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Family Stories

Your reserved date is only official once I receive the following two items:

  • SESSION AGREEMENT: Clear and upfront communication is key to making this a great experience for you. The session agreement outlines my policies and procedures so that we are on the same page from day one. – Don’t worry, they are all items located throughout my website and things we’ll discuss over the phone. I don’t like surprises about this sort of thing either. 
  • FIRST HALF OF YOUR PAYMENT: Right after you sign the session agreement, your invoice will arrive in your inbox. Once the session fee is paid, you’ll be officially on the calendar, and we can start to plan.
Expect to see next steps arrive in your inbox within 48 business hours of your booking.
Neither of my sons enjoys posing for pictures. Maija was so cool and relaxed and somehow managed to get the most beautiful pictures of them and the entire family. ”

~Shira C.

Family of four walks across bridge in Downtown Chicago

FAMILY & MATERNITY Stories

Session fee + Collections start at $1000

Includes:

  • Up to 75 minutes of session time
  • In-home or a location of your choosing within 30 miles of 60657
  • For ALL families of 1-5 people. Bring along your animal family too!
  • 50-60 edited images in your online proofing gallery to be fully retouched once you pay for your collection.
  • Smile Collection (INCLUDED) 15 retouched, high-resolution digitals in color and B&W AND a $125 gift print or album credit.
book now

NEWBORN Stories

Session fee + Collections start at $1200

Includes:

  • 2 hours of session time
  • In-home or a location of your choosing within 30 miles of 60657
  • For ALL families of 1-5 people. Your animal family is welcome too!
  • 50-60 edited images in your online proofing gallery to be fully retouched once you pay for your collection.
  • Smile Collection (INCLUDED) 15 retouched, high-resolution digitals in color and B&W AND a $125 gift print or album credit.
book now

Family Stories

Booking guidelines – Before selecting your date/time, please understand:

  • TIMELINE FOR IMAGE DELIVERY: Preview galleries are delivered within one week of your session date. Retouched images arrive 2-3 weeks after you’ve made your image selections. I retouch galleries in order that I receive selections.
  • HOLIDAY PRINT DEADLINE: Most labs have a December 13 deadline for guaranteed delivery by December 24. Plan your session before November 20 if you are wanting to gift prints or order holiday cards.
  • OFF PEAK TIME COLLECTION CREDIT: You receive a $75 credit towards your collection for sessions occurring January – May and/or on Chicago Public School days between 9am-2pm. We’ll also be able to go to more popular locations with fewer crowds (and photographers) to work around.
  • INDOOR SESSIONS photograph best in the brightest midday sun, starting between 10 am and 1 pm. I always do carry an off-camera flash with me if I need to make some light for us.
  • OUTDOOR SESSIONS photograph best when the light is most angled towards sunrise or sunset. We definitely want to avoid direct overhead light because it’s not flattering on anyone. I recommend scheduling your session around 2 hours before sunset.
  • SNOW SESSIONS: Email Maija directly to create a plan.
sunrise/sunset times in chicago

Newborn Stories

All babies are tiny humans with their own agendas. I keep it flexible for you and them.

Most people like to schedule their session for as soon as possible after baby’s arrival, even the day after you are home from the hospital! The newest-born babies are naturally more curled up and sleepy, which is entirely adorable. They are tiny for so little time.

Other families love that older baby look, around 1-2 months, when eyes are open and their faces are more expressive. We’ll definitely catch some eyes open and soulful expressions around now. Parents also start to feel a little more like themselves again once the newborn haze has worn off.

I make it my policy to stay flexible on newborn session timing.

We can always shift our timing around depending on how everyone is feeling. As a mom, I understand that there are sometimes last-minute doctor’s appointments required for both mom and baby shortly after the birth. Please know that you can always contact me if something comes up or it is an extra awful night of sleep right before our session. 

Newborn sessions tend to work best when scheduled around midday. 

Babies are usually happier in the morning, when indoor lighting is brighter, and the late morning is more relaxed for getting everyone ready in time.

For babies not yet born, please enter your estimated due date below.
We’ll revise timing as we know your baby’s plans.