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.

New architecture photography

Just completed photography of a commercial office building in the northwest suburbs, MLG restaurant in Lake Forest, and a five bedroom house in Hyde Park. The office building shoot was delayed many times while we waited for the parking lot to be repaved. Thankfully the house and restaurant photos went without any delays.

Tackling the Group Photo

Photographing four or more people always presents a unique challenge to the photographer. On the simplest level, it’s essential that everyone is looking at the camera, or at least not blinking. Then they need to be positioned in such a way that everyone’s face is clearly visible to the camera. Another important factor is location and setting, and finally it’s necessary to arrange everyone so the composition is harmonious. And one lesson quickly learned when photographing groups is that the larger the group the more difficult the photograph. Often planning ahead is necessary so the photographer can determine where the group photo will be taken and whether there is a staircase nearby to help with posing, or whether a ladder might be needed to get a high viewpoint.

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.

Writing at the speed of sound

Have you ever wondered how a court reporter is able to record the testimony at a trial? This Luminex court reporting machine has a lot to do with it, and enables the court reporter to type at 200 words per minute or more. I’m not going to say I understand how they do it, all I know is that it’s nothing like a typewriter, and it isn’t easy to learn. Apparently about 90% of students drop out of court reporting school before reaching graduation. I took these photos for Stenograph, a company that has been manufacturing these and other related products for 75 years.

There’s more to Christmas than eggnog

We all love eggnog, at least during the holidays, but face it, eggnog is a “one hit wonder”: one glass and you’ve had your fill. Variety is the spice of life, even at holiday time.  Here are some potent potables that will keep you smiling from Christmas through New Years and until all your resolutions have been broken.

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.

Ballyea Jewelry Designs

I have been photographing the unique handmade Irish-inspired jewelry of Ballyea Jewelry Designs for the past two years. Founded by Bernadette Moore Gibson in 1991, the designs in the Ballyea collection celebrate Gibson’s Irish heritage, and many of the pieces are based on designs from the ancient Book of Kells. I try to bring out the intricate artistry in the rings, pendants, bracelets, and traditional crosses that I photograph.

Trump Int’l Tower interior design

Earlier in the year I photographed a condo unit in Trump International Tower in Chicago. It had been remodeled by Debbie Weisz of Debora Lyn Designs. The interior design and the views were both sensational. At the time of photography, Trump was simply a corrupt businessman and failed realty TV star, now he is a disgraced ex-President and perhaps a convicted felon and prison inmate.

Nia Restaurant

Owner Nia Asimis draws upon her Greek heritage and her father’s culinary influence in the creation of the Mediterranean-influenced menu at Nia Restaurant on west Randolph in Chicago. Describing her food as “Mediterranean tapas” the menu focuses on small plates of fish, meats, and vegetables from the various Mediterranean regions. The extensive wine collection is well-matched with the cuisine, and the dark intimate atmosphere makes for a pleasant and satisfying dining experience. Nia is on Chicago’s “restaurant row” and is situated among some of the most popular restaurants in town–while Nia may not get as much press as its neighbors, it is definitely worth a visit.