Frequently Asked Questions

1. Outfit coordination is one of my favorite parts! Full family outfit styling is a part of the experience.
2. Yes, you can bring your dog! They are part of the family!
3. If your child gets a scratch or a bruise the day before our session, it is okay. I will edit out the blemishes.
4. Immediately family only. There's an additional charge for extended family.
5. Worried your children will act out & you wont get any photos? Stop worrying now. This is the most common fear for many parents and I am here to put you at ease. Not all sessions are a cake walk and that is okay. Kids are unpredictable and I am fully aware of this. As a mother, I take pride in the connection and relationship I am able to build with little ones so quickly. No fear should get in the way of your precious keepsakes. I include a detailed guide with tips and tricks for ways to prepare your children before your session.

FIVE STAR REVIEWS

What to Expect

1. Laid back vibes
2. Lots of laughs
3. Kids being the star of the show
4. Boogie wipes
5. Chaos & craziness (it's expected & welcomed)
6. Detail shots of moments you didn't know your heart needed

Session Investment

Sessions take place during the week and some Sundays (unless otherwise noted) between the hours of 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Why? I shoot weddings on Saturdays, and I shoot in the evenings to ensure that we have the beautiful, golden hour that occurs before sunset. Luxury Sessions are $275 & Simple Sessions are $150 (package descriptions are below). Additional add-ons are available.

Listen, I get it. Photography can be quite the investment and I am going to be real here with you for a moment - it should be! Think about it, and I mean really think about it. These are your MOMENTS with your kids we are talking about!

Memories and milestones that will be over in the blink of an eye (time is a filthy thief) and there is no better way to preserve these precious days than photographs.

*Client Loyalty Program (50% off your 5th session with Summer Rain Photography)! This is great for those who want it all (maternity photos, birth photos, newborn family photos, monthly milestone photos, one year (smash cake) photos, the list goes on. . . )

Hello, I'm Summer.

I'm so glad you're here.

I’m Summer Rain Rains (yes, my middle name is now the same as my last name thanks to my husband) and I am the heart and soul behind Summer Rain Photography. I am a Central Illinois and Indiana wedding and portrait photographer devoted to documenting the love, connection, and fleeting moments that make life so beautifully meaningful. My passion for storytelling goes beyond just capturing images—it’s about preserving the emotions, the laughter, and the quiet in-between moments that tell your unique story.

My children are my greatest inspirations. I have two beautifully precious children, Willow & Asher, and an angel baby who is waiting for us in heaven. He is the motivation behind my business and the guiding light in my journey as a photographer. His presence reminds me daily of why photography is so much more than just pictures. It’s about honoring the beauty of life, love, and the legacies we create. Whether I’m documenting weddings, families, or motherhood, my goal is to give you tangible memories that feel warm, personal, and timeless—just like the moments themselves.

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, but my journey as a photographer has been deeply shaped by my experiences as a wife, and mother. These roles have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with my clients in a way that makes them feel truly seen and celebrated.

Over the years, I’ve learned that photography is not just about creating beautiful images—it’s about making people feel valued, cherished, and confident in their own stories. Whether you’re stepping in front of my camera for your wedding day, an engagement session, or a milestone family portrait, my goal is to create an experience that is effortless, heartfelt, and filled with genuine connection.