Bridget Stern Photography - Newborn Infant Child Family & Senior Photographer Chicago IL

WHAT TO WEAR - February 2012

2012-02-15T18:55:00.000-06:00

Great wardrobe inspiration for you winter photo shoot.

WHAT TO WEAR - JANUARY 2012

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

We've all made it through the holidays and the start of winter. For those of you looking to do photo shoots to start off the new year I thought I would share some wardrobe inspiration.

Just a couple of our little red head

2012-01-10T13:54:00.005-06:00

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The S Family - Arlington Heights Child & Family Photographer

2011-12-14T08:06:00.000-06:00

The M Family - Oak Park Child & Family Photographer

2011-12-14T08:01:00.000-06:00

The A Family - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-12-12T07:49:00.002-06:00

The B Family - Naperville Child & Family Photographer

2011-12-09T07:39:00.001-06:00

The J Family - Arlington Heights Child & Family Photographer

2011-12-05T07:31:00.000-06:00

The K Family - Downers Grove Family & Child Photographer

2011-12-03T07:53:00.000-06:00

WHAT TO WEAR - DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-06:00

The S Family - Lombard/Villa Park Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-30T07:24:00.001-06:00

The F Family - Streamwood Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-28T17:14:00.000-06:00

The S Family - Chicago Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-20T17:09:00.000-06:00

WHAT TO WEAR - NOVEMBER 2011

2011-11-15T09:32:00.001-06:00

The L Family - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-13T17:05:00.000-06:00

The M Family - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-11T19:55:00.001-06:00

The O Family - Vernon Hills Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-08T19:50:00.000-06:00

The B Family - La Grange Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-07T19:44:00.000-06:00

The W Family - Chicago Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

The T Family - Wheaton/Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

Little Miss S - Hinsdale Child & Family Photographer

2011-11-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

The W Family - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-26T19:29:00.001-05:00

KC Mini Sessions - Kansas City Photographer

2011-10-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

Kansas City Mini Sessions - This post is a little late but I still wanted to share a little sneak peak of just some of the images from our last trip to KC that included a few mini sessions one Fall morning.

The P Family - Wheaton Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

The K Family - Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-10-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

The H Family - Kansas City Photography

2011-10-21T17:02:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to photograph the H family again while visiting family in Kansas City. We have taken advantage of her grandmother's beautiful backyard for the past couple sessions and I just love seeing how it changes throughout the seasons.

The L Family - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

The A Family - Hinsdale Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-19T19:18:00.000-05:00

The L Family - Hinsdale Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

The A Family - Hinsdale Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-16T19:08:00.000-05:00

Miss B - Wheaton/Hinsdale Senior Photographer

2011-10-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed meeting Miss B for a mini session

WHAT TO WEAR - OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

The F Family - Glen Elllyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-11T18:58:00.000-05:00

The E Family - Naperville Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

The W Family - Wheaton Child & Family Photographer

2011-10-08T20:20:00.000-05:00

The P Family - Glen Ellyn Family & Child Photographer

2011-09-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Miss C was celebrating her 1st birthday

The M Family - Wheaton Child & Family Photographer

2011-09-29T07:08:00.002-05:00

The G Family - Chicago Family & Child Photographer

2011-09-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Love all the colors we could take advantage of with Miss M's photo shoot.

The K Family - Downers Grove Family & Child Photographer

2011-09-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

Met up with G for his 3 month pictures. Can't believe how much he had grown in just 3 short months.

The K Family - Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-09-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

The K family had a great time exploring the park and so did their family pet, Miss A. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to be outside enjoying the last days of summer.

The W kids - Hinsdale Family & Child Photographer

2011-08-24T12:39:00.000-05:00

The D Family - Lombard Child & Family Photographer

2011-08-10T08:02:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting the D family Tuesday night at a local park. I am always so in awe of beautiful blue eyes and these little girls were no exception. They were also some of the most agreeable kids to work with on a perfect summer evening.

The T Family - Chicago Child & Family Photographer

2011-07-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

This family holds a special place in our hearts. We were lucky enough to meet B&C while waiting to adopt. They recently welcomed home their little bundle of joy, S. Can you believe all that hair!!!

Little S recently found his hand!

