SIMPLY BY SUZY

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chicago family photographers | holly trolley.

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Hi, I'm Suzy, a photographer, mentor and mom of 3. I'm so glad you're here.

Remember Lucy and her family?  A couple months ago Lucy’s mom invited me to come along on a Holly Trolley lights tour around downtown with her family meet-up group and I’m so glad I said yes!  Shamefully I can’t say I’ve ever done any of these touristy things or tours around the city, despite having lived here my whole life… so even being a born and raised Chicagoan it was all still new and shiny to me.  When I first met the group at Big & Little’s I was actually really nervous and so shy to introduce myself, but it didn’t take longfor me to feel so comfortable with everyone (how could you not when you’re surrounded by adorable, chubby & squishy smiling faces? see exhibit A below).

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We first stopped by Michigan Avenue to see Water Tower Place and grab some hot chocolate at the Hershey’s store, then drove down Lake Shore Drive and past the Zoo’s annual Christmas display, and finishing up with a visit to the Daly Plaza & State Street.  I had no idea that Daly Plaza turned into a little European village at night during the holiday season – there were lots of European fare, hot spiced wine (of which I am absolutely planning on going back to get some with Vasili!), free pictures with Santa for the kids and people from all walks of life gathered around.   I wish that I could somehow transmit a smell through my computer screen, it was unbelievable the medley of aromas!  Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from my night with this bunch.  Thank you so much again to Lucy’s mom for inviting me to hang out with you and all of your friends, very much looking forward to the next time 🙂

If you or someone you know is having a fun group outing and don’t mind a friendly yet quiet photographer tagging along to capture the story of what’s going on, feel free to shoot me an email and if I have the time I’d love to come (and if there’s food involved I’m already there ha!)

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Thanks to this family for being my muses and letting me pose them 🙂

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Recognize this gorgeous mom?  Was so delightfully surprised to run into another past client of ours on the tour!

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And last but not least, one of my favorite images from the night.. As we were waiting for the remaining families to get back to the trolleys I noticed one of the dad’s comforting his little one, swaying back and keeping them warm. Ahh the little things…

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Hi, I'm Suzy, a photographer, mentor and mom of 3. I'm so glad you're here.

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I'm Suzy of Simply by Suzy, and I'm so happy you're here at my blog because I can't wait to serve you with lots of good stuff like a peek into all of my favorite photoshoots for clients, freebies and resources on motherhood, how to get more connected with your life, and how to take beautiful pictures of it

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The Artist

Suzzane
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For nearly two decades, I’ve worked with individuals and families who understand the value of time. And the importance of preserving it well.

My work centers on creating living archives: carefully composed records of a life as it’s being lived. Not performances. Not surface moments. But the relationships, environments, and details that define a legacy.

I approach each commission with the eye of an artist and the discipline of a documentarian. Listening closely. Observing deeply. Shaping work that is meant to endure. Crafted on film, finished as heirloom objects, and designed to be held in your hands, lived with in the home, and passed down in your private family vault. 

This is not photography for the present moment.

It is art made in service of memory, history, and the generations that follow.

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