Chicago Family Photographer – Short & Fun Photoshoot Packages

Why not take advantage of a birthday, anniversary, vacation, or multigenerational reunion to capture authentic memories with a Chicago family photographer? It’s a great way to get everyone together in one photo while capturing the essence of what makes your group so special.

However, finding the perfect family photographer in Chicago is a lot easier said than done. With so many out there to choose from, we’d like to give you some tips to help you prepare for your family photoshoot.

FINALLY, everyone will be in the picture and Mom will get some frame-worthy vacation photos that capture your special trip!

Things to Consider Before Looking for a Family Photographer in Chicago

You likely have some ideas on how you want your photos to look, and you might even have some locations or outfit ideas in mind. That’s great! Thinking more about these details before setting out on your search is key to making sure you hire the right Chicago photographer for you.

How You Will Use Your Family Photos

How will you use or display your family photos? Will they be arranged into a photo book, shown off in your home on a gallery wall, or printed on a coffee mug? The size and quality of the photos will matter, so make sure your photographer delivers photos in a high-resolution digital format so that they can be printed or shared in many places via multiple methods.

Think About Your Past Photoshoot Experiences

If you have done a family photoshoot in the past, think about that experience. What would you have improved or what did you love about it? Giving a few moments to reflect will set you on the right path to finding the perfect Chicago family photographer.

Find Your Photoshoot Style

Every artist has a signature style. This is why it is super important to find a Chicago photographer that matches your vision and captures your group in a way that feels authentic to you.

• How much direction would you like? Do you like candid moments or perfectly positioned photos?
• Do you like coordinating outfits for family photos or loosely decided color schemes?
• Which style do you like? Soft and warm or photos with artistic positioning and bright colors?

What to Expect When Hiring a Chicago Family Photographer

Now that you’ve considered how you’ll use your photos and you are getting a vision of your photo style, it is time to think of the prices, inclusions, and what to expect to get from your family photoshoot.

Think About Your Budget, but Don’t Be Afraid to Splurge

Photoshoot costs can vary dramatically across photographers in Chicago. Some photographers are new in their careers and offer affordable 1-hour family photoshoot rates.

On the other hand, others have 20+ years of experience and can charge thousands of dollars for a 90-minute shoot. It can be daunting once you start to get some estimates, so it is good to go in prepared with a budget in mind.

However, it can be worth splurging on your family photos. Moments with all your people together are precious and should be celebrated with beautiful photos.

If you have a larger group, the chance of getting everyone together again can be few and far between, so don’t be afraid to go for a photographer you feel confident in, even if the cost is higher. Maybe you can even split the costs between some family members.

Know the Industry

It is important to know the industry standards before you look for your perfect photographer.

The most common photo delivery method is high-resolution digital files hosted in a private online gallery. This way you can download your images directly to your computer. Professional family photographers will deliver photos that have been edited, though the amount of editing and style will vary.

Editing is where most of the magic happens and your images are brought to life. For this reason, family photographers in Chicago will never give any RAW unedited files. All professional photographers will grant you a print release so that you can print and use your photos as you please, as long as they are not used for commercial purposes.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Once you have this information from prospective Chicago family photographers, you’ll be able to make the right decision for you and your group.

• How much will the session cost?
• What is included in the fee?
• How long will it take to view and receive the photos?
• Is retouching and color balancing included?
• What style does the photographer specialize in?
• What is the duration of the session?
• Does the photographer have experience working with children?

Deciding on Where and What Time to Take Family Photos

Now that you have an idea of what you are getting yourself into, close your eyes and imagine your perfect family photoshoot in Chicago. Where is it?

Best Photo Spots in Chicago for Family Photos

Getting some ideas on the best photo spots in Chicago can be as simple as viewing a photographer’s portfolio. Browse their work to get a good indication of where past shoots have taken place. Some outdoor locations will require an entrance fee or parking fees, so it is good to be prepared to cover these costs for your photographer.

There are so many beautiful outdoor locations to choose between – from lush botanical gardens to epic viewpoints. Have some ideas of the kinds of locations you like and ask your photographer for recommendations for locations.

The Best Time of Day to Take Photos in Chicago

Equally important to the location of your shoot is to make sure your shoot is as the perfect time! Without a doubt, the best time to take photos in Chicago is in the early morning or early evening.

Check out our golden hour calculator to see the best times for a photoshoot anywhere in the world. We are partial to the early mornings between 7:30 am and 8:30 am because the whole group starts fresh and there is less chance of other people or tourists around to interrupt your beautiful photo backdrop. Although it may be a little hard to wake up the kids, it is totally worth it.

Chicago Family Photoshoot Packages

Chicago family photographer costs can vary greatly. They can be hard to contact, and keeping track of everyone’s portfolios and different prices can also be difficult. For this reason, we made it easy and arranged affordable photoshoot pricing that can fit your budget. See below all our vacation photography packages.

Included in every package:

• EXPERT PHOTO EDITING: All photos are edited for light, color, and sharpness to make your photos gorgeous. Advanced beauty edits are available for purchase.
• QUICK TURNAROUND: Receive your photos within 5 days of your photoshoot, but usually sooner! Download your choice of 15, 30, 45, or 60 digital photos.
• LOCAL TIPS: Your personal photographer also acts as an informal tour guide with all the best photo spots and local secrets for what to see, eat, & do in town.
• PRINT RELEASE: Turn your digital photos into cherished prints & wall art! Use our printing partners and get FREE SHIPPING – as low as $1 USD for 4×6 luster prints.

Book Your Family Photoshoot