I'm Caitlin Bachtold, a portrait photographer serving illinois families since 2011. I serve my clients by being...

The c&L timeline

Caitlin started our business in high school- at the age of 15, to be specific! 

2011

We're college sweethearts! Within just weeks of knowing each other, we knew we’d found our best friend & the one God had chosen for each of us. {This is our first photo together!}

2014

We started shooting weddings together & got engaged on 08.02.15.

2015

06.18.16 was our wedding day! We've photographed hundreds of love stories, but ours is our favorite.

2016

After welcoming our three boys in 5 years, we retired from shooting weddings to focus on raising our family & documenting yours. You are so much more than just a client to me, and I promise to be so much more than just a photographer to you.

2025

We all remember the moment we first laid eyes on our child for the first time. For me, that moment happened at when I caught a glimpse of the little boy who brought a 2.5 year infertility journey to a close. I remember the moment I saw his face. The weight of him as he laid in my arms. My tears as I heard him cry for the first time. The way his fingers wrapped around mine. And the look of pure joy in my husband's eyes in those first moments as a family of three. Every day, I still look at my son and see that tiny newborn I'd longed for so deeply. And as my time with him flies by faster and faster, I've realized...

a personal note from caitlin

My journey to becoming a mother, and the 4 short years I've been a mother so far, changed my life and heart forever.

... all you’re left with are your family photos. That’s it.

Your everyday is breathtaking, and your family's forever deserves celebration. Take it from some young parents: these years with your little one fly by in a second! That’s why I'm here- to ensure you get to be present with your family, filled with peace knowing the tiniest moments won’t be forgotten. I got you. I infuse my experience as a mother into my effort to pour my entire heart & soul into your photoshoot. I vow to give you everything I have, from the moment you first inquire! When I leave a session, it’s to happy goodbyes with my clients-turned-friends and promises to see each other again in a few months. As I drive off in the minivan I swore I'd never own, I won't lie- I'll be tired... empty of myself, but with a full heart after leaving nothing on the table at your session. I'll be swooning over your brand new baby, laughing with you at your wild toddler, coaxing smiles out of even the most stubborn little one, ensuring you have nothing to stress about on your session day, and photographing my way through your precious, distinctive family craziness so that you never forget how this season felt. {And yes, I still tear up when I meet a newborn!}

I craft joyful, authentic, enduring images that grace the walls of your home, make you smile when you see your iPhone lock screen, and bring tears to your eyes as your children grow up. I'm here to make family pictures the most joyful, simple experience. Because when the photography experience is peaceful, the entire family can be more themselves. By your session day, we'll be dear friends- and after 12 years as a photographer, I can't imagine running my business any other way. Let’s get the journey started!