Austin, Texas Editorial Shoot

Having some fun while in Austin – Editorial photography on location

During our September trip to Austin, Texas, we partnered up with actor Jake Glascock and friend/occasional model, Beth for a fun, editorial photo shoot. On the last day of our visit, feeling very inspired from the vibe of the city, we hopped in Beth’s jeep and headed out to the country. We drove for miles, waiting for the perfect spot to jump out at us. “Stop!” Laurie and I both shouted, “There!”

We whipped a quick left, and headed down a looong winding road, stopping at the base of a big, beautiful oak. Certain this is where we wanted to start, Beth did what any good Texan woman would, and climb right up that tree, ignoring the bark scraping her legs because the shot was “just too good.”

We loved working with Jake, who used his acting chops, to create playful, charming expressions reminding us of our favorite lead men, Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Then, when we found the rusted, old truck, like a true professional he turned up the heat, helping to make this cinematic shoot possible.

To see behind the scenes pictures from our trip, including all our favorite Austin spots, check out our facebook page and instagram profile.

Looking for editorial photographers or interested in booking your own stylized photo shoot? Email us at info@revealed-studios.com or call (773) 273-9063

Portraits for Gibson and Quartino Restaurant

By Maggie Rife Ponce

After our recent announcement that we’re now offering corporate portraits and headshots, we received a call from Gibsons Steakhouse asking us to come by to photograph a few of their staff from Gibsons and their sister restaurants. Our goal was to create environmental portraits of Gibsons cooking staff, LuxBar mixologist Matthew “Choo” Lipsky, and Quartino Chef John Coletta.

For these portraits, we used both natural and studio light. Laurie and I scouted locations within the restaurants by looking for clean backgrounds, which still gave a sense of the atmosphere. LuxBar had beautiful natural light in the upstairs bar coming through the East facing windows. However, it was a little strong, so in the below image we filtered it by using the transparent side of our reflector.

At Gibsons Steakhouse and Quartino, we wanted to give the portraits a sense of the warm, inviting environment. These two Chicago staples are famous for making customers feel like their dining in their family’s home.To achieve this, we brought in studio lighting. We balanced the ambient light with our main key light, in this case, the AlienBee B800 with an umbrella attached. We used a neutral density filter to lower the strength of the flash plus a warming gel to match the existing tungsten color temperature. Throw in a dash of Revealed Studio charm, and voila, success.

The ladies of Golden Girl Chicago glow!

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Chicago portrait photography with GlowOut Chicago (previously Golden Girl)

We are ultra excited to celebrate another female owned business, Golden Girl Chicago, started by the lovely Jenn Dies in 2007. This salon brings a natural golden tan to the ladies of Chicago, without the harmful damage of the sun’s rays. We’re not only in love with their services, which include much more than sunless tanning, but also their shared commitment to treat every client like a million bucks! It’s a vendor match made in heaven!

We’re happy to announce Golden Girl Chicago is a preferred partner of Revealed Studios. Mention us when calling to book your appointment for a sweet treat for your first visit! For those out there looking for a natural, sun-kissed skin before their shoot, skip the tanning beds and call these gals. You’ll leave looking and feeling fabulous!

These girls are not only gorgeous, they’re also super talented! They all have a skill they specialize in at the Salon–custom spray tanning, hair, makeup, and a variety of other services.

Chicago Dance Portraits

By Maggie Rife Ponce

As promised, here are the pictures from Luvabull dance, Brittany Brown’s dance portrait session at North Avenue Beach. We had such an amazing time collaborating on this shoot with Brittany and makeup artist Emily Wolf. These two gals are soooo inspiring!

Check back soon for more dance shoots taken throughout the city.

A sky high dance shoot with a Chicago Luvabull

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Chicago Dance Photography with Lovabull Brittany Brown

On our love for Chicago Dance Photography–In addition to our deep love for photography, there are a few other things that make Laurie and my heart pitter-patter. Travel, makeup, a great book, an epic song, and of course, dance. Though neither of us are formally trained, we each have spent hours at salsa clubs shaking our bootays. Laurie even met her husband salsa dancing.

We love the freeing feeling that comes over us as we twirl until our hearts are racing and can’t contain our laughter. It’s liberating when when your hips loosen up and you no longer feel inhibited.

Even watching dance ignites the same uplifting emotions. Seeing the Joffery ballerinas leap into the air brought tears to my eyes, and I have to confess, I’ve seen the live show, “So You Think You Can Dance” not once but twice. Each time left me inspired to move, create, and live more fully.

So after years of passionate talks about our shared love for dance, we finally decided to photograph the lovely art form.

Last week we had our first dance photography session with the truly lovable Chicago Luvabull dancer, Brittany Brown. Makeup artist Emily Wolf met us at the studio at 4 a.m., prepping Ms. Brittany with a soft, dewy look and big, flowing curls. With the look in place, we were off to catch the sunrise of North Avenue Beach.

