Purdue Grad Photos | Best Friends to Two Couples Grad Session

From Random Roommates to Lifelong Best Friends | Purdue Graduation Session

There’s something extra special about graduation sessions—but this one is a special story

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at The Engineering Fountain

I had the honor of photographing not just one, but two incredible couples celebrating their graduation from Purdue University. What made it even more meaningful is the story behind how these four are now taking graduation pictures together around the campus that became their first home away from their family home.

After choosing Purdue 4 years ago as their college decision, the next step was to start the roommate selection process. These then high school seniors girls filled out their housing forms, answering questions about them and their lifestyle. This was just the start of the random housing selection process that brought together two freshman roommates. Fast forward four years, and they’re walking away not only with degrees, they have been roommates for 4 years, and have a friendship that has become part of who they are.

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at Hovde Hall

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at Hovde Hall

Along the way the two of them became four with new connections found on campus! This group session was such a beautiful blend of celebration and connection. We captured each couple individually, each graduate, the girls and the boys from the Purdue Memorial Union arches, to the Purdue Bell Tower, Hovde Hall, The Engineering Fountain — and ended the session with a champagne spray at the arches by the Purdue Union.

Purdue Graduation Pictures at The Purdue Union Arches

Purdue Graduation Session at Purdue Bell Tower

Purdue Graduation Session at Hovde Hall

Purdue Graduation Session at Hovde Hall

To these graduates : your story is one of the best parts of college life. Not just the degree, but the people you meet along the way in West LaFayette at Purdue.

Purdue Graduation Pictures - Cap & Gown at Purdue Memorial Union

Cheers to friendship, love, and everything ahead.

Purdue Graduation Celebration - Champagne Spray

High School Senior Spring Photo Session | Hinsdale Katherine Legge Memorial Park

Class of 2026 Oak Park River Forest Grad

You may think River Forest, isn’t she located in the south suburbs (Tinley Park). Yes I am a Southside girl but I travel!

I love working in the Chicagoland area and I am so thankful for client referrals which have created a large net of clients I get to work with throughout the Chicago area. I always say a referral is truly the best gift you can give a business owner because we all want to know the experience we are going to get before we walk in. So when you trust a friends good experience and invest in your own experience, it is such a win for both client and photographer in my case.

Two years ago I captured a group of friends from River Forest and since I have been able to work with these families again and their friends. Now it was this beautiful seniors turn to capture her senior season. As graduation is in sight and the winter weather seemed to break a little early in Chicago, we scheduled this gorgeous seniors session in mid-April. This location was the perfect example of how to make timing and location work beautifully. The structure and greenery starting to pop was the perfect blend at this hidden gem location.

While spring can be a busy season between college decisions (Congrats to this new Hawkeye) and senior activities and graduation, with a little planning and flexibility we will work together to create your senior session.

She was an absolute joy to work with and so easy going even as we had to deal with a little wind. She was patient trusted the process and worked closely with me to create her senior session.

Class of 2026 Oak Park River Forest Graduate - Location: Katherine Legge Memorial Park Hinsdale, IL - Photographer Christina Bailitz Photography

Class of 2026 Oak Park River Forest Graduate - Location: Katherine Legge Memorial Park Hinsdale, IL - Photographer Christina Bailitz Photography

Why to Hire a Professional Photographer | Tinley Park Newborn, Family & Senior Photographer

The Reasons Why YOU SHOULD hire an experienced photographer

Starting to plan for a photo session?

Where do you even begin?

One of the most common things I hear is, “I’m just looking for a reasonable photographer.” But here’s the truth—reasonable means something different to everyone. And I’m here to gently remind you… price isn’t everything.

Photography Sessions are not just appointments they are experiences.

A session captures moments. It tells your story—whether that’s your family, your senior year, your growing business, or a season of life you want to hold onto forever.

