Many of you know that I love animals, and one of my favorite types of shoot to do is of animal portraits. This is Tex. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy that just loves to be loved. This session could have lasted all day, if it were up to him; he loved the camera! So, here a few of my favorite shots from the shoot.

Baby Lucas

I recently did a photo shoot for a wonderful couple, Liz and Frank, and their beautiful baby boy, Lucas, who was only four weeks old on the day of the shoot. I had such a great time doing this particular session! Both Frank and Liz had a blast, and Lucas was a like a little pro. It turned out really well, and Frank and Liz were thrilled with the photos. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.

The Fluffers

I recently did a photo shoot for a fantastic Chicago band called "The Fluffers".  They write really haunting and provoking original music, that reminds me a bit of the band Goldfrapp.  I drove to a north-side suburb to find their hidden recording studio in the middle of the woods with only train tracks and a very cool swamp nearby.  

Definitely check them out at www.thefluffers.com

Rapt in Maille fashion shoot

I have been working with Melissa Banks, a Chicago based jewelry designer,  for several years now.  Every year I get the pleasure of photographing her new line of chain-maille jewelry.   The craftsmanship of her product is very unique and absolutely beautiful! 

If you have ever meet me, chances are, I am wearing at least one of her pieces of jewelry. 

These are just a few samples of her new stuff from our photo shoot last week.  

To see more please go to her website, where you can also purchase her amazing works of art! 

http://www.raptinmaille.com

Wedding in the Marshall Fields Building, Chicago

These epic shots were taken at the couples reception location, currently Macy's,  located at 111 N. State St. Chicago, IL; The historic Marshall Field & Co  building. 

 This was the first department store on State Street built in 1868.  The original building was destroyed in the Chicago Fire of 1871.  A building similar to the original 6 story sheathed in white marble, was built as a replacement.  Not until 1902 was the 12 story, steel frame building erected.  By 1914 it reached its current form.  You can see the amazing Tiffany ceiling in the last photograph.  

Currently there are protesters in Chicago trying to get Marshall Fields to once again occupy this building.  

For more information on the Marshall Fields Building visit the link above. 

Calvin Marty and The Sunken Ship

Another fantastic show by Calvin Marty and the Suken Ship!  This is a band to watch.  I would say they sound a bit like the late Jeff Buckley.  The music is all original and outstanding! They will be introducing their first EP in November 2008! 

This venue was quite small.  Which made it difficult to get a good shot of the whole band with my 24mm.  I was determined to get the shot though so after asking several people to please let me climb on their seats, I moved as close to the wall as I possibly could.  Pushing myself up against the wall I was barley able to get all 4 members in the frame!  Luckily The fans of the Sunken Ship are very cool and happily let me do my gymnastics routine to get the perfect shot.  I think this is part of being a good photographer.  We do whatever we can to get the shot.   Not for any other reason but we HAVE to!  As it turns out I prefer the close up shots more. 

Oh..... the irony.

They have another show in Evanston next week Oct 9th at Space. Check it out!

 http://www.calvinmarty.com

Also, they are having an EP release party, with a live performance; 

Nov 6th  MATILDA 3101 N. Sheffield in Chicago.  Show starts at 8pm.  

Sara and Robert - Wedding Portraits

What a beautiful day for a wedding in Chicago!  This couple wanted to go to Millennium Park for portraits.  We must have seen at least 4 other brides while there!  I decided to do something a bit different then everyone else.  So I wisked them away from the "bean" and over to the stadium seating where none of the other brides and photographers were waiting to take portraits.  The date of their wedding is the 20th, so I sat them directly behind seat #20 for a shot!