I’m excited to announce dates & times for this year’s Fall Mini-Sessions! I had such a great time meeting so many new families during this time last year, I can’t wait to do it all again.

Just a reminder… the Mini-Session deals are a seasonal special and will only be honored on the dates, times & locations below. If you would like to book on a different day at a different location, I have many open days on my calendar, you will just need to purchase a Signature Family or Simple Family Session. If you would like more information on whether or not a Mini-Session is right for you, please read my post on how to book your Fall Photography Session.

Mini-Session Details

I am offering 3 different types of Mini-Sessions this year! They are all 20 minutes in length; the difference is the number of digital images you will receive in your gallery.

 A .  $175- 10 high-resolution digital images for download, with print release

B .  $200- 15 high-resolution digital images for download, with print release

C .  $225- 20 high-resolution digital images for download, with print release

Sessions to take place in Park Ridge, IL

Saturday, September 23rd- Schaumburg

7:30a   |   8a   |   8:30a   |   9a   |   9:30a

Sunday, Sept. 24th- Des Plaines

4p   |   4:30p   |   5p   |  5:30p   |   6p

Saturday, October 14- Cook County Forest Preserve, TBD

8a   |   8:30a   |   9a   |   9:30a   |   10a

Sunday, October 15- Cook County Forest Preserve, TBD

4p  |  4:30p  |  5p

Sessions to take place in DuPage County

Saturday, October 7- Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook

4:30p   |   5p   |   5:30p

Sunday, October 22nd- Katherine Legge Memorial Park, Hinsdale

3p   |   3:30p   |   4p   |   4:30p   |   5p

To Book A Session

If you would like to book a session, please email me at heathertonphoto@gmail.com or call 773-531-5704. I will assign Mini-Session slots on a first-come/first-served basis. To ensure you get a session, I suggest providing me with your top 3 days/times so that if the first one you choose is already booked, I can go down the line without going back-and-forth. Please indicate which type of session you’d like (A, B or C). I will do my best to keep this post up-to-date with available session slots.

I will confirm with you via email once you have matched a slot, then follow up with a contract & an invoice for a retainer (50% of the session fee) to “secure” the slot. The session fee retainer is non-refundable, but can be applied towards another session. If the session fee retainer is not paid within 24 hours, the slot will be released and can be assigned to another client who has requested that day/time.

Rain Dates & Reschedules

In the event of inclement weather/rain (as called by photographer only), I will make every effort to reschedule your Mini-Session at a comparable day/time, most likely the following weekend. If you must forfeit your slot for personal reasons, you may reschedule to another Mini-Session date (as available) or apply the retainer towards a Signature or Simple Session on a different date & time.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I hope to capture your precious family moments this Fall!

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It’s hard to believe that Summer is coming to an end soon, but that means it’s time to start thinking about cozy sweaters, warm boots, pumpkin spice lattes (pumpkin spice everything, actually), and of course, booking your family’s Fall photography session! Whether you are looking for holiday gifts for family members, creating your holiday card, or you simply need your yearly family photos, Heather Eatherton Photography offers a couple options to best suit your specific needs.

What session is right for me?

My Signature Session is the total package. We will have a full hour to capture the true essence of your family in a variety of groupings with multiple backdrops, so there’s no pressure, no rush. This is a great option for families with younger children who may take a little time to warm up to the idea of being photographed, and allows me more time to capture candid photos in between portraits. I also recommend this to families who haven’t had their photos taken in a few years, as we will be able to update all the frames and gallery walls in your home with fresh, current images of your children and your family as a whole. You choose the location and receive and comprehensive online gallery of 30+ high-resolution digital images for download. You will also receive a $40 credit towards prints ordered through me.

My Simple Session is a modified version of the Signature Session. Because it is only 30 minutes, it’s great for families with older children who can come and take photos right away and don’t need a lot of time to walk around and get out the wiggles. You can also choose your location with this session, and you will receive 10 high-resolution digital images (out of a gallery of approx. 25 images) and a $20 credit towards prints ordered through HEP.

My Fall Mini-Session is a special seasonal offer that works perfectly for families who want to get in and out of the session quickly (only 2o minutes long!) and are only looking to capture a few basic shots of their family– 2-3 posed family portraits, Mom and kids, Dad and kids, kids together, and kids individually. Mini-Sessions are held back-to-back in a pre-determined location, and all images are taken in one general area. The discounted session fee also includes 10 high-resolution digital images, chosen by the me. Need more than 10 images? No problem! You can upgrade your Mini to full gallery (approx. 20 images) at the time of booking for a $75 fee. The Mini-Session rate will only be honored on the specified dates, which will be one weekend a month (Sept., Oct. & Nov.)

When is the right time to schedule my session?

Well, that really depends on what it is you want to wear in your photo and what you want in the background!

