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Family Photographer Chicago

Looking for a Family Photographer?

Family Photographer Chicago

Are you looking for a family photographer to capture unique, authentic family photos? I’m your girl! I have been photographing families using my candid, photojournalistic-style photography for over 10 years.

Before I had my own children, I was a photographer and photo editor for different newspapers around the world. So I have a lot of experience coming into a situation and telling a family’s story through photos.

Information and Investment

Would you like to learn more about what it looks like to work with me? Interested in pricing info?

Check out my Family Photography Guide here. 

Want to see examples of my authentic Family Photography Sessions? Click here, here, here and here.

Interested in talking to me or booking a session with me? Email me at Susanrkphoto@gmail.com .Family Photographer Chicago

Bar Mitzvah Congregation Solel

Daniel’s Whirlyball Bar Mitzvah | Highland Park

Bar Mitzvah Pre-Shoot

I always enjoy the bar mitzvah pre-shoot session. The pre-shoot is a great way to get to know each other before the big day. Daniel is such a creative guy. He had great ideas going into our photo session of how we could take cool photos. We met at Rosewood Beach in Highland Park and looked for interesting spots to take photos. I think our collaboration turned out fantastic!bar mitzvah Rosewood Beachbar mitzvah Rosewood Beachbar mitzvah Rosewood Beachbar mitzvah Rosewood Beach

Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Solel

When I met Daniel and his family at Congregation Solel for his bar mitzvah, I knew the day was going to be special.

Daniel did great and it was lovely seeing his family up on the bima with him. You could tell how proud they all were!

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Time to Party at Whirlyball!

Once Daniel finished his amazing bar mitzvah at Congregation Solel, it was time to celebrate at Whirlyball Vernon Hills!

I knew we were in for a fun afternoon when I saw that Daniel had put on his light-up party shoes!

Energy Productions had the music cranked and got the crowd dancing. And of course, everyone loved playing laser tag and whirlyball.

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I love shooting bar mitzvahs around the Chicago area. I typically book bar mitzvah shoots 18 months out. I am booked up for 2017, but I still have a small handful of dates available for 2018. Would you like to learn more about my rates and how to book with me? Click here to see my Bar Mitzvah Client Guide with answers to frequently asked questions.

Interested in seeing blog posts of other bar and bat mitzvahs I have photographed? Check out these links here, here, here and here.

Interested in working with some of the vendors from this fantastic event? Here is a list to help you connect:

If you would like to learn more about Whirlyball, click here.

If you would like to learn more about Energy Productions, click here.

Interested in learning about Congregation Solel? Click here.

Thanks so much for taking a look at my post today!

Grandparent Photography Chicago

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.

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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.

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.

Grandparent Grandkid Photography

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.Deerfield Family PhotographyFamily Photos ChicagoGrandparent Photography

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.Sisters PhotographyFamily Photos

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.Family Photography ChicagoChicago kidFamily Photography ChicagoBrothers PhotographyFamily photos ChicagoFamily Photography ChicagoGrandparent Grandkid Photography

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.River Taxi Family PhotosBoat Taxi Family PhotosChicago KidsChicago kidCousins PhotographyGrandparent Storytelling PhotographyLake County Photography

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!

Grandparent Photo Session

The Trending Family Photos You Need | Chicago Photographer

Family Memories Captured … Or Not

Do you have great memories of your grandparents from when you were growing up?

I do! I loved wearing my grandmother’s nightgowns, high heels, and all the jewelry I could find in her drawers. She used to let me drink “coffee” with one drop of coffee and copious amounts of warm milk. I loved finding mint leaves to chew on in her back yard. Her overfed, miniature poodle used to sleep at the end of my bed for sleepovers.

Now ask me if I have any family photos of these precious memories. I don’t. And that makes me really sad. I can tell my stories to my children, but I can’t SHOW them.

I can show them pictures of me standing next to my grandparents. But I can’t show them how it felt to be with them, how much I loved them and how cherished I always felt in their presence. I can’t show them our story.

Grandparent Photo SessionHere is How I Can Help You

But you know what I can do for you? I can capture that beautiful story for your family. Don’t let your children continue missing out on having this family relationship photographed.

I can spend time documenting your children’s precious grandparent memories as they are unfolding. Do they do sleepovers? I can photograph it. Do the grandparents help with daycare? I can photograph the beauty in the little daily moments they share. Or, like the Meyers family pictured here, I can photograph a favorite activity, like baking.

Do you think these family photos are something you would love to have? Call me at 773 510 7105 and let’s discuss the perfect situation to photograph your family. As a Chicago family photographer, I know we often think of family photos as just the parents and children. But grandparent-grandkid photography is so special! How awesome would it be to have these grandparent photos for your family?

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

If you would like to see more examples of my family storytelling photography (also known as family photojournalism photography), please click here, here, here and here.

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