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The Kidographer

Contemporary Family, Kids, School and Event Photographers- Midwest & West Coast
  • portraits
  • 2024 Chicago Fall Mini Sessions
  • Chicago Holiday Minis 2024
  • Children's Commercial Photographer
  • Custom Cake Smash
  • parties & events
  • ceremonies
  • graduation & senior portraits
  • pets
  • about us
  • "In a Box" Mini Photo Sessions
  • portrait pricing
  • contact
  • blog
  • Who we work with
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Fall Mini Sessions- Chicago Family Photographer

Alyssa Govea November 10, 2021

Trying to get last minute fall pictures of the family? We have you covered! We are still offering our fall mini sessions, but by REQUEST ONLY. Contact us to schedule yours or check out our 2021 Fall Mini Sessions tab in the menu for more information on our fall mini sessions.

In siblings, brothers, babies, teens, sisters siblings, toddler, Fall Photography, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago kids photography, chicago family photographer, chicago family photography, fall, fall family portraits, fall portraits, fall mini session
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Holiday Mini Sessions- Chicago Holiday Photography

Alyssa Govea October 27, 2021

Holiday Mini Sessions are here! Join us for some fun, holiday themed photos- 30 minute sessions in our Lincoln Park studio. These are perfect for holiday cards and gifts! We are offering limited dates for these and an expedited date option as well. Pick your day before it’s gone! Check out our Holiday Minis 2023 tab in the menu for more information- click on the date you are interested in to book your session. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

MORE INFO
In Christmas Portraits, siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, Christmas Photography, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Holiday Portraits, Dogs, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, holiday mini session, chicago holiday photos, holiday photos, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago family photographer, chicago family photography, family portraits, kids portraits
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Home run! - Chicago Cake Smash First Birthday Photography

Alyssa Govea October 16, 2021

Looking to make your little one’s first birthday extra special? You should book a cake smash for them! Cake smashes are a fun, messy way to celebrate a first birthday. Our cake smash sessions include a fun set and cake that go with your choice of theme, online gallery with all edited photos, and printing rights. Sessions take place at our Lincoln Park studio and are 30 minutes long. For more information check out our Custom Cake Smash tab in our menu. Contact us with any questions and to schedule your photography session!

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, sisters siblings, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, kids photography, kids photographer, chicago cake smash, cake smash, first birthday photography, chicago birthday photoshoot
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Fall Mini Sessions- Chicago Fall Photography

Alyssa Govea October 1, 2021

Fall Mini Sessions are now live! Join us at various different parks throughout Chicago on specific dates, and each session is 30 minutes long. Check out our 2021 Fall Mini Sessions tab in the menu for dates, times, and links. Pick your date and time as soon as possible- these fill up fast! If a date you would like is fully booked, please contact us to be added to our waiting list.

In siblings, brothers, babies, teens, sisters siblings, toddler, Fall Photography, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, fall family portraits, fall, fall mini session, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago family photographer, chicago family photography
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PARTY!- Chicago Event Photography

Alyssa Govea September 25, 2021

Having an event or party and looking to have it photographed? Look no further! We’ll come out to your event and photograph it. We photograph events, parties, photo booths, corporate, school, and NFP Kids events and dances! Contact us for more information and to get a quote. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have as well!

In Kids Photo Booth, Baptism, siblings, brothers, teens, babies, sisters siblings, toddler, Cousins, Children's Party, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, At Home Portraits, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography, Kids Party Photographer Tags the kidographer chicago, the windy city, chicago event photography, chicago event photographer, chicago birthday party photographer, chicago children’s photography, chicago children's photographer, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, kids photobooth, lincoln park photography, chicago suburb baptism photographer, chicago baptism photographer, arlington heights, location shoot, at home
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Summer Family Portraits- Chicago Family Photographer

Alyssa Govea August 17, 2021

Looking to take advantage of the few weeks left of summer for family or children portraits? We have you covered! We love taking advantage of the warm weather to head to some of our favorite spots. By the lake, at the park- we have the perfect spot in mind. Take a look at our portrait options to find the best choice for you, or contact us with any questions. Ready to book? Contact us to schedule your session.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago family photographers, chicago family photography, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago children’s photography, chicago children's photographer, location shoot, chicago portrait studio, baby photography chicago, lincoln park photography
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Chicago First Birthday Cake Smash!

