Leif and Christine Photography

05/29/2026

The best part of having a kid who wants a professional 3D printer? He prints a camera for you. 📷😆

05/13/2026

I photographed sweet Riley as a newborn three years ago, and now I had the honor of photographing her baby sister, Lainey. Seeing Riley come back as a proud big sister was such a full-circle moment.

There is something so special about watching families grow through my camera — from tiny newborn details to big sister smiles, these are the moments that become family history.

Riley and Lainey, you are both so loved. ✨

05/12/2026

Zoe & Brady’s engagement slideshow is here, and my heart is so full.

05/12/2026

Zoe & Brady’s engagement blog is LIVE! ✨
I’m so excited to share more from their session on the blog — and even more excited for their wedding day!

Read their engagement story here:
https://www.leifandchristine.com/blog/zoe-amp-bradys-engagement-session-at-belvidere-park-district-illinois

Belvidere Park District engagement session for Zoe and Brady, a sweet Northern Illinois couple getting married at Kilbuck Creek next May.

05/11/2026

Behind the scenes from Zoe and Brady’s engagement session at Belvidere Park District. ✨

These two were so sweet together, and even with the chilly evening, they made it feel warm and full of love. I loved capturing the little in-between moments — the laughs, the snuggles, and the way they naturally looked at each other.

Engagement sessions are such a special way to slow down before the wedding day and celebrate this season of life together. Zoe and Brady, I’m so excited for you both and can’t wait for your wedding day! 🤍

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day, Everyone!🥰

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day, Kellie

This year is extra special — celebrating your first Mother’s Day as a mama of two beautiful girls.

It was such an honor to photograph sweet Lainey’s newborn session, and even more special having big sister Riley there too. I still can’t believe I photographed Riley as a newborn three years ago, and now I get to capture this next precious chapter for your family.

Watching your girls together was so sweet — Riley is already such a loving big sister, and Lainey is absolutely perfect.

Kellie, I hope this Mother’s Day feels full of love, snuggles, and all the little moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Happy Mother’s Day ✨

05/07/2026

I had the sweetest little baby girl in my studio today — beautiful Lainey. 🤍

And her big sister Riley came too! I took Riley’s newborn photos three years ago, so getting to photograph this next sweet chapter for their family meant so much to me.

Riley has grown into such a beautiful, sweet little girl — and she even gave me the biggest hug, which absolutely melted my heart.

Lainey and Riley were such a precious little dream to photograph, and I’m so honored to capture these memories for their family again.

Welcome to the world, sweet girl. ✨

05/01/2026

A Different Perspective

One photography trick I love using is changing my angle.

For this shot, I laid on the ground so I could photograph their hands from underneath. It gave the image a more creative perspective and made the moment feel a little more unique than a traditional ring photo.

I love this angle because it keeps the focus on their hands, her engagement ring, and the sweet connection between them — while also making the photo feel light, playful, and different.

Sometimes the smallest change, like where I stand or how low I get, can completely change the feeling of a photo.

And yes… photographers will absolutely lie on the ground for the shot. 😊

05/01/2026

Creating a Garden Feeling Anywhere

One of my favorite photography tricks is finding small details and making them feel bigger in the final image.

This was early spring, so the park was not fully blooming yet. But there was one beautiful flowering bush, and I knew I could use it to make the photo feel more romantic and spring-like.

By placing the couple near the flowers and choosing the right angle, the image feels like they are standing in a soft garden setting — even though it was just one small blooming spot in the park.

That is something I am always looking for during sessions: little pockets of beauty that can help tell the story better.

You do not always need a perfect location. Sometimes you just need the right light, the right angle, and one beautiful detail.