Open House Chicago!

Tis’ the season of the annual open door policy in Chicago, Illinois… literally.

If you didn’t know, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts an event that opens up (sections-of or spaces entirely) buildings, businesses, and community centers that are usually off-limits to the public. This festival brings out the best in Chicago, and I feel the honor and pride in the volunteers and staff that help make this weekend a success.

Only was able to attend (3) locations this time around, here is what I saw…

Héctor Duarte Studio (Pilsen)

Hector’s work features classic Mexican imagery, such as butterflies and human hearts. The piece below is set to be in Logan Square on Milwaukee coming soon!

nearby…

St. Paul Roman Catholic Church (Pilsen)

I’m a sucker for a beautiful church, especially any with gothic styling. I love me a good arched ceiling. A lot of the stained glass present had white or clear sections which CATAPULTED light towards my sensor. Unfortunately the M9 doesn’t do so well with dynamic scenes with intense highlights, so I lost a lot of the window detail in these shots. Either way, hopefully you can still get a feel for the warmth and presence this church held during my visit.

Blackstone Branch Library (Hyde Park)

Intimate and quaint little library. Displayed was a photo book called “CITY” released in the year 2000 which was a jaw-dropping behemoth of a book. Assembling a range of photographers’ work within a range of neighborhoods, culture, and perspective (within Chicago), it was captivating flip-through. After my grubby desire to HAVE forced me into some online research, I quickly discovered it’s home was well placed in a library. $600 makes a lot of sense, but not for a casual photo book purchase. I guess I’ll have to revisit to re-ignite my appreciation for this text.

Brooke!

And a little trip to 88 Marketplace…

Very cool market with a few eateries held inside. I wish I knew of this space sooner, especially when I lived close by. I now know where to get my bi-annual Japanese curry restock.

All images shot on the Leica M9 with a 35mm F2, Summicron or 15mm F4.5, Voigltander Super Wide. First time really shooting the latter in any real world scenario, and was pleasantly surprised at the amount you can fit within such a wide lens. There were many shots that would never have been given justice with only a 35mm. It still has it’s quirks, and my copy has uneven darkness on it’s corners, but worked very well for today’s pursuits.

Wedding Season Begins...

This has been a Chicago Summer for the books. Never have I ever felt so confident that I had an EFFICIENTLY FULL Summer, but yes, this year I crushed it! Grateful I was able to pack this season with wonderful friend hangouts, workouts, festivals, lake swims! But now, the weddings begin…

I just completed one wedding, with one more on the horizon next month. This event was at Bottom Lounge in West Loop, very casual, but so calm and sweet and positive. Portraits at Skinner park, since ARC took over Union. Lovely bride and groom, friends of friends, so open and kind. Lovely day. Here are some sneak peaks.

Pride, the first

I came out last year as bisexual. I’ve always ran from any spotlight on this side of me, so Pride was always much too intimidating. But as they say, strength in numbers. Well just one. Lucky to have a friend to push me into the razzle dazzle that is Pride, and I have to say, it was lovely. Everyone was so kind, and smiles were shared freely. I brought some “You are beautiful” stickers to accompany anyone I was able to photograph. Here are some highlights from the day. Happy Pride!

Thanks Preston!

Thanks

Thanksgiving is a strange holiday.

Working at a preschool and noticing the contrast to that of my own Thanksgiving education when I was little, I wonder what Thanksgiving means to these kids today. Sure the narrative has changed, but I hope the feeling has not. For myself, it has less connection to history and more relation to pumpkin pie and warm hugs. History is quite the complicated one!

Thanksgiving was special this year. I left my friend’s house feeling calm, connected, and very uncomfortable from my enlarged food baby. Exactly the feelings I want to feel.

After, to process some of the large quantities of calories, I accompanied my friends as they walked some dogs around the neighborhood. There is “pet eye” reflection remover in Lightroom, but because I couldn’t decide, I left one of each in the shot below. Thought it looked interesting.

