Life

Chicago Family Session | The Bakken Family | Nature Boardwalk Chicago, IL

January 2, 2019

Family of 4 portraits with Chicago skyline in background

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The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.

~George Santayana

Family of 4 portraits at the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL under scultpure

Family portraits in the city

When I started my photography journey, I had no idea how many amazing families I would get to watch grow year after year. It has been a blast to get to know so many kiddos and their parents.

I started capturing the Bakken’s family portraits 7 years ago, with the exception of a few years because we both moved. I believe it was at a Valentine’s mini session. Their oldest, Merik, stole my heart with his absolutely sweet smile. Then the following year little Palmer joined our sessions.

In October a conference was bringing my through Chicago, IL. So I get to catch up with this sweet family and photograph their family portraits again. I had only been to Chicago one other time. It was literally from the airport to our destination and then back to the airport. This time was a little longer. I got to see a tiny bit more of Chicago, spend time with this family, capture photos, and eat real deep dish pizza. Can I just say YUM!! I can’t wait to go back to Lou Malnati’s for deep dish again.

Our session was at the beautiful Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago skyline, lush landscape, a fun organically sculpted pavillion, and a super fun family! It was a fun 5 hours in the city.

A message to Lisa, Chad, and the boys

Thank you for trusting me to capture your family year after year. It is such an honor. So happy it finally worked out that I could be in your neck of the woods. I had a blast with you all. I cannot believe how much the boys have grown. Merik and Palmer you are both such awesome kids. I look forward to seeing you all again soon (September soon ?).

You can find more family portraits on my website at https://annkeenphotography.com/.

  1. Lisa says:

    Ann, we love that you have been able to capture our family for so many years! You have a true gift of being able to seize the moment and bring out the best in our family! I hope we can do it again soon!

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT Ann

My path here wasn't exactly straight, and I think that's what makes it worth telling.

I wasn't supposed to be a photographer. I was supposed to become a doctor. Neurobiology premed, on track, until my oldest son was diagnosed with epilepsy and life took a hard U-turn. I took a break and enrolled in photography classes I had always wanted to take but never could as a premed. On day two I knew. This was where I was supposed to be. Funny thing is, that analytical, detail-oriented part of me never left. It just shows up differently now, in the way I plan every session, read the light, and pay attention to the moments most people miss. I finished my degree in a year and a half, started my business the following October, and sixteen years later I still believe this is the gift God gave me to give to others. And I don't take that lightly.

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