Bikram in the City Staff Portraits

Bikram Yoga Instructor Portraits for Chicago studio Bikram in the City

Below is a collection of images from my recent portrait shoot with Bikram in the City staff. The studio maintains an urban feel and brand, so we decided to use the Chicago city as the background for these images. The shoot was held over three days in four different locations: Millenium Park, The Chicago El (until CTA kicked us out, waa waaa), The Observatory, and Montrose Harbor. There were logistical challenges we were to overcome-rain and more rain, a stringent policy on permits by the city, and timing (thank you Starbucks for opening so early). I had a great team working with me, Manase Latu did an amazing job on the makeup, my dear friends Agustina Agustina Diez Sierra and Laurie Peacock were along to assist for some of it, and the staff were amazing!

I started “practicing” bikram this January during the worst of Chicago winter. Like most, I thought I was going to die during my first session, but I’ve since grown to really love this type of yoga. I don’t pretend to be on a level even close to these instructors, but my appreciate for the form grew deeply after hearing of their rigorous training and complete dedication.

Photo Snowfari with Laurie

by Maggie Rife Ponce

When I told my Dad yesterday morning that Laurie and I were going on a photo snowfari, he immediately quipped about it being a a little cold for outdoor boudoir. Funny Dad, real funny.

While our shoots together these days are typically for Revealed, we try to make it a point to exercise our eye in other avenues. With two feet of snow creating a natural softbox, we agreed a trip outdoors was in order.

I can’t deny I LOVE Montrose Harbor, so we opted to go there. Parents pushed their children down well-worn sled runs, dogs ran circles in the snow, and the light made it all feel magical.

Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events Portrait Session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

“I love your hair!” I called over to Hilary at an event earlier this summer. “You could totally rock this cut” she said in response, or something along those lines. At the time I didn’t know “Hilary” was her name, or anything else about her, other than she had great style. After a quick introduction, I discovered she is also an alumni of the University of Missouri and involved in the wedding industry. We exchanged cards and planned to meet again soon.

The next time we did, it was one of those amazing late summer nights where everyone in the city is vying for a patio spot. I was able to snag a table at Rockit on Clark where we both ordered salads the size of our heads. So much for healthy eating with portions that size! We spent two hours talking like old friends, sharing how we each started our business’ and how we approached our work. With a background in interior and graphic design, a side talent for flower arranging, and a fine-tuned sense of what looks good, Hilary’s a natural candidate for wedding and event planning. With a generous smile, down-to-earth nature, and love of health food products and wine, she’s an instant friend.

http://www.esteraevents.com/ and http://www.esteraevents.blogspot.com/