The Happy Family

Miss C is 6 months old! - Glen Ellyn Child & Family Photographer

2011-07-29T14:51:00.000-05:00

The S Family - Oak Park Child & Family Photographer

2011-07-29T07:34:00.000-05:00

The S Family welcomed baby girl C. She was just as cute as can be on a rainy day.

The J Family - Make Your Own Mini / Hinsdale Family & Child Photographer

2011-07-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

Mr S was sporting his brand new glasses. Harley Davidson with flames on the side!!!

Mr S found a caterpillar and was showing me how gentle he can be...

The B Family - Make Your Own Mini/Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-07-17T14:17:00.000-05:00

The B Family organized a Make Your Own Mini session with some of their friends. We had great weather for it.

The B sisters just keep getting cuter and I love that they always have coordinating bows for their outfits.

Make Your Own Mini - Hinsdale Child & Family Photographer

2011-07-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

The W family was first on my morning of mini sessions for a Make Your Own Mini. If think I threw them for a loop when I greeted them and immediately commented on their wardrobe. For those of you always trying to figure out how to coordinate take a look at the W family, they did a GREAT job!

The H Family - Brookfield and Chicago area family photographer

2011-07-05T06:48:00.002-05:00

Little Miss C was only 12 days old for her pictures. Such a sweetheart. Congratulations to the H family of girl #3!

The I Family - Villa Park area photographer

2011-07-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

Big A, Middle A and new to the family Little A

The M Family - Naperville Child and Family Photographer

2011-06-30T07:54:00.001-05:00

Miss L has the most gorgeous eyes.

I saw this fence in the neighbor's back yard and knew I just needed to use it in the pictures with Miss L

Just another look at the cuteness of Miss L

The M Family

The S Family - Warrenville / Wheaton Family Photographer

2011-06-20T19:12:00.002-05:00

What a morning I had with the S family. We took the boys exploring and still managed to stay dirt-free.

Big brother, A, was all about running around and finding more 'drum sticks'

Little brother, A, was just too cute. I couldn't resist this picture when he put his hands under his chin as if trying to figure out what that crazy lady with the big black box in front of her face was trying to do.

This was Father's Day weekend and these little boys sure do love their daddy.

WHAT TO WEAR - JUNE 2011

2011-06-16T13:51:00.002-05:00

Wondering what to wear for your June/July photo shoot. Here is an idea of what you can buy in stores now that would photograph well. I always recommend families coordinate but not match. (click on image to enlarge)

The H Family - Kansas City Photography

2011-06-09T10:16:00.001-05:00

I recently met up with the H family while in Kansas City. We had the perfect backdrop in grandma's backyard.

Chicago Family Photographer

2011-05-17T07:26:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting 6 month old little L over the weekend. Such a sweetheart with the big brown eyes.

Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-05-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

The E family with baby S. It's only be a few months since I last saw little S and she has already gotten so big.

Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-05-03T08:17:00.000-05:00

I met the C family for the first time last weekend. Miss K and little C couldn't have been more agreeable throughout the session.

Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-05-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

The N family celebrating little E's first birthday!

Hinsdale Family Photographer - Mini Sessions

2011-05-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

The S family - Glen Ellyn Family Photographer

2011-04-12T10:53:00.001-05:00

I had a great time with 5 month old R and his mom and dad. They did a great job with all of their outfits and I can't believe we were able to fit in so many wardrobe changes. Little R kept it super serious for the entire shoot.

Hinsdale Family Photographer

2011-04-10T14:00:00.001-05:00

Miss A and Miss C met with me for some Spring photos

I can hardly believe Miss C is already celebrating her 1st birthday

Miss A is so excited to be turning 4

Couldn't resist the many faces of Miss A

Roselle Family Photographer

2011-04-05T16:46:00.001-05:00

Miss T was excelled at sleeping through our shoot. She just curled up into a little bundle of baby and went to sleep.

Born to be a Cubs fan

2011-04-03T16:39:00.009-05:00

'S' was all decked out in baseball gear and even his bedroom coordinated. No matter what I did I couldn't get away from the Mr. Serious face.