We love this single frame of Brittany leap high into the sky. We’ll share all our favorites from the shoot next week and talk about our upcoming Dance Chicago Series. If you’re a dancer and would like to be involved, please e-mail us at info@revealed-studios.com or call us at 773-273-9063.

Calling all actors, models, musicians, and comedians

By Maggie Rife Ponce

We’re now offering authentic headshot photography

We’ve all seen them. Super stiff and stuff headshots. That doesn’t have to be you. We’re now offering portraits and headshot photography starting at $299.00. Our entry level package includes a 30-minute session with one look and five retouched color and b&w high resolution digital files.

Wanna see more? Check out our sister site, Revealed Portraits for even more examples.

Questions or like to book? Contact us at 773-273-9063 or e-mail at info@revealed-studios.com

Sister silliness

By Maggie Rife Ponce

One night while living in New York during a college internship, I was chatting with my roomates in the kitchen when my phone ringed. I looked down at the caller id and saw “Dad” flash across the screen.

“Hi Dad, what’s up?” I asked.

We chatted for a few minutes, until at one point, my Dad changed the subject and tone. He told me he’d fallen in love recently, and well, had proposed. He explained how he met her in Kenya while photographing children in an orphanage. It was a brief run in, they just bumped into each other in the hallway where he asked to snap her picture. “She had a great smile,” I remember him telling me.

A month later, he received an e-mail from the woman, Caroline, asking for the picture. Gradually, through e-mail exchanges and long distance phone calls, he fell for Caroline. Before anyone knew what had grown between them, he proposed. (I attribute my adventurous, hopeless romantic nature to my Dad. )

She said yes!

After two years of visa paperwork, a trip back to meet her family, and tons of hoops to jump through, she finally arrived to Nebraska with 9-year old Jasmine in tow. Our family suddenly grew from three to five, a year and a half later, a new addition arrived. Her name, Neriah.

There is 22 years between Neriah and me and 12 between Jazz and me, but our bond, which includes our older sister Katie, is solid. When we’re all together, silliness always ensues! I never imagined ten years ago that I’d have two new sisters, nor that despite our age differences, we’d all be so close. I’ve always been the baby, which in my family meant I doing “favors” for my older sister, asking for advice, and getting it even when I didn’t ask, and the one with the least experience. All that has changed. Last week I had Jasmine up to visit. I realized it was now my time to treat, tease, and teach her. What a gift! On Jazz’s last day, my Dad and Caroline came to pick her up with Neriah. With a lump in my throat, I snapped these pictures below. I love them so much and feel lucky as can be to have three great sisters who bring me all this joy.

At Revealed Studios, we love celebrating women, and especially sisters! If you’d like to book a session with your sister, call us at (773) 273-9063 or e-mail to info@revealed-studios.com

In this nine-by-nine below, my little sister, five-year old Neriah, shows me her many different faces.

My sister Katie and I in our kitchen back in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Twirling at Sunrise

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Fun Lifestyle photography Shoot at Montrose Harbor

Before the sun was above the horizon, we were up and out the door on our way to the studio. The day started with hair and makeup by Anjelica Bannos, giving Kelly, our model for the day, a luminous, fresh glow. Everyone handled the wee morning hours like champs. It helped knowing we have an empty beach at sunrise for a lifestyle photography shoot. It was well worth sacrificing a few more hours of sleep.

Just as we parked our cars, the sun rays stretched across the sky. When Kelly reached the top of the hill, her red hair glowed like a burning fire. The location was perfect for her free spirited nature and beautiful smile. We had the best time that day, snapping away in multiple outfits and twirling along with Kelly.

Accompanying us was jewelry design Zurina Ketola, who leant us her lovely designs for the occasion. They were the perfect accent for this beachside portrait shoot. We’re so excited to now be carrying a selection of Zurina’s pieces for our client’s to wear during their sessions! What a great additional to our studio.

Chicago Bridal Boudoir Photography with Ms. A

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Ms. A, an upcoming 2014 bride, wanted to surprise for her husband-to-be with sexy, yet tasteful, pictures as a gift for the wedding.

During hair and makeup, we brainstormed ideas with her, coming up with locations and accessories for each outfit. We even planned to use our in-house lockers for a slightly kitschy tip of the hat to her fiance’s love of Nebraska football.

Laurie and I were thrilled with the session. Ms. A rocked the shoot, showing her sultry, sassy, and sweet side. We’re sure Mr. A will love his very special wedding present come next year!

After the shoot, Ms.A, who has been keeping up on our twitter and facebook tips on “How to look great on camera” wrote this to us, ” loved your tip on Revealed about breathing with your mouth open! Looking back at my pictures, it really does make a difference! You guys are just great at making people look good!”

