The Empowering Magic of Professional Portraits

The Transformative Power of a Professional Portrait

Chicago-portrait-photographer

In the demanding tapestry of the professional world, where hustle meets bustle, and every interaction feels like an audition, one item often overlooked in the arsenal of self-presentation is the professional portrait. Yes, I’m talking about those polished photographs that capture your essence beyond the pixelated charm of your last smartphone selfie. Far from mere headshots, these portraits are confidence cocoons, ready to transform the everyday chrysalis into a bonafide butterfly.

The Photographic Alchemy

Professional photographers possess a certain je ne sais quoi—an ability to conjure the best version of you with just the click of a shutter.

It’s not about airbrushing away every flaw but about capturing the sparkle in your eye, the curve of your smile, and the confidence that even the most discerning critic (hint: it’s you) might have missed. This isn’t just a photo; it’s an alchemical process translating your inner brilliance into photographic gold.

The Art of Becoming

Standing in front of a camera wielded by someone who knows their craft is akin to stepping onto a stage with a master director guiding you through each scene. It’s the thrill of a presentation wrapped in a blanket of expectation. You may start the session feeling self-conscious, channeling your inner “who, me?” But with gentle encouragement and expert guidance, you soon find yourself blossoming, embracing poses and expressions that feel at once natural and bold. And in that moment, you’re not just taking a picture; you’re becoming—capturing the narrative of your confidence.

Guided Confidence: Expert Support Every Step of the Way

A professional photographer is skilled at coaxing out your most confident self. Like an experienced therapist, they’ll guide you to a place of comfort where you feel free to stand a little taller and walk with an extra strut to your step. Before you know it, you’ll have pictures matching the vision of your best self. 

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Confidence Through the Lens

chicago portrait photographer

The real magic begins after you see the final product—your professional portrait. You hold the evidence of your own charm and capability, beautifully portrayed. This isn’t just a picture; it’s a testament to your unique and wonderful self, a symbol of empowerment. Suddenly, stepping into that big meeting or joining the next virtual happy hour feels less daunting. If you could face a camera lens and come out the other side looking formidable, what else could be within your reach?

Your Portrait: A Professional Armor

In a field that always demands more, your professional portrait serves as both armor and beacon. It sets the tone in every interaction, from networking events to dating profiles. It says, “Here I am, with so much to offer,” all in one photo. Your image travels ahead, paving the way with grace and assurance, smoothing the path in any highly demanding workplace or career field, and instilling trust and interest without ever saying a word. 

A Legacy of Confidence

Finally, let’s consider the enduring charm of a beautiful portrait. It’s a little piece of personal history—a snapshot frozen in time. It travels beyond LinkedIn and Instagram, possibly finding its way onto family walls for future generations to admire. It becomes part of the story you leave behind, a reminder of your journey and the confidence you cultivated along the way.

In this modern era, where human achievement is a testament to ambition and artistry, a professional portrait is more than just a captured likeness—it’s a celebration of self, a tribute to the courageous and charismatic individual you truly are. So why hesitate? Embrace the lens, step into the spotlight, and let your inner New Yorker stride confidently into focus.

Jennifer and Jason- Promontory Point Engagement Session

Jennifer is a self-proclaimed romantic. Halfway through the shoot, I had to stop and ask, “Did you read love stories growing up?” She smiled and said, “Yes” and that she loved fairy tales. I had a feeling as I photographed her and Jason–they were just soo romantic! I love how tender they were with each other.

I had such a great time capturing them “cuddle” (Jennifer said I may be the only professional who can get away with telling clients to “cuddle up.”)  I’m looking forward to the wedding this Saturday!


Lindsey and Jon are married!

Lindsey and Jon’s wedding brought their closest family and friend’s together in celebration of their love. It was Jon’s grandfather, a retired pastor, who married the two. He spoke to the couple of the joy, beauty, and commitment of love. Friends and classmates at Garrett Evangelical Theology Seminary ushered guests to their seats, and one performed a song of worship that brought tears in the chapel.

From here, Lindsey and Jon will say goodbye to the Evanston campus and continue their journey in Michigan, where Lindsey will start her new pastoral position. Good luck to you both and warmest wishes to your lives together!

Lots of gratitude goes to my second, Michael Boyd. Thanks Michael!



Big Thanks to these vendors:

Florist: Flowers Flowers (Evanston, IL)

Cake: Rose’s Bakery and Oak Mill Bakery

Caterer: Hilton Garden Inn

Wedding Service: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Chapel of
the Unnamed Faithful

DJ: Enchanted Evening

Dress: Tara Keeley

Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

How Facebook Brought Them Together…

We’ve all done it…you know, facebook stalking 🙂 Well in this case, it worked out well for Engy and Jason.  She spotted his image on a friend’s facebook page.  He was part of an accounting group at their alma mater, U of I.  He caught her eye, so that when she met him the first time while out, she made sure to introduce herself.

They went from facebook stalking, to facebook poking, to being  facebook “official,” and next summer, they’ll once more update their status to “married.”

Congrats to you both!  Looking forward to the wedding this summer.

Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (1)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (6)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (4)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (9)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (8)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (2)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (3)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (5)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (10)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (11)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (7)Engy and Jason's urban engagement session, Chicago, Photography by Maggie Rife (12)

Arhianna LeBlanc

I had a blast working on this shoot transforming Erin Johnson into her alter-ego Arhianna LeBlanc for interior design firm AK Lifestyle. We worked with extraordinary makeup artist Tracee Badway who used pin-up super star Bettie Page as inspiration for hair and makeup.

