Things I Love

How Photography Cracked Me

Sometimes people ask, 'what got you into photography'? And I usually say it's a pretty boring story. I do not have one of those old stories of how I got my first Polaroid when I was 7 and instantly knew I was going to be a photographer. While that may be true for some, it seems like an opportunistic story. I also got kitchen toys . . . and I am certainly not a chef. [Although I'm hoping Chef Charles can help me out with that.]

You get my point. No one ever says they knew they wanted to be something when they were a kid if it doesn't pan out.

Wedding :: Tawni + Sam [Architectural Artifacts, Chicago]

Wedding :: Tawni + Sam [Architectural Artifacts, Chicago]

The picture perfect classic bride and groom. Timeless.  

Tawni and Sam got married in late September. After prep at the Palmer House Hilton, the couple exchanged vows in Ravenswood's Architectural Artifacts. Have you ever been into Architectural Artifacts? Seriously one of the coolest places to visit, let alone have your wedding there. So many old antiques and fossils. You walk in and the warehouse just opens up to several massive floors of history. It's like walking into an antique museum. A very cool antique museum.

Feature :: Joe Chlebeck

So I have a confession. I'm in love. With Joe.

After years of awkward hair cuts from ill suitors, I stumbled across Joe just as I was doing a major chop for Locks of Love. I remember being nervous as he split my hair into two low ponies. Just before I could say anything he snipped it off and said "TOO LATE".

Artists :: Katie Todd

A few years ago, I was at the Double Door in Chicago to catch a show with some friends. I had brought my new lens to just test out in low light. Katie Todd opened the show for the Damnwells and I immediately loved her sound. How did this sound come from such a tiny little lady?? I introduced myself to her after the show and we chatted for a few minutes and I said I'd send her a couple of the frames from the evening. I was lucky enough to develop a great relationship with Katie. She's one of the sweetest and kindest people I know. And the more and more I listened to her work, I grew so interested in her career as a music artist. She has an earthy and raw, but sweet sound which delicately graces over her piano. She frequents my playlists in the car and at the office.

We've worked on a few promo projects together, and even a few family sessions with Kelly and their daughter along the way. Great people often surround themselves with great people, and through Kelly and Katie, this is how I also met Dayna and Jason Abraham. [See their super cool backyard wedding here.]

This summer, Katie ran an amazingly successful Kickstarter campaign to get her newest album, Closer, recorded. It's so great to watch an independent artist grow. It's an honor that Katie's album cover includes an image we worked on together [actual album cover not designed by me]. 

So as I was eating pancakes and sitting at my desk this morning, and Katie Todd came over iTunes, I wanted to share this story. Check out some of the promo and family sessions I've worked on with Katie at LeRoy Oakes in St. Charles, IL.

Happy December 1!