What are your phone and consultation hours?
Our phone hours are Monday-Friday from 9AM to 7PM and Saturday from Noon-5PM. Since our consultations, studio sessions and pick-ups are by appointment, please call first to schedule your date and time. If you happen to get our answering service or voice mail, just leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

When are you available for studio and on-location photo sessions?
Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9AM to 10PM with a final appointment start time of 7PM. We recommend evening appointments for busy professionals as a convenient alternative to keep weekends free. If you require a shoot time outside of our normal business hours, please call us, and we will try our best to accommodate you. We are closed on Sundays, except for emergencies.

Why do you operate by appointment only?
We believe that every customer deserves our full attention and creativity. Like most professional photographers, we operate by appointment. For your convenience, we can ship prints or deliver files online or via e-mail instead of scheduling an appointment to pick-up your print order.

Do you offer free consultations and studio tours?
Absolutely. We understand and agree that sometimes you just need a personal face-to-face consultation in order to discuss all the necessary details for your photography project or just get a feel for the photographer and the studio space before booking.
To schedule your free consultation, give us a call at 773.529.4199.

Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
 Our motto is simple: If you don't like what you see, you get 50 exposures for free (sm).
If you are not happy with the outcome of your portrait or people photography studio session and are unable to find any satisfactory images, we will shoot another 50 exposures for free (same day only). This applies to people studio photography only. Does not apply for on-location or product and still life photography.

What are your payment terms? Do you require a deposit?
All studio sessions require a 50% non-refundable deposit (retainer) at the time of booking which will be fully applied to your package. The remaining 50% is due the day of the photo session. On-location sessions are due 100% in advance.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Discover. For deposits and advanced payments, we also accept personal and corporate checks.

Do you have a rescheduling or cancellation policy for photo sessions?
Since we are reserving expensive studio space, resources and professional staff for your session, we request that you notify us at least 7 days prior to your photo session in order to reschedule at no cost. Rescheduling with less than 7 days prior notice to your appointment causes a $95 rescheduling fee. A cancellation or no-show will result in the loss of the non-refundable deposit/retainer (equals cancellation fee). We will try everything possible to accommodate your schedule and rarely have to invoke our rescheduling/cancellation policy and fees. Consultations are always free and
at no cost to you.

Do you shoot on-location?
Yes. Just add the appropriate mileage based travel fees to your package. On-location shoots require a $500 minimum booking. Shooting on-location is usually recommended if you' re planning on photographing larger groups of people
or prefer a non-studio environment.

When can I see the images? What is your turnaround time?
Contact sheets or proofs (smaller thumbnails of all exposures) are usually issued the same day right after the photo session either in print or digital format via email. Final prints, digital files, headshots or comp cards are usually ready within 4-10 business days. Individual delivery times depend on the volume and the amount of editing, retouching and airbrushing required. We also offer express turnaround within 24-72 hours for an additional fee; please call 773.529.4199 for availability and current fees.

Do you offer express or same day turnaround?
Yes. Especially for smaller packages and simpler shoots. Additional express fees may apply. Availability depends on current studio session volume. Call us at 773.529.4199 for availability.

Can I keep the images confidential?
Absolutely. The choice is entirely up to you. If they are of sensitive nature, you can opt to keep them completely confidential, and we will never use or publish them for anything, period. Should you choose to keep your images confidential, we will issue you a confidentiality agreement right after the session. Please inquire for details.

Do I have the rights to publish the images?
Yes. You have unlimited rights to publish them for promotional, corporate collateral and public relations use. We will issue you a general agreement right after the session
at no extra cost.

How long do you store images? Can I order images from a past session?
We keep your images active for at least 1 year. After that, we securely store them in a remote location to ensure privacy and data protection. Please call us for details.

Can I bring my staff, colleagues, friends and family to the photo session?
Sure, no problem. Art directors, graphic designers, agents, marketing staff or anyone else involved in post-production of a commercial session is highly encouraged to participate and input their professional opinion. Bring friends and family only if you think they will put you more at ease. If you are under the age of 18, you are required to have a parent or legal-guardian present during the entire session.

