"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.” 
Sue Monk Kidd

Stories that matter

Haley Grimm invited me to create some images of her recent gig at the Taste of Westmont. She performed original songs to a crowd at the local street fest in her home town. She shared with the audience that growing up in Westmont she always hoped to perform in her hometown. She has since moved […]

Haley Grimm at The Taste of Westmont

creative-portraits

What a gift to see a a precious baby girl grow into a beautiful, wise, and discerning young woman. I have had the privilege of knowing Ava since she was born because her mother Kim is a dear friend. I adore their family and when we met a coffee shop before our session I teared […]

“Joyous Excitement”

creative-portraits

Annie and Mary Ellen are entrepreneurs and friends who run multiple times a week together. They wanted updated images to help share their story. Annie and Mary Ellen have both run many marathons and help women build activewear businesses on their terms. Annie Schumacher shares her favorite activewear: Zyia Active. Mary Ellen McInerney also launched […]

Annie & Mary Ellen Branding Session

creative-portraits

Our May Styled Sessions with Your Entrepreneurship Hype Squad was such a great day! Work that fuels creativity AND serves others is such a gift in my life; one that I am so grateful for and will continue to work hard to be worthy of the invitation into your stories. Passion + Service is what […]

May Styled Sessions: “The experience was a gift that I will treasure!”

creative-portraits

Becky Nowak recently launched her photography business Arise Images and it has been such a privilege to mentor her over the last few months and see her grow in confidence and step out to use her gifts in visual storytelling, the art of noticing small beautiful details of life, and genuine care for others in […]

Becky with Arise Images Mentorship

creative-portraits

Larry Gonzalez is a business owner and entrepreneur who works hard to “help others to help themselves” through running restaurants as their brand is expanding throughout Chicagoland. I photographed his sister Christina as well and this time we wanted to help photograph him for upcoming feature story in a publication about their expansion of Los […]

“opportunity through hard work”

creative-portraits

Sophie is graduating in just a few days and will be headed to Cal Lutheran. She wanted a Senior Portrait Session to show her vibrant side and celebrate “all the hard work and effort I have put in over the last few years.” SHe escribes herself as “motivated, hardworking, and competitive” and after being with […]

Sophie’s Senior Portraits

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Diellza is a multi sport athlete and strong leader at her school and knew she wanted a session with nature and some grit that reflects her personality. We headed to Chicago to make it happen. She shared, “what makes me unique is I’m always down to do anything and everything.” Diellza is a strong leader […]

“Joyful, Hardworking, & Loud”

creative-portraits

Creative Portrait Sessions are so much fun because we plan each session based on YOU and what beautiful, messy story you are living and Senior Creative Portrait Sessions are a blast because young people have so many fabulous ideas. Abigail wanted her session to show “I’m ready for adulthood as I leave my girlhood.” Abigail […]

Abigail’s Senior Creative Portrait Session

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