe and cousins to the city.

Our Big Adventure

We started our day with meeting at the Deerfield Metra Station. Of course, even though they are not toddlers, we still have to bring along snacks and drinks. Just riding the train downtown, giggling, chatting and looking out the window, is the first adventure of the day.

Lunchtime

Then, we went to our favorite eating spot, The French Market. Lobster roll anyone? Or how about sushi? Or maybe a Vietnamese sandwich. And don’t forget the melt in your mouth Belgian fries. Everyone finds something they love when we eat here.

Daddy Visit

The kids always love to visit Daddy in his high-rise office downtown. The view is incredible. And because my husband is a games-obsessed dude, his office is full of toys he’s collected over the years. As usual, we had to drag the kids out so he could get back to work.

Boat ride on the Chicago River

Next was my favorite part of the day, taking the water taxi along the Chicago River. We have taken them on the architectural boat tour before. I loved it, but they are just as happy to just sit on the boat, drinking in the sites as we pass them by. And the bonus, MUCH cheaper than the guided boat tours.

Capturing Your Family Photos

Would you like to have photos like these for your next family outing? Doing a family storytelling shoot is a great way to have a book, slideshow and even wall art that captures the beautiful connections between you and your family. So next time you think about hiring a family photographer, give me a call at 773 510 7105. Let’s discuss what kind of family photos are right for you. And don’t forget the grandparents!

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

And if you would like to see more examples of my family photography storytelling shoots, look here, here, here, and here .

To see Amanda Jane Dalby, Redhill Surrey UK Lifestyle and Portrait Photographer’s take on a local family outing, click here . Storytelling photography is definitely a trend crossing the globe these days! Give it a try. You won’t regret it!

Jasmine’s Sweet Sixteen Party

The Make-A-Wish Foundation asked me to photograph Jasmine’s Sweet Sixteen party. I was thrilled to spend the evening documenting Jasmine getting pampered and enjoying her fabulous party. Her family was a joy to be around. And seeing several vendors I recognize from the bar mitzvah and wedding circuit donating their time to a worthy cause definitely makes my heart sing.

I love photographing events. Birthday parties, sweet sixteens, baptisms, bar mitzvahs, you name it! Any chance I get to tell the story of someone’s day, I know it’s going to be a wonderful experience.

Having good clients throughout the year allows me to take the time occasionally to donate my services to families that can’t afford photography. Thank you to all the people I work with that make this possible!

Chicago Sweet Sixteen Photography

Brunch at Kevin’s Place | Family Photography Chicago

Our family has many little rituals that make up our day. And while I know I will always have my memories, I like to document our stories with photos so I can look back and see the sweet little moments that make up our lives.

One of our favorite weekend traditions is having brunch at Kevin’s Place in Deerfield. We started going here years ago because I heard it was a good place to take kids. No one would give you a funny look if your children laughed too loud, ate with their fingers, or even melted into the dreaded tantrum. Now that my children can safely make it through a meal without these issues, it’s still one of our favorite places.

Lynn, Matt and Freddie always greet us with a smile. Matt always inquires about what we have been up to lately and tells me of his latest adventures. And the best part, he always tells me I look pretty. Now, this may not sound like much, but from a lady in her 40’s, I don’t hear this from anyone but my husband these days …

When Kevin comes to the table to get our order, he usually sits down and digs in for a good pre-ordering chat. The girls can’t wait to share with him. From dance performances, to plays, to school achievements, he gets to hear it all. They love to talk to him because he listens so intently. He focuses on each child and always gives the best reactions.

Thank you Kevin, for being a bright spot in our crazy, busy lives. You slow us down and remind us that good food, good friends, and connecting with each other is what life is all about.

Having a Chicago Adventure with the Girls| Family Photography

I love being on holiday break with my kids. During regular school time, it just doesn’t feel like we have time to breathe. I feel like we are constantly rushing to school, hurrying to after school activities, shoehorning in homework time, and then jamming in dinner before showers and bedtime.

I am cherishing lazy mornings and afternoon adventures.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I decided to take my girls and nieces to downtown Chicago.

The girls loved riding on the train, chitty-chatting, taking pictures of each other and playing games on their itouchs. This was a big improvement on the two-hour drive we took to the city last week. (Why do I always forget that a little rain can add an hour to our drive in a flash?!)

We started our afternoon in the city by collecting a dizzying array of colorful food a the French Market at Ogilvie Train Station. We then went to visit Daddy at his high-rise office and ate our wacky smorgasbord in one of his conference rooms. (Anyone care for a crepe? Or a Vietnamese spring roll? How about a lobster roll or butternut squash soup? And don’t forget the French macarons for dessert! )

Next was a quick hello to Auntie Amy before wandering the halls of the Art Institute.

And then back on the train for more silliness and selflies.

We had a glorious day of exploring different tastes, beautiful art, lots of hugs, and almost no bickering. A glorious day!