A little hidden corner tucked within a location I already thought I knew
I thought I knew this location. I've photographed here before. I knew the pretty paths, the familiar views and the spots I naturally gravitate toward when I'm planning a session and then Evelyn showed me something I had somehow completely missed. And let me tell you… I was immediately obsessed.
There was something about this area that felt completely different. The garden, the greenery, the rustic horse fencing and the way everything came together made it feel like we had stumbled onto our own little pocket of Grayslake.
And honestly? That's one of my favorite parts of being a photographer.
I'm constantly discovering new places, new pockets of light and new ways to use locations I've photographed at before.
The Garden Was Everything
There was something so beautiful about the garden.
It wasn't overly manicured or perfectly polished. It had that natural, slightly wild feeling that photographs beautifully — especially when you add a family who is simply enjoying being together.
And then there were the horse fences.
I mean… COME ON.
They added just the right amount of rustic character and gave us another element to work with without taking attention away from Evelyn and her family.
It's those little details that can completely change the feel of a session.
Why I Love Finding New Spots
One of the things I love most about being a location photographer in Lake County is that I don't necessarily need to find an entirely new location every time.
Sometimes you just have to look a little closer.
A trail you've walked past a hundred times might lead somewhere beautiful. A different turn might give you completely different light. A small garden tucked behind the familiar path might suddenly become your favorite place to photograph.
That's exactly what happened here.
And now, of course, I'm looking at this location completely differently.
Thank You, Evelyn
So thank you, Evelyn, for showing me your little secret.
You may have just accidentally added a new favorite spot to my list of places to photograph.
I'm still keeping the exact location under wraps because I have to keep some photographer secrets, right?
But if you're looking for family photography in Grayslake, Illinois, and you want something that feels natural, relaxed and a little different…
I might have a new favorite spot for you.
And this time, I have Evelyn to thank for finding it.
