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. 

portrait photography

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.

A Barrington Hills wedding at Makray Golf Club – Jon and Julianne’s nuptials.

I’m so happy for Jon and Julianne.  I’ve known this couple since I first moved to Chicago four years ago.  I always tell them they’re a p0wer couple.  Jon’s studying law and Julianne is going into her first year of residency as a doctor. They have more close friends than a most anyone I know, they LOVE having fun, and everyone in their presence seems to just enjoy life! Julianne said after six years, he still makes me laugh just as hard as I did on that first 3 hour car ride back from Champaign.” Also that, “Jon’s support helped keep me motivated and sane throughout medical school, and his excitement and dedication to studying law impresses me every day.”

With their wedding in Barrington Hills, I thought no better place to take them for pictures than the very location I’m set to tie the knot in a few months.  This is a pretty special place for me, and even more so for second photographer Tom Root  (thank you Tom for all your wonderful images) because it’s where he grew up and his parents still live.  The Roots, also known as farmer Jim and Aunt Bah, generously welcomed us to their land to snap the pictures. Jon, Julianne, and even a few groomsmen, enjoyed the swing set, and we found a little shade from the heat beneath the old leafy trees.

After the pictures, it was on to the ceremony, where their long time friend Brad Pnazek officiated their vows. If he was nervous, no one could tell!  He did a great job marrying this lovely couple, than rejoiced with a cold beverage afterwards.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Morton!  I wish you both all the best!



Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery (lovinovencakery.com)

Florist: Town & Country Gardens (eventsbytcg.com)

Venue: Makray Memorial Golf Club (makraygolf.com)

Dress: Galina Signature

Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale and Priscilla of Boston

Tuxedo: DKNY

Makeup: Tracee Badway (traceebadway@gmail.com)

Hair: Desi Perna, Exquisite Brides/Maginificent Brides (onsitebydesi.com,
maginificentbrides.com)

DJ: Dustin Drase, Toast and Jam (toastandjamdjs.com)

Videography: Robert Ben Zimny (rzimny3@gmail.com)

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)

Sneak Peek from Sarah and Stuart’s Downtown Chicago Wedding

Here’s a little preview from Sarah and Stuart’s wedding portrait session last Saturday.  They really brought it, despite the cold!  More to come soon!

 

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!


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

Patti and Alfred’s Winter Wedding at Old St. Mary’s

“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age.  We met at the recreation center of our college.”

Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal.  This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony  in front of their immediate family and very close friends.

In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting.  They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.

I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session.  They were troopers!  Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery.  In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke!  Congrats Patti and Alfred.  All the best to you both!

I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors:
Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs.  cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com

Caterer: Maison dbarranco22@yahoo.com

Florist: Flowers-Flowers. www.flowers-flowers.com joanne@flowers-flowers.com

Venue: Prairie Avenue Gallery – Keith House events@prairieavenuegallery.com

Black Hearts Hair House- 773.525.4344

Makeup Artist: Esther Soto-esther.soto@yahoo.com

Bride’s Dresses:

Ceremony Dress – Allure Bridal

Reception Dress – David’s Bridal

Bride’s Maids Dresses-David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo