This week, I discovered split toning module in lightroom and it has changed my life! If you are a lightroom user like I am, I recommend this video by Ed Gregory. He does a great job showing you what is possible with split toning in a little amount of time. Take a look to see what split toning did for my photographs!
Fashion photography is the ultimate for photographers! This summer I had the opportunity to collaborate on a lookbook for my friend Tessa. She has a few online shops where she buys/sells vintage & unique clothing. Tessa was also the model for this shoot. Check out our take on fashion photography in the streets of Chicago.
Recently, I've been inspired to do unique/colorful product shoots. Luckily, my best friend Nicole Salerno makes incredible jewelry that flourishes my daily wardrobe (you can see/shop her gorgeous jewelry here). I used these jewels and props from around the house to create some pretty unique shots. Check them out!
A majority of the photos I took around the city last week were flowers. Usually, my photos have few major edits; to mix things up I experimented with lightroom filters. Take a look!
There is nothing better than a great photoshoot with great people! I was lucky enough to have a shoot like that this summer. Take a look at Noah, Amber and their beautiful family.
Location: Chicago River Walk, Trump Plaza, Wrigley Building
Brian and Beth Blankenship are the talented duo behind Tank & the Beez. Their music has an americana roots sound with an old fashioned, soulful feel. Do yourself a favor and check them out here. Our shoot was inspired by Allister Ann and shot in Humboldt Park. Take a look!
One of the many things I love about photography is the places it takes you. Two weeks ago, I found myself shooting a bachelorette party on a rooftop in Chicago. The bride to be is my dear friend Molly. Check out this unique bachelorette party!
Portland is my favorite place to travel by far. Every visit is filled with art, love, laughter and lots of coffee. Matthew Tomas (also a photographer) is half the reason I traveled to Portland last weekend. We've been best friends since high school and share a love for visual art. His photographs are true works of art (a few are featured below) you must check out his flickr page!
Lindsay, my beautiful, talented sister is the other half reason I traveled to Portland. She is getting her masters degree in architecture from the University of Oregon and I couldn't be more proud. Aside from being a brilliant architect, Lindsay is also an incredible water color painter. Check out her masterpieces here.
I am immensely grateful for the time I got to spend with these two. The opportunity to learn and grow creatively with people you love does wonders for your craft and soul. Check out our weekend in Portland!
ugh, I just freaking love these two
Mike & Lauren's Chicago wedding at the Ravenswood Event Center.
Read MoreTravel photography with 1 camera body and 1 lens
Read MoreI spent this past weekend down at 'the farm,' as we call it in my family. 'The farm' is the farm my mom grew up on in Hancock County, most of her family still lives down there. I was there to celebrate my cousin Mary's bridal shower. The drive from my apartment in Chicago to Hancock County is about 5 hours. In that time I got to know 2 new podcasts: The Candid Frame & Tips from the Top Floor. These photography podcasts made great travel companions on my solo drive. They were interesting, not too long and most important, inspired me to get out and shoot. Take a look at what I saw:
This may be my favorite photoshoot to date. Immanuel and Abel share a love so sincere it reaches out and hugs those who surround them! Take a look at the fun we had exploring Pilsen.
This engagement session was a special one as Mikey and Molly have been friends of mine for a long time. The love this couple shares is so full of joy, it was an honor to capture. Check out the engagement session shot in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
A few weeks ago, I received an intriguing text message from my friend Katie in San Diego, “would you wanna do an hour long photoshoot for my friend this weekend? I’ll call you in 10 minutes.” As those 10 minutes passed I thought of all the things this photoshoot might be. Who was this friend? Did they live in Chicago or San Diego? Did they want me to go to San Diego for the shoot? What will I be shooting?
Come to find out Katie did not know much about the shoot, just that it was in Chicago. She told me it was her friend Gretchen who needed a photographer and how to get in touch with her.
After speaking with Gretchen, I learned the photoshoot was for her friend Josh. He was proposing to his girlfriend that weekend and wanted a photographs of the event. I was beyond thrilled to learn this. Shooting a surprise engagement had been on my photographer’s bucket list for a while, and now I was finally getting the chance to do it! Needless to say, I contacted Josh right away.
After corresponding and going over the plan details I knew a few things- 1) Josh is good people, 2) This is the strangest way I have ever acquired a photography job and I loved it 3) I was so pumped for this shoot!
Cut to Saturday, 1/2 hour before the shoot. I am at the park where the proposal is set to happen. Just my luck, there is a classical guitarist performing in the park! I start speaking with him and learn his name is Brian. He was more than thrilled to hear about Josh’s plan to propose to his girlfriend in the same park we found ourselves. His enthusiasm left him with a desire to contribute, he offered to play romantic music for the proposal.
As I waited for Josh and his soon to be finance (Lindsey) to arrive, I chatted with a few more patrons in the park. They were beyond excited to soon witness such a precious, once in a lifetime moment. The park was soon filled with an energy of excitement, it was the perfect setting for a proposal. Take a look at Josh & Lindsey’s story.
Food, Coffee and Photography!
Read MoreLast Sunday, I spent the evening capturing moments, soon to be memories, for the most gracious family. It was Dylan's third birthday party. The evening was full of animals, balloons and mischievous toddlers; needless to say, it was a joy to shoot. Happy Birthday Dylan!
Read MoreJesse (my roommate), Aaron and I did a photoshoot in our alley, yesterday. The photos are being used to promote their band, Barker. Here's a glimpse into our silly afternoon...
