Tag: Chicago
Chris
Photo Snowfari with Laurie
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 forRevealed, 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.
Bikram in the City for Fresh Guide/Pop Sugar
Bikram in the City for Pop Sugar
“Would you like a towel?” Mike, owner of Bikram in the City, asked me as soon as I stepped out of the 105 degree room full of limber bodied yogis.
“Yes please,” I replied eagerly.
He handed me a big white one from the rental shelf. I sheepishly sopped my sweat-covered brow.
“I guess I should have scheduled this as my last shoot of the day.”
Mike chuckle said what he did not–yeah, dummy, it’s HOT yoga.
Even though I left the studio “glistening,” I still felt great. My natural high could have been from all the chanting or “chi” in the room. I think it was the shooting. The elements were ideal–floor to ceiling windows and the toned figures contorted into interesting shapes. What photographer wouldn’t be happy?
I left inspired, that’s for sure. The next night I had my first ever bikram session. If you haven’t tried it, you should. It feels amazing, especially in the cold, dry winter! Check out this link for Bikram in the City’s schedule of classes.
Simply Cold.
It was cold when I woke this morning, but gold light filtered through the windows.
“I’ll take it,” I thought.
The frigid, finger numbing, skin burning, cough inducing winter air is unpleasant, but so long as the sky’s not grey–100 shades of grey, I can deal. I suck it up. I layer. I wear two hats, a sweatshirt, a jacket, fury boots, tights, jeans, double up on the socks, then top it all off with what my aunt calls the “El coat”–a puffy black number covering me from head to nearly toe during the winter months. It may be fugly, but it’s functional.
Then I play a “get pumped” mix. Today’s included “Power” from Mr. West’s most recent release. I eat my words while listening to the song. A few weeks back I went off on a tirade about Kayne-“I’ve been with him since ‘through the wire,’ but I don’t think he’s that good anymore.”
“Well I hear this ones supposed to be the album of the decade,” Amanda says to me.
“He can’t sing!”
I still don’t think he’s a very good singer, but neither am I. The album…well….I might just be slightly, maybe, sorta kinda, hate to admit it, but if I’m going to be honest, addicted. I can own up when I’m wrong. I was wrong.
So, I’m pumped, dressed, armed with my camera, charged battery, and my arsenal of lenses. Off to North Ave. Here’s the thing about the winter, the days are SO short. In July, you’ve got hours and hours to shoot. Today the sun was set by 4:20; my grand ambitions of shooting the Lake Shore then heading back to Gary were quickly adjusted. I’ll have to save Gary for another day. Till then…
This last shot is dedicated to my cousin Lizard. Merry Christmas. I’ll make you a print. <3
Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events Portrait Session
“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/
It started with a game of pool and ending in a marriage: Rose and Stu’s Chicago wedding at The James Hotel
I get really excited by beautiful light and graphic elements when shooting. I love the way light will carve out a detail, reveal it’s shape, and accentuate human emotion. You can imagine my joy when I stepped into the room Stu and and his groomsmen were “getting ready” in. Mostly they were playing pool, passing around old high school pics, and orchestrating a round of five-hour energy shots. Stu’s such a great, laid back guy, and his buddies were just as cool.
When it was time for the first look, Stu and I made our way downstairs to wait in the lobby. I could sense his excitement. Every 30 seconds or so he’d cast a glance over my shoulder at the stairway to see if Rose was on her way down yet. When she did tap his shoulder from behind, a grin the size of Texas spread across his face, proving, as his speech would claim later, he was the happiest man alive that day.
Rose and Stu’s wedding was so beautiful. The Hotel (The James), the church (Holy Name Cathedral), the details! It was all amazing. The DJ totally rocked it out. I couldn’t keep myself from dancing. She had me at Hot chip. Muchas Gracias Steve Koo! It was great to shoot with you, as always!
It was a hot affair…literally, but tons of fun!
Come rain or high water, nothing could keep Lisa and Rob from walking down the aisle and having an amazing party afterwards. Nearly seven inches of rain fell in the early morning hours of their wedding day. The downpour flooded the interstate and cut power, creating obstacle after obstacle for the couple.
How did they handle it? With an amazing sense of humor and unwavering optimism. They kept a smile even after learning their reception hall, the 19th Century Club in Oak Park, was operating on a single generator and would not be able to run the air conditioner – clearly the time to call specialists from HVAC repair from http://topcoolingguys.com. At one point in the night, Rob said, “Well, it makes for a memorable story and interesting pictures.”
Gotta love their attitude!
Guests were all in good cheer, slurping down ice cream before it melted and dancing till they sweat…well…ok, maybe they were already “glistening,” but everyone still cut a run. It just goes to show how good energy is contagious! Thanks Lisa and Rob for bringing it, and of course, the fantastic Steve Koo, whom I photographed alongside for this wedding!
Laura + Doug=Married at A New Leaf. Pit stop at The Bean!
A friend and amazing travel photographer Laura McGlone was married last week in a Buddhist ceremony to Doug, her travel partner, friend, and love.
Laura was a stunning bride with a smile stretched across her face the entire time.
The two met while traveling through Southeast Asia. Their immediate connection was strengthened through Skype conversations and meet-ups in either Canada, where Doug lives, Chicago, or other countries like most recently Mexico over Christmas.
Their ceremony was held at A New Leaf. I couldn’t imagine a place more perfect for them to exchange vows. In the courtyard full of flowers, trees, and potted plants, a Buddhist monk lead guest in 15 minutes of meditation. The energy in the room was directed toward Laura and Doug, wishing them “peace, happiness, and love”.
It was a beautiful ceremony. I was especially moved by their handwritten vows. The intimate glimpse into their relationship was very special.
Laura’s mother read one of my favorite poems by Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet:
Love one another, but make not a bond of love
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone
though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping;
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
Revealed Boudoir Unveiled!
Laurie Peacock, my partner in crime and I are delighted to announce Revealed Boudoir! You can only say “yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking” with someone so many times before you acknowledge you’re on a similar wave length. This is how it was for months leading up to the unveiling of Revealed Boudoir. Alas, it’s all come together, and were now ready to show you what we’ve been working on!
So what are you waiting for? Check it out! Take a look, and sign up for a peek-a-boo session on July 18th or 19th.
Black Hawks win the Stanley Cup Tournament. Chicago fans celebrate in Wrigleyville.
Chicago Black Hawk Fans swarmed the streets of Wrigleville minutes after Patrick Kane slipped the winning goal into Philadelphia Flyer’s net. Honking and cheering was heard from blocks away hours after the tournament was over. There was a general sense of camaraderie within the mass. This was a celebration, not a riot, none-the-less police officers mounted on horses pushed back and dispersed the crowd. Fans touted homemade Stanley Cup replicas, donned their favorite players jersey’s, and smiled giddily. It’s been nearly half-a-century since the last time the Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup, the party was overdue!
