Sunset, Sand & Sweet Chaos: A Family Beach Session with Four Kids and Two Dogs

best Chicago family photographer, family portraits near me

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December 22, 2025

Rena Meystel

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There’s something magical about photographing big families—especially when the beach, golden hour, and two playful pups are involved! This recent family beach session was full of love, laughter, and the kind of joyful energy you can only get with four kids, two dogs, and two amazing parents who embraced every moment.


A Luxury Start: Professional Makeup at Home for Mom

To make the experience even more special, we arranged for one of our talented professional makeup artists to visit their home before the session. Mom had a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a little pampering before stepping in front of the camera.

She looked absolutely stunning—glowing with both natural beauty and that confident sparkle that comes from feeling taken care of. It’s our goal with every session to make sure moms don’t just show up, but feel truly seen, celebrated, and radiant.


Real Life, Beautifully Captured

Once we hit the beach, the session turned into exactly what it should be: a mix of beautiful chaos and heart-melting moments. The kids—each with their own big personality—brought so much joy and spontaneity to the shoot. They splashed at the shoreline, played games in the sand, and shared those sweet in-between moments that always end up being family favorites.

The parents were incredible—so present, so connected, and clearly soaking in every second of their family just being together. We took time for full-family portraits, sweet parent moments, and plenty of shots of each child’s unique personality.

And the dogs? They were the perfect touch! Whether they were romping through the surf or proudly posing with the family, they added so much love (and a few laugh-out-loud moments) to the experience.

Why the Beach is Perfect for Families (and Pets!)

The beach is one of my favorite locations for large family sessions. There’s space to move, explore, and play—so kids (and dogs!) don’t have to sit still and smile. Instead, we get to focus on real connection, natural smiles, and moments that truly reflect your family’s unique dynamic.

Golden hour gave us the perfect soft light, and this family’s joy made every photo come to life.

Want to Capture Your Own Beautiful Chaos?

Whether your family includes one child or a whole pack (pups included!), your story deserves to be documented with care, joy, and intention. Our full-service family photography experience includes everything from session planning to optional professional makeup—so you can show up confident and fully present.

📸 Winter sessions are almost full! Reach out here to contact us about booking your session.

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