Portrait

One night, I was invited to the local bar & grill by a friend. While I was at home deciding whether to attend or not, my future soulmate would be sitting there waiting patiently! This portrait photographer from Chicago was staring at a stack of edits but was also making good time, so I grabbed my keys and made my way.

I chose a seat just two spots away from her, where the both of us would be locked in a moment of impact that felt eternal. It was love at first sight; not in a fairy tale sense, but in raw human emotion that was interconnected in ways I never knew existed. Fast forward over six wonderful years and here I am, sharing our story with you today!

Gabi and I had a connection much stronger than the norm. It only took 11 days for us to mutter those three infamous words; I love you (yes, I said it first).  We were fueled by art and a sense of purpose to create – taking us on one adventure after another from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains.

She had done some modeling in her teen years, but found a passion in writing that resonated deep within her soul. Her poetry has the ability to inflict emotion at a moment’s notice, taking the reader through the lightest and darkest corners of her mind (ig: @gabiwantswine). She rediscovered her love for modeling when we met and it became a form of communication between us. The more we shot together, the more she became interested in photography as well. After years of apprenticeship behind the camera, she is now my second photographer! My life is picture-perfect and I have these photographs for proof.

My muse, my heart, my life, my wife.

My photography career started in the portrait world. I dove into the scene of photographers and models, made connections with others in the industry and grew my name while learning something new from every shoot.

I hosted and co-hosted local meetups in the Chicago area, partnered with brands such as The H Collective & Gypsy Junkies, as well as coached photographers and models on improving their skills and social media presence.

Prior to portrait work, I mainly captured landscapes and street art. Working with people 1 on 1 was such an eye opening experience. I learned how to vocalize my vision, manage the scene, pose & frame, and so much more. Photographing people was my calling and I would soon leave my job to pursue that profession.

I’m incredibly thankful for everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with on a creative or professional level. There’s so much going on behind the scenes including concept design, wardrobe, location and purpose. Portrait work allowed me to sharpen my eye and imagination behind the camera, something I carry into every session I’m hired for.

I met Sam when a new Starbucks store opened and they gathered ‘all-stars’ from various locations to make it the best team yet. When we talked about our dreams and aspirations beyond the barista life, she told me she’s been modeling for years and wanted to take the next step toward making it a career. I was a photographer with little experience in the portrait world, but saw a perfect opportunity to grow and help a fellow artist.

Sam and I became the best of friends, and eventually we would leave Starbucks to pursue an investment in ourselves. Our portfolios grew with our love for art, and it became clear that our paths crossing was the work of destiny.  She taught me how to convey concepts, instruct and pose models, and allowed me to see the beauty in humanity. Meeting Sam was a pivotal point that set the trajectory for my biggest passion today – photographing people. These images represent my stages of growth, my obsession to create and my undying fondness for capturing all aspects of life. Welcome to our work.