North Shore Beach Maternity & Family Photographer
Golden light. Barefoot giggles. Honest moments by the lake.
Let’s capture your family’s summer story with soulful beach photography near Chicago.
Where the light meets the water, and time slows down.
Full luxury beach sessions for families and mothers across Arlington Heights, Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, and the North Shore — unhurried, intentional, and photographed to last.
This is not a mini session. This is an experience.
From the moment we begin planning your session, everything is intentional. The timing is chosen around the softest light of the day — that golden hour when the sky turns warm and the lake reflects everything back in a way that feels almost unreal. Your wardrobe is curated. Your location is scouted. And on the day of your session, there is no rushing.
There is time for your toddler to find their footing in the sand. Time for you to exhale and simply be present with the people you love most. Time for quiet portraits and wild, laughing, running-toward-each-other moments. Time for the in-between seconds that no one ever thinks to photograph — and that always end up being the most treasured.
This is a full portrait experience. And it will feel like one.
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Your session, turned into something you will watch on repeat.
Photographs freeze a moment. But a film lets you live inside it again.
As an optional add-on to your beach session, I capture video clips throughout our time together — the way your kids run toward the water, the sound of everyone laughing, the quiet in-between moments that happen so fast you almost miss them. Those clips are then edited into a beautiful 2–3 minute cinematic film, set to music, that tells the story of your family exactly as it was on that day.
It is the kind of thing you pull up on a rainy Tuesday and suddenly you are back there — the warmth, the light, the way your youngest sounded when they laughed. Photographs will hang on your walls. This film will live in your heart.
The cinematic film add-on is available to book alongside any beach session. Ask about availability when you inquire.
What Families Are Saying
"Joanna captured the heart of our family in just 20 minutes. We chose Gillson Beach and the light was unreal — the whole session felt effortless."
— Rachel L., Wilmette
"We made the drive from Arlington Heights to Kenosha and it was so worth it. These beach minis are the perfect summer memory!"
— Laura K., Arlington Heights
Beach Session FAQ
Q: Is this a mini session?
A: No. These are full beach sessions — intentionally unhurried, thoughtfully planned, and designed to give you a complete gallery rather than a handful of quick images. There is time to settle in, let the kids be themselves, and create portraits that actually feel like your family. If you are looking for a full portrait experience, you are in the right place.
Q: What is the cinematic film add-on?
A: Throughout your session I capture video clips — the candid moments, the movement, the laughter, the in-between seconds that photographs can't fully hold. Those clips are edited into a beautiful 2–3 minute cinematic short film set to music. It is a completely separate deliverable from your photo gallery and one of the most treasured things families walk away with. The film add-on is available to book alongside any beach session — ask about availability when you inquire.
Q: Can I book a beach maternity session and a newborn session together?
A: Yes — and I highly recommend it. A beach maternity session paired with an in-home newborn session creates a cohesive, beautiful story of your family's most significant season. Many clients choose to book both at once to secure their preferred dates.
Q: When should I book?
A: Summer beach sessions are limited and fill quickly, especially for golden-hour evening slots. Maternity clients should ideally inquire during the second trimester. Family clients are encouraged to reserve summer dates as early as possible — reaching out two to three months ahead is a good rule of thumb.
Q: What should we wear?
A: Soft neutrals, creams, warm whites, muted blues, and flowing textures photograph beautifully at the beach. I provide personalized wardrobe guidance for every client before their session so you feel confident and cohesive on the day — no guessing, no last-minute panic.
Q: What time of day are sessions scheduled?
A: Beach sessions are scheduled around golden hour — typically one to two hours before sunset. This is when the light along Lake Michigan is at its most beautiful: warm, soft, and flattering. The exact time varies by season and is confirmed during your planning consultation.
Q: Where exactly are the sessions held?
A: Sessions take place along the North Shore of Lake Michigan, in areas including Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Highland Park. The specific location is chosen based on the season, light, crowd levels, and your family's needs. Every location is scouted and confirmed before your session day.
Q: Do you travel to the North Shore from Arlington Heights?
A: Yes. I serve clients throughout Arlington Heights, Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, and the North Shore. Travel fees may apply for sessions beyond a certain distance — ask when you inquire.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Weather happens — especially in summer near the lake. If conditions are not safe or the light is completely unusable, we will reschedule. I monitor the forecast closely in the days leading up to your session and will be in touch if we need to make a call. Overcast days can actually produce beautiful, even light, so a little cloud cover is not always a reason to reschedule.
Q: How long until I receive my gallery?
A: Edited galleries are typically delivered within [your turnaround time] of your session date. You will receive a notification when your gallery is ready, and your images will be available to download, share, and order prints from directly through your online gallery.
If the dates listed don't work for you, ask about your specific date