Emma Mullins Photography

There’s no doubt this month has seen some unseasonable temperatures in Chicago. When I met with Adrianna and Matt this particularly warm Saturday afternoon, we had planned on a festive at-home session due to an all day forecast of rain. Our shoot started off that way – cozy and indoors with black coffee, black cats, and a brightly decorated Christmas tree. Their apartment was full of knick-knacks and charms, an old-school Crosley record player, a mini-bar, and two noteworthy throw pillows. My personal favorite reads: Home is Where Your Mom is. Finally we decided to take advantage of the last hour of daylight (and likely the last 60 degree day of the year) and go for a walk around their neighborhood. I’m so glad we did!

As snuggly and in love as these two were in their own home, the mood definitely livened up once we got outside. Their energy fed into each other, and they seemed to have the most fun just strolling around Logan Square. We walked up and down Kedzie Boulevard past historic mansions, Adrianna pointing out one in particular where they hoped to one day marry. Eventually we made our way to the HOME mural outside the Blue Line station just before the sun went down. And guess what? Never saw a drop of rain.

These two were so easy to photograph – all smiles and all about each other. It’s couples like Matt and Adrianna who inspire me to continue photographing people – whether single, coupled, or in a group – because they express emotion in an honest, natural way that’s relatable, that’s real. It can be difficult for some (myself included) to relax in front of a camera, either due to feelings of self-consciousness or lack of desire to be photographed. I have always stood by my preference for photojournalistic-style images over staged ones, and I aim for that realness to come through in my work. With Matt and Adrianna, it was no sweat at all. Sometimes as photographers we get really lucky when it comes to our subjects.

In every sense of the word, their lifestyle session was absolutely wonderful! I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

On that note: Cheers and Happy Holidays to all!