Spring Duckling Mini Sessions and Santa Session Pre-Booking
NAPERVILLE - WHEATON - GLEN ELLYN - ELMHURST - GENEVA - ST. CHARLES - BARRINGTON - BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHERHello, friends,
This week moved at a slower pace—and honestly, I think I needed that.
I wrapped up a big product shoot for an upcoming jewelry brand, J.M. Malone, and while it was exciting, it also stretched me in ways I didn’t quite expect. After 32 years as a professional photographer, I’m not used to struggling through a shoot… but this one humbled me. Photographing antique French and English jewelry requires a level of patience, precision, and problem-solving that tested me (and yes, there were a lot of choice words along the way).
It took far longer than I anticipated, but in the end, the images were something I was truly proud of—and they’re going to look beautiful on her website. I walked away with a deeper respect for product photography and a brand-new skill tucked into my belt notch. Growth doesn’t always feel graceful, but it’s still growth.
The rest of the week has been filled with preparing our home for our son and his fiancée’s baby shower—equal parts joyful and distracting—especially with everything happening in the world right now. Between planning, creating, and trying to stay grounded, it’s been one of those weeks where life feels full in all directions.
I’m grateful for the quiet moments woven in between it all—and for the reminder that even after decades of doing what you love, there’s still so much to learn.
Soft Focus Essay: When the World Feels Heavy
There are weeks when the world feels louder than usual.
Not louder in sound, but in weight.
This week has been one of those.
I’ve felt it in small, unexpected ways—holding my breath without realizing it, reaching for quiet more often, lingering a little longer in places that feel safe. It’s not tied to one headline or one moment. It’s tied to it all. It’s more like a low hum in the background, a sense that everything feels fragile all at once.
I don’t have clarity about it. I don’t have solutions and if I’m being truly honest, the only thing I do have is fear.
Not in a dramatic way, but in the compassionate, human way, that comes from caring deeply—about people, life, and the world around you.
And yet, alongside that fear, I have chosen to carry hope. I always do. It’s who I am.
I think fear is part of loving.
And hope is part of choosing to keep going anyway.
This week, I’ve found myself returning to the things that ground me—my family, my work, the quiet rhythm of creating something meaningful with my camera. These are the things that remind me that even when the world feels uncertain, there is still so much worth protecting.
I’ve also been thinking about legacy. About what truly lasts. Maybe that’s what legacy really is—not pretending the hard moments don’t exist, but showing the next generation how to hold them. How to feel deeply and still choose softness. How to acknowledge fear and keep hope alive right alongside it.
There is an ache in caring about the world the way so many of us do right now—trying to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed, to stay compassionate without becoming consumed. Some days, that balance feels impossible.
So I’ve been choosing smaller moments. A pause. A breath. Letting beauty lead me back to the quiet reassurance of doing what I know how to do—showing up for others,, and staying hopeful.
If this week has felt heavy for you too, I hope you’re finding your own places to land—your people, your rituals, your quiet anchors. I hope you find ways to show up for others and ways to stay optimistic.
Sometimes, acknowledging the fear and choosing hope anyway is enough to carry us forward.
You have to Plan Ahead to Schedule A Little Holiday Magic
While it may feel early to think about December 2026, this is one of those moments where planning ahead truly matters. We’ve officially opened pre-booking for our 2026 Santa Sessions, and this early window is just for our past clients and newsletter family.
These sessions fill quickly every year, and once pre-booking closes, remaining spots will open to the public next week. If creating a little holiday magic—those fleeting, wonder-filled moments you’ll treasure long after the season has passed—is on your heart, now is the time to secure your spot.
Our Santa sessions are designed to feel cozy, meaningful, and full of nostalgia—the kind of experience that becomes part of your family’s holiday tradition.
If you’d like to reserve your session before dates are released publicly, you can find all of the details and the pre-booking link below.
I can’t wait to create something truly special for your family this holiday season.
Duckling Minis Are Here
So many of you have been asking when our Duckling Mini Sessionswould be released—and the wait is finally over. Dates are now live and officially open for booking.
This year, I’m doing something a little different.
Our duckling set is getting a fresh update—still sweet and spring-inspired, but with a more upscale, elegant feel. Think soft textures, gentle tones, and that quiet sense of springtime magic that feels timeless rather than themed. The kind of images that feel just as beautiful on your walls years from now as they do today.
Please note: the images currently featured are from past years and are meant to show the spirit of our duckling sessions. This year’s set will be thoughtfully redesigned and will not be an exact representation of what we’ll be offering—expect something softer, elevated, and beautifully spring-forward.
If you’ve been hoping to capture those fleeting, joyful spring moments, this is your sign. These sessions are always a favorite and tend to fill quickly.
You can find all of the details, available dates, and booking information here:
I can’t wait to welcome you and create something truly special this spring.
Here is a rendering of what I’m planning for our Spring Minis/Duckling Set.
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK
Inspiring follow: Château de Purnon | @chateaudepurnon
If you need a little escape (don’t we all?), let me introduce you to one of my favorite daydreams: Château de Purnon.
I’ve been following along with the restoration of this beautiful French château, and I’m fully invested. Like… emotionally. Watching them bring this estate back to life makes me feel like I’m living out my South of France dreams—wandering through old stone rooms, imagining what it once was, and pretending for a moment that I am the one restoring it myself.
Is that realistic? No.
Is it incredibly inspiring and fun to imagine? Absolutely.
If you love old houses with soul, European charm, and the magic of watching something historic slowly come back to life, this account is such a joy to follow. Fair warning: it may lead to spontaneous daydreaming and a sudden urge to book a one-way ticket to France.
A girl can dream…
What I’m Loving: La Parisienne
Anyone who knows me knows this: I love a pretty neck scarf. Always have, always will. There’s just something about a silk scarf that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit.
I’ve been loving the silk scarves from La Parisienne lately, and they have quickly become a favorite. The colors, the patterns, the way they drape—it’s that effortless French touch that makes you feel pulled together without trying too hard.
I wear mine tied at the neck, draped over a sweater, wrapped on a bag, or even as a little pop of something special on a casual day. It’s one of those small details that makes getting dressed feel fun again.
If you’re looking for a simple way to add a bit of Parisian charm to your everyday wardrobe, this is it. Consider this your gentle nudge to embrace the scarf life (if you haven’t already).
Clearly, I’m fully on board.
Local-ish Love: Ala Folie (Naperville)
When Paris feels far away, this is where I go for my French pastry fix. Ala Foliein Naperville is such a gem.
Chef Jérôme Landrieu is a world-renowned French pastry chef, and it shows in every detail—especially the macarons. Delicate, perfectly balanced, and honestly… little works of art.
Both Alexis and Jérôme are clients of mine, and photographing their branding session was such a treat—being surrounded by the beauty, craftsmanship, and incredible aromas made me fall in love with their pastries even more.
If you need a taste of France without a plane ticket, this is it. Until Paris and I meet again…
2835 Showplace Drive, Suite 127 Naperville
with love and light,
Alicia Staley Johnson
of Alicia’s Photography
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