Stanley Frankart immediately commands attention in a room but in a humble and inviting way with a laugh that is contagious. Once you hear more of Stanley’s story it is clear his joy is deep, genuine, and hard fought through trials and seeing the beauty of God’s redemption plan for his life. He now pours […]

“be all in for me like you were all in for the streets”

creative-portraits

January 4, 2023

Recently the gym at Manning Elementary is full of activity and the noise of students calling out who they are passing to and dribbling basketballs.  Many days after school it is filled with students learning and practicing basketball skills with Mr. Mike Rose. But it is also about more than basketball. What makes Coach Rose stand […]

“Don’t quit- especially in a moment of failure.” 

featured

January 3, 2023

From the first day with the women of the Collective Mujeres con Capacidad de Soñar a Colores (Women with the capacity to dream in color) in Sololá, Guatemala, it is clear this group invites community, vulnerability, authenticity, inclusivity, and healing. Every activity; even a sunset boat ride, mythical forest theater activity, and a dance party […]

“even dancing is a political act itself” Guatemala Assignment

creative-portraits

December 23, 2022

Joi McGowan is a force of tenderness, joy, deep emotions, and she gently but powerfully invites others to feel, show empathy, compassion, and heal. She is the cofounder of Resilient Black Women, a podcast host that works to demystify mental health for Black women, and a mental health professional. She has a passion for advocating […]

“I have to cry because she was not able to”

creative-portraits

December 21, 2022

The Styles 4 Kidz Gala was held at The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, Il this year. They celebrated a decade of serving their clients, impacting families, and creating an amazing community in the salon. I was invited to visit the women at the salon for updated stylist images and group images before everyone […]

Styles 4 Kidz Gala 2022 celebrating a decade of change

organization

December 1, 2022

I have absolutely been loving partnering with other women building a photography or storytelling brand and business. I offer mentorship sessions in person or online (or a combination of both!). This was a natural extension for me because a core value of mine in life and business is being FOR others. I love offering and […]

Ekemini in Chicago & Mentorship

creative-portraits

November 22, 2022

I partner with Styles 4 Kidz throughout the year and the day of their annual Gala we had some family mini sessions in the morning for families that are impacted by the salon and the work of S4K. Styles 4 Kidz shares, “Multiracial, transracial adoptive and foster families lack the know-how to care for their […]

Families of Styles 4 Kidz

organization

November 21, 2022

Ally Henny writes and speaks about race, culture, and faith and as she puts it perfectly, “has interesting and important things to say.” . She is a leader, podcaster of Combing the Roots, and her first book launches soon so she reached out to create some branding and author imagery. She lives with her family […]

Ally Henny has “interesting & important things to say”

creative-portraits

November 18, 2022

I am so glad I kept a waitlist this year because I was able to fit in Aimee and her adorable kids on a 70 degree day in November- it was meant to be! I just HAD to photograph on this beautiful day in Chicago. The fall colors and the city skyline in the background […]

Feuser Family

family

November 5, 2022