We want to begin with thinking about what your goal is for your portraits. We truly believe that your portraits should be beautifully displayed in your home, printed on the highest quality materials, and enjoyed every day.

So with that in mind what are your hopes and dreams for your session? How will your children want these in 20 years? How do you want to remember it? Is it in an album that can be handed down from generation to generation? Or a wall portrait that will make you smile when you pass by it every day? Or maybe it is a collection of images arranged in a wall gallery that highlights each individual family member or your growing family year after year?

Before we shoot any images, we create a plan for how they will be displayed in your home. Creating a plan and shooting for that plan will result in a successful portrait session EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

This is our Portrait Process...

The Pre-Session Consultation

Let's talk goals! What are your goals for your session? How do you want to display your portraits? Planning for the session allows us to plan for the end result. From what to wear, to how your images will be displayed, to location planning - this part of the process answers all of your questions AND helps us get to know your family. We want to know all about your personalities, your likes/dislikes, funny things your kids or spouse do, and what makes your family tick. Pre-consultations can take place in-person or on the phone.

It all begins with a great relationship!

In-Studio or On-Location

Newborn and Milestone sessions take place in our boutique studio. We work with controlled studio lighting and temperature, as well as a large selection of custom props and backgrounds. The studio offers a calm and relaxed environment where we create a look that is timeless and polished. Family sessions can be captured on-location or in our studio. On-location sessions offer an environment that is comfortable and familiar to families which often lead to comfortable and natural expressions. Sessions at one of Chicago's beautiful parks or along the lakefront can make for some amazing and unique images, especially if the location is meaningful to you. Studio sessions are a fun and relaxed experience for all as well. So consider carefully where you’d like to have your session, or we can recommend a spot for you after we have spoken with you at your pre-session consultation.

Shoots can sometimes be stressful for families. Will the kids behave? What should we wear? How do I get my husband to do this willingly? Sessions with Michele are fun! She doesn't care about crazy kids...in fact, the crazier the better. That's when their real personalities come out and shine! She will have you all dancing, jumping, hugging and laughing - it will be easy, natural and fun!

Viewing & Ordering Appointment

This is the best part! The Viewing & Ordering Appointment is when you get to see the results of the pre-session consultation and your session planning pay off. Your images are shown on our 55" TV with a beautiful slideshow set to music. Michele will help you design the perfect portrait art for your home. This is the time when you will finalize your portrait order, so be sure to select a date and time where both mom and dad can be there. She will help you sort through the images and make final decisions on what will look best with your home decor and with your portrait goals. You will be able to touch and feel the products we offer and see what your images will look like projected onto the walls of your own home using our software. We’ll show you actual size and pair images together for a wall portrait, gallery or heirloom album. It takes the guesswork out of what will look amazing in your space!

Portrait Delivery

About 3-4 weeks later, your art piece will be ready for pick up. We’ll call or email you to let you know it’s here and make arrangements for you to take home your portraits.

The Experience

Maternity Photography | Newborn Photography | Childrens Photography | Family Photography | Pet Photography

Michele Taylor Photography is a boutique portrait studio specializing in custom fine art maternity, newborn, baby, children, and family photography. Known for heirloom albums and elegant canvas wall portraits, my goal is to provide clients with portrait art for their home that captures the essence of who they are.

michele@micheletaylorphoto.com | 708-359-8881 | newborn + children + family + pet photographer

Serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs:

Lakeview, Northcenter, Lincoln Park, West Town, Wicker Park, Irving Park, Portage Park, Gold Coast, Streeterville, South Loop, Roscoe Village, River North, River West, West Loop, Ukranian Village, Bucktown, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, Evanston, Oak Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, LaGrange, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox and more!

What to Expect

Before, During and After your Session with Michele

BEFORE THE SESSION