Every Saturday Zelda and I have a standing date to shoot a street style session together. We typically only shoot for 10-15 minutes (this is the preferred shoot time when a toddler is directing) and then try out a new brunch spot somewhere nearby afterwards. It doesn’t need to be a large production, all you need is a camera and a place to shoot, and preferably a babe that has napped. That being said, this is an incredibly easy thing for you to do with your little, whether you’ve got a professional photog on tap or just your iPhone. Since summer is officially here, add these hot spots to your must see list and get out there. I bet you can hit all ten by the time school starts, consider it your summer challenge!
Photo shoots like these can seem a bit intimidating, but I promise you they aren’t. First you have to decide how you want to approach the shoot, if you happen upon a wall you love and want to do it right then and there with the outfit you have on, by all means go for it! Seize the moment, have some fun and your pictures will reflect that. Personally, we come at it from a more planned angle. We pick a wall that we love, and then coordinate with the wall based on what we have in our closets. We don’t go out and purchase pieces specifically for a wall, that would get out of hand so quickly! Choosing from what you already have for the shoot also ensures that your choices stay true to your personal style.
I highly recommend having an extra set of hands with you when you go shoot for a variety of reasons. Safety is a huge priority, and another set of hands and eyes is invaluable, as at some locations you can be shooting right on the curb (like on 16th in Pilsen). It’s also incredibly helpful for another person to help wrangle or distract your babe, which can be instrumental in getting that perfect shot!
Mamas, you know this one well but it’s worth repeating —  go with the flow. Don’t try to style or pose them, it just expedites a meltdown. Kids go from zero to pissed off really fast, and you want to do everything to prevent, or at least slow that down. Let your kid direct the shoot by standing where they want to stand, run in circles, you get the idea. Candid shots are usually the best, so let your babe do their thing and the result is them in their element. In that same vein, if your little is just not feeling it and having a meltdown that nothing can fix, call it. I know it’s hard to pack up and head home after you got dressed and went across town, but if they are not feeling it, it’s just not worth the anxiety for you both. Take what you learned that day and go back on a new day. This happened to us not once, but twice this weekend!
Lastly, if you are interested in having a professional do some shots for you, I cannot recommend Hallie Duesenburg enough. She’s a stellar photographer and wonderful with kids, we absolutely adore her! You can check out her website here.
This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Logan Square Mega Mall, N. Sacramento Avenue & N. Milwaukee Avenue

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

16th Street between Loomis Street and Laflin Street

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Nettelhorst School, 3252 N. Broadway

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Nettelhorst School at 3252 N. Broadway

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Fulton Market and May Street

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Citizen Bar, 364 W. Erie Street

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Lake Street & Morgan Street

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Lake Street & Racine Avenue

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art throughout Chicago.

Logan Square Mega Mall, N. Sacramento Avenue & N. Milwaukee Avenue

This is a post by Glitter and Bubbles that showcases street art t