Summer Sunflower Family Session at Cantigny Park in Wheaton

Some sessions surprise you in the best way possible, and this one was exactly that.

I have been photographing this family for years, since before their daughter was even born, and every session we do together feels like a little reunion. For this one, we headed to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, and we had no idea what was waiting for us when we arrived. The sunflowers were in full bloom. It was one of those happy accidents that just makes the whole session feel magical.

Sunflowers have such a great energy on camera. They are bold and bright without being distracting, and the warm golden tones they bring to the light make everything feel like summer. If you have never considered a summer session at Cantigny, this is your sign.

If you are curious about why Cantigny is one of my all-time favorite spots for family portraits in the western suburbs, I wrote a whole post about it that you can read right here. I cover the gardens, the rock garden at sunset, and the incredible variety of backdrops all within a small area.

Cantigny also has so much going on beyond just beautiful scenery. They host a packed calendar of events throughout the summer, from family-friendly activities to garden walks and outdoor concerts. It is a great place to make a full day out of your session.

This family is one of those clients that reminds me why I love what I do. Watching a little one grow up through photos, year after year, is such a gift. If you are ready to book your own summer family session, I would love to create something just as beautiful for your family. You can check out family portrait pricing here, and if you have questions, my Family Photo FAQ is a great place to start.