10 Tips for Better Everyday Pictures

2011-03-29T10:51:00.004-05:00

The weather is finally starting to take a turn for the better and I know the warm days of playing outside are just around the corner. It’s time to dust off your camera and get ready for some pictures of your kids playing outside. I wanted to give everyone a few tips on how to get better pictures of your kids’ everyday.

Tip #1: Take advantage optimal lighting conditions

The best time for pictures is just after sunrise and just before sunset because of the optimal lighting conditions. Although those may be the best times for pictures they aren’t necessarily the time of day your kids will be outside. For the rest of the daylight hours if you are able to shoot in the shade, this will give you best color and decreases the likelihood that everyone in the shot will be squinting because the sun is in their eyes.

Tip #2: Tell a story with your pictures

Don’t forget to try and tell a story with your pictures. For example, if you are taking pictures at a birthday party start early before everyone arrives and take pictures of the cake (preferably on a clear table without clutter), the balloons, etc…

Tip #3: Break out of the posed shot

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try taking a picture of your child from behind running to the playground or just their bare feet in the sandbox. Experiment! Take a picture, check it out and take another…and another.

Tip #4: Get a smile with a good giggle

Instead of having your child say ‘CHEESE’ try a silly word or have them sing their favorite song that may get some giggles. Better yet, have someone clown around right next to the photographer. It won’t just be baby who’s smiling in that photo. If you have someone behind you trying to get your child’s attention or making them smile, make sure they are at the same level as you (i.e. if you are squatting on the ground they should be too) this way you’ll end up with a picture of your child looking into the camera instead of up in to the sky.

Tip #5: Don’t be camera shy yourself.

Make sure that the photographer gets into some shots too. I often forget to do this and end up with no shots of me in any of the pictures. If you are having someone else take a family picture while out on an adventure ask them to take 3 or 4. Hopefully you’ll have one in which everyone’s eyes are open and, with any luck, looking at the camera.

Tip #6: Use the right settings while in ‘Auto’ mode

Young kids may not stand still long enough to get a perfectly posed picture so have your camera set to “action” or “sport mode” to photograph a moving child.

Tip #7: Set your camera to maximum resolution

Forget about saving space in your memory card. Make sure you have your camera setting adjusted to take pictures at the highest level of quality. This will allow you to print your favorite pictures in a larger size while maintaining a crisp sharp image.

Tip #8: Take LOTS of pictures and always have extra memory cards

All good photographers take many photos. Don’t let yourself become limited by lack of memory. When photographing moving kids, it not unusual for half of the pictures to come out blurred. Memory cards are so inexpensive so bring a few and shoot prolifically. I recommend taking multiple pictures of similar shots. If your camera has a “continuous” mode, try it out. You are more likely to walk away with at least one awesome photo.

Tip #9: Always have extra batteries

I am a firm believer in always having extra batteries. I always have one in the camera and one charging. How many times have you gotten halfway through the day and then realized your battery is about to run out. Always carry a spare.

Tip #10: Don’t force it

Just remember, you are having fun and if your child doesn’t want to sit and take the perfect picture do not force it. What you will end up with is a very unhappy child who’s frowning in all the pictures. Just capture those candid action shots.

For more information visit my website www.bridgetsternphotography.com or my Facebook Fan Page

Glen Ellyn Family Photographer

2011-02-10T21:18:00.003-06:00

Miss 'C' came to visit for her first photo shoot

Little Santa

2010-12-14T11:42:00.003-06:00

Mr 'C' was all ready to celebrate his first Christmas. He even had his very own Santa outfit.

Wheaton Family Photographer

2010-12-02T13:05:00.003-06:00

Miss 'C' and her big brother 'D'

Arlington Heights Family Photographer

2010-12-02T12:55:00.005-06:00

I couldn't have asked for a nicer family for my last shoot of the fall. It is so different working with young adults. The 'J' family was getting ready to head out of town for a short break before Thanksgiving and I was their last stop before hitting the road.

Bolingbrook Family Photographer

2010-12-02T12:49:00.005-06:00

Miss 'K' and her parents braved the cold day to get their holiday pictures. Of course the family dog had to join for a couple too.