This weekend,

my new roommate Tamera began the lengthy process of doing her hair. And by this I mean, removing her previous weave (with a quantity that could fill a normal size grocery bag), bleaching her hair, dyeing her hair, dyeing her new weave, and fixing it to her scalp. So much work! Incredible. Upon entering the kitchen, (camera first) she quickly hooded her hair! This is probably not the best for new roommate-ship relationships, she is gonna probably kill me if she finds these images … but, I think she looks lovely without the weave! In any case here are some detail shots from this afternoon -

~ Happy day

Lovely and Sweet

Since I frequently find myself at weddings, sometimes the question comes up:

“What would you do for your wedding?”

Well, this.

I met this couple at a Mahalia concert at Lincoln Hall, my roommate connecting with the husband for being a therapist, and myself connecting with the wife for working with kids. Stayed in touch every so often on social media and then… one year later I find myself photographing their wedding! How rad is that?

Asher and Dylan held a wedding in a minimalist, large-windowed Peerspace rental on the edge of Logan Square. Only immediate families were welcomed and Asher’s sibling helped set up the quaint space. Both sides of family helped officiate and host the wedding, and everyone was able to coexist in a calm atmosphere, free from large swaths of guests and complicated wedding planning stressors. Both of their attitudes were open, excited, and full of so much heart.

Weddings can turn into an anxious event with the handful of vendors, day-of surprises, and general overstimulation from guests. If I were to have a wedding, it would follow suit with the ideology and and energy that Asher & Dylan laid with their special day.

Happy Day ~

A Montessori Photoshoot

I have been working at Montessori preschools for about two years now, but have never really utilized my school knowledge into my photography. Normally when I leave the school, I leave my teacher hat in the classroom. My brain turns off, and I only snap back into Mr. Spencer when I wake up Monday morning.

But today, was different. I photographed some very close friends of mine, who have a 3 and 4 year old daughter and son, respectively. And although I have always focused on “getting theeee shot” in every shoot before this one, I wanted to have a different approach.

In Montessori, although there are rules and limitations that the children must know, every child is still given ample freedom in the form of choice. Because I never photograph such young kids, I wanted to keep it light, fun, and give them plenty of choices during the afternoon. After editing, although it was very apparent that I was moving fast and very focused on the overall experience (a lot of blown out or out of focus shots), I think it was a great exercise into what family photography could be with small children.

What went well?

Having a plan is always necessary (to reduce my anxiety), but allowing for freedom along the way, gives a great test to our talents as photographers and creatives. During moments when the children had the urge to explore or play, instead of re-wrangling, I decided to lean-in. “Whoa, what did you find?” This added to our planned shots, but rewarded our shoot with some more creative images and backdrops I would never have thought of otherwise (more on this later *). But when things needed to happen, and I needed to snap a certain shot; I relied on simple incentives (high fives, affirmations), narrating good behavior, or leading a shot with a storyline. “Okay Asa, so since you’re such a helpful leader, it’s gonna be your job to lead your family down this pathway, through the leaves! Let’s go!”

Overall I think it was a fun first shooting experience for the kids (as well as myself, so much less stress when you go with the flow). No posed shot lasted long enough to trigger any tears thankfully. I think I have growth when it comes to my sense of direction when leading so many humans at once, but also on the photo technical side: managing focus, stopping down lower than 2.8 oof, and watching blown highlights.

*One of the many unplanned shots occurred when the children begin resting on the bike rack my bicycle was stationed at. Looking back at them, I jumped. Took off my bike, and snapped the picture you see below.

Happy day ~

Portraits in Pilsen Pt.2

And now the artist!

