Meet our Chicago photographers
Alison Thompson
Location: Naperville, Illinois
About Alison: I've been with Bella Baby for almost 12 years now! Starting as a photographer in the hospitals, I moved from trainer to gallery reviewer, to manager, to Bella Life! I've photographed over 1,500 families during my time with Bella Baby, and have loved documenting special moments in people's lives. My favorite photographs always include parents cuddling, tickling, or playing with their children. You can almost hear the giggles in the photos! I am proud to serve and give back to my community in a volunteer elected position. I have 2 kiddos, who keep me busy with their activities and social life. As a family, we love to travel and explore new exciting destinations. So far, our favorite trips have been to Disney World and New York City. In another life, I went to school for playwrighting, and continue to write creatively in what little spare time I have left!
Favorite places to shoot: Katherine Legge Park, The Chicago Riverwalk and the Naperville Riverwalk
Cherie Schrader
Location: Chicago, Illinois
About Cherie: I have been a photographer since I was 10 years old when I won my first photo contest on a national level. I had my first paid photography job when I was 13 photographing a local factory. I earned my BA in photography from Columbia in 2006. Fun fact I have 6 sisters and no brothers. My husband is also from a large family, and together we have over 30 nieces and nephews and counting. I wrote and published a children's book with my husband. We absolutely dote over our boxer and love all dogs. I've been with Bella Baby for over 10 years and Bella Life for about 8 years. I love to grow fruit trees and garden on my family's property in NW Indiana. In the city, I love walking to the lake all year round. My husband and I lived in LA for about 10 years and I missed the change of seasons, Chicago's seasons are beautiful. Family looks different for everyone, all families are welcome in front of my lens.
Favorite places to shoot: cityscapes, lakefront, local parks
Toty Gutierrez
Location: Huntley, Illinois
About Toty: With 15 years of photography experience, I have dedicated 7 years to Bella Baby Photography—capturing over 3,000 newborns in hospitals—and the past 2 years to Bella Life Photography, expanding my creative journey.
As a native Spanish speaker, I learned English as my second language. Additionally, being the child of deaf parents, I am fluent in sign language, which has enriched my communication skills and deepened my understanding of diverse forms of expression.
At home, I am the wife of a talented musician, videographer, and fellow photographer, and a proud cat mother.
In my free time, I enjoy climbing, which keeps me grounded and energized.
I have a deep appreciation for the unique and unconventional, finding inspiration in the whimsical world of Tim Burton and his characters.
I am drawn to the unusual and the quirky, yet I balance that with a sweet nature, a love for perfection, and a commitment to originality in all that I do.
Favorite places to shoot: Fabyan Park, Batavia Riverwalk, Naperville Riverwalk
Ruth Hoskins
Location: Evergreen Park, Illinois
About Ruth: Hi I’m Ruth. I have been a photographer for over 20 years, 12 of those years I’ve worked with Bella Baby. As of this post, I have photographed over 7,000 newborn babies and their families. I'm married to a wonderful man who also is a photographer. We have two lovely daughters. I love reading, writing, and a good strong cup of coffee.
Favorite places to shoot: I love shooting in my clients' favorite spaces to bring a custom touch to their pictures.
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