Oak Park Family Photographer

2010-12-02T12:43:00.003-06:00

I was lucky enough to come to the 'E' family home for their first photo shoot. Little Miss 'S' was a happy little girl. I have a special place in my heart for all the kiddos that just couldn't wait to join their family (aka preemies) and Miss 'S' was no exception.

Berwyn Family Photographer

2010-12-02T12:38:00.002-06:00

The 'B' siblings did so well even though it was getting cold. These two shots were some of the first ones I took before the chill set in.

Chicago Family Photographer

2010-12-02T12:34:00.002-06:00

This is the second time I have done pictures for this cute family. Since our last session they have moved back in to the city. We had fun playing on the sidewalk outside their apartment before the rain started to fall.

The 'C' family

2010-11-10T14:13:00.002-06:00

Loved meeting the 'C' family for their first photo shoot. Mr 'C' and Little Miss 'K' were so much fun. I can't believe we even got a shot with the family dog looking.

The 'M' family

2010-11-10T14:10:00.001-06:00

What a great time I had going on an adventure with the 'M' family. The 'M' sisters were definitely some of the most active siblings I've encountered.

This shot was mom's idea - I love the way it turned out.

The 'W' family

2010-11-10T14:02:00.004-06:00

I enjoyed meeting the 'W' family for their session on one of the last remaining beautiful days of the fall. Yia Yia was there too just observing but I couldn't resist at least one picture with her grand daughters.

Final Fall Mini Sessions of the year

2010-11-08T13:47:00.000-06:00

Miss 'L' and her big brother 'J' are always naturals in front of the camera. Couldn't resist a little collage for mom and dad.

I met the 'S' family just before the twins arrived. I love seeing them get a little bit bigger each time I have the opportunity to do their pictures.

The 'B' family always makes me smile.

This was my first time photographing the 'H' family. It was so chilly the morning of their shoot but we were able to capture some great shots in between all the chilly shivers.

I started my day with twins and I ended my day with twins. The 'B' siblings were real troopers with the cold weather and having to get in and out of their little coats so often.

The 'S' family

2010-10-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

The 'P' brothers

2010-10-25T12:11:00.003-05:00

These two were full of energy for their mini session Sunday.

'K' and her beautiful little girl 'L'

2010-10-23T11:57:00.001-05:00

The 'S' sisters had so much fun playing in the leaves and throwing rocks in the lake

2010-10-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

The 'G' Family

2010-10-18T16:45:00.001-05:00

This was my first time photographing the 'G' family. I was so excited to see their outfits when they stepped out of the car. For those of you always asking 'what should we wear' this family did a great job coordinating!

The 'F' family

2010-10-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

Always a fun family to photograph. These kids always keep me moving.

The 'P' Family

2010-10-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

Can you guess who lost his first tooth the morning of our photo shoot?

The 'M' family

2010-10-12T09:29:00.004-05:00

'J' and his little sister 'R' were as cute as could be Monday. It always warms my heart to see siblings get along so well.

Mr 'J' was a character and posed himself for this picture.

Miss 'R' was all smiles and I love her deep brown eyes.

The 'G' Family

2010-10-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

You have to admire the 'G' family. They wanted a fall shoot but it just happened to be unusally warm (80 degrees!) the day of their shoot. They still came all decked out in their fall attire and little 'A' was even agreeable with her hat, tights and long sleeves.

The 'W' family

2010-10-09T09:22:00.000-05:00

I met the 'W' family up near their home in Evanston. We played around in the sand and then headed to a wooded area.

Mr 'O' is one of the most active little boys I know but he paused for a moment on 'his' beach and I was able to capture a great moment in time.

Miss 'A' just has the biggest blue eyes ever

Mr 'H' and his parents

2010-10-04T08:52:00.002-05:00

Mr 'H' couldn't have been any cuter. He let me get some really adorable pictures of his family and then it was off to the playground for some much needed running around.

What amazing eyes and curls on Little Miss 'C'

2010-10-04T08:51:00.003-05:00

I had the honor of meeting Miss 'C' for a mini session while visiting family. She was such a trooper with the chilly weather and that crazy woman running around with a camera strapped to her face.

Sweet little 7 day old Miss 'C'

2010-09-30T05:59:00.004-05:00

Couldn't have asked for a better sport for a newborn shoot. Miss 'C' cooperated the whole time and even allowed me to capture those oh so cute dimples.