Do you offer event or wedding photography?
No. We do not offer traditional or photojournalistic event or wedding photography. However, we do offer an on-location studio setup during corporate events for candid or formal portraiture. Just pick your package and add the travel fee (minimum package required $500 or more). Call us first to discuss any details at 773.529.4199.




Where are you located, how do I get there and is there any Parking?
We are conveniently located in Chicago between hip Bucktown and classic Lincoln Park near the intersection of Fullerton, Ashland and Clybourn at 2475 North Clybourn Avenue. On CTA: take the brown/red line to Fullerton, then hop on the #72-Fullerton bus west and exit on Fullerton/Clybourn. Walk 3 blocks north (right) to our studio on Clybourn. From the Kennedy expressway, exit on Fullerton, go east then drive about 1 mile (4 traffic lights) until you see Clybourn Avenue. Turn left going northbound onto Clybourn Avenue and drive for about 2 blocks. We are on the east side of the street. Our storefront studio is black with a yellow sign. There is usually plenty of free street parking available. Click here for a Yahoo map and directions finder in a separate window or call us at 773.529.4199.

What matters most for a professional photograph?
Is it the amount of mega pixels in a camera or the fancy backdrops?
 Neither! Contrary to popular belief, 75% of a photographer's job is people skills, not technical knowledge, which can only be gained by years of experience.
The photographer's ability to pose and relax their subjects, the skill to control light, to create the mood desired and of course, a hefty dose of natural talent and creativity are what distinguish a professional photograph. Bottom line: If you need pro photographs, stick with pro photographers. Take advantage of our vast experience in helping you relax in front of a lens and get the photos you really want and deserve.

 What kind of camera and lighting equipment do you use?
As mentioned before, the camera brand doesn't guarantee a great photograph. But since you asked, we use several state-of-the-art digital cameras featuring high megapixel counts, extremely noise free imagers and high quality internal processors. We use only the finest top of the line lenses, each uniquely fit to the individual job. All images are shot with custom white balance in raw mode for the best possible quality and securely stored and backed up for future orders. We feature 30+ strobes, flashes and reflectors ranging from large soft boxes to very specialized small fill and product lights including countless light modifiers. We continuously research the camera and light equipment market and update our gear on an ongoing basis in order to provide you with the highest quality job.

How is your digital imaging workflow set up?
We use several ultra fast custom-built workstations. All of them are color calibrated and tuned by an A+ Certified Technician on a weekly basis and run the latest version of Adobe Photoshop and countless specialized imaging software programs and plug-ins. We also maintain a secure high-speed wireless gigabyte network for internal production maintained by a certified CIW/iNet+ Network Administrator.

What kind of props, clothing and backgrounds do you have available?
Too many to list. We have a variety of accent clothing pieces and props, and a wide selection of backgrounds. However, you should bring most of your own clothing for the shoot and use our wardrobe to accent your look if necessary. We are more than willing to acquire special props or research an appropriate location. We feel that backgrounds, props and clothing should support the job at hand (and not the other way around). We therefore recommend you give us a call at 773.529.4199 to discuss your unique needs based on your (or our) idea or concept.



What is the process for a typical people
photography studio session from start to finish?
First, review our portfolios and packages online or call us for a free studio consultation or corporate quote. Book your session by calling us at 773.529.4199 or by using our form online. Once you arrive at the studio, you will spend some time with a makeup artist and hair stylist (if applicable). After a detailed discussion of your objectives for the photos, including reviewing some samples you might have, the photo session proceeds as planned. Once the shooting is complete, you will be able to see every single image the same day in the form of printed digital contact sheets (smaller thumbnails of all exposures) or larger on our screens. The contact sheets allow you to make your selections for your final airbrushed and retouched prints, files, headshots or comp cards in exchange for your print/file credit that comes with each package (or more, if desired). Your final edited and retouched files and/or prints are usually ready within several days for pickup or can be shipped. You can also choose to simply get the unedited digital files on CD/DVD and process them with a 3rd party retoucher, photo lab or graphic and web designer.