In a world where we all have a phone in our hands, it’s easy to think that’s enough. But there’s a difference between taking a picture… and preserving a memory with intention, skill, and care

HOW a photographers Experience Changes Everything

Hiring an experienced photographer means you’re getting so much more than someone who knows how to use a camera. You’re getting someone who:

• Knows how to guide you when feeling awkward or unsure

• Understands lighting, locations, and timing for the best possible results

• Can adapt quickly to unexpected situations

• Captures genuine emotion—not just forced smiles saying cheese

• Delivers consistent, high-quality images you can trust

An experienced photographer brings a confidence and calm to the experience —and that allows their clients to to relax and truly enjoy the session. The way you feel during your session matters. If you leave your session and are feeling flustered you will remember that when you view those images. When you work with someone experienced and someone you trust, you will feel more comfortable and prepared and be in the moment. And that feeling shows in your images.

Why Price Shouldn’t Be the Only Factor

Pricing is important and everyone’s budge is different. However choosing a photographer based on price alone can sometimes lead to disappointment. When you are choosing only on dollars, it can lead to misaligned styles, lack of direction, or inconsistent results, which then can turn something special into something stressful. And the truth is—these are special moments to you otherwise you wouldn’t be looking to have them captured.

Instead of asking, “Who is the cheapest?” try asking:

• Do I love their work?

• Do I feel connected to their style?

• Do I trust them to capture something important to me?

Because the right photographer will do more than take photos—they’ll create an experience you’ll remember just as much as the images themselves.

Final Thoughts on choosing a photographer

Your photographer is not just providing photos they are providing an experience. Photos are the end result delivered.

What is being preserved are your memories. Your milestones. Your story.

And when something matters that much… it’s worth investing in someone who knows how to capture it the right way!!

Purdue University Graduation Photos | West LaFayette Photographer

Purdue University on campus GRADUATION Pictures

It’s YOUR time to celebrate!

This is your moment to walk the campus dressed in your stole, cap, and gown—capturing your graduation at the place you’ve called home throughout your college journey. You will quickly feel how fast the days went from when you arrived on campus.

Looking back on my own college experience, I wish I had taken the time to capture it like this—which is exactly why I love offering these keepsake graduation sessions.

THE TIME IS NOW TO BOOK YOUR GRAD SESSION

Booking your graduation for mid-April to senior week is a great goal. Your gown will need to be returned shortly after graduation, so scheduling your session before graduation day ensures you’ll already have beautiful images to celebrate with.

Once your session is booked, the fun begins—choosing your locations!

Top on-campus location ideas (choose 2–3):

• Purdue Memorial Union Archways

• The Bell Tower

• The Engineering Fountain

• Outside Harry’s Chocolate Shop

• Hovde Hall Steps

• Your fraternity or sorority house

• Your major building

• Your freshman dorm or senior house

I’m here to help you create a graduation session that reflects your story in West Lafayette—before you turn the page and officially become an alum. Let’s make it unforgettable!

When to Book Your Senior Photos | Tinley Park High School Senior Photographer

Senior year is here—or just around the corner—and somehow it arrived faster than you imagined.

With graduation ahead, it’s time to start planning your senior pictures—one of the most fun ways to celebrate this season of life.

Senior pictures should feel fun, relaxed, and totally YOU—a celebration of everything you’ve accomplished and who you’re becoming. Choosing a photographer who helps create that kind of experience is so important. Planning your session is just as important as the session itself, so let’s walk through a few key things to consider!

• When should you book your senior session?

  • Senior sessions can be scheduled from the summer before senior year all the way through after graduation. However be mindful if you need the images for any applications, announcements, etc so you have your pictures when you need them.

• What time of year is best?

  • This really comes down to personal style and preference, but each season in the Midwest offers something unique:

    • Summer: Long, golden evenings, glowing skin tones, and lush greenery make summer sessions feel warm and vibrant. Late July and early August are especially popular before sports and school schedules fill up.

    • Fall: Think warm tones, cozy vibes, and colorful leaves. Fall is one of the busiest seasons, so if you love that look, booking early is key.

    • Winter: While it’s definitely colder, winter sessions can be stunning. Fresh snow creates a clean, bright, and almost magical backdrop.

    • Spring: Spring brings soft colors, blooming flowers, and a sense of new beginnings. The weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important—but the results are often worth it.

