Category Archives: Chicago Photojournalism

Cover shoot for SDM magazine

For much of my career I was essentially an editorial photographer, shooting several magazine assignments every week. But those days have come and gone–the publishing industry has considerably diminished–though my love of shooting for magazines has not wavered. At this point, I cherish every opportunity I get to work with editorial clients, the assignments are fun, creative, and often challenging. Earlier this year I shot a story for SDM magazine on Convergint Technologies, a leader in the home and corporate security industry.

Students in Valparaiso University lab

The recently-opened Center for the Sciences at Valparaiso University is a 55,800-square-foot, laboratory-intensive building that houses primarily wet laboratories for chemistry, biochemistry, and biology students. When it opened in fall of 2017, I was engaged to document the students and the new labs.

The “Grand Tour” Rolls Through Chicago

Wine Spectator magazine’s much-loved Grand Tour hit Chicago last week and attendees were able to taste 244 of the world’s best wines. Under the glittering dome of Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom, the finest vintages from France, Italy, California, Australia and other wine locales were there for the sipping. If you don’t know your Le Clarence de Haut-Brion from your La Carte de Haut-Brion, this was your opportunity to taste them both and finally decide which goes better with your favorite rack of lamb recipe. 

Chicago’s Victorian Heritage

Chicago is a virtual museum of Victorian-era structures.  Sure, an enormous number of buildings were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but those were in the downtown and near north area. If you explore Old Town and parts of Lincoln Park today you will discover a treasure trove of Victorian houses and commercial buildings. This just adds to the reputation of Chicago as one of the world’s finest cities for architectural excellence.

Cover photo shoot for Orthodontic Products

Dr Derek Bock and his wife Dr Anokhi Bock are an orthodontist and a pediatric dentist, respectively.  They share a practice in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest and their business was highlighted in the current issue of Orthodontic Product magazine, and I had the privilege of photographing them and their staff. On a recent morning in August, their office was more like a summer camp with dozens of children from five to 18 filling all areas of the office, and I needed to navigate this near-chaos as I was setting up my array of photographs. Ultimately, it was a fun morning and everyone was tremendously cooperative, and didn’t see one grimace from a kid having their braces tightened.

Lakeshore Recycling Opens New Facility

Last month Lakeshore Recycling opened a state-of-the-art single stream recycling facility in Forest View IL, and I was there to document the ribbon cutting, speeches, facility tour, and buffet lunch. The 40,000 sq. ft. facility was amazingly clean, quiet and well-organized, but what impressed me the most was the buffet lunch: great sandwiches, pasta, hors d’oeuvres, salad, and warm chocolate chip cookies. Plus, all our plastic silverware and paper plates were recycled!  It was a fun day and I felt like I did my part for the environment by shrinking my carbon footprint.

Chicago’s Big Dig

Meade has been involved in some of the largest utility-related projects in Chicago for the past 108 years. Clients depend on Meade for all types of design, construction, and maintenance of electrical power and natural gas distribution systems and telecommunications technologies. I spent three chilly days documenting the installation of a natural gas pipeline under the Kennedy Expressway. The massive equipment belied the level of precision needed for this project to be successful–the pipes had to meet up within millimeters under the expressway. Exacting work, and a fascinating photo shoot.

Spiaggia food and wine pairings for Wine & Spirits magazine

Last January I had the delicious pleasure of photographing food and wine pairings at renown Spiaggia restaurant on North Michigan Avenue for Wine & Spirits magazine. Since its inception, Spiaggia has garnered a smorgasbord of awards for its food, wine selection, and chefs, including James Beard awards and a Michelin star. In addition to the food and wine pairings, I photographed the interior space, Chef Chris Marchino, and Sommelier and Beverage Director Rachel Lowe.

Physical Therapy Clinic

The University of Illinois Chicago and Rush Hospital recently combined forces and opened a state of the art physical therapy clinic.  With abundant space and several treatment rooms, they are much better able to accommodate their large and diverse patient base. I was hired to shoot images of the therapists working so large prints could be displayed around the clinic.

Transwestern Commercial Real Estate

Over the past two months I have been photographing commercial real estate for Transwestern.  I had the opportunity to shoot office complexes, shopping centers and strip malls in some of the lesser-known Midwest vacation meccas.  These include Schaumburg IL, Blaine MN, Columbus IN, and Southfield and Farmington Hills MI.