Meet our Chicago suburb photographers
Alison Thompson
Location: Naperville, Illinois
About Alison: 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 1500 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
Christina Brower
Location: Joliet, Illinois
About Christina: I am a Mom to 2 amazing grown men that I get to see every day! We've lived all over the world including in the dessert of Las Vegas, on the island of Guam and in the tundra that is Alaska. In 2010, we returned to my hometown of Joliet, IL. Having loved photography since I was 13, making it a career was an easy decision. I've worked with Bella Baby since 2014 and photographed in hospital 5 days a week for 6 years before moving into the Corporate side of the company. Although I now run the office, I still have the opportunity to photograph in studio and on location with Bella Life. I hit 10 years and 4000+ families photographed in November 2024.
I love traveling and do so as much as I can. I love experiencing the culture and the FOOD of different places. My favorite vacation spots are New Orleans and San Diego. I have always wanted to visit Puerto Rico and am hoping to do so in the next few years.
Favorite places to shoot: Lilicia Park in Spring, Catigny Park in autumn and any where covered in snow!
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 Forest Preserve, Cantigny Park
Kate Fowler
Location: Batavia, Illinois
About Kate: Hey, I’m Kate. I’m based in Batavia, IL and serve families across the greater Chicago area. I specialize in family, newborn, and maternity photography, and I’ve pretty much had a camera in my hand since college (fine art degree, class of ’09!) and never put it down. I do this work because I love capturing the in-between moments: the real smiles, side glances, and the way your kid scrunches their nose when they laugh. That kind of stuff gets me every time. My approach is mostly observational and laid-back. I like to let moments unfold naturally, but I’ll step in with prompts or direction when it helps, especially with one-year-olds, who tend to have their own plans. My energy stays calm, even when your toddler doesn’t. Honestly, your kids and I will probably be best friends by the end. Working with me feels easy. You don’t need to know what to do. I’ll guide you, read the room, and make sure things never feel stiff or forced. You’ll walk away with photos that feel like you, and maybe a little reminder that your real life is already pretty beautiful.
Favorite places to shoot: Fabyan Park, Batavia Riverwalk, Naperville Riverwalk
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