Nicole Chino

Emotive Family & Motherhood Photography for the Beautifully Imperfect

my offerings

Hi, I’m Nicole. Chicago Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer

Documenting connection in its most beautiful form.

Life doesn’t slow down for photos—and it shouldn’t have to. I photograph families exactly as they are: tender, chaotic, deeply connected, and beautifully imperfect. I’m looking for the quiet glances and the in-between moments—the love that exists even when things feel loud or messy.

This is photography rooted in presence, not performance. You don’t need perfectly behaved children or a spotless home. You don’t need to practice smiles or worry about doing it “right.” My sessions are designed to feel calm, unrushed, and natural—a space where your family can simply exist together.

Contact Me
A woman with long dark hair smiling and sitting on a bed, holding a camera, in a cozy room with neutral-colored walls and soft bedding.

Nicole Chino

A woman with long dark hair wearing a beige sweater and white pants stands in a cozy, minimalist room, holding a camera, next to a bed with white and beige pillows and rustic decor items.

A Perspective Shaped by Motherhood and Medicine

As a mother of two and a NICU nurse, I have a unique perspective on how fleeting these seasons truly are. In the NICU, I see the weight of every milestone; at home with my one and two-year-old, I see how fast the days disappear.

I approach every session with patience, intuition, and a deep respect for the emotional weight families carry. My goal isn’t just to create beautiful images—it’s to preserve how this season felt.

meet nicole
A family of four sitting on a beige sofa in a living room, with a woman, a man, a young girl, and a newborn baby, all smiling and looking happy.
A newborn baby with blonde hair sleeping peacefully on a soft, textured blanket, gently held by an adult's hand.

The Experience: Child-Led & Grounded in Connection

Sessions with me are flexible and entirely child-led. Whether I’m documenting a growing family or the raw tenderness of a nursing journey, I leave room for real life to unfold—because that’s where the magic lives.

Typically, we spend about an hour together, but we work at your pace. If we need to stop for a snack, a cry, or a cuddle, we do. Being okay with that "pivot" allows you to relax, and that relaxation is what leads to the most authentic photos. I focus on images that feel honest and timeless. The kind you return to years from now and say, “This was us.”

view my portfolio
Close-up of a pregnant woman on the beach, wearing a beige sweater, with her hand above her belly, and ocean in the background.

Your story

An Aesthetic That Honors Your Story

My signature style is rich, moody, and intentional. I lean into earthy tones, shadows, and contrast to create images that feel lived-in and timeless, rather than following fleeting trends. I want my photographs to be felt just as much as they are seen.

explore my instagram
A woman holding a baby near a window with sunlight streaming in, creating shadows on the wall.

I’m not looking for the "perfect" shot; I’m looking for the soul of your family.

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For the mothers who feel everything

If you’re in a season that feels fast, emotional, or tender—I see you. I know how easy it is to put yourself last or wait for "later" to get in front of the camera. We often assume we’ll remember every detail of how they smelled or how their hand fit in ours.

The truth is, you won’t. That is why these images matter. They are the anchor to these fleeting days.

Let’s preserve this season together

I still get a rush of genuine excitement with every inquiry that hits my inbox. Whether you’re ready to book a beach session or you're just exploring, I’d love to hear your story.

Nicole x

Let's do it
A sleeping baby lying on a cream-colored bed with beige pillows, holding a soft brown stuffed toy.
Close-up of hands gently holding a pregnant woman's belly.