Newborn photos in Chicago, Illinois

Families

You don’t want to miss these moments, and I don’t want you to either.

You’ve got too much on your plate to be fussing over everything that goes into a family photography session. I want to give you the tear-jerking, heart-wrenching, side-splitting photos. But I also want to give you an experience that is easy, carefree and fun. 

Trust me to do my photo thing and navigate all the planning and behind the scenes work. Trust your family to be. Just be. That’s all you have to do.

Here’s what you can expect from the experience.

collaboration

This is your family. I’m not here to dictate or tell you how to do you. Together we are going to build the best session, in the right location, at the right time, with all the right people (your family, of course!).

posing

You don’t need to know how to pose – that’s my job! I’ll show you what to do with your hands and exactly how to hold yourself and move to feel natural and comfortable. But a big part of the magic comes in those in-between moments when you’re not paying attention to me and just doing your family thing. Those are some of the most authentic images of your little crew.

looking gooood

We’ll talk wardrobe before the session (hint, no matching denim or tracksuits). We’ll talk hair and makeup for seniors. The key to looking good is just feeling like your authentic selves. You and your family are so beautiful just as you are.

communication.

Hand holding, if needed. And walking along with you every step of the way, including after the session with editing and picking out your pictures. 

I’ll be there.

Shalimar has beautifully captured the individual personality of each of my children. She makes them feel so comfortable , whether it is being silly with my three year old or making my 13 year old feel at ease. She is truly gifted with children. We treasure her photographs.
~ Caroline

No family is alike.
No photo session is ever the same.

I want to know your family, not just come in with a camera, snap a few photos and disappear. 

It starts with a phone call. You can tell me all your ideas for the perfect Chicago family photo shoot – locations, timing, tree climbing, etc. But we’ll talk focus on your family. 

Next step, an in-depth questionnaire for an even deeper peek at who your family is. I ask a lot of questions but my favorite is: “What do you want to remember about your children at this age?” 

This is how I see your family from your perspective. It helps me watch for the interactions, mannerisms and nuances that reveal your family’s core and deliver exactly what you want. 

Throughout the process no detail is spared - down to the packaging of the final order. Shalimar makes the process convenient and answers inquiries quickly and completely. The hardest part in working with Shalimar is how NOT to buy every photo captured in the session. Spoiler alert: I usually do! 🙂
~ Susan

how it works

What To Know About Working With Shalimar B Photography

I pride myself on my customer service. The number of clients I’ve had return to work with me through the years is additional testament to my dedication, so let’s talk about working together! Here you can learn all about your first session with me.

First: A Phone Call

When we initially connect to schedule a session, we’ll have a phone call so I can get to know you a bit and answer any questions you have for me before we meet. I want to hear about you and your family, and learn your goals for the session. Who will be part of the photos? What do you want to remember about this time and this age? What do you want your child or children to see when they look at these photos 30 years from now? Do you have any specific concerns about a session? We’ll determine when and where you’d like to take the photos, and also discuss what to wear for your session.

Pricing

Family Session Fee: $350

Important note about session fee: The fee includes the time and talent of the photographer. The session fee is due at the time of booking in order to reserve a session date.

Important note about cancellations: If your child or a family member becomes sick, please call me as soon as possible to reschedule the session. For all other cancellations or rescheduling requests, please prove 48 hours’ notice. Otherwise, the session fee is non-refundable.

Print Fees:

  • Digital/Print collections starting at $1650

*  Complete pricing guide available upon request

Frequently asked questions

So many options! The comfort of home, one of Chicago’s beautiful parks or beaches, or even a city setting in the heart of downtown. I’ve taken photos in a variety of locations but I recommend you think about what kind of photo environment you prefer. Where are you and/or your family most comfortable?

Maybe your family is a jeans and t-shirt kind of family, maybe you’re a little dressier than that. My general rule is: Comfort is Key. No one wants to get photos taken when they are uncomfortable with what they are wearing! I recommend you and your family stay true to your style so the images we make reflect who you are. That said, I remind clients of a few things: not everyone has to match (i.e. khakis with white polo shirts) and bright, bold colors can photograph beautifully. When in doubt, I advise one parent to take the lead on choosing their clothing first so it sets the tone for complementary colors/clothing for the rest of the family.

I want you to relax and enjoy this time with your family. We will talk, have fun and play games so we can capture real smiles and laughter from you and your crew. I don’t put a time limit on session length, but typically they last one to two hours. The number and ages of kids in a session can affect that.

Approximately 2 weeks after your session you will receive a link to view all of your images in a slide show set to music.

I place a high value on customer service, and my goal is to make things as easy and seamless for you as possible. As a busy, working parent myself, I understand that your time is valuable. Any spare time you have, you want to spend it with your family. For that reason, I have recently adapted my business to an online ordering system that upholds the standards of Shalimar B Photography. However, many of my families may still prefer the in-person ordering service that I offer, and I am still happy to provide that.

Prints and products are ready four to six weeks after your order has been placed.