CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

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  • Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    A Journey as a Self Portrait Artist in Chicago

    Holy wow! I did it—I finished the project. Indeed, as a self portrait artist in Chicago, nothing feels quite like doing exactly what you said you would do. Sticking with a daily creative habit that requires me to carry a tripod everywhere was incredibly challenging. Specifically, I hit a huge wave of indecision around Day 3. However, after I overcame that initial hump, I stopped overthinking and just relaxed into the process of capturing who I am.

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    A woman in a brown coat walking along a sandy beach with trees in the background and sunlight shining through. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Exploring Identity and Motherhood

    During this month, I explored the roles I play in this lifetime—the complex intersection of womanhood and motherhood. For example, I thought a lot about the feeling of belonging both to myself and my children simultaneously. Furthermore, this project served as a constant reminder of the impermanence of these tiny, fleeting moments. To stay inspired, I used to have a Facebook community, women have always helped pushed my creativity. which helped me push past my artistic blocks.

    Children celebrating a birthday party in a decorated room, playing with colorful balloons and a large '8' balloon. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Ultimately, it is bittersweet to have finished this month. Nevertheless, it absolutely pleased my brain to have something challenging to look forward to on a daily basis. I had so much love and support after sharing Part One of this journey. In fact, you can take a peek at that previous post right 

    A young woman with closed eyes wearing a black mask adorned with small white flowers, standing in a softly lit room with a vintage music-themed background.

    Why Creative Projects Matter

    All of these images fill me with an immense sense of pride and happiness. Because all of these photos were taken by me, they hold a deeper level of meaning. I am learning that I can be both an amazing mother and a self portrait artist in Chicago who is still finding herself. Consequently, I’ve realized that life is meant to be lived and experienced through an artistic lens. I hope you are taking the time to experience your own creative journey too!

    A woman with long dark hair, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a brown coat, smiles with her eyes closed while standing outdoors against a brick wall.
    A woman lying on her side on a bed, partially covered with blankets, with her back to the camera.
    A young woman sitting on the floor in a cozy room, writing in a notebook with plants and a wooden table nearby.
    A woman holding a child in a cozy indoor setting, both appearing affectionate. The woman wears a denim jacket and the child is dressed in an embroidered dress, highlighting a warm moment between them. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    Close-up of a person's face partially obscured by their hand, with one eye visible, set against a soft background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A close-up image of a person lying on a bed with a floral arrangement in their hands, capturing a contemplative and intimate moment. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A smiling woman stands beside a swing set in a playground, with motion blur indicating children swinging in the background. A house is visible in the background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A woman wearing a maroon sweater is joyfully posing with her arms raised against a clear blue sky.
    A woman with long hair is reclining in the backseat of a car at night, looking towards the camera.
    A young woman with dark hair stands near a door, looking back over her shoulder. She wears a strappy black top and denim shorts, with soft sunlight illuminating her features and creating a warm ambiance.
  • Untitled post 11111

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    Winter is the calm after the busy Fall season. It goes by rather quickly. I’m so grateful for that calmness but I like being in the thick of my client work the most. This year however I decided to embrace some personal work a little more for these restless days. The challenge was quite simple ; capture yourself, one image a day for the month of February. I’ve never done anything like this. To be honest I do care about how I’m perceived, I think anyone who says otherwise is just lying to themselves. & honestly this is just screaming I love myself a little too much, for a moment It took on a negative feeling. But when that settled I thought of all of those days when I didn’t love myself, and how l behaved in the moments I lacked self love.

    For the first time in my life I truly + completely love every . single. part. of my being. I am intentionally working on not using words like good or bad to describe myself, but what I will say is that anything that I was lacking before is so full to the brim now. Self Portraiture has always been a gift to the artist. These are a gift to me and my children, I know one day not terribly close but in the near future I’ll look different. I’ll feel different. My hope is that my new found compassion for myself only grows.

    Today in the middle of my 32nd birth year I am heartbroken, growing, expanding, learning and practicing what I preach. I am a multitude of feelings, I am things I can’t describe yet. Words I can’t find. These images have truly shown me that when I decide to show up for myself great things can happen. While these images may seem ordinary to most there are big connections to parts of me I have or I am in the process of grieving.

    I hope you try showing up for yourself

    I won’t lie. This has been so hard. I selected the coldest month to do this project, because clearly I don’t think things through enough lol. I just jump right in. That’s me. So I’m desperately thinking of new ways to use my tiny space. Not to mention new ways to see myself. I’m deeply proud of how I’ve stuck with it and I’m now more than half way through this project. It’s so so cool. I have always been the type to lean into the discomfort. & this, the capturing myself daily has been uncomfortable as hell.

    I try to close my eyes pop on some Carla Morrison and let inspiration take me where it wants to. I have also let my mind wander, my smiles are genuine, thoughts of my children and other people I love run across my mind and I can’t help but smile and send them light and love always. If you are seeking inspiration in anything I hope you always remember you are always the source of greatness. Start with you today.

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    self portrait of woman topless facing away smiling on a couch
    black and white photo of woamn playing with her hair
    cloudy self portrait of woman and flowers
    self portrait of woman on desk
    self portrait of woman in shower in black and white with hand on the glass
    a self portrait of a of and her son
    self portrait of a naked woman outlined by a plant
    a self portrait reflection of a woman reading
    close up monochrome of self portrait of woman with closed eyes
    self portrait of woman jumping
    monochrome self portrait of legs
    a little movement self portrait
    self portrait of woman in man's white shirt
    self portrait of mom and daughter on the floor reading
    self portrait of woman touching hair