Wilmette, Illinois
Wilmette Family Photographer
About fifteen minutes from Skokie. No travel fee.
Tovy Photography photographs families, newborns and expecting parents in Wilmette, IL, at Gillson Beach, the Keay Nature Center, and in Wilmette homes.
I am based in Skokie, about fifteen minutes away, so there is no travel fee for Wilmette sessions.
Wilmette's stunning North Shore setting — with its lakefront beaches, historic architecture, and beautifully maintained parks — provides some of the most gorgeous photography locations in the greater Chicago area. I'm honored to serve Wilmette families with my natural, authentic approach to photography.
Gillson Beach and Park is an absolute treasure for family photography. The beach setting with Lake Michigan as your backdrop creates portraits that are both timeless and uniquely North Shore. I love the variety this location offers — the sandy beach for playful family photos, the harbor for a more nautical feel, and the grassy picnic areas for relaxed, candid moments. During summer evenings, the sunset over the lake here is nothing short of spectacular.
The Wilmette Village Center and its surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming, quintessentially North Shore backdrop for family sessions. The tree-canopied streets, beautiful gardens, and stately homes of Wilmette create an elegant yet warm setting. I've photographed families along the Green Bay Trail, in the beautiful Mallinckrodt Park, and throughout the picturesque residential blocks that make Wilmette such a sought-after community.
For Wilmette families with newborns, I bring my gentle, calm approach directly to your home. The beautiful homes in Wilmette often feature exactly the kind of natural light that makes newborn photography magical — large windows, bright rooms, and that soft North Shore light that filters through mature trees. In-home newborn sessions let us capture your baby in the most authentic, comfortable setting possible.
Whether it's a family session at Gillson Beach, a milestone portrait in one of Wilmette's beautiful parks, or a cozy in-home newborn session, I bring the same warm, professional approach to every family I work with. Based in nearby Skokie, I'm just minutes away and deeply familiar with all the best photography spots Wilmette has to offer.
What makes family photos in Wilmette work
Gillson Beach is the North Shore's most photographed park, and it shows. Summer weekends bring beachgoers, sailing lessons and other photographers. I book Gillson for sunrise or for weekday evenings, and I know the dune grass and the harbor wall spots that stay quiet.
Some Wilmette parks require a photography permit. The Wilmette Park District has rules for professional photography at its lakefront parks. I confirm what is required before we book so there are no surprises on the day.
Keay Nature Center gives you woods without the crowds. I have photographed families on its wooded paths, and the dappled light there is gentle even in the middle of the afternoon. It is my first suggestion for families with toddlers who need room to wander.
Lakefront wind and cold come early in the fall. October at the beach can be beautiful or brutal. For fall sessions I usually suggest Mallinckrodt Park or the Green Bay Trail, where the color is just as good and the wind is not.
Recent sessions nearby
Real families, real homes and parks in and around Wilmette.
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 Wilmette
Newborn Sessions
Gentle, in-home newborn photography for Wilmette families welcoming a new baby.
Family Sessions
Capture your family's real connection at Wilmette parks, in your backyard, or at home.
Maternity Sessions
Relaxed maternity photos at home or outdoors around Wilmette, with your partner and kids if you like.
Milestone Sessions
Birthdays, baby's first year, graduations and celebrations photographed in Wilmette or at home.
Engagement Sessions
Relaxed engagement sessions in Chicago parks, the lakefront, or a spot near Wilmette that means something to you.
Mini Sessions
A 30-minute session at a Wilmette 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 Wilmette and nearby.
Popular photo locations in Wilmette
- Gillson Beach and Park
- Green Bay Trail
- Mallinckrodt Park
- Wilmette Harbor
- Baha'i Temple gardens
Wilmette family photos, answered
How much does a family photographer in Wilmette 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 Wilmette?
Yes. I come to your Wilmette 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 Wilmette?
Gillson Beach for the lake and dunes, Keay Nature Center for woods, Mallinckrodt Park and the Green Bay Trail for fall color, and the gardens around the Baha'i House of Worship for a formal garden feel.
What is the best time of day for outdoor family photos in Wilmette?
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 Wilmette 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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