Winnetka, Illinois
Winnetka Family Photographer
About twenty minutes from Skokie. No travel fee.
Tovy Photography photographs families, newborns and expecting parents in Winnetka, IL, in natural light at the lakefront, at the Skokie Lagoons, or at home.
I am based in Skokie, about twenty minutes from Winnetka, and sessions here carry no travel fee.
Winnetka has two very different looks, and both are wonderful. The lakefront at Tower Road Beach and Elder Lane Beach gives you bluffs, water and big sky. The Skokie Lagoons and Crow Island Woods on the west side of the village give you still water, tall trees and quiet trails.
In between, the residential streets around Hubbard Woods and the Village Green are lined with the kind of old trees and brick that photograph beautifully in fall, and Lloyd Park has open lawn by the lake for families with kids who need to run.
For newborn sessions, I come to your Winnetka home. Big windows and bright nurseries make in-home sessions here easy, and staying home means the baby stays comfortable and the older kids stay themselves.
What makes family photos in Winnetka work
Winnetka beaches have their own access rules. The Winnetka Park District manages lakefront access, and rules differ by season. I check what applies to the beach and date we choose so there are no surprises.
The bluffs mean stairs. Tower Road Beach is reached by a long stairway. Beautiful for a family with school-age kids, harder with a newborn or grandparents. For those sessions I suggest Lloyd Park or the Lagoons.
The Lagoons are a forest preserve. The Skokie Lagoons are part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, which has rules for professional photography. I confirm what is needed before we book.
Recent sessions nearby
Real families, real homes and parks in and around Winnetka.
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 Winnetka
Newborn Sessions
Gentle, in-home newborn photography for Winnetka families welcoming a new baby.
Family Sessions
Capture your family's real connection at Winnetka parks, in your backyard, or at home.
Maternity Sessions
Relaxed maternity photos at home or outdoors around Winnetka, with your partner and kids if you like.
Milestone Sessions
Birthdays, baby's first year, graduations and celebrations photographed in Winnetka or at home.
Engagement Sessions
Relaxed engagement sessions in Chicago parks, the lakefront, or a spot near Winnetka that means something to you.
Mini Sessions
A 30-minute session at a Winnetka 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 Winnetka and nearby.
Popular photo locations in Winnetka
- Tower Road Beach
- Elder Lane Beach
- Skokie Lagoons
- Crow Island Woods
- Lloyd Park
Winnetka family photos, answered
How much does a family photographer in Winnetka 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 Winnetka?
Yes. I come to your Winnetka 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 Winnetka?
Tower Road Beach and Elder Lane Beach for the lake and bluffs, the Skokie Lagoons and Crow Island Woods for water and trees, Lloyd Park for lawn by the lake, and the streets around Hubbard Woods for fall color.
What is the best time of day for outdoor family photos in Winnetka?
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 Winnetka 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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