Should I bring some of my own ideas and samples?
Absolutely. Even though we see it as our duty to come up with creative ideas and poses, your specific ideas are always welcome. We highly encourage you to research online and in magazines as much as possible and bring samples to your consultation or shoot, especially if you know exactly what you want or have a certain look in mind. The more ideas and minds we have, the better the results, guaranteed!

What should I wear or bring to my headshot or portrait photo session?
Simple and contemporary is probably the best way to describe the ideal wardrobe for a headshot or portrait photo session. Generally, we recommend avoiding bright colors, big patterns, logos or any other feature of your clothing that might distract attention from you, but that depends on your personal style. Darker colors like black, charcoal, chocolate, navy, maroon, etc. work best, but sometimes a crisp white shirt is just the look you are going for! Long sleeves are better than short sleeves or sleeveless. Also, make sure your clothes are freshly cleaned, pressed and relatively new. What better excuse to go shopping! If you're not sure, bring a suitcase full! It's better to have too much, than not enough. In terms of style, mix it up a little: some upscale, some casual outfits, shoes and plenty of accessories. Don't forget to bring the appropriate undergarments, socks, belts, etc. to go with your outfits. For corporate headshots we recommend modern business suits and several shirts and ties (men). We will recommend the most appropriate clothing for your shoot during your consultation
and once you arrive.

How can I prepare myself to get the most out of a photo session?
Plan, prepare and relax! Plan ahead so you have all the things you need before the shoot. Go shopping, get a manicure, or do whatever you need to do to relax before the shoot date! Avoid a common mistake like trying to squeeze a shoot into an already hectic schedule. Try to give yourself buffer time before and after your shoot so you aren't rushed to arrive on time or rush through the session in order to get to your next appointment. Eating a small meal, drinking plenty of water and getting a good night's sleep before the shoot will not only make you feel better, you will look better in your photos. If you are scheduled for a larger package, try to take the day off and get a little departure from the daily grind while enjoying a fun photo session.

Should I get a haircut or tan right before the photo shoot?
No, unless your 150% certain of the outcome! We recommend getting a haircut or tanning at least 2-3 days or more prior to your photo session. We have had several cases of getting burned by a tanning bed, a bad spray tan or a too short haircut, which required rescheduling the shoot at the last minute resulting in a rescheduling fee.
f you are planning a swimsuit or lingerie look, watch out for tan lines. If you give it some lead-time, you have a chance to correct your appearance. You can also use makeup to cover tan lines. We can always give your skin a slightly warmer look or soften tan lines with retouching in post-production.

Can I do my own makeup and hair, go to a salon
or bring my own makeup artist or hair stylist?
Most basic makeup applications done by you or a salon are geared towards regular ambient or daytime lighting. Our professional makeup artists and hair stylists optimize your appearance for a studio setting with specialized makeup and hair products. Should you choose do your own makeup and hairstyling with a salon or your own stylist, make sure they have experience in photography related makeup and hair applications, we ask that you have it done prior to coming to the studio for the shoot. If you would like to have your hair and makeup done at the studio, you should book one of our professional stylists.

Do I need to bring my own makeup or will
the makeup artists have their own makeup?
Our professional makeup artists will have their own makeup kits. However, we recommend that you bring your own makeup as well, especially if you have skin allergies, have a hard to match skin tone or would like to use a specific product
for the shoot.




Can you setup an on-location studio for corporate headshots?
What are the additional costs?
Of course. We shoot on-location corporate headshots and executive portraiture all the time. Just add the minor travel fee, all the setup costs are included. We will bring professional lighting and backdrops and turn your conference room or any other place into a comfortable on-location studio.

Is retouching and airbrushing recommended for
executive portraiture and corporate headshots?
Yes. We always recommend purchasing our edited, retouched and airbrushed files rather than the unedited files on disk. We usually spend up to an hour on each final image. This is especially important if you choose not to book a professional makeup artist and/or hair stylist. Many folks simply don't know how to apply proper makeup for a photo session. Post-production retouching and airbrushing allows you to correct most simple makeup mistakes, blemishes, remove other artifacts and get a commercial print or web ready file. Also, most corporate graphic and web designers are not trained photo-retouchers. So make sure you check first with your communications department if you have the proper internal staff at hand to edit and retouch them in-house.

