Skokie & Chicago North Shore
Family Photography
Real moments with the people who matter most.
Book Your Family SessionTovy Photography offers lifestyle family photography in Skokie, IL and across Chicago's North Shore, either outdoors at a park or as an in-home family photoshoot in your own house or backyard, for families in Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Glenview and Chicago. Sessions are natural light and gently guided, and start at $300 with edited images and full print rights included.
I photograph lifestyle family sessions, which means no stiff line-ups and no forced smiles. You walk, play and talk to each other, and I photograph what that looks like on a good day.
What a family session actually looks like
Nobody stands in a line and says cheese.
A session with me looks like your family being your family: walking through a park, sitting on a blanket, kids running ahead, someone tickling someone, everyone laughing. I guide you gently (“walk toward me,” “whisper something silly to each other”) but I never force a pose that doesn't feel like you.
I photograph families throughout Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and the North Shore. At parks you already love, in your own backyard, or inside your home where the real life happens. The location should feel natural to your family, not like a backdrop you drove an hour to find.
The photos you get back? They look like your family on your best day.
What is lifestyle family photography?
Lifestyle family photography is a relaxed, unposed style that photographs your family doing real things together, instead of lining up in front of a backdrop. It looks like the family session I photographed at Keay Nature Center in Wilmette: walking the trails, sitting on a blanket in the tall grass, and kids being lifted into the air.
Every kind of family
Whether it's just the three of you or a four-generation gathering at grandma's house, family sessions are designed to be flexible. I regularly photograph:
- Growing families with young kids
- Extended families and multigenerational groups
- Couples without kids who want beautiful portraits together
- Siblings, chaotic energy included
- Families going through transitions who want to freeze a moment in time
Your family doesn't need to be “picture perfect.” They need to be present. I'll handle the rest.
Do you photograph large or extended families?
Yes, grandparents, cousins and everyone in between are welcome, and the Full session gives a bigger group the time it needs. Here is how I plan extended family photo sessions.
How family sessions work
Outdoor sessions: Parks throughout the North Shore offer incredible backdrops. I know the best spots in Skokie (Emily Oaks Nature Center, Laramie Park), Evanston, Wilmette, and beyond. Golden hour, that warm light about an hour before sunset, makes everything glow.
In-home sessions: Some of my favorite family photos happen on the couch, in the kitchen, or on the front porch. These sessions capture the everyday moments that feel ordinary now and priceless later.
Wardrobe guidance: For Classic and Full sessions, I'll help you coordinate outfits before the session so everything looks intentional without looking overdone. Think warm neutrals, soft textures, nothing too matchy.
What happens during an in-home family photoshoot?
An in-home family photoshoot is a regular afternoon at your house: I find the best window light, and you play, cuddle and read together while I photograph it. Your home doesn't need to be tidy for it to work. See the in-home family session I photographed in West Rogers Park for what it looks like.
Family session pricing
How much does a family photographer cost in Skokie?
Sessions start at $300 for a 30-minute mini session, perfect for seasonal updates and quick family portraits. The Classic session ($425, 60 minutes) is the most popular choice for families who want more relaxed coverage and time to capture real moments. The Full session ($550, 90 minutes) is ideal for extended families and multigenerational groups. For a wider look at what shapes the price, read my guide to family photo costs on the North Shore.
View Full PricingWhat makes family photos work
Midday sun is the fastest way to squinting and shadows. I schedule outdoor sessions in the last hour or so before sunset, or the first hour after sunrise for early risers, and I pick spots with open shade for the rare midday slot.
Toddlers have about twenty good minutes. So we use them first. Family and sibling frames happen at the start, and the rest of the session is built around walking, playing and following their lead.
Matching outfits flatten everyone. Coordinated colors and mixed textures photograph far better than identical shirts. Classic and Full sessions include wardrobe help so nobody has to guess.
Popular parks are crowded when the light is best. I know the quiet corners of the busy parks and the underused ones, and I will suggest a weekday evening when weekends are packed.
Some parks need a photography permit. The Chicago Botanic Garden, the Cook County forest preserves and some lakefront parks have rules for professional sessions. I check before we book so the day stays simple.
Common questions about family photography
What should we wear for family photos?
Coordinate, don't match. Pick 2 to 3 complementary colors in soft, warm tones: cream, olive, rust, navy, mustard. Avoid logos, neon, and all-white (it reflects light and washes everyone out). I provide wardrobe guidance with Classic and Full sessions.
My kids won't sit still. Is that okay?
That's the best-case scenario. I don't need kids to sit still. I need them to be themselves. Running, climbing, laughing, refusing to cooperate and then suddenly hugging their sibling? That's the good stuff.
When is the best time for outdoor family photos?
Golden hour, about 60 to 90 minutes before sunset. The light is warm, soft, and flattering for everyone. I'll suggest the ideal time based on the season and your session date.
How far in advance should I book?
For fall sessions (the most popular), I recommend booking in August or early September. For other seasons, 2 to 3 weeks ahead usually works. Holiday card sessions should be booked by early October.
Where do you shoot family sessions?
Throughout Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, and the broader North Shore. I have favorite spots in each area, but I'm also happy to photograph at a location that's meaningful to your family.
Can I include our dog?
Yes! Pets are absolutely welcome. They're part of the family.
What is lifestyle family photography?
Lifestyle family photography is a relaxed, unposed style where I photograph your family doing real things together, with gentle guidance instead of stiff poses. It works outdoors at a park or as an in-home family photoshoot on your couch, in your kitchen or in your backyard, all in natural light.
Let's plan your family session
Tell me about your family and what kind of session feels right. I'll help you pick the perfect time, location, and package.
Get in TouchReady to book? Sessions start at $300