It may have been chilly over the weekend but all these families gave me some great smiles

2010-09-28T07:18:00.004-05:00

Little Mr. 'C' was getting his 6 month pictures done. He was such a trooper and loved hanging out in the grass.

Last time I did pictures for the 'P' family little baby 'C' was still in mom's belly (only for a couple more days). I can't believe how big she has gotten and such a happy family enduring the chilly weather.

Finally, Miss 'G' and her little brother 'M'. I couldn't get enough of these two. They were having so much fun together and I couldn't resist a little collage.

Have you always wished for someone to come in and organize your home?

2010-09-28T07:01:00.002-05:00

Today is your lucky day. I had the pleasure of photographing Hilary and her family over the weekend. Not only is she a loving wife and mother of two but she also has her own business - Neat As A Pin, Inc. (www.neatasapinhome.com)

This is the perfect time to contact Hilary and get your home organized before all the craziness of the holiday season.

Neat As A Pin, Inc.

www.neatasapinhome.com

My mantra is that "a well designed & organized home can lead to inner peace as well as a happy family." I specialize in redesigning spaces, while using what people already own.

1154 LILL - Ellie bag to benefit a great cause

2010-09-10T13:09:00.001-05:00

I recently posted about a friend that is battling breast cancer at age 36! Check out what a great company, 1154 LILL, is doing to show support for their friend battling breast cancer. You can show your support too by buying an Ellie bag. It's a great time to start your Christmas shopping a little early and support a great cause.

http://networkedblogs.com/7I6l5

Pink Fire Trucks

2010-09-01T18:32:00.001-05:00

We had the pleasure of seeing the Pink Fire Trucks last night (http://www.pinkfiretrucks.org) with a friend that is just starting her battle with breast cancer. I wanted to share a few pictures from last night and one BEAUTIFUL, STRONG and hysterically funny woman with her courageous family. I also wanted to make you aware of an organization dedicated to young women battling breast cancer (www.youngsurvival.org/donate). So often we think of women 40+ being diagnosed but there are so many young women (our friend included, 35 years old) that are being diagnosed. Please consider making a donation to helping this organization. If you get the chance to see the pink fire trucks I highly recommend it. You are able to sign them as they travel around the country.

Meet the 'D' family

2010-08-21T15:35:00.002-05:00

I was so excited the rain didn't interfere with the shoot this morning. Little miss 'S' was ready for her 6 month photos. She was such a pleasure to work with and was such an agreeable little girl.

The 'G' siblings at their finest

2010-08-09T16:37:00.004-05:00

I had the honor of photographing the 'G' siblings while on vacation in VA last week. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful family.

Miss P and Mr B bath time and bed time photo shoot

2010-07-29T15:41:00.003-05:00

I couldn't have had more fun with this family. Mom is very creative and wanted to capture the night time routine for 5 month old P and B.

Little "A" was getting his 6 month old pictures Sunday along with some family pictures.

2010-07-26T16:54:00.004-05:00

2010-07-16T16:54:00.002-05:00

Fall Mini Sessions

I hope everyone is having a great summer. I know it is 90 degrees out and I am already talking about Fall Mini Sessions but since the fall is the busiest time for me I set the mini sessions early. At this time I will have two mini session dates with limited availability. The dates are September 26th and October 9th. If you haven't done a mini session with me in the past this is a great way to get a modified session just in time for the holidays and all those cute photo holiday cards. I will choose a location once the sessions are booked and each family will have a 20 minute mini session back-to-back.

If these dates don't work for you please feel free to contact me about scheduling a full session in the fall. The earlier you set up the better chance you have of getting the date you desire.

Please email (bridget@bridgetsternphotography.com) me for more information or to reserve your Mini or Full session date.

Feel free to share this information with family and friends.

Had a great time with the 'M' family last night

2010-07-12T07:51:00.003-05:00

2010-07-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

Make-Your-Own-Mini

If you have a group of at least four families that would want to do mini sessions on the same day just let me know and I can arrange that for you. This is a great way to not miss those special moments this summer but not have to do a full session.