Nimagery Photography

Santa’s Comin to Town

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 16:29:29 -0600

So, this year we had a great turnout for the third Santa Photo Shoot at Hawthorn Gardens. Bob Riddle was kind enough to play the roll of Santa Claus again this year and we had about 50 families return again to take pictures of their families and “four legged” friends. Thanks again to Hawthorn Gardens for sponsoring this yearly event!!!

Michelle and Terry’s Wedding Album

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:04:07 -0500

Michelle and Terry tied the knot and despite the rainy day, everyone had a great time. Michelle and Terry are enjoying some time in Italy and when they return, their wedding album will be waiting for them. To see the rest of their album, go to: http://gallery.me.c…edigitalprod/100378

Kim and Joe’s Wedding Album

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:49:26 -0500

Kim and Joe are true Sox fans as my journeys let me to the south side of route 88 to Sox territory. I had a great time shooting Kim and Joe’s wedding and they seemed like a perfect match. Kim was such a good sport. Just before the ceremony she unfortunately got into a car that had black door jam grease that sadly christened her dress. For most brides that might have ruined the day. But Kim took a moment to take it in and then quickly dismissed the bad fortune and had a GREAT time at the her wedding; a testament to her wonderful character. Their wedding album can be viewed at: http://gallery.me.c…edigitalprod/100370

Jonas’s First Birthday

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I first met Jonas when I photographed him with Santa Claus at Hawthorn Gardens. And he had changed quite a bit on his first birthday party. It was a great time that took place in a clubhouse. Story telling, food galore, family and friends. Take a look at his first year in this link to his video recap:
http://shareitvideo.com/watch.php?v=241555569644258

Renee and Mike Celebrate

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:51:27 -0500

Rain or shine? What initially looked to be dismal weather for Renee and Mike’s wedding miraculously changed for the better. Sunshine appeared out of nowhere just as the couple exited a wonderful ceremony at St. Clement in Chicago. A quick limo ride South Pond near Lincoln Park for a few photo opportunities and then off to the reception they went.

Senior High School Session

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:16:46 -0500

So, Curtis’s Mother wasn’t too thrilled with the Senior pictures that the high school produced and I was contacted to see if I might more accurately capture Curtis’s personality. I understand Curtis was a bit apprehensive about doing his Senior pictures over again but we quickly got things rolling and he was a natural. No problemo. Take a look at these couple of images!!! After more than a couple years in photography, I’ve concluded that the toughest Seniors/Teens to photograph are my own. They simply don’t listen to Dad. In contrast, Curtis did everything I asked him to do without questioning or challenging my every move. It was a great session and I think we captured his soul and his Mother was thrilled.

A Little fun on the Water

Sat, 30 May 2009 09:07:41 -0500

Kristi and Justin celebrated in style and were wed in Chicago on the beautiful SunSea Yacht (www.yachtparties.com). Captain Ted plotted the coarse on Lake Michigan and navigated the Yacht skillfully from Burnham Harbor out into the lake and then into the Chicago River. The views were spectacular and everyone, especially the newlyweds, had a great time. Kristi and Justin were so easy to work with and they enjoyed the picture taking as much as I did. The staff on the SunSea were especially cordial and I have to make a special thank you for their generous hospitality. The food was absolutely wonderful. At the end of the cruise, Kristi pushed Justin into the lake and Justin’s best man had to fish him out of the water (see picture above). JUST KIDDING!!! Simply a little bit of photo trickery.

Miramar Bistro, Highwood, Illinois

Fri, 29 May 2009 16:06:01 -0500

I had a great time photographing food for a change of pace at the Miramar Bistro in Highwood, Illinois (www.miramarbistro.com) The chef kept bringing out one dish after another and I really had to hold myself back from sampling each one. But, there was work to be done so I kept myself in check.

Interior

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:32:29 -0500

One of my favorite event coordinators, Ania Krokos (www.aniainc.com), called upon me to provide images which will be used to sell her family’s home. Their house is truly spectacular. A beautiful golf coarse is just off the back yard and I can only imagine how tempting it would be to sneak in a few holes when nobody is looking. Ania’s Stepfather was especially polite after my shoot and shared a glass of wine or two with me while his salmon (which was just off the grill) sat on the kitchen counter getting colder, and colder, and colder, and colder. On my way home it dawned on me that my stay most likely ruined his dinner. He never hinted, even a bit, that it was time for me exit. Nice guy and a really nice family.

