About Liz: Storyteller, Mama, and Sun Prairie WI Photographer

Hi, I’m Liz! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Since you’ve landed on this little corner of the internet, I’d love to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit of my story— as a Sun Prairie WI Photographer, and as a wife, mama, and friend.

Sun Prairie WI Photographer, Liz, with her family at the Arboretum in Madison, WI.

Family First

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have three wild and wonderful children. They keep us laughing, keep us humble, and keep life full of the kind of chaos that somehow feels like magic. If you’ve ever had kids or spent time around little ones, you know what I mean—one minute they’re painting you a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk, the next they’re staging a full-scale wrestling match in the living room.

As a family, we love the simple joys of life. You’ll often find us on our bikes, cruising around Sun Prairie, WI, or soaking up the sun on beach days where our biggest worry is shaking the sand out of our shoes. We’re big fans of movie nights, complete with our family-favorite snack—popcorn mixed with M&Ms. (Trust me, if you haven’t tried it yet, you need to!) Parks are another one of our go-to spots. We love exploring new ones as much as returning to old favorites. And once a week, without fail, you’ll find us wandering the aisles of the Sun Prairie Public Library. It’s one of those traditions that seems so small but means so much to us.

These rhythms—the bike rides, the beach days, the movie nights—are what anchor our family. They remind me that beauty lives in the ordinary moments, not just the big milestones. And that perspective has become such a huge part of how I approach photography as a Sun Prairie WI Photographer.

From Higher Education to Photography

Before I became a full-time Sun Prairie WI Photographer, I spent a decade working in higher education. I loved the work and the people I met, but after having my third baby, life felt a little too full. Between balancing work, family, and my side photography business, something had to give.

Making the decision to leave my “day job” wasn’t easy. I had built relationships, found meaning in the work, and felt proud of what I’d accomplished. But deep down, I knew photography was calling me in a way I couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t just about capturing pretty pictures—it was about creating lasting memories for families, just like my own. So, with equal parts excitement and nerves, I took the leap.

Stepping away from higher education allowed me to do two things that mattered most to me: build my photography business and spend more time with my kids. With two of them now off at school, I treasure the days I still have my littlest at home. We fill them with library trips, nature walks, art and so many snuggles on the couch. I know this season won’t last forever, and that’s what makes it so sweet.

Why Photography?

People often ask me why I chose to be a Sun Prairie WI Photographer and the answer is both simple and deeply personal. I believe in the power of photos to tell stories and to preserve the fleeting moments that slip by far too quickly.

Motherhood, in particular, has taught me how fast time moves. One day, you’re cradling a newborn who fits perfectly in your arms, and the next, that same baby is riding off on their first bike with no training wheels. I don’t want to forget these transitions—the gap-toothed smiles, the messy ice cream cones, the way their little hands fit into mine. And I know other families feel the same way.

As a Sun Prairie WI Photographer, I get to give people something priceless: a way to hold onto the magic of today so they can look back on it tomorrow. For me, it’s not about stiff poses or perfect smiles. It’s about capturing real connection—the way your toddler’s nose scrunches when they giggle, the way your partner looks at you when you don’t even realize it, or the way your family feels when you’re simply together.

My Approach | Sun Prairie WI Photographer

When you step in front of my camera, my hope is that you feel comfortable, cared for, and celebrated. I know most people don’t love having their photo taken (I get it—I’m the same way!). That’s why I make sessions as relaxed and fun as possible. Think of it more like hanging out together than a formal photo shoot. We might play games, go for a walk, or let your kids lead the way.

My style is warm, natural, and full of life. As your Sun Prairie WI Photographer, I love photographing families and newborns in a way that feels true to who they are. Whether it’s the soft glow of a sunset family session or the quiet tenderness of a newborn shoot, my goal is always the same: to tell your story with honesty and heart.

As Sun Prairie WI Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many wonderful families across the area. Each session is unique, but what ties them all together is the love, connection, and personality that shines through when people simply show up as themselves.

Cherishing the Little Things

At the end of the day, what matters most to me—both as a Sun Prairie WI photographer and as a mom—is cherishing the little things. I want my kids to grow up remembering the smell of fresh popcorn on movie night, the feel of library books stacked high in their arms, and the joy of pedaling fast on a summer bike ride. And I want the families I work with to remember the little things too.

Because when you look back years from now, it won’t be the matching outfits or the perfectly posed smiles that mean the most. It will be the real, everyday moments that make your story beautifully yours.

Thank You

So that’s me—a Sun Prairie WI photographer, wife, mama, and storyteller who believes that life’s most precious moments deserve to be remembered. Whether you’re searching for a Sun Prairie WI photographer to capture your baby’s first days or document the love and laughter of your family, I would be honored to be part of your story.

Thank you for being here and for letting me share a bit of my world with you. I can’t wait to capture a glimpse of yours, too.


Photo of Madison, WI Photographer, Liz Pachniak, with her family.

Hi there, and thank you so much for visiting! I’m Liz, owner and photographer behind the lens at Elizabeth Pachniak Photography, specializing in young and growing families in the Madison, WI area. To learn more about session offerings, visit www.elizabethpachniak.com, or follow along on Instagram!

As your Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer in Madison WI, I can’t wait to connect and get your family photos on the calendar: Contact Now!

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family & newborn photographer serving Madison, WI

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