16 Years Behind the Lens: Chicago Branding & Family Photographer

Sixteen years.

That’s right, Erin Stefanik Photography is celebrating a Sweet 16 this week.

When I started this business 16 years ago, the photography world looked very different. Contracts were printed. Invoices were paper. Filing cabinets were full. I printed MapQuest directions before heading to every session.

Now? Everything is digital. Contracts are signed online. Galleries are delivered electronically. Payments are seamless. The photography industry, and the world has completely evolved.

But here’s what hasn’t changed.

Referrals Are Still the Heart of My Business 

For 16 years, referrals have been my number one source of new clients. That speaks volumes, not just about business, but about relationships.

Some of you have been with me since day one.

I photographed your maternity session.

Then your newborn.

Then first birthday photos.

And this year? I’m photographing senior portraits for some of those same babies.

Let that sink in.

That is the greatest gift of being a family photographer in Chicago. Watching your children grow up. Being invited back into your lives year after year. Capturing milestones that become part of your family legacy. 

Growth Behind the Camera

 If I look back at my work from 16 years ago, I can confidently say that my photography is 100 times stronger today.

That’s what experience does.

Years of photographing families, seniors, events, headshots, and newborn sessions across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have refined my craft. My lighting is sharper. My posing is more natural. My creativity is stronger.

But the heart behind the camera?

That’s still the same.

I still show up excited. I still chase genuine smiles. I still look for connection over perfection.

I’m the same Erin, just with more experience, more knowledge, and more confidence. 

Why Printing Your Photos Matters More Than Ever

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about as Erin Stefanik Photography enters year 16.

The digital world is growing faster than ever. We take thousands of photos. We store them on phones. We scroll endlessly.

But are we forgetting why we take photos in the first place?

We don’t capture memories just to archive them.

We capture them to relive them.

Imagine walking past your family portrait hanging on the wall every day. On hard days. On chaotic days. On the days you need perspective.

That photo isn’t buried in your camera roll.

It’s not lost in the cloud.

It’s not competing with notifications.

It’s part of your home.

This year, I’m leaning even more into helping families turn their images into tangible artwork wall portraits, albums, pieces that live beyond a screen.

Because memories deserve more than a swipe. 

Thank You for 16 Golden Years

If you’ve booked a session.

If you’ve referred a friend.

If you’ve trusted me with your family milestones.

If you’ve shared my name in a room I wasn’t in.

Thank you.

Erin Stefanik Photography would not be here without you.

Sixteen golden, sweet years.

And I'm just getting started.

Here’s to many more years of capturing your families, from first birthdays to senior portraits, and helping you preserve those memories in a way that lasts.

With gratitude,

Erin