Tag: maggie rife
Chris
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.
Amber and Sean’s Train Station Engagement Shoot in Lincoln, NE
I’ve known Amber since the days of TLC, Step-by-Step, and my baggy jeans phase. She is my sister’s best friend and like family to us. I’m so happy
for her and Sean! Their wedding is this August; it will be the second time I return to “The Good Life” (State slogan, but who can argue?) for wedding photography this summer. What a bonus-I get to return to my roots for a job I love to do! It’s going to be so special to see Amber marrying her love-who happens to be a GREAT GUY!
Love you both!
A few side notes:
1. I was nearly arrested during this session. Ok, ok, I wasn’t nearly arrested, just nearly ticketed for photographing on the tracks-an old school habit that didn’t use to be a big deal. Luckily Amber charmed the police officer and even got him to pose for a picture!
2. At the end of the session I gave Shawn a big squeeze. “Ah, you’re a hugger just like your sister,” he said with a wide grin. “Yep! It’s a Rife sister thing.” Sean, expect a hug come August!
Lindsay and Matt’s Evanston Engagement Session
We started at Northwestern’s library, a location Lindsay and Matt have spent a lot of time in over the past few years. Both graduate student at Northwestern University, the two share a common love of books, travel, and now Brazilian music. Matt wasn’t always a fan of the samba rhythms, but he developed an appreciation after dating Lindsay, who DJ’s a Brazilian radio show every Monday.
Between Northwestern’s library, modeled after Oxford’s famous shelves, and 2nd Hand tunes with rows and rows of music to flip through, I was in heaven. Thank you Lindsay and Matt for choosing such out of the box and IMHO interesting locations! I can’t wait for the wedding! P.S. To the viewers-It just so happens that one of the locations we photographed at was a wall with the graffiti art reading “Don’t buy diamonds.” Coincidentally, Lindsay’s engagement ring is diamond free.
Ami + Amar’s Lakeside Engagement Session
This is the engagement session I was referring to when I wrote the above comment. Ami and Amar were so incredibly fun to photography. They were playful, affectionate, and laid back. We met on the steps of the Field Museum on a fogging Chicago afternoon. The laughter started as soon as we greeted each other and pretty much didn’t stop. When I asked them about their first date, Ami explained they didn’t have an “official” one until they’d been together for a year. In fact, their “first date” was when Amar proposed. He called Ami up earlier in the week and asked if she’d go out with him “Saturday night.” He brought her to the Field Museum, where he led her into the diamond exhibit. Guess what Ami found in one of the display cases? Amar, you are a clever, clever man. Way to make your “first date” unforgettable.
Amy, Ryan, and their Dragon-Chicago Engagement Session
Amy, Ryan, and the Dragon met me for their engagement session at one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, the Bean, on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Who or what is “the Dragon?” Well, the sweet little girl in the photos below has this amazing ability to imitate a mighty dragon when disturbed. I was lucky enough to see this magical phenomenon shortly into our shoot. “It started when she was a newborn; she would huff and puff instead of cry,” explained Amy.
After the appearance of the Dragon, Amy and Ryan decided it was best to let the mighty one head back into the warmth for fear she might start blowing flames. So from the Bean, we looped the loop over Columbus Drive and around to the Fulton Market area.
Amy and I exchanged e-mails back-and-forth for a few weeks prior to the shoot. In these e-mails I learned a little more about her and Ryan; while Amy’s an art buyer, the irony is that she has an incredible talent and it’s her work people should be buying. She shared a piece she did that hangs in the Printers Row Starbucks. Words won’t do it justice! It’s comprised of hundreds of vintage movable type pieces in a multidimensional plane. Seriously, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn would drool over it.
Ryan’s a self-taught guitar player with a handy ability to play by ear. To top it off, he loves karaoke. “He proposed to me by singing the song “Amie” by Pure Prairie League (He also paid a band on our first date to play that song, and we had our first kiss while it was playing).”
After hearing all this, I was excited for their engagement session. Now after their engagement session I’m even more excited for their wedding. 1. It’s on a boat 2. There will be a band there called Too White Crew with back up dancers 3. I’ll reunite with the Dragon! Can’t wait!
Eggs, Orange juice, and Equity
The Kellogg School of Management hosts the 12th annual Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference, “Value Creation in the New Decade.”at the University Club on February 9, 2011.
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/
Lifted…Chicago Wedding at the Willis Tower Skydeck Lounge.
Lifted…Chicago Wedding at the Willis Tower Skydeck Lounge is the photo story of Lisa and Jason’s wedding. This one literally took my breath away. Stepping out on the ledge of The Willis Tower, formerly and often still referred to as the Sears Tower, was enough to make my stomach drop. But Jason and Lisa were cool as cucumbers, creating a quiet, peaceful moment in which rested in just after they’re vow exchange.
I had a great time working with Sonya Martin for this wedding. She has a beautiful spirit and unending amount of positivity. She’s a sweetie!
Lisa and Jason choose a sand ritual rather than the unity candle to symbolically join their families.
Deep Breath, 99th floor and counting.
Lisa’s son wasn’t so keen on the whole first dance idea. 
Teaser…Molly and Nick’s Engagement Shoot in Barrington Hills