Alyssa Govea July 11, 2021

Make your little one’s first birthday one to definitely remember with a cake smash! Your LO gets an adorable set to use for the session along with a super cute cake to smash- all of which you get to pick the theme for. It’s so fun to see so many smiles, giggles, and obviously cake smashing too! For some more information on our cake smashes, click here. Contact us with questions or to set up your appointment.

In Studio Portraits, babies, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago children’s photography, chicago children's photographer, baby photography chicago, first birthday photography, chicago birthday photoshoot, chicago portrait studio, chicago cake smash, cake smash
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Hello Little One!

Alyssa Govea July 4, 2021

Welcoming a new baby home and into the family is an amazing feeling. Why not capture those early moments with some commemorative photos? Our newborn sessions are done in studio, on location, or at home. We'll focus not only on your baby, but the whole family too! In addition, baby can be awake or asleep, whatever works best. For more information, click here. You can contact us with any questions and to book your newborn session.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, At Home Portraits, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago children’s photography, chicago children's photographer, baby photography chicago, at home newborn photography, chicago newborn photographer, chicago portrait studio, chicago family photographers, chicago family photography

Cake Smash Inspiration- Chicago Cake Smash Photography

Alyssa Govea June 21, 2021

Hitting a bump in the road about what to do for your baby’s first birthday cake smash session? Take a look at the image above for a few ideas, and if you need some more help search Google, Pinterest, and Instagram for some cool set ups. You can keep things really simple with just a number balloon, or do a few balloons and some props, do a balloon garland with themed balloons and props, stick to just props, do something cute outside, or use a tent, or do a balloon garland with a one balloon or garland. These are just a few ideas! Some parents even go all out and do an outfit that’s made for their theme too. It’s up to you on how you want things to look for your LO’s big day. Also, don’t forget that whatever you choose, the cake will go with the theme. It could be as simple as a similar color, or as elaborate as a unicorn cake. Just know if you still need some help, contact us and we’ll be happy to share a few more ideas.

In Studio Portraits, babies, sisters siblings, siblings, brothers, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago children's photographer, chicago children’s photography, chicago cake smash, cake smash, first birthday photography, baby photography chicago, chicago birthday photoshoot
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Welcome Back Chicago!- Chicago Event Photographers

Alyssa Govea June 13, 2021

Chicago has officially opened back up, and you’re looking to start planning your big events for your kids. So come on by to add a photographer to your event. We would be ecstatic to capture the big day- whether that be a shower, baptism, birthday party, or other get together. Our event photography is on a by case basis- contact us with event details and we can work with you to figure out what you need and pricing. We hope to see you soon!

In Kids Photo Booth, Baptism, siblings, brothers, babies, teens, sisters siblings, toddler, Cousins, Children's Party, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography, Kids Party Photographer Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago event photographer, chicago event photography, chicago teen photography, location shoot, chicago birthday party photographer, baby photography chicago, chicago baptism photographer
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Wild One!- Chicago Cake Smash

Alyssa Govea June 12, 2021

Celebrate your LO’s first birthday with a cake smash! A cake smash is a great alternative to regular one year old photos- it’s a lot more fun as your LO gets a special set just for them and a cake to smash. It also makes for some great memories and even some laughs! We offer a few different packages for our cake smashes; we can help you pick out the best option. You will be able to pick out a theme for the photoshoot and the cake and set will follow that. After the session is complete and photos are edited, you will have access to a personalized photo gallery with high resolution images for download and purchase. For more information, click here. Or contact us to set up your appointment or with any questions.

In Studio Portraits, babies, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, kids photography, kids photographer, chicago cake smash, cake smash, birthday photographer, first birthday photography, chicago birthday photoshoot
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Time to Celebrate the First Year!- Chicago First Birthday Cake Smash Photography

Alyssa Govea May 29, 2021

It’s that time for your LO to turn one! Make it extra special by planning a cake smash! Create adorable and fun moments on a cute birthday set up made just for your LO, and let them smash away at their birthday cake! Our team works with you to pick out the perfect option for you and your family. We love making your set look amazing, as well as taking breathtaking photos of your birthday boy or girl! For more information check out our cake smash page here. Contact us with any questions and to set up your photo session.

