Beer Extended Family Session - Breese, Illinois Family Photographer

Grandma and Grandpa Beer finally cashed in their Christmas gift—an extended family session! It was so fun to have the whole family together, and you could tell everyone was just happy to be in the same place at the same time.

Grandpa arrived early and jokingly warned me that it was going to be chaos. Lucky for him, chaos doesn't phase me. In fact, some of my favorite photos happen right in the middle of the craziness with kids running around … real laughter and real moments.

Thanks to the Beer family for trusting me to capture this season together. These are the types of photos that become even more meaningful with time!

Windiest Session Ever, Ethan's Senior Session - Breese, Illinois Senior Photographer

If you've ever wondered what it's like to photograph a senior session in what felt like hurricane-force winds... Ethan's session was it. In 15 years of sessions in all types of weather, this was hands down the windiest session I've ever done. We were so busy trying to keep ourselves—and the reflector—from blowing away that we didn't even get a single behind-the-scenes video.

After realizing the track was basically a wind tunnel, we took cover under the bleachers and ended up getting some awesome shots there. I also loved the photos by the back doors at Mater Dei—they turned out to be some of my favorites from the session.

We wrapped things up at a local farm, a spot that has personal meaning to Ethan, which made those photos even better. Wind aside, we had a great session and came away with some really fun senior portraits. Best of luck this year, Ethan! Enjoy your senior year!

Branding that feels like YOU - Branding Photographer - Breese, IL

There's something so fun about photographing someone you know from shared circles, and getting to know them even better during a session! This is especially true when they're launching something new they're excited about. This branding session was the perfect mix of professional and personal. Crystal came in with great ideas, incorporated her bright, fun brand colors, and created a look that feels polished, approachable, and completely authentic to who she is.

We spent as much time catching up and talking about the reality of juggling businesses and mom life as we did taking photos. Those are always my favorite kinds of sessions. We're so excited to watch her new project come to life and are incredibly grateful she trusted us to help tell the story of her brand.

And hearing this afterward absolutely made our day:

"Wow! I knew when I chose Hillary Frost Photography that I would at least have a few branding photos that I liked and could use for a new project. I definitely didn’t expect to love them as much as I do! She literally crushed the branding!! Hillary made it so comfortable and relaxed. I felt confident in the way she had me pose, which is very challenging with a newly postpartum body. I am so grateful I chose the studio for this project! 10/10 recommend, especially for branding!!"

Thank you for trusting us with such an exciting chapter. We can't wait to see everything you accomplish!

Tiny but Mighty! Shay's 4 Month Session - Newborn Photography - Breese, IL

Sweet Shay may be tiny, but she has a personality that's already larger than life! At just four months old, she kept us smiling with all of her sweet expressions and curious little looks—especially whenever she had the chance to watch her big sisters. You can already tell how much she adores them and they keep her entertained for sure!

We've had the privilege of photographing this wonderful family for years, and it means so much to watch their story continue to grow. Shay is part of our Complete First Year package, so this is only the beginning. We can't wait to see how much she's grown—and what new little personality traits she brings—when she's back for her 8-month session! If her big sisters are any indication, we’re in for a fun year with this crew! :)

Oakly’s Sweet Summertime 6 Month Session - Breese, Illinois

Oakley’s 6 month session was such a fun one to put together. We’ve known and worked with this family for years, so every time they’re in the studio I just love catching up with them! Plus, Ali, Oakley's mom, always brings the best ideas and the most fun crew of siblings along with her.

We were especially obsessed with the flower bed setup, which was such a sweet nod to some of Oakley’s newborn images. Plus, Oakly picked the perfect time to show off her personality in those tiny baby flare jeans.
The idyllic watermelon setup was the ideal summertime touch, and I’m so glad her siblings jumped in for those photos too. They’re the kind of timeless images I know this family will love for years to come. And that’s always my goal, no matter what session it is.

Check back in six months to see what we come up with for her first birthday! It’s sure to be adorable with a hint of Christmas, I’m sure!

Double the FUN! Baby Session - Breese, Illinois

There is just something extra special about getting to photograph family, and this session with my sweet identical twin nephews was no exception. These two are six months old now and growing bigger, stronger, and more full of personality every single day.

Everyone always asks how we tell them apart, and yes, there is a little secret — but truthfully, even I can barely do it some days! What I do know for sure is that they are both have us all wrapped around their little fingers, and already showing off their own little personalities.

And honestly, you know it was a successful session when we wrapped up with both boys stretched out asleep on the floor!