Three months have passed, and I have landed back in the beautiful Pilsen courtyard I photographed Ryan. But now, it is a friend who is painting her way to a new life as a professional artist. When I first met Jennifer, the work she showed me was mainly portraits in realistic spaces, but has now grown more faces since then. Her talents even landed her a spot in a competitive reality show called The Exhibit. Attached below are a few of her works/collections I fancied. If you like them, please click for more info…

Happy days ~

Zanzibar

Van Gogh Project

Black Girl 2020

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Portraits in Pilsen

Hidden behind the bare brick buildings in Chicago, it is always a joy finding spaces not easily seen from the street. Ryan, reached out in need of a work headshot, and while discussing possible locations, mentioned their partner had access to a courtyard in their complex. And can I say… what a joyous treat this courtyard was. Trees plump with cherries, a spitting fountain, textured brick and greenery encapsulated this lovely eden behind Halsted. Here are the results from our speedy 25 minute session ~

Winnemac Park

So I finally discovered Andersonville…. and I may be planning my next move…

Merely jokes, I don’t think I could ever leave the South Side but Andersonville exhibited a tranquility and “small town charm” that I think my soul SEEKS in this digital age. The Hyatt-Hamilton family below was a family I worked with at a preschool in Wicker Park, and I couldn’t say goodbye without a family photoshoot. I became so close working with their son during their time there, showing my love many times translates to acts of service, which is how this whole day came about. Vibrating with energy, the boys kept me on my toes while I was able to catch up with their parents. I was able to capture some sweet moments. Enjoy -

A lovely maternity at Garfield Park

One of my strongest photoshoots to date.

This day was planned out weeks in advance, but changes in weather modified our plan to what it became. An indoor shoot at Garfield Park Conservatory as well as an outdoor “still-life” shot in the nearby park. With multiple phone conversations to start, we slowly formed what the culture of this photoshoot would be: mindful and genuine.

With all of the hulabaloo at the conservatory, I wanted to begin with a simple meditation outside on the exterior grounds. Guided breathing, reconnecting with the body, and envisioning personas we wanted to showcase. I had never done this before at a shoot and it proved INCREDIBLY useful. It calmed our spirit, focused our intentions, and simply made the day more enjoyable! At times I noticed anxiety or an uncomfortable look, we stopped, came back to center, and resumed. Purely magic.

Never have I felt so at-peace, confident and present, during a photoshoot. With the culmination of thoughtful preparation and body awareness, I think this came out to be one of my strongest portrait sessions to date. Enjoy -

Merry Covid Christmas

I got Covid!

My lack of respect for this virus throughout this year sent me dive bombing into cluttered cafes and dancing through packed night clubs with no fear. And it all caught up!

It took just one holiday party to get infected, and bed ridden I was for a week! Everyone has a different reaction to Covid, and with the multiple variants present, it’s hard to say what the reasons may be. But my experience was fairly intense. Incredible back and knee pain, heavy sinus pressure, high fever, chills, and fatigue lined my first three days dealing with the symptoms. From there it has turned into a normal cold, with unrelenting coughing and a nasty sore throat. I wouldn’t have cared so dearly if it hadn’t overlapped the Christmas break!

Luckily… the friends who were infected with us, were able to join for a get together, making the day not so lonely! Silly games, feasting, and of course ALCOHOL, covered our celebration - and for me, didn’t feel any different than any other Christmas in Chi. Family portraits were a must. Happy Holidays folks -

LaTorre Family - Humboldt Park

Rough weather on this family portrait session ~

Luckily the Latorre family was laid back, brimming with positivity, and great sports about the situation. (Enduring intense winds at a bone chilling 35 degrees fahrenheit!) Abandoning the original plan of using Humboldt’s flower garden, we headed over to the Boathouse to use the structure as a wind-block while we waited for the wind to die down.

It never did.

