Ode to Picasso....

My friend Brynn is in town from Toronto. We've been talking about doing a shoot for a few months, and finally got around to it this Tuesday.

My original idea was to shoot Brynn atop a water tour I've been eying from the "L," but secured entry and no fire escape to be found deterred us. Instead we crossed the street, hopped a stone wall, and started at the Ravenswood tracks, where the Metra Line runs.

From there we headed to the Lincoln Park Aquarium, another location I've wanted to check out since visiting the zoo for the first time over a year ago. I thought it'd be interesting to shoot Bryn against the blue to contrast his red hair and warmer skin tone. I switched the white balance over to Kelvin and dropped the temperature down to 2800. The shots came out nearly monochromatic, perhaps more than I'd planned to contrast his hair, but I like the tone. It's our first shoot together, and for fun/practice more than anything else. Felt good to play around a bit, and I'm excited for the next impromptu Chi city shoot.

Till next time...-M

Part 2

The buildup...

My boss Steve attempts to open the bridal suite at the Drake hotel after suggesting a move from a smaller room where preparations were to be held. The bride, Anna complied, and didn't complain once while waiting outside the suite in a towel for house keeping to come unlock the door. Anna sends text messages notifying others of the suite move.
Anna was followed around by an entourage during the preparation. Two videographers, two photographers, two hairdressers, a makeup artist, and friends.
Anna and soon-to-be step-daughter, Annie, have their hair done.Annie's eyelashes are extraordinary.

Tanya finished getting ready before the rest and took a minute to relax in the chair.
I can't decide between the two...(top or bottom). I like the closer crop on the top, but the expression of the makeup artist, Katelynn, is nice.

Love the red pucker.
Anna's "angles" are ready to help her into the dress.


Viola. More to come soon...

Lip Gloss and Fedora's

I assisted a wedding shoot on the south side of Chicago. The wedding party was full of happy, friendly people. Here are a few shots. (above a bridesmaid applies lip gloss to the Bride. The cameraman provided the rim light from behind.)


I love the look on the flower girl in the center. She burst into tears when she reached the entrance to the church. Cousins.


This man knows how to rock a fedora!
The men are always ready far before the women. These guys took the opportunity to soak up one of the warmer spring days in Chicago while they waited.

When the power went out...

I clutched my purses close to my side, and shuffled quickly beneath the black street lights, holding my breath till safely inside the door of Matilda's bar.

I descended the dimpled metal stairs and passed the neon blue headless figure pinned to the wall.

Lailaw was utilizing the stock of candles that usually adorned the bars and tables on weekend nights to bring the room back to life in golden candle light.
I ordered a drink, a house special, Margarita, and chatted while waiting for Furry (my roommate and friend from 7th grade Amanda).

Lailaw pouring shots.

I dig her hat.
Pyro.

When the lights came back on.
I'll let you interpret this one.

Pizzeria at the end of the night.

City of 12 million. Bangkok, Thailand

Lailaw. Artist Chicago

I pinned Lailaw, a bartender at Matilda's, as an artist from across the room. Feeling compelled by something, I called her attention and questioned my instinct. She verified, and we chatted for a few minutes, her briefly explaining her work, and I glossed over the voodoo of photography over me. I passed on my card, and a few weeks later received an email, not buying in to coincidences, she asked me to take some shots for the bio page on her website. We plan to shoot once more. I have a feeling there is something more waiting to come through in our next shooting encounter.

Her website is under construction right now. I've added the link to my blog, and I'll update when it's up and running again.

Was really great to work with her, she's got great energy. Wish her much prosperity.