Capture your family’s precious moments in Champaign-Urbana
It can be difficult to find someone to capture the unique personalities of your children and family, but it doesn’t have to be. Bring your smiles and the fun to your next photo session. Here are some of our resources when it comes to photography in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Please note that any mention of an individual photographer is a sponsor of chambanamoms.com. We offer this list as a service; listings are not endorsements. Are you a photographer and want to be advertise with chambanamoms? Please contact us to discuss options.
Where to Take Indoor Photos in Champaign-Urbana
One of the most-asked questions we get from Chambanamoms.com readers is a plea for suggestions on where to go to take photos when the weather outside is downright frightful. This is especially common during cold-weather holidays, or during prom season, which often falls during one of the rainiest times of the year here in Champaign-Urbana.
No matter the season, rain and inclement weather can sour the best of family photo shoots. With the help of our readers, we’ve put together a Champaign-Urbana area list of places that are possibilities for indoor photo shoots.
While most of these locations are open to the public, some may not want photo shoots taking place in their building without permission. The rules vary according to whether a space is commercial, non-profit, or municipal. And the rules may be different still if a professional photographer is involved. When in doubt, please ask, and always be respectful of the space and its other occupants.
Photographer Spotlight – History Runner
Timekeeper. Family Historian. Curator of Memories. With these words in mind, Laura Scalzitti of History Runner approaches photo sessions as opportunities to freeze time for the families she photographs. She credits this unique approach as the secret ingredient to producing heirloom-worthy images that are simultaneously timeless and emotive. Steering clear of “conveyor belt” sessions, History Runner takes time before each booking to understand her client’s personalities, season of life and photographic vision. History Runner’s offerings include but are not limited to family sessions, extended family sessions, couples/engagements sessions, maternity sessions, fresh 48 (hospital) newborn sessions, in-home lifestyle newborn sessions, graduation/senior portraits, pet portraits, and children’s portraits.
Location: On location, in studio and outdoor
Client Comment: These are just so beautiful and I am so appreciative of your art, patience, and just the way you related to our family. I have actually never been so pleased with our family photos. You are so very talented! –Julie M.
For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (630) 476-6517
Where to Instagram in Champaign-Urbana
From the University of Illinois campus to one of the area’s many parks, the Champaign-Urbana metro area is filled with picture-perfect sites and hidden gems both professional and amateur photographers love. (Or just parent photographers like us.) So grab your camera or phone and visit these Instagram-ready spots around Champaign-Urbana.
Photographer Spotlight – Ramais Photography
Thierry Ramais offers a truly one-of-a-kind photographic experience here in Chambana. Building on a background in model and fashion photography, Thierry’s fine portraits exhibit a unique mix of love for colorful outdoor scenery, natural and studio lights (brought on location!), expert posing that still allows for a big dose of spontaneity and fun, and the ability to capture the unique personality of their subjects. Mini-sessions might not be part of the offering, but the upside is that your final portraits are always 100 percent guaranteed to be unique, inspiring and print-worthy. Ramais Photography specializes in family and senior portraits, as well as professional headshots on location. Quality print products available.
Location: Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet and Savoy
For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or Text (847) 630-0272
Where to Take Spring Family Photos in Champaign-Urbana
Whether you’re seeking wildflowers by the woods or blooming trees on the Quad, there are picturesque places all over East Central Illinois to plan a photo shoot or hold an impromptu selfie session. Some places are hardly a secret — expect to be standing in line at the Lake of the Woods bridge on Mahomet’s prom day, for example — and know that peak cherry blossom time at the University of Illinois Japan House is attended by hundreds (thousands?) of other camera-happy people.
Where to Take Fall Family Photos in Champaign-Urbana
We put our heads together to make a list of our favorite outdoor photo spots that are at their best when the leaves start turning colors in the fall. These are places worthy of a professional family photo shoot — even if you are just using your phone on a countdown, propped up on a rock.
The Best Places for Holiday Photos Around Champaign-Urbana
In case you are still searching for a festive photo backdrop to finish your holiday greeting cards or just want some fun family snapshots, we’ve picked out a few of our favorite photo backdrops to ponder for your next adventure out and about.
Editor’s Note: The ideas in this post are available seasonally and decor varies from year to year.