But no matter. After shooting some formals in the cover of shelter, we headed down some park trails to grab some walking and action shots. My hopes were high from the beginning, but still very content & surprised with the outcome. Here are some of my favorite shots -

Cheryl & Karl - CS Park Downtown Chi

Cheryl and Karl brought together their two families into one beautiful union for Karl’s 50th birthday! This family session, shot at the Cancer Survivor’s Park Downtown Chicago, was a dream! Each kid showed off their individuality, some not scared to share their artistic direction! Special shouts to the girl in frame 7 holding the piece of prairie grass, it was COMPLETELY her idea to shoot in that space and we were able to capture some incredible portraits! It is always best to collaborate versus dictate if the opportunity arises.

Special special family:) I hope to have a family-portrait-reunion someday! Enjoy -

The Other Art Fair - Revel, Fulton Market

Happy Monday to you all!

This weekend was filled with creativity and love!

Thursday 09/30

I was tasked with covering a few artists featured at the “The Other Art Fair” which turned out to be such an incredible event. Stationed at Revel in Fulton Market, the event space was JAM PACKED with creative souls. Documenting Colleen Walsh, Jennifer Warren, Dail Kirkpatrick, and Lorimar Matos sent me running rounds through the organized alleyways, able to browse the diverse selection of artists! Here are some of the shots covered:

Saturday 10/02

A wedding between two wonderful souls, both working in the nonprofit space, Arthur and Rachel were a dream to document. Laid back and sweet, the day rolled out with smiles and laughter through rain and wind. I was only a second shooter for this event, so I will not be posting any images.

I am blessed...

I am truly grateful to be a photographer, and sometimes I forget how magical this artistry is. Photographing those I know and care about provides me a sense of purpose that sometimes goes unlooked in my subconscious. A recent shoot with Itohan reminds me once more on how photography is a PRIVILEGE, and how I should respect my craft and give more thought to this beautiful trade I have dedicated a large portion of my life to.

Now with that out of the way ;)

Here are some images for the graduation of Itohan Omelere, a writer, poet, and Chicago-based activist. We ventured into Downtown Chicago, making sure to photograph underneath the street dedicated to Ida B. Wells, an investigative journalist and early leader in the civil rights movement. From there, we let the wind set our sails into locations that fit the mood for the day, covering alleyways to green brush. Congratulations to the beautiful Itohan, this photoshoot was incredible! Link to her website and instagram below.

Free All Of Us / freeallofus.com / @freeallofus

Images shot on Nikon D750 / Nikon 50 2 & Sigma 35 1.4

Tiffany Clomax - Brand Shoot

Chicago is a toss-up. Sunny one day, cold and rainy the next. The good thing about these aggressive weather tilts, is it makes you deeply appreciate when the conditions PERFECTLY align for a gorgeous day.

Saturday, 7 AM

I photographed Tiffany Clomax, a Forensic Psychologist interested in building a consulting agency for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) interested in the mental health sector. The marketing team rented an upscale, FULL window loft for the shoot, and the day yielded some fantastic brand imagery. Funny enough, we mostly shot outside and in the lobby, with the loft space feeling too bright / too harsh. But hey, what are you gonna do. Below are some of my favorite images from the day.

Ending so early, I embraced the beautiful weather and ending up sitting outside sipping sangria and munching fresh empanadas at 90 Miles Cafe. And oh, what a treat. Happy day -

All images shot on a Nikon D750, Nikon 50mm F2

Indianapolis Adventure

With a world still plagued with a virus itching to mutate, any opportunity to leave Chicago sends me in a state of bliss. That day came, as many do, with a spontaneous text from Brooke, words seemingly vibrating with excitement on my screen. Her brother-in-law is the master brewer at a space called “Metazoa” and they were happy to house us for a night to come explore the city.

On arrival, we were greeted by two small faces, bouncing with energy, the oldest contorting her face and bending herself into a pretzel as she stared into my camera lens. Brooke’s niece and nephew, Audrey and Jude, acted as the unofficial welcoming party, spoiling us with attention combined with random little hugs that loosened my ever-growing frustration towards humanity lol. The night began with burgers and whiskey and wonderful conversation, until we were off to the brewery!