Las Vegas Senior High School Conference

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:43:38 -0600

I recently joined an organization of elite photographers who specialize in photographing seniors in high school. SPA or Senior Portrait Artists (www.spartists.com) members gather at a yearly conference and this year the event was held at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. I always attempt to go to at least one major photography conference a year for training and to rejuvenate my enthusiasm for the art of photography. The SPA conference certainly met my expectations.

The conference was both informative and enlightening. I really liked the mix of speakers, discussion, trade show, and hands on photography. 15 seniors from studios around the world were selected to attend the show and essentially they were able to model for some of the worlds best senior photographers. The selected seniors put on a fashion show during the conference which highlighted all of the upcoming trends in high school fashion. Being a father of several high schoolers myself, I was glad to find that things were fairly conservative and that the tendency is that boys will actually wear there pants all the way up rather than half way to their knees. Thank God.

I was also able to visit an college buddy of mine, Mike Rome, and we had a good time visiting a jazz bar on the outskirts of the “strip” where all the locals go. Mike works at the Monte Carlo Casino as the manager for the Lance Burton Show. As such, his hours are usually late and we ended up staying out till 4 am which is “standard issue” for him. I on the other hand, was moving a bit slow the following day.

One of the suggestions from a speaker at the conference was to establish a facebook account. Now, I have been reluctant to do so since my girls each have an account and they are freaking out that I might infiltrate their little group of friends. Plus, I sense that all these electronic communications devices the kids have seem to alienate kids to actually communicate with there mouths. If Darwin’s Law exists, future generations are going to have no mouths and huge thumbs from texting. I’m not sure that is a good thing. But, I guess I am just acting my age. So, I might as well jump on the sinking ship and “get with it”. Facebook here I come. Yarg.

I will be looking for senior models this winter and spring and offering special discounts for their senior portraits. Included in the special will be the opportunity to apply to be a SPA model and travel to San Diego for next years convention. It would be a great opportunity for seniors who are interested in the fashion industry or just to have a GREAT time and get some awesome images. Please contact me if you happen to be interested in the details (847 550 1044).

A Tough Crowd

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:16:04 -0600

On occasion, I am asked what is the toughest photo shoot that I’ve experienced. I have to say, it would have to be my own family. They know everything about everything when it comes to photography. I know nothing. So, if I am lucky enough to get a shot off were they are all somewhat smiling at one time and kinda close to one another, I think I’ve accomplished a great feat. Aside from that, I have three wonderful kids that 99% of the time are a true blessing. It’s that 1% that greys my hair.

Christmas was wonderful this year. We made the normal trip to Galesburg amongst the other abnormal people who dare travel on streets covered with ice. We arrived safe and sound. We had a great Christmas Day dinner at “Sanchez’s” house the following day and then made it back home just in time to get the plow out once again before it turned 55 degrees and rained for 2 days.. What a great time!!! I’m looking forward to 2009 big time.

Paddock’s New Addition

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:03:28 -0600

Doreen and Jason Paddock have a new addition to their family; an 8 week old Bulldog named Payton. I’ve photographed the Paddock’s children as well and I’ve enjoyed having their family as a client. Doreen owns a dog food company which produces healthy treats for dogs (see www.doggiebakes.com). Doreen actually brought two Bulldogs for the shoot and my kids uncharacteristically managed to get out of bed early on the weekend for the photography sessoin. Now my oldest daughter, Mandy, wants a Bulldog in addition to the two dogs and two cats I’ve already been pressured to own. Thanx Doreen!!!! Not a chance!

Pictures with Santa at Hawthorn Gardens

Sat, 6 Dec 2008 08:44:09 -0600

Ya know, there is something about seeing a little child look into Santa’s face and see the glow radiate on their little faces. Magical wouldn’t you agree? This was the second year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take Santa pictures at Hawthorn Gardens in Hawthorn Woods (www.hawthorngardens.net). Folks from around the area (and so not so close) brought their children, babies, and yes, cats and dogs, to visit Santa and take pictures with him. I uploaded the pictures to my online host and the pictures are now available on my website under the “Client Proofing” tab. Many people opted to make holiday cards from the images.

Owners Bill and Matt at Hawthorn Gardens have been kind enough to host this event for the past several years and it has become quite a popular event. This year we had about double the number of people from last year. I really enjoy taking these pictures because I tend to revisit my own trips to see Santa when I was young; one of my fond memories of my parents and the holiday season (except for the Brylecream that my mother insisted in plastering in my hair for every notable outing).

I think everyone had a great time and I am looking forward to next years third annual “Pictures with Santa 2009”!!!! Special thanks to Santa (Bob Riddle) for volunteering to play the part of Santa once again this year. He’s the Best.