Allie Dale Photography

Allie Dale Photography Welcome to Allie Lemrise Photography! I’m Allie, a natural light photographer, teacher, and mom of four in the Illinois Valley.

I don’t just take pretty pictures. I create tangible reminders of who you were in a season you’ll never get back.

Blue Jeans Baby Mini Sessions 🤍👖I’m so excited for these. We’re planning something simple, clean, and so timeless for Ju...
05/26/2026

Blue Jeans Baby Mini Sessions 🤍👖

I’m so excited for these. We’re planning something simple, clean, and so timeless for June 27th—our Blue Jeans Baby minis.

Think bright white backdrop so those little blue jeans and chubby cheeks really pop… nothing distracting, just pure, sweet childhood.

And honestly, I love this setup because it also creates the most beautiful black and white portraits. There’s something so refreshing about simple, clean imagery that lets personality do all the talking.

We’ll also have a small selection of patriotic / Americana props available if you want to lean into a little 4th of July feel—coke crates, flags, vintage touches—but the heart of these sessions is really that classic blue jeans + white backdrop look.

Simple. Summery. Real. June 27th is going to be such a good day!!!!!

Yesterday was a “yes” day for my son Lincoln.He graduated preschool, and for some reason that milestone just hit me diff...
05/21/2026

Yesterday was a “yes” day for my son Lincoln.

He graduated preschool, and for some reason that milestone just hit me differently. I was feeling all the feels.

So I promised him a Mommy + Lincoln day because those days feel so special to both of us. And honestly, he always plans the sweetest things while also making sure I’ll enjoy the day too.

His perfect day?
The library where we could stay as long as we wanted because Leo and Lyanna wouldn’t be there bugging us, a trip to the craft store, lunch together, ducky park, and then coming home to color.

Literally the perfect day.

Yesterday I really tried to say yes.
Yes to slowing down.
Yes to being present.
Yes to setting my phone down.
Yes to letting myself not be "productive" for a few hours.

And honestly? It felt uncomfortable at times.

I kept reaching for my phone. I kept checking the clock and feeling that little panic of “I haven’t done anything productive yet today.”

But then I’d look over and see the smile on his face, or I’d feel the sunshine while we sat barefoot outside coloring together… and I’d think:

This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

We spent time at ducky park, which has always felt special to me. Every time I’m there I think of Mary Kalisiak, and somehow the wind there always feels like a warm hug from her.

We watched the geese (who p**p A LOT in case you didn’t know ), played, colored outside for over an hour, and just moved slowly all day long.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized something:

I don’t know if I’ve ever fully believed that slowing down was okay.

But I want more of this.
I need more of this.

Because they are only this little once. And I get one shot at this life.

And I think I’m going to keep saying yes to this. I'm saying yes to becoming the mom and the person I’ve been wanting to be for a long time.

Photographing the class of 2026 graduation ceremony Sunday, I realised that my first group of kindergartners are now jun...
05/19/2026

Photographing the class of 2026 graduation ceremony Sunday, I realised that my first group of kindergartners are now juniors. And this year, something even more full-circle happened—I actually got to teach one of my students twice. I had him in K–2, and now again as a freshman in my Intro to Art class. I still remember him as a little kid learning to cut and paste, and figuring out how to hold a pencil just right.

And now I’ve watched him grow into a talented artist who uses art as a place to process life, release stress, and express himself. Today, he turned in a beautifully drawn final piece… and in that moment it really hit me.

I’ve taught so many students over the years, across so many seasons of life. All different ages, now scattered out in the world, each one carrying a piece of my classroom experience with them.

This work has never just been about teaching or photographing their artwork and milestones. It’s about watching people grow and change. It's about witnessing people becoming who they were meant to be. And that is such a beautiful thing.

One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to watch people’s lives grow right in front of me. A few years ago, I to...
05/12/2026

One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to watch people’s lives grow right in front of me.

A few years ago, I took Sam + Kyle’s maternity photos while they were waiting on their baby boy, Dawson. And now here we are again… taking maternity photos for their baby girl, with Dawson by their side this time.

As a photographer I get to watch couples become parents, families grow, little personalities come alive, and babies I photographed at mini sessions suddenly look so grown up standing in front of my camera again.

And somewhere in the middle of all of that… I’ve changed too.

Looking at these photos and then thinking about the photographer I was even 2–3 years ago feels emotional in the best way. Not just professionally, but personally too.

I’m honestly obsessed with how soft, glowy, and beautiful these turned out… but more than that, I love what they represent.

Growth.
Change.
Friendship.
Love.
And the beauty of seasons unfolding right in front of us.

