A Headshot with Randy in Libertyville

Randy dropped by the new Libertyville studio just last week for a headshot session. Officially retired, he doesn't need to worry about the job hunt. But he lives a very active life in retirement. So his new headshot will serve him well for years as he takes on new roles around his community.

In fact, he just signed on as treasurer at his church. That's some serious responsibility, and he's got to look the part. His new headshot is perfect. It conveys his confidence and provides assurance to anyone browsing the church bios.

A Day In The Life Family Session

How was your last family portrait session? Were you worried the kids might not cooperate and that you’d have to bring out the bribes early just to salvage the session? Or maybe someone spilled a snack on his shirt (sometimes husbands need a little extra help).

As a family photographer, what if I told you not to worry about any of that on your next family session?

In any given day, your family has a lot going on. Weekdays are packed with school, homework, after-school activities, and don’t forget dinner! The weekends can be busy with birthday parties and special outings, and those moments of relaxed downtime feel too precious to interrupt by grabbing the camera. Whether they’re crazy or quiet, these are some of the most authentic times you share together. So why not trust a professional to capture them? It’s better than crossing your fingers that everyone will be on their best behavior for the 45 minutes of a staged family session.

I had a great time using this approach with Courtney, Vanessa, and their parents. I spent a few hours at their house in Libertyville — home is always a perfect location — and simply photographed their lives on a typical weekend afternoon. We colored, played in the doll house, baked cookies, and rolled around in the grass. Vanessa even snuck in the chance to literally hose down her big sister!

Get the whole story with this video, but beware of Vanessa with that hose! 

As a parent, this type of session is a huge stress reliever because stage fright isn’t a problem. Maybe someone’s a little nervous at first, but there’s plenty of time for things to settle down. All you really need is a handful of basic activities on hand. Then just let the kids make the agenda.

With the images captured, I’ve thought a lot about how best to showcase the session. Elizabeth, Courtney and Vanessa’s mom, summed it up perfectly. It’s not the type of session where you’re looking for a ‘bingo’ shot. In fact, we’re telling a story, which has a range of emotions and details that maybe only a few close friends or family members would catch. How do we tell stories with pictures? With an album! These sessions will include a keepsake album for your family to enjoy, share with friends, and pass on to your children. Another option will be a video slideshow (as shown above) highlighting the images that best tell your story.

I’m so excited for these new day in the life family sessions. If you’d like to schedule one, drop me a note, we’ll have a chat and set up a shoot!

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.