A couple dances together at sunset in a field with bare winter trees silhouetted against the dusky sky.

Nickerson PHotography

Central Illinois and Peoria Couples  Photographer

Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in soft pink blanket lying in woven basket.

Nickerson Photography

CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND PEORIA Newborn and MAternity PHOTOGRAPHER

Sweet candid family moment with hugs and snuggles outdoors.

Nickerson Photography

CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND PEORIA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

My philosophy

For all stages of life, i'll be there making your life look like the movie it already is.

Joyful mother and baby sharing laughter in golden sunflower field at sunset.
Three young siblings sharing tender moment on white blanket outdoors.

Let's face it. You need a photographer for just about anything. All life's moments deserve to be celebrated and captured. A session with me is about capturing the  season you are in. Capturing the love, the connection, and the truth behind every face and scene.


I believe everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated, which is why I make my work accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.


I believe in marriage equality.

I believe in Black Lives Matter.

I believe in human rights for all.

I believe in community outreach and giving back to the central Illinois, and the surrounding peoria Illinois area.


I aim to create images that feel real, full of life, warmth, and authentic while still guiding and posing in a way that brings out your best. My goal is to make people feel comfortable, confident, and seen for who they truly are.


It’s not just about taking photos. It’s about telling your story with heart, honesty, and technique.

Learn more

 

Selected works

 

Peaceful sleeping newborn swaddled in dusty rose wrap in wooden basket.
Two young children lying on a gray couch, one in a navy shirt and one in pink.
Baby wearing blue outfit resting peacefully on white knitted blanket.
Black and white intimate portrait of new parents gazing at their swaddled newborn.
Sleeping baby in blue romper lying on white blanket in wicker basket outdoors.
Cars themed party setup with red and white balloon arch and checkered backdrop.
Baby peering curiously from wicker basket surrounded by green grass.
Mother and child sharing a joyful moment together in a wooded area.
Young child in white shirt examining sunflower in golden sunflower field.
Child in white shirt poses with two happy dogs in sunflower field.
Small child in gray dress holding orange ball in garden setting.
Child reading colorful books while sitting on a vintage red bench in a park setting during autumn.
Two small children sharing a sweet moment on a picnic blanket outdoors.
Family enjoying a sunny day in a vibrant sunflower field.
Small child reading a picture book while sitting on a white blanket outdoors.
Baby lying on white knit blanket with colorful books arranged nearby.
Child relaxing on orange park bench surrounded by green trees.
Mother and child sharing joyful moments in a sunflower field at sunset.
Mother and baby sharing tender moments among blooming sunflowers.
Close-up details of white dresses against sunflower field background.
Family enjoying outdoor reading time on blanket under trees.
Child lying on a white blanket outdoors while reading colorful books and playing.
Family members sharing a tender moment while reading together on a wooden bench in a park.
Child reading a book with an apple and globe on a wooden bench outdoors.
Collection of children's books and stuffed animals arranged on a blanket in grass.
Playful moment captured in a series of candid shots outdoors.
Child in a patterned shirt reading a book while sitting on grass.
Family wearing coordinated black and white outfits posing by a creek.
Small child in white outfit holding hands with adults by a creek.
Candid moments of family affection captured in outdoor setting.
Family playing and splashing in shallow creek water on sunny day.
A family takes a sunset stroll together along a wooded path on a warm autumn evening.
A couple shares a playful dance moment by a creek in a wooded setting.
A joyful family huddles together for a group photo on a nature trail.
A baby lies on a white basket with a plush bunny toy in an outdoor garden setting.
Two children stand together in tall grass with trees in the background.
A baby in blue lies in a woven basket with a plush toy outdoors.
A baby rests peacefully in a woven basket surrounded by wildflowers and grass.
A tender family moment captured outdoors with children embracing.
A family sits together on a blanket in a natural setting during golden hour.
Three siblings share an intimate moment on a white blanket outdoors.
A couple stands in a shallow creek together wearing white and dark clothing in a romantic moment.
Silhouettes of people walking together at sunset against a backdrop of trees.
View portfolio

Testimonials

"Lainee is truly one of a kind. She has the most patient and gentle spirit, and you can instantly see how much she loves children. She made the session fun, stress-free, and capture the sweetest moments we'll treasure forever. I can't recommend her enough for families looking for someone who truly cares! "

Cindy + Elias

"Our family recently worked with Lainee to capture our first family photos as well as newborn shots of our newest addition! Lainee was beyond flexible and accommodating when it came to scheduling our outdoor session in the summer heat. She provided location options and detailed descriptions so we could pick what best fell into our vision. Day of- she was genuinely excited to work with us, had the location prepped and ready to go, tons of prop options and effortlessly kept our young children engaged and smiling! It was a fun and comfortable session that truly captured our family. Lainee is extremely passionate and talented- we can’t recommend her enough!"

CJ + Sioban

"Lainee recently took some family photos for the sunflower minis and i am absolutely IN LOVE! She truly captured the moment in the most beautiful way. Truly talented at what she does ! Thank you again so much Lainee for these memories that will be cherished forever."

Kevin + Vanessa

Person in white dress splashing and playing in brown river water at dusk.

Let’s Connect

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Get in touch