{C Family Session, September 2016}

September is a great time for Fall Mini Sessions. Even though the leaves haven’t changed colors yet, it’s cool, but not chilly, and you can (usually) get away with dressing yourself and kids in short sleeves and pants. Oh, and there are fewer red & runny noses! I shoot mostly in the evening, just before sunset, and the warm sunlight makes for an amazing backdrop in your photos. We can also find spots that still have flowers in bloom too, which always liven up photographs!

{M Family Session, October 2016}

October is the beginning of true Fall in the Midwest and the sun begins to set earlier in the day. This is great for families who want golden hour session, but have kids who go to bed by 7p. Though you never really know when the leaves will change colors, the “sweet spot” seems to be around the last weekend in Oct. With Oct. sessions, you will be able to show off your new sweaters and boots and not worry about sweating. You may even get lucky with a mild 60-70 degree day. And last but not least, a session in Oct. means you will have your gallery in plenty of time to get a jump start on ordering those holiday cards!

{H Family Session, November 2016}

November is my favorite month of the year (and not just because it’s my birthday!) It’s definitely chilly, so scarves and boots are in full effect! The leaves have changed color and are starting to fall & litter the grass, which makes for some great playful shots with the kiddies. And who doesn’t love to sip hot cocoa & be snuggled when it’s cold?! Daytime sessions are even an option in November, so they are great for families with small kids. I will be on vacation this year in the middle of November, so if you want a November session, I suggest you contact me ASAP to book!

 

I hope you found this guide to planning your Fall Photography Session helpful. If you have any questions, or if you are ready to book your session, please contact me at 773-531-5704 or heathertonphoto@gmail.com. Stay tuned to my Facebook Page for announcement of my Fall Mini Session dates & locations in the next few days!

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Heather Eatherton Photography | Portrait Photography | First Communion Portraits | Chicago-Area Photographer

I was very honored when asked to take First Communion portraits of my son’s best buddy & his cousin (isn’t it awesome that they were able to make their Communion together?!) The weather here the last few weeks has been all over the place, so I was a little nervous in the days leading up… but they were blessed with a beautiful, sunny & warm Saturday for their special day!

“Cousins are childhood playmates that grow up to be forever friends!”

It was so sweet the way these two connected with each other. How fun is it to have a cousin the exact same age as you, in the same town? It’s almost like a sibling! I grew up very close to my cousins (still am!), so I really appreciate their friendship, and hope it only continues to grow in the years to come.

God bless Asher & Samantha!

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Heather Eatherton Photography | Mother’s Day | Mom & Me Mini Sessions | Chicago-Area Photographer

Calling all husbands/dads/sons/daughters (or Moms themselves who want to drop a hint!)… Looking for a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day this weekend? Why not give the gift of photography?! Moms love having their family’s photos taken, so surprise her with a mini-session from Heather Eatherton Photography!

This is the best mini-session deal I will offer all year, because I’m a Mom, of course! “Mom & Me Mini Sessions” are available for purchase for only $125, this week only.

These 20 minute Mom & Me Mini Sessions are a perfect opportunity to capture the love that exists between a Mom & her children. We’ll meet at your home or in a park, wherever Mom prefers, and catch beautiful & fun candid moments of her and her little ones. Want Dad in the photo too? No problem, for $150, we can do a family mini-session, that includes Dad and a full family photo.

Once you purchase this special Mini Session, I will send you an e-gift certificate, that you can share with Mom on Sunday. Then, you (or she!) can follow up to schedule your session date & time, anytime between Mon., May 15, and Sun., Aug. 27, 2017 (based on availability).

If you have any questions, or are interested in booking a session, please contact me at heathertonphoto@gmail.com, or at 773-531-5704.

** All Mom & Me Mini Sessions will take place within 20 miles of Park Ridge, IL. For any locations more than 20 miles from PR, a travel fee will be applied. **

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Milestone Portrait Session | Park Ridge, IL | Chicago-Area Photographer

Wow, it sure has been a long time since I’ve blogged about a session! I can’t think of a better time to jump back into it then to share photos from adorable Della’s 6 month milestone session, taken at my very own HEP studio.

Most 6 month sessions are pretty tame, with baby just learning to sit on their own, and usually content to just be placed in various bowls and crates… but not Miss Della! Imagine my surprise when she arrived at the studio and was in full-on crawl mode. This little lady was on. the. move!

It definitely made things interesting, but Mom & I were happy to capture some of these great poses of Della with some of my new backdrops & props (especially this mid-century modern chair that I LOVE!) It’s the perfect size for sitters!

Just look at all those yummy rolls!

Mom also wanted to capture a few photos of Della with her blanket from when SHE was a baby, and I thought that was such an awesome addition to her gallery!

It won’t be long until Della is up and walking all on her own. Guess I better be ready to run at her 1st birthday session!

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