Elegant Entertaining:

A recent photoshoot with interior designer Janet McCann showcased a truly unique dining room. The space is distinguished by a ceiling that opens up to a second-story balcony, creating breathtaking ceiling height and an impressive sense of openness. Janet capitalized on this architectural feature by designing a custom chandelier mounted on the second-story ceiling, which gracefully drapes down into the first-floor dining area.

To capture the chandelier’s full impact and scale, I had to shoot from the second level, providing a vantage point that highlights its dramatic presence. Beyond the lighting fixture, Janet designed all of the cabinetry as well as the dining table and chairs, ensuring every element of the room is cohesive and tailored.

This dining room stands out as a special space—luxurious yet welcoming—perfectly suited for elegant entertaining in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Luxurious, Functional, Striking:

There is really only so much you can do to make a powder room elegant. Janet McCann seems to do this with ease. The floating vanity, finely crafted in elegant hardwood and topped in white marble, creates a clean and sophisticated focal point. Beautiful bespoke wall sconces add a soft, inviting glow while showcasing expert craftsmanship. The curved wall, cleverly designed to cloak the water closet, adds a subtle architectural interest that elevates the entire space. As far as powder rooms go, this is perfection—minimal yet luxurious, functional yet striking.

Shooting Max's Restaurant:

Max’s Fried Chicken has been a Chicago staple since 1945, known for its timeless appeal and flavorful offerings. We had the opportunity to photograph this location a few years ago, just prior to their grand opening. Capturing the exterior at 5:00 AM presented a unique challenge—it was the only time all day when the parking lot was completely empty, allowing for a clean, unobstructed shot. Below are some favorite images from that session, showcasing both the iconic facade and the inviting atmosphere that Max’s has maintained over the decades.

Marietta Grab Shot:

It had been a long day of shooting.  As I was putting my gear away, Marietta sat down and was tussling her hair, I grabbed my Sony A700 which has a pop up on camera flash and grabbed a shot, then I asked her to smile.  Perfect.

Chicago High End Kitchen Remodel:

Recent photoshoot with Benvenuti & Stein. This high-end kitchen remodel is part of an extensive Chicago townhome renovation. Among the standout features is the beautifully crafted built-in shelving, showcasing fine pottery, art, and vintage kitchen artifacts. This shelving not only serves as a striking focal point but also sparks conversation as guests gather around the spacious, oversized island for entertaining and cooking. True to Benvenuti’s reputation, the quality of workmanship is first rate and unmatched. Some favorite images from the shoot are featured below.

Shot on Film - Michelle:

 We photographed Michelle using a Minolta XE-7 paired with a Vivitar 100mm f/2 portrait lens on Fuji Asia 100F color reversal slide film. The studio lighting setup included Photogenic Machine Studio Master II lights, with the main light firing into a 48” Calumet soft box. A Pro-Photo 36” octagonal light served as a kick light, adding depth and separation. Overhead, a four-inch tube acted as a hair light positioned above the backdrop to provide subtle highlights.

To enhance skin tone, the main soft box also fired into a 36” golden reflector, creating a warm, flattering glow. This image is a small sample from one of four different sets we completed with Michelle. She was dedicated throughout the shoot and a true pleasure to photograph.

Master Suite by Berliant Builders:

We photographed this stunning estate home for Berliant Builders late last year. Here we want to highlight expansive Master Suite.   What stood out in Berliant Builders' work on this project was their commitment to preserving the home's original character. By opening up walls, raising ceilings, and incorporating exquisite woodwork and built-ins, they have enhanced every aspect of this exceptional residence. 

We will do a  room-by-room detail of the property, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship. More to come.