• Morning or Evening Session?

  • Most senior sessions take place in the early morning or evening to capture softer, more flattering light. Think about when you feel your best—whether that’s a calm morning start or a golden-hour evening glow.

• Are in a fall or spring activity?

  • Think of what availability you have and schedule early.

• Can I wait till I make my college decision to include it in my session?

  • Absolutely and that is the plus of a spring session you often have made a next step decision to include.

• Do all senior sessions have to be outside?

  • Not at all! Indoor sessions are a great option and allow for more consistency regardless of weather. Studio or Specific indoor locations can be scheduled year-round and offer a different, more controlled look.

No matter when or where you choose, your senior session should reflect you. This is such an exciting season of life, and your photos should capture it in a way that feels natural, fun, and unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning your session or have questions, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels effortless and uniquely yours.

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign On Campus Graduation Photography Session | Christina Bailitz Photography

UIUC on campus GRADUATION TIME IS HERE

That last semester of college hits differently and it went way faster than you thought if I had to guess.

The number of years you will be in Champaign or Urbana based on your address will be different for each graduate but one thing that is the same is the finish line on their path which is graduation from University of Illinois. Campus has been your home away from home and you have created so many memories. Along the way you matured, met many new friends, acquired skills in and out of the class to bring into the next chapter of career or graduate education.

So before you head to your next chapter capturing pictures on campus will be a gift you hold for many years to come!!

When is the best time to book on campus graduation session?

I start traveling to campus late April and continue through May (not graduation weekend). I tend to book sessions on weekdays when the iconic spots are less crowded to avoid long wait times. If would like to use GEIS Memorial Stadium, please make sure the look into the process to enter so we can schedule accordingly

What do I need for my graduation session?

Cap & Gown (ironed/steamed) - Tassels - Stole that has been ironed

Graduation wear - dress/suit/shoes (girls bring sandals for walking)

Champagne is optional and will not be provided but clothing may need to be spot treated for champagne (we do the champagne spray at the end)

Can I take pictures with a group?

The answer is absolutely YES! I allow extra time for a group session for individual and group images to be taken.

How many locations can we take pictures at?

This will vary with each campus based on size and location popularity. I say to think of 3 to start and we can tailor for your timing.

What is the turn around time for pictures?

The turnaround time for pictures is two weeks but you can RUSH them for a fee and have them in 72 hours.

Providence Catholic High School Senior Photos | Frankfort Photographer | Christina Bailitz Photography

One Session, Twice the fun!

Growing up with siblings is definitely fun, but having a twin to share those big milestones with is such a special experience! 

Twin senior sessions allow you to have the best of both worlds for your graduates - a mix of individual photos and photos together of them with their first friend. 

Twice the fun doesn’t end there - locations like Downtown Frankfort give your graduates a mix of that urban and nature based feel all within one location and scheduling a spring session allows your graduates to incorporate their next step in addition to the classic senior photos. 

Class of 2026 - make sure to reach out to schedule your senior session and check out the different senior session packages on my website!

First Birthday Studio Session | New Lenox | Christina Bailitz Photography Mermaid Fun and Turning One - First Birthday Milestone Session

Turning One!!!

A year full of so many firsts, memories, and growth. 

I always feel honored to capture your family’s memories - and I absolutely love getting to see your babies growing up from their newborn to first birthday sessions and beyond. 

And studio sessions at the New Lenox studio are the perfect way to celebrate first birthdays!

Not worrying about weather and having flexibility with scheduling allow you to focus on celebrating your little one. The clean, classic white studio provides a perfect backdrop for both simple images and a personalized theme that we can work together on! 

Marist High School Senior Photos | Beverly (Chicago) | Christina Bailitz Photography Capturing memories where you grew up -

Yes - Let’s customize your senior session!

As high school years come to a close and college move-in is around the corner, the place you call home becomes even more special.

With senior photos, I always tell people to not be afraid to personalize your senior session experience to capture the images that represent YOUR story. Capturing your senior session where you grew up is such a special experience and leaves you with keepsakes of home as you embark on your new chapter!