Crimson Lounge graciously allowed us their space for the shoot.  I adore the space-the furniture is ohh la la so gorgeous!

Thanks to the ladies who made this shoot happen!

Vintage style pinup portraits of Erin Johnson by Maggie Rife Photography (6)Vintage style pinup portraits of Erin Johnson by Maggie Rife Photography (5)

Vintage style pinup portraits of Erin Johnson by Maggie Rife Photography (4)

Vintage style pinup portraits of Erin Johnson by Maggie Rife Photography (1)

Vintage style pinup portraits of Erin Johnson by Maggie Rife Photography (2)

Here are a few behind the scenes shots at Tracee’s place during Erin’s makeup session.

Sarah and Stewart’s Wedding at Primitive Gallery

Family and friends crowded into the Buddha room at Chicago’s Primitive museum and store, where Sarah and Stewart signed their Kuttubah, taking the first step in their wedding. In between the shadows and faces of the crowd, bronze and marble statues of SE Asian Gods were spotlighted. Their praying figures seated in lotus position, were like ancient onlookers in support of the union.

After the Kuttubah signing, the group moved out of the room, past the wishing lingam and into a larger space. Along the way, guests were able to take in the artifacts within the four floor gallery space. In one such artifact–an ornamental bridal bedroom, the couple exchanged their vows.

Sarah and Stewart met years ago when she was a clerk for Stuart, who was then an attorney.  Sarah has since become an attorney as well and said about their common career path, “We laugh about the times we have had to work into the early morning hours or all night–anything is better with you best friend.”

Their friendship was infectious. They have so much fun together and in turn, create a great atmosphere around them.

I’m so happy for you both and wish you all the best!

Also, big thanks to Stephanie Kitts for shooting with me!










Thank you to all the vendors who worked hard at this wedding!
Venue: Primitive

Caterer – Michael’s

Florist – Green

Dress – Nicole Miller

Make-up – Rosie/Salon Duo

Hair – Emilio/Salon Duo

DJ – Stuart is creating a mix of music

Cake – Cupcakes for Courage

Ashley + Rex’s Winter Engagment Session at Millenium Park and North Ave. Beach

For weeks Rex told Ashley he wouldn’t make it to Christmas in Cincinnati with her family. The two hadbeen dating long distance since Ashely moved back to her home town to work as a pediatric physical therapist.  Because of the distance, Ashely was really hoping to see her far away love.

Two days before Christmas, her mother asked Ashley to make a last minute gift run.  The shopping route took them past Ashley and Rex’s Freshman dorms (where they met nine years ago). There, waiting on the same steps they climbed together on a daily basis, was Rex. Ashely’s mom pushed her out of the car, (she at least stopped first) leaving the two alone.  As she approached, Rex bent to one knee and amongst hundreds of glowing candles, asked Ashely to be his wife.  She happily accepted!

Sunday shoot day with second photographer Tom Root

One of my second photographers,Tom Root and I went out shooting on Sunday to stir the creative juices and talk about the upcoming session.  We’re both closet hipsters, or wait no, were real artist, or does calling ourselves artist therefore make us hipsters?  Either way, we love urban settings, graffiti, chain link fences, cool texture, and exploring-so, I guess according to that description, we might have hipster tendencies 🙂 No matter–if in fact we are, than I’m embracing it!

Chicago Ave. was our location of choice for this adventure.  If you follow the train tracks beneath the overpass, you find a walls of graffiti and remnants of vagabonds. The light poured in like one big, oversized soft box, creating a perfect source for going over different descriptions.  I made Tom turn this way, that way, then all the way back around again while I showed him hatchet, Rembrandt, and back, rim, and beauty light.

We had a blast shooting-(though our next workshop we’re happily accepting volunteer models).  We channeled scenes from Stand By Me-balancing on the rails like gymnast on a beam.  We took the tracks one direction, than back the other. After about an hour or so, our fingers were numb from the cold and it was time to go back.  I’m already looking forward to our next workshop adventure!


Purvi and Mohit’s Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent Mile

When Purvi brought up their engagement session, she told me she really wanted pictures captured beneath Christmas lights. She also hoped for snow, not for the whole season, mind you, but rather for the sake of the pictures. “It’s funny because for the pictures, I am hoping for snow on the ground, but in reality, I’m hoping the snow never comes! ”

Unfortunately the snow did come, but not soon enough. Still, there’s one redeeming factor in the streets being dry–it made it much easier for Purvi to cross the streets in her Christmas gift from Mohit, classic black Louboutins, with that signature red strip that matched perfectly with her darling peacoat.

The Ponce Brothers for WLS 890 am

Dan and Anthony Ponce are well-known local reporters for news stations WGN 9 and NBC 5, respectively. Now they’re being recognized for additional coverage on a different medium, airwave radio. Tune into WLSAM.com or a.m. 890 on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to hear The Ponce Brothers discuss national and local topics from the week.

I refer to Ponce’s brother Anthony as my fiance and Dan as my soon-to-be brother-in-law. I know them well. So, I wasn’t surprised when they spent the entire shoot rifling off nonstop movie quotes and cracking each other up. I’m glad they have each other so someone thinks they’re funny. Just kidding, guys, you’re great comedians, but please keep it on the radio and out of my photo shoot.

Dan and Anthony learned from their father, Phil Ponce, longtime host of Chicago Tonight. Phil will be a frequent guest on the Ponce Brothers show and even occasionally fill in.

Keep up the good work, guys.anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce anthony dan ponce