How to look great on camera

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Tip #1: breathe through your mouth

Quite often, Laurie and I have clients say to us, “I’m so awkward on camera!” To them we answer, “that’s totally normal!” We are real women, our clients are real women, not professional models. Laurie and I have totally been there. In fact, we pose for each other often enough to remember what it feels like to be on that side of the camera. We want to connect and relate to our clients, and know the right tips to help bring about a natural unfolding. Like pie crust, it takes a certain touch to create a sense of complete confidence and comfort on camera. Eventually there is a change that happens, when tension is released and a spirit shines through.

We have 10 tips that help our clients look their best on camera, and we want to share them with you. These tips don’t just apply during a professional photo shoot, they’re get guidelines for selfies or party pics during a night out with your girlfriends. Each day we’ll release a new tip on our twitter and facebook page. Follow us to have special, daily access to these tips, before we release the full list, right here on our blog, in two weeks.

(Self portrait of me “trying to illustrate this…”

So back to Tip #1: Breathe through your mouth

So we all have vicemouth syndrome. Our lips are press together so firmly, there’s no way a single sliver of air can escape. It happens when were nervous, stressed, or focused. We want to hold in our stress, swallow it down, so it doesn’t overcome us. Just as every yoga instructor would tell you, breathing helps release that tension.

At the start of each session, this is one of the first tips we share. breathe through your mouth. The whole time. Not only will it naturally help you relax, but it looks great on camera by curing vicemouth syndrome. Suddenly your mouth is free to smile, tease, pucker. Try it out! Let us know if it works for you. Here are a few examples from our shoots showing, beautiful, relaxed lips.

Glowing Senior portraits of Shanell!

By Maggie Rife Ponce

With poise and confidence beyond her years, Evanston, Illinois senior Shanell glowed during her senior portraits in Chicago.

For Shanell’s 18th birthday gift and senior year present, she experienced the full pampered treatment, including hair and makeup by the talented Tanya Renelt. With moving curls and glowing skin, Laurie and I captured pictures of her beneath the urban el tracks. It took her no time to warm up on camera–soon she was breaking out her salsa moves and laughing along with us. After the tracks, we moved to nature, where the late afternoon sun cast golden light onto a field of wild flowers. It was a gorgeous setting for the lovely Shanell! We’re so honored we were able to capture this special time in Shanell’s life.

Senior year of high school is a pinnacle moment in life. If you’d like to have beautiful senior portraits of your daughter to celebrate this coming of age moment, call us at (773) 273-9063 or e-mail to info@revealed-studios.com

How to shine on camera – Model portrait session with Jaycee Gossett Pt. 2

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Earlier this week we featured boudoir photos of Jaycee Gossett from her modeling portfolio session. During that same shoot, we set up the studio lights and let Jaycee’s million dollar smile shine!

For Jaycee, her past modeling, dance, and teaching experience help her feel confident on camera. But even she asked for a little Beyonce to help loosen her up.

If you’re feeling nervous, music helps to relax and even bring you out of your shell. We love when clients tell us their favorite artist — our musical inspirations can instantly change our energy. And even if you need a little extra boost, just make like Beyonce and adopt an alter ego. We all have a little Sasha Fierce in us.

Chicago Musician Photography – Blues guitarist Kate Moss

By Maggie Rife Ponce

Blue’s guitarist, Kate Moss, brought rock star quality to this musician portrait session. Check out videos and more pics of her jamming here! Thanks for being such an inspiring subject Kate!

If you’re interested in a creative portrait for your business or online profile, contact us at info@revealed-studios.com or call at 773-273-9063.

Boudoir Bachelorette Parties

By Maggie Rife Ponce

At Revealed Studios Laurie and I (Maggie) love celebrating the bride-to-be by creating stunning boudoir photos. During a few of our recent shoots, our clients have brought along their bff’s for company. Of course, with so many great friends together, it turned into a gigglefest. When the bride was finished with makeup, the friend’s were so impressed with the final outcome that two decided to have their own done for the night!

Between all the laughter and ohhs and ahhs, Laurie and I looked at each other with the same idea in mind (as often happens to us), “What a perfect activity for a bachelorette party!”

With all your girls together, start with hair and makeup by one of our very talented artists. Then, we’ll snap pictures of everyone looking fierce, as well as the super fun memories of your time together. And yes, there will be champagne! It’s a celebration, right? The best part about the experience is you’ll all be ready for the night out afterwards!

Of course, for the bride-to-be, this is a perfect time for the boudoir shoot you’ve been thinking about, especially since you’ll have your girlfriend’s there to support you!

In Chicago for a weekend bachelorette party? Contact us to inquire about a party.

Below are images from real bride-to-be, Ms. A, who will be getting married in April of 2014. Check back soon to see the pics from her boudoir session!