it's been a minute...{oak park, illinois portrait photographer}

I am often asked if I photograph high school seniors. The answer is YES! Am I a senior photographer? Not specifically but I am a portrait photographer.

What’s the difference? I guess it depends on who you ask…

For me, it just means that high school seniors are part of my clientele but aren’t my only clientele. I don’t have packages geared solely toward senior sessions…any of my portrait sessions can be a senior session!

Is your senior a minimalist who doesn’t want a big to-do when it comes to photographs? A fine art session or Anywhere Mini might be a good fit.

Does your senior want at least one outfit change & a little more time in front of the camera? An hour-long session is probably the way to go. This session also works if your senior is a minimalist but you’d also like to spend part of the time capturing sibling or family photos.

Maybe your senior is interested in multiple outfits and locations…an extended portrait session or Day in the Life session is perfect!

If you’re looking for a portrait photographer to capture your senior and any of these scenarios sound good, give me a shout. If you don’t see a scenario that fits your needs, reach out, and let’s chat about it!

I can’t wait to hear from you!

-Joey

fall is here...are you ready? {oak park, il family photographer}

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
― Humbert Wolfe

Did you book a fall photo session?

Yes? Then it looks like you're all set! You can sit back and worry about other things...

Did fall sneak up on you without giving you a chance to secure a date for your family photos? No need to worry about it...you have options!

Check out some of the sessions that are open for October-December!

Let me know if you have any questions...I hope to see you soon!

Happy Fall!
Joey

(I have a few outdoor sessions remaining so if you have your heart set on outdoors, you might jump on that soon...there aren't many to choose from...)

and then there were 5...{in home family photo session, oak park, il}

“[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” 
― Jim Henson

We live in a world full of “perfect” Facebook families, Instagram worthy photos of siblings who never fight and only ever get along in their perfectly curated, camera ready homes, and holiday cards that rival the royal family/Kardashians (take your pick).

Sorry, but nobody is buying your picture perfect life! We’re onto you!

I don’t know about you, but I’m always relieved to see photos of shit getting real.

I like to see messy, chaotic, funny, silly, sad, happy, frustrated, skinned knees, real tears…all of the things that come with life.

When I look through old photo albums, I prefer the candid moments over the curated moments because it helps me remember that moment. It transports me to another time and that is a beautiful thing.

That’s something that never happens when I look at the “fantasy” version of family photos: Everyone dressed impeccably. No hair out of place. Not a blemish to be found. All eyes on the camera and pained smiles across everyone’s lips (especially mom, because she has been threatening everyone within an inch of their lives).

My hope for all of the amazing people who hire me is that they are able to relax & enjoy the ride. I want them to know that we will get that “perfect” photo, but that they need to be flexible in what their definition of "perfect” is.

Also, bribes are a perfectly legit tool to keep in your bag of tricks! ( I almost always have lollipops to offer up)

Will everyone be looking at the camera? Maybe, but I can’t guarantee it. Will everyone have a smile on their face? Possibly, but I never force people to smile. I have tricks & sometimes they work, but not always!

What I will promise you: I will be there to document your family in this moment. When you look back on the images, they will make you smile, laugh, cry, or maybe all 3.

If this isn’t the reaction you have, I may not be the photographer for you…but, I hope I am.

I love being invited into the chaos and being part of these milestones.

I’d love to tell your story too…(you can book sessions here)

springtime? not so fast...{oak park & chicago area senior portrait sessions}

“The deep roots never doubt spring will come.” 
― Marty Rubin

Every year it happens…March arrives and I’m certain that the ground will thaw and flowers will bloom and trees will once again be covered in green. By the time April rolls around, I start to feel a little defeated and I become desperate for warmer days and sunshine.

Everyday, I think “Today is the day. It has to feel like Spring. We NEED Spring.”

Finally, when we reach May, I forget how horrible and long the winter was.

Is it May yet? I would love to fast forward to May & be done with winter for now. Pretty please?

The next best thing that I can do is prepare for Spring’s arrival: plant seeds indoors and watch them pop out of their soil, plan for summer camp and maybe plan a few getaways.

Some of my clients are planning big things for Spring/Summer as well: I’ve got a couple of weddings booked, several corporate headshot events, and high school graduations.

Speaking of high school graduations…

My niece, who lives in Texas, recently came to visit & we spent a couple of days shooting her Senior portraits. You wouldn’t really know it by looking at her, but it felt very much like winter while we were shooting. On the plus side, the sun did come out…so…it could have felt worse, right?

How do you stay upbeat during these last months/days of winter? What are your plans?