In Studio Portraits, babies, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago birthday photoshoot, first birthday photography, birthday photographer, baby photography chicago, chicago portrait studio, chicago cake smash, cake smash, chicago children's photographer, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, kids photography, kids photographer
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Happy Birthday Little One!- Chicago First Birthday Cake Smash Photography

Alyssa Govea May 22, 2021

Looking to celebrate your LO’s first birthday? Do it with a bang! Or in this case, a cake smash! Cake smashes are an adorable way to do something big, fun, and memorable for this milestone birthday. We offer a few different package options, so you can choose the one that works for you and your family. You can expect a cute birthday set up, a cake to smash, and an online gallery of your high resolution photos once they’re available. For more information, click here, or contact us with any questions.

In Studio Portraits, babies, toddler, cake smash, Children's Photography, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, first birthday photography, chicago birthday photoshoot, birthday photographer, chicago cake smash, cake smash, baby photography chicago, chicago children's photographer, kids photographer, chicago kids photography, kids photography, chicago kids photographer
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Oh Baby!- Chicago Newborn Photographer

Alyssa Govea May 14, 2021

Your little one is all settled in, and now you can’t wait to show them off to the world! We have you covered with our loving newborn sessions. Instead of complicated posing and props, we focus on your bundle of joy and family. Keep things simple and sweet here at our studio, or let us come to you to capture everyone in their natural setting- at home, in the crib, together on the couch, with your furry family member, etc. We want everyone to feel comfortable while we capture your sweet moments! Contact us to set up your appointment, or click here for some more information.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, At Home Portraits, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago newborn photographer, newborn photographer chicago, baby photography chicago, kids photographer, kids photography, chicago family photographers, chicago portrait studio, chicago children's photographer, chicago family photography, at home, studio, at home newborn photography, lifestyle
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Mother's Day Idea- Chicago Family Photography

Alyssa Govea May 5, 2021

Let mom feel extra loved by giving her an amazing Mother's Day photoshoot with the family! Grab some cute pictures of her and the kids, by herself, with dad, or even with grandma and grandpa too. Don't forget nice weather means outdoor sessions are possible too! Click here for details about our session options or contact us for more information.

In Studio Portraits, babies, teens, siblings, brothers, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Spring Photography, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, At Home Portraits, Holiday Portraits, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, the windy city, chicago family photographers, chicago family photography, family portraits, mom portraits, pictures with mom, mother’s day, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, chicago portrait studio, photography chicago, gift idea
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Make a Special Birthday a Little Sweeter- Chicago Photographer

Alyssa Govea April 30, 2021

Got a special birthday coming up? Put the icing on the cake with a fun birthday shoot! Whether it's a 5th, 10th, 16th, or 18th birthday we'll help to make it extra amazing. Dress up, bring friends, stay in the studio, or have some fun outside, it's up to you. Contact us for more information and with any questions!

In siblings, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, sisters siblings, toddler, Cousins, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, brothers, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago portrait studio, chicago, chicago teen photography, photography chicago, birthday photography, location shoot, fun birthday photoshoot, chicago birthday photoshoot, the windy city, chicago children's photographer, kids photographer, chicago kids photography, kids photography, chicago kids photographer, birthday photographer
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We Are Family- Family Photography in Chicago

Alyssa Govea March 18, 2021

With warmer weather settling in, are you doing some spring cleaning? Including revamping old family portraits? We have you covered! We love having family portraits in our Lincoln Park studio or on location. (Um, yes to warm, blooming, outdoor photos!) We offer a few different options that you can look at here, or you can contact us with questions.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags chicago family photographer, chicago family photography, chicago portrait studio, family portraits, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, location shoot, the kidographer chicago
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5 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Session

Alyssa Govea February 28, 2021

Taking family pictures isn’t easy. For one, having photo sessions with children requires a lot of patience. If an upcoming family photo shoot is giving you sleepless nights, check out these 5 tips for a stress-free family session!

It’s Okay to be Candid

Taking the “perfect” shot for a family with young children can be challenging. While it’s great to have some posed photos of the family all together, don’t be afraid to be yourself in front of the camera! 

