After three weather reschedules, the Davis family and I finally got the afternoon we had been waiting for—and that glow was worth it! Their backyard in St. Charles is gorgeous, especially with the afternoon sun coming through the trees. We had our hearts set on that light, and an overcast day just wasn’t going to do. I’m so glad we held out!


I’ve photographed this sweet family for years, and getting to see them again is always a highlight of my fall. We get to catch up, I get to see how much the kids have grown, and everyone knows me a little better each time. That familiarity makes our time together feel so relaxed, and it shows in the photos. I love that they’re comfortable being themselves with me, and I get to capture the family I’ve come to know and love.


And this year, I got to meet a few new additions: chickens! They were so cute and such a fun addition to our afternoon together. Between those little newcomers, a family I adore, and the prettiest backyard light, I had plenty to smile about behind my camera.


Davis family, thank you for welcoming me back and continuing to trust me with your family’s memories. Your kindness and love over the years mean so much to me, and I’m grateful every time I get to photograph you! Now grab a blanket and snuggle up—your sneak peek is live!

Family of five beneath a backyard tree during fall family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Close-up of a girl holding a gray chicken during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Parents and three children sharing a moment beneath a tree in their St. Charles, IL backyard.
Parents playing with their three children in warm afternoon light during family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Family of five holding hands in their sunlit backyard during fall family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Boy wearing glasses and a blue shirt during a backyard portrait session in St. Charles, IL.
Family of five standing beneath a large tree during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Smiling girl holding a chicken during fall family photos at home in St. Charles, IL.
Mom crouching beside her children while Dad looks on during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Three siblings holding hands beneath backyard trees during fall portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Two sisters and their brother holding hands in a sunlit backyard in St. Charles, IL.
Three children playing together with their parents nearby during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Smiling girl wearing glasses and a plaid dress during fall portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Husband leaning close to his smiling wife during backyard portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Young girl in a floral dress smiling during fall family photos in her St. Charles, IL backyard.
Couple holding hands among backyard trees and tall grasses during fall portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Mom holding her youngest daughter close in golden afternoon light in their St. Charles, IL backyard.
Girl sitting cross-legged with a chicken perched on her head during backyard photos in St. Charles, IL.
Parents cuddling their three children on a blanket during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Mom and her two daughters gathered around a chicken during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Young girl cuddling a gray chicken during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Girl in glasses smiling at a chicken she is holding during fall portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Family of five sitting together on a blanket in their sunlit backyard in St. Charles, IL.
Parents embracing with their three children beside them during golden backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Family holding hands and playing together during fall family photos at home in St. Charles, IL.
Young girl in a floral dress holding a chicken during backyard portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Family of five walking hand in hand beneath sunlit trees in their St. Charles, IL backyard.
Dad holding his youngest daughter as she hugs his neck during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Mom and son smiling together on the lawn during fall family portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Dad holding his youngest daughter with his two older children beside him in their St. Charles, IL backyard.
Mom cuddling her son on her lap during relaxed backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Mom kissing her son's cheek during fall family photos at home in St. Charles, IL.
Dad swinging his young daughter by her hands in their sunlit backyard in St. Charles, IL.
Mom with her three children beneath glowing backyard trees during fall portraits in St. Charles, IL.
Close-up of a smiling young girl holding an adult's hands during backyard family photos in St. Charles, IL.
Two sisters beside tall grasses near their backyard chicken coop in St. Charles, IL.
Family of five gathered outside their home during fall family portraits in St. Charles, IL.

Thank you again, Davis family, for another wonderful afternoon together! I loved seeing you all and can’t wait to share your full gallery soon!

Thanks for reading,

Handwritten cursive signature reading xoxo Cassie in elegant beige script on white background.