Evanston, Illinois
Evanston Family Photographer
About ten minutes from Skokie. No travel fee.
Tovy Photography photographs families, newborns and expecting parents throughout Evanston, from the lakefront beaches to the tree-lined blocks of South Evanston.
I am based in neighboring Skokie, about ten minutes away, so Evanston sessions carry no travel fee.
Evanston is one of my favorite places to photograph families. With its beautiful lakefront, tree-lined streets, and charming neighborhoods, this North Shore gem provides endless inspiration for natural, authentic family photography sessions.
Lighthouse Beach and the Evanston lakefront offer some of the most dramatic photography backdrops on the North Shore. The combination of water, sky, and sand creates a timeless setting for family portraits — especially during the golden hour when the light over Lake Michigan is absolutely breathtaking. I've captured families playing in the waves, toddlers discovering sand for the first time, and couples stealing a quiet moment while their kids play nearby.
Beyond the lakefront, Evanston's beautiful parks and green spaces provide lush, natural settings for family sessions. The Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University is a hidden gem for intimate portraits, while the sprawling grounds of Centennial Park offer room for playful, active family sessions. During fall, the Maple Avenue corridor transforms into a canopy of warm golds and reds — perfect for cozy autumn family photos.
I serve families throughout Evanston's diverse neighborhoods — from the bustling downtown area near Davis Street to the quiet, tree-lined blocks of South Evanston, and the stately homes along Sheridan Road. Each neighborhood has its own character, and I love incorporating these authentic backdrops into your family's story.
For Evanston families, I offer the same warm, relaxed approach that has made me a trusted photographer on the North Shore. Whether it's a newborn session in your Evanston home, a family portrait at the lakefront, or a milestone celebration at one of Evanston's beautiful parks, I'm here to capture the real, beautiful moments that make your family special.
What makes family photos in Evanston work
Lake Michigan wind changes everything. Lighthouse Beach and Clark Street Beach are stunning, but an onshore breeze turns hair, dresses and toddler moods unpredictable. I check the wind before we commit to the beach and keep Dawes Park or Ladd Arboretum as a sheltered backup.
Beach parking is limited in summer. Evanston beaches have seasonal parking rules and fill up on warm weekends. Sunrise sessions and weekday evenings avoid the crowds, and I will tell you exactly where to park.
The lakefront light is strongest at sunset. Because the lake is to the east, late evening light comes from behind the trees and skims across the sand. That is the look most families want from an Evanston session, and it only lasts about an hour.
Northwestern's campus has its own rhythm. The Shakespeare Garden and the lakefill are lovely, but move-in, graduation and game days bring crowds. I steer around the campus calendar when we pick a date.
Recent sessions nearby
Real families, real homes and parks in and around Evanston.
Family session at Keay Nature Center in Wilmette
Wooded paths, soft light, and a family that let the kids lead the way.
In-home newborn session in Skokie
Baby Billie at home with her family, photographed by the window light in their own space.
Outdoor family session at the Skokie Public Library
A relaxed outdoor family session in the heart of Skokie, all natural light.
Photography sessions in Evanston
Newborn Sessions
Gentle, in-home newborn photography for Evanston families welcoming a new baby.
Family Sessions
Capture your family's real connection at Evanston parks, in your backyard, or at home.
Maternity Sessions
Relaxed maternity photos at home or outdoors around Evanston, with your partner and kids if you like.
Milestone Sessions
Birthdays, baby's first year, graduations and celebrations photographed in Evanston or at home.
Engagement Sessions
Relaxed engagement sessions in Chicago parks, the lakefront, or a spot near Evanston that means something to you.
Mini Sessions
A 30-minute session at a Evanston park or at home. Perfect for holiday cards and yearly updates.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, upsherins, brises and family celebrations in Evanston and nearby.
Popular photo locations in Evanston
- Lighthouse Beach
- Centennial Park
- Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern
- Clark Street Beach
- Ladd Arboretum
Evanston family photos, answered
How much does a family photographer in Evanston cost?
My sessions start at $200 for a 30-minute mini session and go up to $500 for a 90-minute full session. Every package includes professionally edited images in a private online gallery with full print rights. Sessions within 10 miles of Skokie carry no travel fee.
Do you photograph in-home sessions in Evanston?
Yes. I come to your Evanston home for newborn sessions and for family sessions whenever you would rather stay in your own space. I only need one or two spots with good window light. Your home does not need to be tidy or styled.
Where are the best places for family photos in Evanston?
Lighthouse Beach for the lake and dunes, Dawes Park and the Clark Street Beach path for lakefront with shade, Ladd Arboretum for woods and a canal, and the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern for a small, intimate garden setting.
What is the best time of day for outdoor family photos in Evanston?
The last 60 to 90 minutes before sunset. The light is soft and warm, and it flatters everyone. For families with young kids I sometimes suggest the first hour after sunrise instead, when the parks are quiet and moods are fresh.
When should I book newborn photos?
Reach out during your third trimester, ideally around 30 to 34 weeks, so we can hold a tentative date. The best window for newborn photos is 5 to 14 days after birth, but older newborns photograph beautifully too.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three weeks ahead works for most of the year. Fall sessions fill fastest, so for September and October dates I recommend booking in August. Holiday card sessions should be booked by early October.
What if my kids will not cooperate?
That is completely normal and it is planned for. I gently guide instead of posing, we take breaks when someone needs one, and the wiggly, silly, in-between moments are usually the photos families end up framing.
Ready to book your Evanston session?
Tell me about your family and what kind of session feels right. I will suggest a time, a location and a package. Sessions start at $200.
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