If someone in your family has a funny joke to tell, let them share it to get everyone laughing. If your kids want to run around to get some energy out, this can be a great way to start the session (and it makes it easier for them to want to sit still later!). 

Additionally, below are some games kids can play during the photography session that can make memorable shots:

● Bear crawl, skipping, and running races

● Follow the leader

● Freeze dance

● Tickle fight

Pick a Location You’re Comfortable At

While it might not initially seem like the location will impact your stress levels, it actually can! Shooting in a location that you’re excited about and feel comfortable in is important, because it’s one less thing you’ll be worrying about during the session. 

For example, if you have a favorite park in Chicago to take the kids to, let’s shoot there! If you prefer the comfort of your own home, we can come to you. We’re also happy to suggest some of our favorite locations if you need suggestions.

The location sets the scene and the mood for the session, so make sure it’s somewhere you’re looking forward to using!


Set Reasonable Expectations

Having realistic expectations before going into your photo sessions can minimize your stress levels. For instance, a shy preschooler might do better with regular sessions than short mini sessions while a toddler who typically naps in the afternoon will likely be cranky if you try to schedule a shoot during that time. 

On the other hand, a one-year-old baby may not tolerate long sessions and several outfit changes. However, they may like an easy-going session with attention grabbers like a wagon ride. 

Consider Your Wardrobe

The right wardrobe can transform ordinary pictures into extraordinary ones. We can guide you depending on your photo session scenery, what you intend to do with the pictures, and the season. Some things to consider when choosing your outfits include:

● Location: How you dress for a sunset session in a park will vary from a winter session in the field.

● Color Scheme: Choose one patterned outfit for your family and then blend it with coordinating colors.

● Trying on Your Outfits: Ensure everyone tries their photo session clothes before showing up at the location to feel confident in how they look.


Relax at the Photoshoot

Handle unexpected things like surprise rainfall and stained clothes during your session calmly. Chances are, we likely have a backup plan or ways to shoot around distracting elements! 

When you are stressed, your entire family can become anxious and suddenly feel stiff as they stand in front of the camera. If something goes wrong, take a deep breath and smile! Also, try to enjoy the process even when things don’t happen the way you were expecting.

Your family photography session should be memorable and enjoyable. Try out the above tips to have a stress-free photo shoot during your next session.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, kids photographer, chicago kids photography, kids photography, chicago family photographers, chicago family photographer, photographing kids: tips, chicago portrait studio, chicago children's photographer, 5 tips for a stress-free family session
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Chicago Children and Family Photography- Working With Kids

Alyssa Govea February 12, 2021

Every photographer tries their best to get smiling faces from everyone, but sometimes the little ones have a hard time getting into a good mood. Here are a few things to try to get them feeling better during your photography session.

  • Play their favorite song, show, or video. A familiar, happy tune may get them singing, dancing, or very smiley.

  • Try playing with their favorite toy. Shaking their favorite toy around can help to grab their attention and smile at their familiar toy.

  • Take a break! Sometimes it’s good to do something different for a little while and come back.

  • Give them a snack. Another good refresher that can take the cranky edge off.

  • Engage tickle monster! A good tickle or a funny action can bring on some great giggles too!

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Family Photography Tags the kidographer chicago, chicago kids photography, chicago kids photographer, kids photographer, kids photography, photographing kids: tips, baby photography chicago, chicago children's photographer, chicago family photographers, chicago family photography
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Too Cute!

Alyssa Govea January 30, 2021

Start off the new year with some wonderful, new family portraits! Capture the smiles, the giggles, the sparkle in everyone’s eyes. Choose from a whole family session, just focus on the kids, get some photos of your new addition to your family, or even snap some pictures with your furry friend! We would love to put something together that works for what you’re looking for. Click here for information on some of the options we offer. Contact us to set up an appointment or with any questions.

In siblings, brothers, Studio Portraits, babies, teens, newborn portraits, sisters siblings, toddler, Children's Photography, sisters, Kids, Pets, Dogs, Location Shoot, Family Photography Tags chicago family photographers, family portraits, kids photographer, chicago kids photography, the kidographer chicago, lincoln park photography, chicago portrait studio, chicago newborn photographer, baby photography chicago, pet portraits
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