Getting to capture that for people, and getting to tell their story of this season of life, will never stop feeling special to me.

We sat down and mapped out the rest of this year’s mini sessions to be hosted at Baby Blooms HD… and I’m so excited for ...
05/11/2026

We sat down and mapped out the rest of this year’s mini sessions to be hosted at Baby Blooms HD… and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.

Each season has its own feeling, and these sessions are designed to reflect just that—simple, fun, and full of real moments you’ll want to remember.

Mini sessions will be held as walk-ins only (cash only) from 9:00–1:00 on each date listed.

Be sure to get these on your calendar because you’re not going to want to miss them. Start planning your outfits early… these are going to be so much fun.

I can’t wait to see the joy, the chaos, the sweetness, and everything in between. Thank you for trusting me with these memories and inviting me to capture these season of your families story.

Sam & Kyle’s sneak peek!!!!Getting to capture Sam’s maternity photos again—this time for their baby girl—felt so special...
05/08/2026

Sam & Kyle’s sneak peek!!!!

Getting to capture Sam’s maternity photos again—this time for their baby girl—felt so special. We had a few déjà vu moments thinking back to when we did this just two years ago while waiting for Dawson.

And now… seeing him step into his new role already? He was the sweetest, most fun little addition to this session.

This family is full of so much love, and there’s no doubt this little girl is already so lucky!!!

Caps and gowns are arriving…outfits and shoes are getting picked out…and somehow, graduation season is already here!!!Fr...
05/08/2026

Caps and gowns are arriving…
outfits and shoes are getting picked out…
and somehow, graduation season is already here!!!

From preschool graduations to college graduations, these years move so quickly.

One minute they’re learning how to hold your hand crossing the parking lot…
and the next, they’re stepping into a whole new season of life.

Don’t forget to capture this part of their story.

Cap & Gown Mini Sessions are now open!
$200 includes 5 digital downloads, with the option to purchase more images afterward.

These sessions are simple, meaningful, and centered around celebrating who they are right now before everything changes again.

Spots are limited and time is running out. Message me to book your session.

I’m usually the one behind the camera…fixing the details, watching the light, capturing everyone else’s moments.But this...
05/06/2026

I’m usually the one behind the camera…
fixing the details, watching the light, capturing everyone else’s moments.

But this time, someone saw me.

In the middle of Mother’s Day minis, she just said,
“let me take your photo.”

And suddenly I was sitting there, holding my best friends boy…who I consider my nephew.
I found myself in a moment I usually only create for other people.

They’re not perfect.
My nose is scrunchy, my hairs a mess, nothing is posed just right…
but I love them more than I ever expected to.

Because it so perfectly captured the moment and the love.
And I don’t want to miss this, or forget it.

It reminded me how many moms are always documenting,
but rarely stepping into the frame themselves.

And maybe that’s why this work matters so much to me.

Emily and I grew up obsessed with the movie Fried Green Tomatoes,
We always said I was Idgie and she was Ruth…
and somehow, here we are..... in a whole new season.

“Face it, girls… I’m older and I have more insurance.”

Some things just stick with you. "And the secret to life is friends. Best Friends."

Thank you all so much for coming out for Mama & Me Minis on Saturday I was honestly overwhelmed in the best way by how m...
05/05/2026

Thank you all so much for coming out for Mama & Me Minis on Saturday

I was honestly overwhelmed in the best way by how many of you showed up for these sessions. It ended up being such a busy day, and I’m so incredibly thankful for every single mama, grandma, auntie, and special woman who came by.

Thank you for your kindness and patience throughout the day — especially if you had to wait a little bit. You all were so gracious, and it truly means so much to me.

I had the BEST time capturing these sweet moments and witnessing so much love in one room. Days like this remind me why I love what I do so much!

All galleries have officially been delivered, and I cannot wait to see which images you choose as your favorites!! Thank you again for supporting my small business and trusting me to tell a tiny piece of your story.

Mama & Me Mini Sessions are TOMORROW at Baby Blooms HD in LaSalle 🤍10:00 AM – 1:00 PMWalk-ins onlyCash only • $50 per se...
05/01/2026

Mama & Me Mini Sessions are TOMORROW at Baby Blooms HD in LaSalle 🤍

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Walk-ins only
Cash only • $50 per session

I seriously cannot wait to see all of you mamas, aunties, grandmas, and the amazing women who love our littles so well and are helping raise our future.

There’s something so special about getting to capture your story in this season — the snuggles, the chaos, the tenderness, the love that your little ones will look back on someday.

Come as you are. Love on your babies. I can’t wait to be a small part of telling your story.

Address

Ottawa, IL

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Allie Dale Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category