Bare Essence
Maternity • Family • Couples
Emotionally rich photography for people who value connection and presence over perfection.
Serving McHenry County, IL + beyond
Essence Experiences
Signature sessions for every chapter
Perfect for quick, meaningful moments. Ideal for little ones with short attention spans, updated headshots, or seasonal photos
10 Minutes
5 Images
1 Location
A balanced session with time for connection, variety, and true moments. Great for couples, maternity, and families with toddlers or multiple kids.
30 Minute
15 Images
1 Location
Perfect for those wanting multiple outfits and locations, a slower-paced experience, and a gallery that feels like real life documented.
1 Hour
45 images
Multiple Locations
Additional albums, wall art, prints, and keepsakes are available.
View the full artwork menu here
E V E R Y S E S S I O N I N C L U D E S
Pre-session questionnaire
Style & prep guides
On-the-day direction
Hand editing & color grading
Private online gallery
Print release for personal use
R E A D Y W H E N Y O U A R E
Let’s put a session on the calendar.
Inquiry to delivery, five clear steps.
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Send the form. Tell me about you, your people, and what you’re hoping for. I respond within 48 hours.
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Pick your collection, sign the contract, and pay your retainer, and now you’re booked! Yay! Soon you will receive a thoughtful questionnaire so I can tailor the session to you.
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You will receive a guide with clothing & color recommendations, an Amazon client closet for outfit ideas, and a curated location list to bring your vision to life.
Outfit reviews upon request.
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Show up all ready to go and I will gently guide and prompt you through our session so you feel comfortable and confident.
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Your hand-edited, true-to-color gallery will be delivered via private link within 2-3 weeks. Print release included. Priority delivery, heirloom prints and albums optional to add on.
No surprises, no waiting in the dark, no “your galleries coming soon” for three months. Here’s exactly what working with me looks like
Your Questions, Answered
Still have a question? Just ask.
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I recommend booking about 4 weeks in advance to allow time for planning, styling, and securing your ideal date. That said, I always do my best to fit in last-minute sessions when my schedule allows.
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Yes, of course! As long as it fits within our session time.
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We can reschedule at no extra cost to you.
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Please! Pets are family too!
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Yes & love too. Travel over 50 miles is $75. Anything further just ask!
Love Notes
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No fluff. No clichés.
“Capture how it felt” - Everyone. You’ve read the same paragraph on every photographer’s website. I’ll save us both the time.
You want photos that hold up- the weight of their head on your shoulder, the way he reaches for the small of your back, the chaos in your kitchen at 8am on a Saturday…
That’s the whole job.
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Bare Essence was created for women, couples, and families who value emotional depth over performance.
My work centers around connection in its most natural form - the closeness between partners, the transition into motherhood, the energy of family life, and the quieter moments that often go unnoticed while they’re happening.
Every session is approached with intention and attention to genuine interaction rather than stiff perfection.
The result is imagery that feels refined, intimate, and unmistakably you.