Do you recommend to get releases from our staff in order to use photos in corporate collateral marketing materials?
Yes. Most state laws require written model releases for any commercial use (educational, press, PR and informational use is usually exempt). Unless you have a release built into your employment or other contracts, we highly recommend you obtain releases. Please contact us for any further questions at 773.529.4199.

Are there any additional licensing fees or royalties
besides the package price or price quoted?
No. You as a client have the right to use the images for pretty much anything related to your promotional, sales, corporate collateral and public relations effort. Please contact us for a custom quote if you plan a major advertising campaign.

 Are you able to organize the models for our
planned advertising photo sessions?
No. In order to keep our overhead and your costs low, we do not offer model casting and highly recommend using the services of professional model agencies or online resources such as Model Mayhem or One Model Place . We will gladly help you with the final selection during our consultations. A low cost alternative is street casting of non-professionals or the use of internal staff, which has been very popular in recent years.

We have a graphic and web designer in-house.
Can we just have the plain raw shots?
 Yes, no problem. We offer unedited digital files in high-resolution jpeg format. If you are planning on retouching the images, be advised that most corporate graphic and web designers are not trained photo-retouchers. So make sure you check first with your communications department if you have the proper internal staff at hand to edit and retouch them in-house. We offer retouching at competitive rates including file delivery via CD, DVD or e-mail.


Should I get my actor headshots in black & white or color?
Black & white headshots have been a classic in the theater world for many decades. However in recent years, most are requesting color headshots. The style of your headshot depends on your career goals. If you're into theater acting, we recommend a more dramatic headshot. If you're planning on breaking into the TV, movie and commercial world, a happy smiley shot may work better. Most of our clients get a mix of several looks: one for theater, an LA style headshot for TV, movies and commercials, and a more corporate one for industrials and trade shows and sometimes even comp cards for the occasional print modeling job. The Chicago market usually requires you to be very versatile in order to make a living and send a different headshot depending on the audition. We highly recommend consulting with your agent before making a final decision or calling us at 773-529-4199 for a personal consultation.

Who should help me pick my final headshots or images for a comp card?
We will gladly give you our input. Depending on the size of your package, there are usually many options that would work for you. We also recommend involving your agent, manager, or acting coach, if applicable.

How do I get started in modeling? What's my first step?
We recommend to start with a fashion style comp card that features 4-5 images of yourself in 4-5 completely different looks and environments or backgrounds. Consider it a mini portfolio to showcase you in different settings and poses. These comp cards can then be sent to modeling agencies for possible interviews. Addresses of modeling agencies are easily available by searching the Internet or checking the Yellow Pages. We provide our acting and modeling clients with a list of agency recommendations after their shoot. Many agencies also offer open calls where you can just walk in with your comp card in hand on certain days of the week. If you're on a budget, you could start out with a simple fashion style headshot. A typical comp card fashion shoot includes several outfits, makeup looks and hairstyles and usually ranges from our Basic to Deluxe Packages. Be prepared for a session that will last several hours up to an entire fun filled day!

Is it common to pay agencies upfront or force me to go to a specific photographer?
No. Be aware of common traps and scams asking for money upfront for promised future modeling gigs. A reputable agency will review your mailed photos or comp cards or meet with you at an open call at no charge to you. You should be free to choose any photographer you like, although the agency may have their own photographer in some cases. Once you are a working professional model, you will get plenty of tear sheets and complementary photos from commercial sessions to build your portfolio. The hard part is getting started.

Do you offer modeling gigs? Are you an agency or talent representative?
No. We do not directly offer any modeling jobs nor do we promise any career in modeling. We simply do not have the time nor interest to manage models or operate a talent agency. We focus on what we do best: photography. We get our models, just like most professional photographers, either from agencies or directly off modeling sites such as Model Mayhem or One Model Place.

Do you offer TFP (Trade for Prints) or test shoots for fashion photography?
Rarely. Photographers who are just starting out in order to build their portfolios usually offer TFP shoots. In order to get the specific photos and the experience you need, we recommend you pay for your first several photo sessions. That way you decide on the different looks and sets that work for your personal style (versus the photographers).


