McHenry County Maternity & Newborn Photographer
The First Year
the whole first chapter, documented.
From the bump to the birthday — honest, unhurried photography for growing families in McHenry County, Illinois.
The First Yearsince 2016Why this existsThe first year of parenthood happens
exactly once.
There's the anticipation of a growing belly. The stunned, exhausted, overwhelmed joy of the first 48 hours home. The six-month stretch where a personality starts to bloom. And the first birthday — somehow already here, somehow already gone.
None of it waits. None of it repeats. And a single session doesn't hold all of it.
That's why The First Year exists — a storytelling-focused collection for growing families who want more than one moment documented. We're talking about the whole unfolding. Pregnancy through baby's first year, photographed honestly, intentionally, and in a way that feels true to your family — not a studio version of it.
I'm Nicole — McHenry County family and newborn photographer, empath first, third-generation image-keeper. I believe these seasons are proof. Proof that you were here, that you loved deeply, that the chaos and the tenderness and the mess and the beauty all happened at the same time. And I want to make sure you have that proof.
The First Year CollectionThree sessions. One whole story.
The collection includes three intentional sessions — each one capturing a different chapter of your first year as a family. Sessions can take place at home, outdoors at a meaningful location.
Session 1.
Maternity
The season right before everything changes. Your body, your anticipation, the quiet — or the loud, if that's more you. This is your bump, your belly, your before.
Session 2.
Fresh 48 or In-Home Newborn
The rawness of day two — or the warmth of home in those first slow weeks. Squishy newborn goodness, big siblings discovering their new person, parents still figuring out what day it is. All of it documented.
Session 3.
6-Month or First Birthday
Your baby has a personality now — a laugh you could listen to forever. Whether it's the sitting-up era or the smash-cake chaos, this session holds wherever you land in year one.
Each session is unscripted, unhurried, and guided gently when it helps — never over-directed. I show up and pay attention. That's the whole job.
Investment
AvailabilityWhat to KnowA few things worth reading
Maternity and newborn sessions don't move like other sessions. Due dates shift — sometimes dramatically, sometimes in a Sydney-texting-you-at-7am-with-a-shrug kind of way. I build space for that. It's not extra flexibility. It's just how this work actually goes, and I take it seriously.
I only take on a limited number of First Year families per year. If you're expecting and your due date is within the next 6–9 months, sooner is always better than later. Once my First Year spots are filled, they're filled.
When you inquire, let me know your due date (or approximate timeline), the sessions you're most excited about, and a little about your family. The more I know going in, the better I can show up for you.
Currently, The First Year Collection is only available for families in McHenry County, IL.This is intentional — I need the schedule flexibility that staying close to home allows, specifically so maternity and newborn sessions have the room and time they need. Mom, baby, and every sibling involved deserves an unhurried session. That's the whole point.
What Families SayThe reviews that
say it better than I can
"Nicole did so well with trekking after our high energy toddler and she was able to capture his personality perfectly! While Nicole gives slight direction at times, she lets moments happen naturally and the results are perfect. We love working with Nicole and can't wait to work with her for years to come!"
— Jen M.
“Nicole was so amazing to work with. She brought a very comforting energy to our family photo shoot, while being very professional. The pictures all came out beautifully and very prompt. I can't wait to continue to get pictures with her.”
— Casey M.
"Nicole is absolutely amazing, and you can tell she loves what she does! Every single photo came out better than I could imagine! She is so kind, patient and professional! Her work absolutely speaks for itself! Do yourself a favor and book Nicole for any of your photography needs."
— Jen F.200+ Families Documented
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Maternity
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Newborns
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Milestones
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200+ Families Documented ⌁ Maternity ⌁ Newborns ⌁ Milestones ⌁
Frequently AskedFAQQuestions about
The First Year
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Ideally in your second trimester — once you're past the first trimester and before the final stretch gets busy and overwhelming. That gives us time to plan all three sessions thoughtfully and make sure nothing feels rushed. Already further along? Reach out anyway — I'll let you know where availability stands.
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It happens. A lot. We build flexibility into The First Year specifically because birth timelines don't negotiate. Your newborn session gets scheduled with three dates in mind, with enough breathing room so you're not panicking about a photo session while you're still figuring out sleep. We'll figure it out together.
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Wherever makes the most sense for your family and that chapter. At home, at a meaningful outdoor location within McHenry County Illinois, or at The Ellery studio in Crystal Lake, IL (add-on at $400/hr). We talk through location options during pre-session planning for each.
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Yes — standalone family, maternity, and newborn sessions are available through The Good Stuff collection, beginning at $725 for 1 hour. The First Year is for families who want all three chapters documented together, and comes with significant savings over booking each separately.
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Right now, it's only available for McHenry County, IL families. Keeping the collection local allows me to protect the scheduling flexibility that maternity and newborn work genuinely requires. If you're outside the area, check back — that may change over time.
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Each session has its own delivery timeline — typically 4–6 weeks from the session date. You'll get a sneak peek before the full gallery lands. Pre-session planning before each shoot helps us use our time well so editing stays efficient.
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It means I'm not barking poses at you or making everyone freeze and smile for 30 minutes straight. I give light direction when it helps — a suggestion to move, interact, or just be somewhere together — then I step back and let the real moments happen. Most of what ends up being your favorites comes from the in-between of prompts. I thrive in motion and chaos and utilize both with direction to allow the natural moments to unfold.
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Head to the full FAQ page or reach out directly. I respond to every inquiry personally — I'm happy to answer anything before you commit to anything.
Ready when you areLet's hold the whole
first chapter.
There are only a limited number of First Year families I take on per year. If you're expecting and the timing feels right — this is the moment to reach out.
Currently available for McHenry County, IL families only.