Metazoa was a treat, first class tour behind the scenes, and the first non-staff members to try their new Prickly Pear Seltzer. Light and refreshing, not particularly my cup of tea (or beer) but their BEER…. oh my word. I had the DDH Hoppopotamus was and is one of my favorite IPAs to date. I wish I took home more cans…

The images below follow our adventures with the kids, road trip views, and everything in between :)

Happy day -

Stevie's day out...

These days, we all need a bit of fun -

And what’s better than a couple shoot with a cat! A friend requested to mark his wife’s birthday with a family shoot including their recent adoptee, Stevie. And how could I resist? My last portrait session has been almost a month ago now, so my skills are rusty, but with such a great subject we were able to get some fantastic shots. Thanks to Jocelyn and Danny for the wonderful help.

Great time, great shots, great cat. Happy Tuesday folks, get outside before Winter truly comes!

~

Shots taken with a Nikon 50mm F2, Sigma 35 F1.4, and Nikon 105 F2 on a Nikon D750 body.

New surroundings, new company

And so it goes…

More riots. It seems this virus is here to stay, at least for awhile.

But in the darkness that swallows the city, joy and grace always arise. How can it not when the sun continues to bloom just above, bringing weather that soothes even the most tender sores. Although I cringe at the site, there is something deeply gratifying seeing community gatherings again; bbqs in the park and birthday celebrations releasing echoes of laughter and spreading a sweet smell of hickory smoke and sizzling fat. It’s the bit of the normalcy I think we all need.

In the moments since my last post, I’ve moved to a new apartment, adopted a cat, and purchased my first laundry machine. Humboldt is quite the change in environment and vibe, but the close proximity to work has truly been a blessing.

Mo Mo is her name and she is a dream (Currently passed out on a chair that of mine at my desk) It only took a couple minutes to fall in love with her on my first visit to the foster home. Being extremely social and very chill, she is seemingly not scared of many things -except DOGS (which I recently found out first hand). I have the urge now to do anything in my power to ensure she doesn’t live a sheltered lifestyle - sitting inside all day watching the world between window glass.. Goal for 2021 is a road trip bringing the girl for the ride. (She is already comfortable on a leash!)

Lastly, this new large appliance purchase will make my 15 minute (and much more expensive) coin laundry commute a thing of the past! It’s the little things you know?

To finish it off, Mo Mo pics and rooftop colors below. All the best and stay safe -

All images shot with Leica M9 / Zeiss 50 1.5

A calm AFTER the storm

Even the sunniest days can’t mask the problems still afoot; but hot damn has the weather been incredible. Almost as if by reflection of our current state however, Monday broke.

Other than pandemic and political malfeasance nationwide, LOCALLY, we’ve taken a hit. Monday morning, tempers peaked in the form of looting once more in Chicago. Cloudy details of yet another police shooting was the spark.* From my ventures around the city, Jewelry row (Downtown) and the Apple store (Uptown) were some of the many hit. Planks of wood, quickly reappeared in my neighborhood as the West brought in suffocating heat and humidity. Within a span of around 20 minutes, madness ensued with 100mph winds rocking our windows and shuttering the trees. As quickly as it began - it left - taking the oppressive mug and leaving one of the most magnificent sunsets.

After photographing, I stopped and stood on my roof for awhile, I needed it. There was a stillness in the air that filled up my lungs fuller than it had in a while. The weight of these current times can drag my shoulders and deter the trails in my mind. But in that one moment - that one second, the world didn’t feel so broken…

*I do not intend to go in depth into this shooting. Facts are still developing and biases can change the intention of details. If you would like to read a bit more, USA Today published an article yesterday covering this story. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/11/chicago-looting-police-arrest-man-attempted-murder-charges/3343649001/

Shot with Leica M9 / Zeiss 50 1.5