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Chicago Family Photographer | Chicago Newborn Photographer bio picture
  • Hi there! I'm Gen, owner and photographer here at Precious Things Photography in Chicago. That's me over there to your right! It's nice to meet you!

    I was named Best Chicago Family Photographer by Nickelodeon's Parents Connect and there's a reason why...I absolutely, positively love what I do. I love photographing those beautiful baby bumps, those squishy little newborns, those amazing moments of children of all ages and l love the interaction between families.

    If you want a fun, funky and fresh photographer, you've found her. Go ahead - explore the site and learn more about me! You might even get a laugh or two...

  • Check Out Our Portfolio

A special note from Gen…

Dear Clients:

There comes a point in most people’s lives where they come to a fork in the road and have to choose a path to follow. Whether they stay on the straight and comfortable or venture out onto the curvy and foreign is always a difficult choice that can fill someone with excitement, anxiety and sometimes even sadness. As you guys all know, I’m a risk-taker. I like to think outside of the box and I like to do things differently. I’m not afraid to try new things and I absolutely, positively hate remaining stagnant.

My family was faced with one of those forks in the road recently and we had a decision to make. It is with a very excited and nervous heart that I’m writing this to you on personal level and it is with a very heavy and sad heart that I’m writing this to you on a professional level. My family, as well as Precious Things Photography, will be relocating to Los Angeles…as of January 1st, 2012. I know that this is short notice but trust me, it was just as short for us as well.

I have watched most of you go from newlywed couples with a bun in the oven to families of four or more with the oldest in Kindergarden. Some of you came to me from other photographers, trusting in my vision for your family. You have opened up your homes and hearts to me, choosing me to capture moments in your family’s lives and believing in my abilities. It is because of this that I’m sad. Many of you have gone from being just my clients to becoming my friends. Your kids recognize me when I pull into your driveway and eagerly grab my hand to escort me inside. I know your quirks, I know your dislikes…and now I have to say goodbye.

While I will be flying home to Chicago multiple times per year, it just isn’t realistic to think that I’m going to be able to photograph all of you during my stay. It also isn’t realistic for me to ask you to wait for me to come home to photograph your family. Because of this and because of the fact that I’ve been with some of you for so long, I really wanted to introduce you to a photographer in the area that I know many of you are going to love.

Her name is Julia Franzosa.

This is her website: http://www.julia-franzosa.com

And if you trust me…and trust that I know your family’s vision…you’ll form just as special of a relationship with her as you did with me.

That being said, here are some important things for you to know:

- If you have a December session scheduled, we’re still shooting it. Don’t worry.:)
- If you have any outstanding orders that you’re waiting to receive or waiting to place, don’t worry. You’ll be getting them.
- And if you’re ever in the LA area and want photos while you’re in town, I’m still your girl. Just one who’ll probably be slightly more tan.

So on that note, Happy Holidays…regardless of what you celebrate…and please don’t be weirded out if I randomly Email to see photos of your kids. I’ve watched them grow this far and I just can’t be left out of the loop!

- Gen

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s that time of year again…my favorite eating holiday. While I like going on and on about the food (right now my house smells divine), I really like going on and on about the things that I am thankful for. Ready? Here we go.

This year I’m thankful for my family – my spouse and my son. There’s absolutely nothing like having a crazy almost-20-month-old toddler running around the house, repeating everything that we say, laughing at his own silliness and testing his limits while giving us that adorable smirk to avoid getting into trouble. I’ve always loved photographing toddlers (which is why I tend to get a lot of toddler-age children as clients) and it has been waaaaaay more fun having one of my own. Granted…the benefit of photographing your kids is that I get to rile them up and send them home. But the benefit of having my own? The cuddles when he’s sick, the smiles when he wakes up in the morning and the deep belly laughs. I’m thankful for all of that and then some.

I’m thankful for my friends and my family other than the above.

I’m thankful for our dog. It’s always nice to have someone that excited to see you every single day.

and I’m thankful for my clients who have entrusted me with their families…some of whom have been with me for almost six full years.

2011 was a wonderful, wonderful year for Precious Things Photography. And now it’s time to sneak bites out of the dishes in my kitchen without getting caught. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Enjoy your meals, enjoy your families.

(Please note that Precious Things Photography will reopen on Monday, November 28th. All Emails received until that time will be answered in the order in which they were received. Thank you!)

C Family

Chicago Family Photographer: C Family

Oh C kids. I’ve kinda sorta watched you guys grow up. The first session that we ever did together involved you being propped up inside of a big grandfather clock. Strange to think that you couldn’t even sit when I first met you and now look…You’ve grown into these absolutely stunning kids. Thank you so much for playing with me and taking such a nice walk. I had a great time with you as I always do.

Look Book v11

Chicago Family Photographer - Look Book v11

It’s that time again and here’s November’s Look Book! I’m not sure which I like more…the dress or the little boy’s jacket/shirt combo? These hues are fabulous for this time of year in Chicago when the weather’s changing (although it IS unseasonably warm and sunny right now) and the leaves have fallen off of the trees (for the most part). The shades of pink are perfect for a pop of color!

November 17, 2011 - 8:54 am

Yana - Love the pops of color on this set. Mom’s dress is especially cute. These would look great photographed.

B Family

Chicago Family Photographer - B Family

Oh B Family, how I love you. I was so sad when I originally found out that you were moving from the city up to the suburbs and so happy when you contacted me about coming up there and photographing Mr. E for you. You lucked out with some amazing weather and I had a great time with you at your gorgeous home and the park. To Mr. E, thank you so much for letting me into your world despite your lack of nap that day – you are so very handsome and even tired, you look adorable.

November 12, 2011 - 11:12 pm

Leanne - What gorgeous images of a beautiful Family. I love the fun you have captured.

November 11, 2011 - 10:52 pm

Jessica - What an adorable family. These are great!

November 11, 2011 - 3:01 pm

Kristi - He is so adorable…and what a fabulous family shot you captured!