Do you offer traditional family portraiture?
Yes, we do offer traditional family portraiture, however we specialize in more relaxed and contemporary images for your family.

Do you work with pets?
Yes. All of our photographers grew up with pets and would love to photograph you with your best friend. Pets such as cats and dogs require more exposures and patience than humans. Make sure you call us first to discuss your ideas before you decide on the package size.

We are getting married and need an engagement photo.
Are you experienced in such services?
Absolutely! We have photographed lots of couples for their engagement, both in more traditional and casual styles for family, friends and newspaper publication.

Do you offer maternity and newborn photography?
Absolutely! Our delicate balance of creativity, patience and professionalism delivers a high quality fine art photography experience you can cherish for a lifetime. Call us to discuss the details of your session at 773.529.4199.

Have you photographed kids, toddlers and babies?
Yes. We photograph kids, toddlers and babies all the time. We also produce many headshots and comp cards for the younger generation for modeling and acting.

I need photos for my dating service. Have you had that request before?
More than you think! A professional image will definitely give you an edge over some of the poor quality amateur photography featured on today's dating sites.




Do you offer any lingerie for boudoir, pin-up and beauty photo sessions?
We have a limited selection of lingerie available. Please call us at 773.529.4199 to discuss any details and availability.

I'm very shy and would like to have some concealed
fine art nude photographs taken for a gift. Can you help me?
Yes, of course. Beauty and concealed fine art nude photography is a very popular gift for many occasions. Jovanka, our female photographer,  is very experienced with putting you at ease and making your session a fun and memorable experience. Read about her work as featured in the Chicago Tribune.

I have never been in a pro studio and sure don't look like a super model!
Any thoughts?
First of all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to beauty and boudoir photography. We therefore carefully discuss and plan all sessions in order to capture the essence of each individual by utilizing lighting, fashion, props and environments that support the idea and look you have in mind. Don't be intimated by today's mainstream glossy magazines with famous supermodels. Most beauty and fine art nude photography has more to do with lighting, posing and angles than the perceived "beauty" of a subject. Also, there are so many styles of beauty, glamour and concealed fine art nude photography available. We will make sure you pick the one that works for you.

Are my images going to be in your portfolio and the Internet?
Only if you choose to do so. Most of our clients love our images and have no problems being in our portfolio. Should you choose to keep them "wrapped up", we offer written confidentiality agreements. The decision is entirely up to you!




Is editing, retouching and airbrushing always included in your prints? If so, why?
Yes, it is always included at no extra cost to you. We try our best to shoot your images as clean as possible. But even the best image usually requires at least some basic color adjustments, editing, cropping and retouching. We feel it would be a real shame for you not to get your images at the highest quality possible and therefore always retouch and airbrush your prints. For example, if you didn’t sleep well the night before your shoot and have dark circles under your eyes, we can minimize their appearance with retouching. It also allows us to shoot more freely knowing that we can fix some issues in post-production without missing a great expression or composition due to some minor issue like a not perfect background etc. If you compare print prices, be aware that most photographers and labs do not retouch their images and literally print the raw digital negative without any adjustments whatsoever.

Do you offer any cheap "raw" prints,
meaning without editing, retouching and airbrushing?
 No. But you can easily get your prints made anywhere you want by opting for our unedited files on CD/DVD. Be aware of the print and archival quality of certain low cost retail outlets and online labs. Obviously we cannot guarantee the quality of third party prints.

 Are your single fine art prints archival quality? How long do they last?
Our single fine art prints are individually printed by our staff on high-end giclée fine art printers featuring a wide color gamut, vibrant colors and excellent dmax for black & white prints. Our prints also feature high archival quality and durability for up to 150 years if properly stored and handled. Always protect your photographic prints! They will fade or turn yellow over time if left unprotected in bright sunlight. Display images framed under glass or keep them in a dry and dark storage box. Additionally, you can get your photo session on CD as a backup.

Do you offer true black and white printing?
 Yes. We are proud to offer true neutral tone archival quality digital back & white printing using the newest inks and technology far superior to mini-lab prints (believe us, we have tried it all!).

