Locations for Family Mini Sessions

Because family mini sessions are meant to be short and sweet, I have narrowed down the location choices for you while still giving you lots of variety! The look of each location will vary depending on the time of year. Click through each photo to see more examples from the area!

St. Charles Farm - Dirt Road

This location hasn't been found my many local photographers yet, which is why I don't disclose the name of it until you book! This great little dirt road is perfect for a family portrait session that will stand the test of time!

Pottawatomie Park - Footbridge

This location has such great lines! It's also nice if you want to shoot outdoors while it's sprinkling since it's covered :) The stairs and pathway leading up to the bridge are really neat as well. The metal wall with the vines is one of my favorite backdrops.

Leroy Oakes - Barn

Love the rustic barn look? Then this is the location for you! This spot is very popular among the local photographers, but for good reason :) The side with the big barn door is usable on any evening because it blocks the sun. The front (with the cool lanterns) may be usable depending on the angle of the sun, and definitely on cloudy days. The back, with a different barn door, may be usable too depending on the sun.  There is also some fabulous old brick that makes for a great backdrop.

Fabyan Forest Preserve - Tunnel Arbor

This arbor is so beautiful and unique, and it changes so much throughout the year! There is nothing else quite like it in the area :) It's a bit of a walk to get to it, but the path is paved and straight. We can also shoot on the little steps with the sundial, and off to the side where there are some bushes and landscaping. It's a very pretty area with an elegant garden feel!

Downtown St. Charles - Courtyard Near ZaZa's

An urban session is a fun break away from the traditional outdoor sessions in parks and forest preserves! You get great lines from the architecture, less mess from grass and mud, you don't really have to worry about ticks, and there's always lots of interesting areas to pose. The courtyard area behind ZaZa's is easily accessible by parking on the street or in the parking garage (the elevator drops you right at the courtyard!). We can shoot in the courtyard area as well as on the sidewalk area on Rt. 64

Peck Farm - House Area

This is a nice location for those that want a bit of a home away from home feel. Kids love climbing on the steps of the house (it's actually a museum now), and there are even rocking chairs on the front porch. Lots of brick on the building and the sidewalk out in front! With nice landscaping, trees in the background, and even a wide open area that is perfect for a blanket or to let the kids run around a bit.

Peck Farm - Prairie Path

This location gives us access to seasonal prairie plants and flowers, while staying on a nice paved path (it's even partially paved in brick)! Shooting one direction I can give you more of the prairie feel, while shooting the other I can capture a barn in the background (there are different ones). A nice option if you want a bit of the country vibe without getting too deep into the country :)