Newborn & Family Photography | Christina Bailitz Photography

A blessing - a new baby boy to the family

I love when I get to connect with a family and then they come back for another session. I always say getting asked back to capture your families is an honor and gift.

The newborn days really do go by so fast, so I love capturing little moments during the session like below - as they only fit in the nook of your arm for so long.

In the world of newborn photography each baby photographer has their own style. I take pride in my style, which is focusing on the baby in a neutral setting, capturing little moments of feet and fingers, and highlighting the connection of baby and family. Newborn sessions with Christina Bailitz Photography can be at your home or at the Frankfort studio. These sessions require a little time but are so worth capturing these moments.

Class of 2021 Seniors | Tinley Park Photographer | Christina Bailitz Photography

Class of 2021

The class that has learned how to roll with ever changing times.

When they all came home as juniors for a break as COVID was emerging, they never imagined that in the fall, they would start their senior year remote learning or on a hybrid routine and not with their whole class. It has been realigning of plans and throughout it all they are remaining hopeful to end their high school years together and in the meantime thankful for the moments that can happen in any capacity.

Senior pictures are truly a moment where it is normal and their time to shine! Make their senior pictures an experience they remember and highlights their personality and style. And this is a little gift for parents too, a session where after 17-18 years, your baby has grown up! It is the last school pictures you get. So make it a special one.

A Decade of Growth | Chicago Photographer

Back in 2009, a dear friend wanted pictures of her beautiful daughters and asked me to take them. I was excited and nervous, as could I really get her pictures she was happy with? But I had a newer DSLR camera and I was learning, so we set a session date and time.... and I remember she brought me a beautiful flower basket to say thank you.

Well to be honest, me back in 2009, I thought I nailed it….. and I am choosing some of the better ones to share : )

And now here we are in 2020, which has been a year that will stand alone in words for many, and now it is senior photo time and this sweet girl has grown up to an amazing beauty inside and out, my photo skills have grown quite a bit too I will say. And that session started the discussion with more friends to take their pictures and here we are 11 years later thanks to my family, friends, clients and referrals - Christina Bailitz Photography !

Over a decade of photography for this economics major and tax girl who had a creative side that could be so big - who knew!?!

Over the last decade I have learned so many things:

• There is always room to grow. Looking back at pictures I am thankful people have treasured each stage of my growth and always tweaking and learning to provide better images and sessions each season.

• How much I have grown to love newborn sessions. When I first started they scared me, but over time they have stole a piece of my heart. And I love the time I get to spend with fresh new babies and their families.

• The art of candid pictures as families connections are just as important as smiling looking at the camera. I always try to capture the between moments I can in a session.

• The importance of getting mom & dad into pictures - not just pictures of the kids. The kids want pics with mom & dad too!!

• The importance of LARGE family sessions. Yep a total pain to schedule between multiple families most of the time, but truly a gift for all to treasure.

• Weather is truly ALWAYS changing and causes more changes to schedules than I ever knew and I have become much better at radar watching over the years. So thankful for open communication with clients and flexibility when needed.

• Scheduling is an art. From a mom to a business owner to thinking of clients and best lighting for pictures. And it is best to look at the BEARS schedule before setting Sunday dates in the fall in Chicago for happy Dads.

• Editing definitely is an art and believe it or not, it is where more time is put than the time shooting the session. Editing the details makes a difference in the final product.

• I truly LOVE watching my clients families grow and grow up. It is a gift to watch these moments happen in a family and how lucky am I get to freeze them for you.

• Little did I expect this little photography world would bring me so many new friends…. yep totally blessed to have many relationships be more than a client I worked with.

• Word of mouth referrals truly are a gift. Getting a new referral is like Christmas morning for me.

• And while I was an economics major, a tax consultant, bookkeeper and payroll clerk - all these work titles have filled a part of my life, somehow it has led me to photographer.

• Photography makes my heart and head happy. Gives me flexibility with my family. Fulfills a part of me outside of wife, mom, sister, cousin, friends etc. and truly count my blessings to have this opportunity.

So after a decade of Christina Bailitz Photography posts, I am so thankful for the growth involved in each season. The clients that have trusted me to capture a moment(s) and welcome me into their family. Know I take each session to heart and look forward to bringing you images to treasure for a lifetime and for the next generation.

Pictures truly are a piece of OUR story and history.

XO - Christina

Chicago Golden Hour Beach Family Session | Chicago Photographer

Our gorgeous Chicago skyline is the perfect backdrop

Golden hour is a beautiful time to capture your family with the beautiful Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan. If you are a family that enjoys the city, this is a bucket list photo shoot or if you are coming into Chicago for vacation - vacation is a great time to take family pictures and capture your adventure! Truly we are blessed with an amazing lakefront just a car drive away and some great restaurants to visit after your session!

This summer Christina Bailitz Photography will be offering beach sessions so watch the schedule for 2019 Beach Golden Hour Sessions.