How can I protect my prints from the environment?
Always protect your photographic prints! They will fade or turn yellow over time if left unprotected in bright sunlight. Display images framed under glass or keep them in a dry and dark storage box. Additionally, get your photo session on CD as a backup.

Do you offer albums?
Yes! We offer beautifully hand crafted leather bound albums in a variety of sizes and colors. Normal turnaround for albums is 2-3 weeks. Please inquire for details.

Do you offer canvas prints or other modern display alternatives?
Absolutely. We offer a wide range of print alternatives including canvas gallery wraps and printing on very contemporary acrylic and metal surfaces. Please call us at 773.529.4199 for details.

Do you offer traditional framing?
No. There are simply too many quality-framing services all over Chicago. Framing, just like photography, is a very specialized craft and we highly recommend the use of a professional framing service to display your portraits. You can also take advantage of our modern display alternatives (see above).

Are high volume headshot prints and comp cards
the same quality as single prints, even though they're cheaper?
Our high volume prints, primarily for headshots, are for commercial use and printed on Fuji Crystal Archive or Kodak Professional paper using high-end Lightjet printers. Since they go through many hands, they're printed for durability and have a lifespan of up to 60 years, still far longer then ever used. We never use laser printers for headshots as offered on the Internet or advertised in magazines due to poor quality. For comp cards we only use the finest high-grade offset printing.
What are the differences between a photo CD and a photo DVD?
DVD's have a much larger storage capacity (4.7GB, or twice as much using dual layer technology). Most modern PC's and Mac's have the capability to read DVD's. It allows us to store your entire photo session on one disk using high quality jpeg of tiff files. It's entirely up to you which format you prefer, just let us know if need a CD vs. a DVD. There is no price difference. We only use high quality disks with the longest life span available.

What kind of digital delivery options do you offer?
We basically offer three types of files: 1) unedited digital files of all the images from your session, 2) retouched and airbrushed files in high resolution format or 3) retouched and airbrushed files in web format. You can pick and choose which photos you would like to have delivered via disk or e-mail or just have all unedited files on CD or DVD.

Can I view your digital images on my computer? What software do I need?
You can view your images with any photo editor or picture viewer such as Picasa (free) from Google or iPhoto from Apple among many others. If you would like to edit and retouch your own images, we highly recommend using a trained professional. It takes years to master the craft. Web optimized files can easily be viewed by using any web browser such as Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox.

Do you offer images ready for our websites and e-mail?
Yes. We offer web and e-mail ready images that are fully edited, retouched, airbrushed and sized for optimum quality and fast loading.




Can you "Photoshop" just about anything?
 It depends. Every Photoshop professional will tell you that it's much better and more affordable to get the shot right in the first place. We consider it our duty to produce the best images possible during the shoot. It's the lighting, environment, skills, experience and proper planning that matter. Fixing overexposure, bad colors, the wrong environment, blurriness and other pitfalls result in long editing hours and can never really live up to pro photography in the first place. As they all say: Make a good photograph exceptional in Photoshop and not a useless one acceptable!
However, if you are looking for a photo-illustration, keep reading for details.

Can you conduct surgery in Photoshop and remove blemishes,
tattoos, hair and more?
We have done some amazing work in regards to body and skin appearance. Smaller issues like blemishes, overall skin appearance, tattoo removal etc. are never a problem and included in our retouching services. We always enhance the eyes, remove any temporary blemishes and pimples, brighten the teeth and minimize wrinkles and more. We try to keep the look as natural as possible and avoid destroying the character of the image and the person by making it look too superficial. As soon as you can tell it was retouched, we went too far. We always ask our clients about the style and level of retouching they prefer.

Do you offer photo-illustrations and composites such as virtual backgrounds?
Yes. Photo illustrations are hip and in high demand from personal to commercial projects. Open any magazine, and you will see them everywhere. We can virtually create anything as long as proper planning and consultations are involved. We offer simple photo enhancements such as selected color tinting to elaborate virtual backgrounds and environments to complete fantasy worlds. Call us today at 773.529.4199 for your personal consultation.


Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
Give us a call at 773.529.4199 or click here to send us an e-mail!