CAPTURING TREASURED MOMENTS

A photography hobby that started when her first child was born has turned into a passion for Lake Forest mom Jessica McNitt, an avid runner who is currently training for her third Chicago marathon.

Any mother can tell you that children grow in the blink of an eye. When Jessica McNitt’s first son was born, she quickly realized that while she couldn’t stop time, she could capture precious moments with her newborn on film. “I took a step back from my corporate job and picked up my camera,” explains McNitt, who moved to east Lake Forest with her husband more than eight years ago. “I wanted to document it all.” While her career was in the finance and trading world, she was always drawn to creative outlets and once ran a calligraphy business. Photography also became more than a hobby when a friend noticed the McNitt children’s photos online and asked if Jessica would photograph her family. “At that point, I figured if she’d be willing to hire me, others might as well, and that’s how my business started,” explains McNitt, who is also training for her third Chicago marathon this year. “I love showing my boys that I can be a mom, but that I can also have purpose and hobbies outside of staying at home.” As she and her husband have put down roots in Lake Forest, their family has grown. “Our neighborhood is so special to us, and we feel incredibly lucky that we get to raise our three boys in this community,” she says, adding, “For the marathon this year, I’m raising funds for the American Cancer Society in honor of my parents, who are both cancer survivors. My boys love encouraging me on my runs, and occasionally joining me—proving that any excuse to tire out three young boys is a win!” This busy mom and owner of Jessica McNitt Photography recently took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things about her adopted community.

Favorite place for a long run? The Chicago lakefront path. I also love running along the McClory bike path and the Green Bay Trail. Best North Shore setting for a photo shoot? Elawa Farm at sunset in late summer. The flowers are in full bloom and it’s just a magical setting during golden hour. Beauty product or brand you can’t live without? For skin care, I use a lot of products from Agent Nateur. I also love Merit Beauty for makeup. Favorite Lake Forest or Lake Bluff restaurant? The Bar at Deer Path Inn. Sushi and cozy vibes are my jam. Best vacation you ever had was? Our honeymoon to Thailand. Spending a day with elephants in the jungles of Thailand was on my bucket list even as a young child.

Favorite TV show or podcast to binge? The Golden Girls and Grey’s Anatomy, and podcasts are Crime Junkie and Huberman Lab. Your next passport stamp will be? I’m hoping it will either be Barcelona or London to celebrate turning 40 this year! Favorite hack for finding creative inspiration? I’m inspired by watching other creatives share both their work and their process. Learning how they create the type of images I am drawn to helps fuel my own creativity. What are you most excited about this spring? Being able to go outside and play again. I’m getting stir crazy with three kids inside.

Favorite song to sing out loud in the car? Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” the 10-minute version. Best place for a weekend escape? Going into the city for a quick little staycation. Dream car? I like feeling large and in charge on the road, so I love my current car which is the electric Escalade. Famous person you’d most like to photograph? Anthony Bourdain. He seemed to have had an ability to put people at ease, and I would have loved a chance to listen to his stories and work with him.