At-Home Family Session in Oak Park | The Panicucci Family

When I chatted with Elizabeth on the phone before our session, she told me how she and her family had recently moved to Oak Park from Iowa, and they were finally ready to capture their new life in their new home. 

This is my absolute favorite thing—documenting a family at home, in their element. Seeing the little ones excited to welcome a new friend into their space. Feeling the warmth and comfort of real life moments. 

We had so much fun playing inside and then adventuring outside in the cold for a few more photos. Their dog, Winnie, also popped in for a few shots which was so sweet.

For at-home sessions, I’ll give slight prompts or direction to the family, but I encourage them to do what feels the most comfortable to them. I want to document genuine moments that would normally happen if I weren’t there. Those are the moments that translate the best through a camera. They feel real because they are. And in return, I feel incredibly fulfilled to see this love transpire. It’s like I’m a fly on the wall in the best way possible. Sneaking shots of those in-between moments as mom wipes her son’s nose and dad puts on his daughter’s snow boots. These are moments that can often be overlooked but still deserve to be cherished and held close to our hearts forever.