I keep saying it over and over again, but dang, I’m proud of us on this shoot! We lengthened our family trip from Gerard’s family reunion in St. Louis to head for a few days to Chicago. I used time as a family exploring the city to scout and solidify suggestions given to me from a friend who used to live in Chicago and nailed down our order of locations. We met up with Tori’s family at their hotel the night before to visit and catch up (I’ve been photographing their family for a decade+ when their youngest was a newborn and she’s now 11!). The next day, Laura and I met in my hotel lobby to hash through our order of outfits, figure out where family photos would be along the route and then we blitzed back to our rooms to get ready!
We trekked 7 people and their cutest dog, Nala, around downtown Chicago, with a Lyft up to the People’s Gas Pavillion, all before the rain hit! Each of Tori’s sisters carried a backpack of some kind with either shoes to change into or Tori’s props and Dad, Will, carried her clothes on hangers. Truly a team effort!!
We started at the Wrigley Building with a fantastic view of the river and beautiful architecture. And then headed to the Museum of Ice Cream with a little stop along the way to Milton Lee Olive Park. (I’m going to post their family photos in a separate post because it truly deserves its own spot on the blog!)
Along the way to Milton Lee Olive, we found these gorgeous spots of greenery which helped soften things up for at least a few of Tori’s images. This young lady is a wrestler, swimmer and outfielder for her high school’s softball team. This girl doesn’t quit! Her Mama’s tenacity is genetic and I’m here for it.
Next, we coordinate Lyft/Uber rides up to Lincoln Park Zoo which holds the People’s Gas Pavilion, otherwise known as the Honeycomb. 🙂 (People’s Gas is the gas company for Chicago for those wondering….)
Tori – We did it!! Thank you so much for going on this adventure with me. I had a fantastic time roaming the streets, navigating the light & clouds, and visiting with your sisters while you tracked down restrooms to change into. You did a phenomenal job and you made it all look easy! I have no doubt that is what your senior year will look like too: a phenomenal job done with ease. Early congratulations to you on your AA AND high school graduations!
Kudos,
Carrie
