Chicago Lifestyle Photographer

Whether you’re booking a maternity session, a newborn shoot, or a family mini, my process centers around a few key values. I take time to get to know you and understand your vision for how you want this season captured. I provide clear guidance throughout — from outfit suggestions and location recommendations to tips for helping little ones feel their best. On the day of your session, my goal is to bring a calm, steady presence that keeps things relaxed and allows real moments to unfold naturally.

A cross-stitch pattern of a cute winter themed scene with a snowman, trees, and a star.
A pregnant woman and a man with their foreheads touching, holding her belly gently, outdoors with trees in the background.

Proudly Serving

Family

Newborn

Senior

“We can’t say enough great things about how well our time spent with Megan went for family photos. She was warm and professional throughout the shoot! She also gave great tips and suggestions for different poses and ways to help get our toddler to smile when nothing seemed to work. We had fun and felt comfortable the whole time and also received beautiful photos! Would highly recommend!”

Two young children, a girl with a white bow and a boy in a striped shirt, playing on a white blanket outdoors on grass.
A young boy with blond hair and a striped sweater sitting on a white blanket outdoors, smiling and laughing.
A family of four enjoying a picnic on a blanket outdoors in a natural setting with trees in the background.
Family of four sitting on a blanket in a wooded area, smiling at the camera.
A man holding a young girl and giving her a kiss on the cheek outdoors in a wooded area.
A pregnant woman and a man are standing close together, touching foreheads, with the woman touching her pregnant belly and the man's hand underneath it, outdoors near trees.
A pregnant woman in a rust-colored dress sitting on a sidewalk with a man, both smiling and looking at each other outdoors, surrounded by green bushes.
A pregnant woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a rust-colored dress, standing outdoors near a lake with trees in the background.
A happy couple outdoors, the woman is pregnant and wearing a rust-colored dress, and the man is standing behind her, both smiling and holding her baby bump.
A pregnant woman in a floral strapless dress is being embraced from behind by a man in a checkered shirt in a park with trees in the background.
A woman and two young girls smiling outdoors near a river, surrounded by trees.
A woman holding a smiling baby girl near a lake in a wooded area, woman kissing baby on the cheek, baby wearing an orange headband and colorful outfit, woman's long brown hair, autumn foliage in the background.
A man with two young girls, a toddler and a preschooler, outdoors near a river with trees in the background.
A family of four sitting on a blanket outdoors, smiling, with tall grass and trees in the background.
Two young girls sitting on a blanket outdoors, one holding the other, with tall grasses in the background.
A baby girl with blue eyes sitting on a sandy surface outdoors, wearing a floral dress and a rust-colored headband with a bow, holding a leaf in her hands with a blurred background of trees and autumn foliage.
A baby with a shaved head and big eyes lying on a green surface, looking directly at the camera with a curious expression.
A baby lying on a patterned surface, looking up at the camera, with an adult's hand gently touching its cheek.

Hi, I’m Megan Vander Ploeg — Ryan’s other half! Over the past seven years, I’ve had the joy of watching Ryan grow his videography business and craft, all while developing my own passion for capturing life’s most meaningful moments through photography.

While I take pride in the technical skills I’ve honed, what I value most is bringing a calm, joyful presence to every session — helping you and your loved ones feel comfortable and seen.

As a mom of three, I’ve come to appreciate just how precious each stage of life is — from maternity and newborn snuggles to growing families and milestone moments.

My goal is to document your season with heart, care, and authenticity, delivering photos that feel true to your story and the people you love most.

About My Process

A woman crouching on a rocky ground, hugging a young girl while both are smiling and playing outdoors by a pond with lily pads.
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