New Libertyville Studio

The new Libertyville studio is open! I’ve partnered with Studio Share Illinois to offer a full service studio location to all clients.

As a headshot photographer, the Libertyville location brings me just a bit closer to Chicago. And now, groups and large props are easily accommodated. So if your entire office needs headshots, let me know!

Behind the scenes in the new studio.

And as a family lifestyle photographer, the studio space will serve as a practical alternative in the event of uncooperative weather (yep, I’m not in Florida anymore…). It also adds another dimension to family shoots. Fully equipped with props, toys, chairs etc–the options are endless. Simply put, a great studio is a photographer’s blank canvas - ripe to create anything the mind can imagine!

The location is also stocked with coffee, snacks, and even a big screen tv, which will be great for proofing your new images in person on a cozy couch.

Whether you’re in Libertyville, Gurnee, or in the surrounding Lake County area, this studio will be a wonderful asset to the area. Don’t wait, contact me about scheduling a session soon!

A Headshot with Matt in Gurnee

Say you just found out about an invitation to speak at a very prestigious seminar. Do you have a professional headshot ready to go for the conference website, or the slides?

Matt got that very invitation. Luckily, he was ahead of the game. He contacted me just in time so we could arrange a headshot session. At my Gurnee studio bright and early one morning, we captured a few different looks in about an hour. Matt was then back at work in no time.

Also an author, Matt will be using his new headshots for upcoming books.

If you don’t have a great headshot on standby for your next professional presentation, drop me a note and we’ll cross it off your list.

Headshot with Mitch

Mitch came down from Milwaukee to my Gurnee studio for some new headshots. He knew he needed some great images to make the best impression possible on his LInkedIn Profile.

He brought a wide selection of clothing so we could capture a range of looks, from formal to business casual. It was a pleasure working with Mitch, and he even let me try out some new lighting techniques.

If your LinkedIn photo isn't making the best first impression possible, give me a call. I'd love to help you take it to the next level.

Photo Session Tips for Families

As a portrait photographer, I get lots of questions about clothing choice, props, and even makeup. So this post serves as a guide for clients new and old to best prepare for a photo shoot. Even if you’re not shooting with me, the advice should serve you well in front of any camera.  

What should I wear?

It’s one of the most common questions a photographer gets. First and foremost, you should be very comfortable and confident in anything you wear to a photo shoot. This goes for adults and kids. If something doesn’t fit, or you just don’t like it, don’t wear it. Your discomfort will come through in the photos, even to the casual observer.

Do we all have to match?

No! I prefer a very natural, lifestyle look in my work. Does your family all wear matching outfits for a night out? I didn’t think so. So there’s no reason you need to match for your photo session. 

Is there any clothing to avoid?

Even if it’s the most comfortable outfit you own, if it’s neon pink, don’t wear it. Anything with loud or neon colors, or heavy patterned fabrics, should be avoided — it’s simply too distracting. Same goes for large logos and text.

Stick with soft or neutral tones. Solid colors almost always work. Remember, if the outfit has the potential to take attention away from your face, keep going through your closet.

My kids keep running around. I’m worried they’ll get all sweaty or grass stained.

They are kids, that’s what they do. I’m not looking to photograph a perfectly groomed, eerily pristine child. A little intensity is just fine — action shots are awesome on your walls!

Makeup?

Women, wear your ‘normal’ makeup. You should look the way people are used to seeing you. I’ll help you look like it’s a particularly good day for you, but we’re not doing glamor shots.

Men, don’t worry. No makeup necessary. But say you typically use some kind of facial moisturizer with sunscreen that you got for Father’s day. Be careful. The problem with this stuff is that it can clump in facial hair or leave your color a little blotchy if not perfectly applied. This can be a nightmare to address after the fact.

What if my child isn’t cooperating?

My goal is to capture a child’s natural expression, so if they’re being themselves, they are cooperating. Even if your kid goes into full meltdown mode, we can get great pictures. I know this may be tricky, but resist the urge to tell your kids to act a certain way during the photo session. Some are natural goofballs and others are a little tougher to crack. A smile forced at the threat of no wifi for a week will be obvious on camera, so this isn’t the time to play disciplinarian or get into arguments. A well timed bribe, on the other hand, can sometimes help everyone get in the spirit of things!

What if my spouse or partner isn’t cooperating?

See the note above about difficult children. Same strategy, different bribes.  

Should we bring props?

I believe props should be subtle so as not to take away from the people. If we’re at a park, there’s no reason you can’t bring a ball or frisbee. For younger kids, having a few favorite toys on hand can help.

That’s all for now. I hope you found these tips useful. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask me on Facebook. Most importantly, just relax and enjoy the experience!

Saddlebrook Farms Community

The last few months have kept me busy with lots of headshot photography. But recently, I had a unique commercial project come up. The Saddlebrook Farms retirement community in Grayslake was in need of some new marketing images to showcase the development.

A community is not just the space, or the activities, or the people, it’s all these things. Saddlebrook Farms needed photos that captured it all. I had to be ready for real estate photography, capture some great landscapes, and also to do portraits capturing the residents in their daily activities. It’s rare for a single project to involve three very distinct types of photo work. But I love the challenge.    

Probably my favorite part of the day was meeting the members of the woodcarvers’ club. These folks were making some amazing stuff. With more time, I would've sat down and picked up a block of wood myself. Then again, I was reminded of the time as a kid I tried to open every blade in my new Swiss Army knife — all at once. I still have the scar. I’ll stick with the cameras and leave the sharp objects to the experts.

If you’d like to see more real estate work, check out my profile on houzz.com. It’s a great site, full of ideas, and a perfect way to find a local professional.