Family of four piled together laughing in a studio portrait at Chris Withers Photography in Springfield, IL

Springfield, IL Family Photographer Studio & Outdoor Family Portraits Across Central Illinois

    Family photography · Springfield, IL · Est 2009

    Family photos that actually feel like your family

    Hi, I'm Chris. Since 2009, Jessica and I have been photographing families in Springfield and all over Central Illinois, from cozy studio sessions to three generations gathered in front of the family farmhouse. Our sessions are relaxed and guided, with plenty of room for the real laughs and the candid in-between moments. And if you're dreaming up something with a creative twist, that's my favorite kind of challenge. I edit every image myself, so your photos come out polished and still look like you.

    • 4.9★Google rating
    • 262Google reviews
    • 2009Established

    01 / Sessions

    Family photography sessions in Springfield, IL

    Every family is different, so every session is too. Pick the setting that fits you best, or mix a couple together.

    Studio family portraits

    Our studio at 2160 South 6th Street, Suite G, in Springfield gives us beautiful, controlled light in any weather. It's perfect for classic portraits, little ones, and anyone who'd rather skip the bugs.

    STUDIO · ANY WEATHER · ALL YEAR

    Outdoor & seasonal sessions

    Parks, fields, your own backyard or the family farm. We'll time it for the best light of the day, whether that's fall leaves, spring blooms or a warm summer evening.

    OUTDOOR · GOLDEN HOUR · ON LOCATION

    Extended family & generations

    Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. I keep big groups moving and organized, so you get the whole crew plus the smaller family groupings everyone wants.

    GROUPS · GENERATIONS · REUNIONS

    Creative concept sessions

    Want a family photo nobody else on your street has? We'll dream up a concept together and bring it to life, like the lawn mower shot up top.

    CONCEPT · COMPOSITE · ONE OF A KIND

    02 / The family plan

    Prefer texting? Try our interactive screen to start planning right away!

    Tap who's coming, where you'd love to shoot and the season you have in mind. It turns into a quick text, and we'll take it from there.

    Plan · Family sessionCWP · Springfield, IL · Est 2009

    01 · Who’s coming? Pick any

    02 · How many people? Pick one

    03 · Where? Pick one

    04 · When? Pick one

    03 / How it works

    How your family session works

    1. FRAME 01

      Reach out

      Text or call 217-638-7579, or send a message. Tell us who's coming, the moments you want to remember, and whether you're picturing the studio or outdoors.

    2. FRAME 02

      Plan it together

      We'll talk through location, timing and what to wear, so everyone shows up relaxed and ready. No guesswork, no stress.

    3. FRAME 03

      Session day

      I guide you the whole way, so nobody has to wonder what to do with their hands. Little ones get breaks when they need them, and the candid moments get just as much attention as the posed ones.

    4. FRAME 04

      Your gallery

      I personally edit every image, then deliver your finished photos in a private online gallery, ready to download, share and print.

    04 / Client signal · Google reviews

    What our clients are saying

    4.9/5★★★★★Google rating

    262 verified reviews
    Read them on Google

    Brittney Noreuil
    Brittney Noreuil★★★★★  Google · Oct 2026FOCUS LOCKED

    This has been my favorite photography experience to date! Chris was looking to have some fun for homecoming, and my daughter and her boyfriend couldn’t have loved this more. We talked about how excited we were to view the album and not even 24 hours later we got to do just that! I’ve waited months in the past for mediocre pictures so to have exponential photos back in that time frame is really going above and beyond.

    I’d like to point out my daughter is only 15 so the fact that he had another female present positioning my daughter and touching her hair made me feel really comfortable. Other people should take note of this!

    Chris was so genuine wishing the kids the best time at homecoming and has great communication skills.

    We will be back!

    Kate Lock
    Kate Lock★★★★★  Google · Oct 2026FOCUS LOCKED

    Working with Chris Withers was great! He was very creative in styling our bridal photoshoot and so nice to work with. His wife, Jessica was fantastic as well!

    McKenzie Mester
    McKenzie Mester★★★★★  Google Local Guide · Oct 2026FOCUS LOCKED

    Chris was absolutely phenomenal. I must admit I am a newbie to professional photos, but Chris is a pro! He was so kind and personable while still providing much needed master direction and professionalism. I felt incredibly comfortable and at ease during every part of the session and left feeling both beautiful and confident after seeing the incredible shots he’d taken. I would highly recommend Chris for any photos you may need. Whether it’s for a wedding or simply for updating your headshots or any other moment you’d love to have a physical reminder of, I would implore you to check out what Chris can do. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

    Austin Grubbs
    Austin Grubbs★★★★★  Google · Sep 2026FOCUS LOCKED

    Chris did an amazing job with our family photos. He’s extremely professional, detail oriented, creative, and was great with my kids. I originally chose him because I really liked his artistic eye and style of photography, and he definitely delivered. We love how the pictures turned out and I would absolutely recommend him!

    Kelsey Shanle
    Kelsey Shanle★★★★★  Google · Sep 2026FOCUS LOCKED

    I showed up to my shoot so skeptical and nervous, but knowing I was in good hands. Chris and Jess are so fantastic, helpful, accommodating, and really helped me come out of my shell. I had so much fun during this shoot and was so relaxed and laughing the rest of the night! The photos turned out better than I could have imagined and they really took the time to make my personality shine through in each shot. I am so grateful for these beautiful memories they have helped me create for a special moment in my life. Could not recommend enough!

    05 / Questions

    Family photography FAQ

    The things families ask us most. Still wondering about something? Just text us.

    Q1Where do family sessions take place?

    Anywhere that fits your family. We have a studio at 2160 South 6th Street, Suite G, in Springfield, and we love outdoor sessions at parks, fields, homes and family farms across Central Illinois. We travel to St. Louis and beyond, too.

    Q2What should we wear for family photos?

    Coordinate, don't match. Pick two or three colors that work together, mix in a little texture, and skip big logos and busy patterns. Comfortable clothes help everyone relax, and we're happy to look over options with you before your session.

    Q3What if my kids won't cooperate?

    Totally normal, and honestly part of the fun. We keep things light, give little ones breaks, and work with their energy instead of against it. Some of our favorite frames come from the moments that didn't go to plan.

    Q4Can we bring the dog?

    Yes! Pets are family too, and we photograph plenty of them. Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan the right location.

    Q5Can extended family join the session?

    Absolutely. From grandparents to cousins, we can photograph the whole group plus smaller family groupings in the same session. Let us know how many people are coming so we can plan the right spot.

    Q6When is the best time for family photos?

    For outdoor sessions, the last couple of hours before sunset give the softest, warmest light, and fall is a Central Illinois favorite. Studio sessions work any time of year, rain or shine.

    Q7How do we book a family session?

    Text or call 217-638-7579, or send us a message through our inquiry page. We'll talk through your ideas and find a date that works for everyone.

    06 / Service area

    Family photographer for Springfield & Central Illinois

    We photograph families in Springfield and all over Central Illinois, including Peoria, Champaign, Decatur and St. Louis. If you don't see your town, ask. We probably come your way.

    • Home turf Within 30 miles

      Springfield · Chatham · Sherman · Rochester · Riverton · Petersburg · Lincoln · Taylorville

    • Easy drive 30 to 60 miles

      Jacksonville · Decatur

    • Road trip 60 to 100 miles

      Peoria · Champaign · St. Louis

    See the full map →  ·  Farther than 100 miles? Let’s plan an adventure session.

    07 / Let's do this

    Let's plan your family's session

    Tell us who's coming and what you're dreaming up. We'll take it from there.

    217.638.7579

    How would you like to contact us?