Nothing tickles us more than when clients turn into friends, which is exactly what happened with Zurina Ketola. She came through our doors two year ago when we were still in our early stages. During the “getting ready” process, we learned that Zurina was an incredibly talented jewelry designer. A few weeks after her session, we reached out to her, inviting her to collaborate with us on a stylized photo shoot. The only catch, the start time was 4 am! Zurina jumped at the opportunity, arriving bright eyed and bushy tailed, with a collection of unique, handmade pieces that accented our shooting style perfectly.
She’s been our go-to jewelry guru ever since. We have an amazing set of accessories on consignment for studio use, designed specifically with boudoir in mind. We love her work so much, we’re often can’t part from shoots without taking a pair of earrings or new necklace home with us.
Zurina has been creating chic handcrafted jewelry for over a decade. With a design philosophy rooted in quality and timeless versatility, her inspiration is often drawn from her interest in historical art and cultures, as well as global travel. Her jewelry designs can be found online at www.zurinaketoladesigns.etsy.com, or right here in Chicago at her fabulous new spot in the Andersonville Galleria. In her free time, you can find Zurina working on her tumbling and acrobatics skills training in the circus arts or singing and playing guitar.
Introducing the uber talented Makeup Artist Anjelica Bannos
Before Makeup Artist Anjelica Bannos began working with us, she got her start brightening up the tired morning anchors and weather people at NBC Chicago. Maggie’s husband Anthony was one of the lucky ones she touched up in the morning. He sang her praises for months, dropping hints that she’d be a great addition to the Revealed Studios team.
We’re so glad we took his advice! Anjelica has a down-to-earth nature and a knack for knowing just how to bring a client’s look to the next level. A genuine spirit, it’s not uncommon for clients to feel like they’ve known her for years by the time they leave her chair.
When she’s not busy doing makeup, she enjoys anything food related (did we mention her family is in the restaurant business? Be sure to visit the Purple Pig!), catching a live concert, seeing new places and returning to old. A couple of her favorites include sunsets in San Diego and the hustle and bustle of New York City. But nothing compares to the feeling of home in Chicago. She loves traveling near and far and cultivating creative spirit. See more of her work at her Chicago makeup artist website.
You know those people who have some sort of voodoo calming power? Well, makeup artist Tanya Renelt is one such lady. With a background in the healing arts, her gentle spirit puts anyone sitting in her makeup stool at ease. Tanya has a soft touch, creating flawless, effortless looks. If her smiling eyes and sense of presence aren’t pleasant enough, her transformative makeup will take your breath away.
When she’s not doing makeup, Tanya’s busy being a mamma to her three children, spending time with friends, and learning about natural healing methods.
In our early days as a studio, the stunning lady below, Emily Wolf, was one of our favorite models to work with, helping us to build our initial portfolio. We had such a ball the first time we worked with her (she has the most contagious sense of humor) that we invited her back for a second shoot. Then, upon learning about her exciting career move to makeup artistry, we immediately called her back for a third, only this time to transform a client.
She’s an amazing wealth of knowledge, not only in the world of makeup, but also in the field of photo and film production. With a background in acting, she knows how to work both sides of the camera (she recently appeared on Chicago PD). She loves making clients feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. Other interests include fashion, travel, music, food, and exercise, oh, and an obsession with Sons of Anarchy- Jax Teller. MEOW!
Introducing the Certified Makeup Artist Jaycie Kurfess
This lovely lady below is makeup artist Jaycie Kurfess. She’s one of the hardest workers around filling every weekend in the summer with double and triple-header weddings. When the stars align, we’re able to commission her skillful eye.
Her love of makeup dates all the way back to childhood when she first fell in love with painting. Experienced in bridal, corporate, and editorial makeup, she’s a multifaceted gem, not to mention an absolute sweetheart.
When Jaycie is not working, her favorite thing to do is spend quality time with her husband and close friends. She is guilty of starting awkward conversations with strangers, watching marathons of SVU, eating the last cookie in a box and taking an excessive amount selfies with her dog, Roy.
We feel lucky beyond measure to have the most amazing team of creatives at our studio. Over the last four years, we’ve adopted into the Revealed family a group of ladies who are as fun to work with as they are talented.
The first to start with us was Heather Brzek, momma of two with a third on her way. She takes a light touch to makeup that accents natural beauty, but knows how to amp it up when the time is right. She does an incredible cat-eye liner and gives the best hugs. Thank you Heather for all your amazing work!!
For the second year in a row, Revealed Studios is participating in the Indie Wed Wedding Show & Market on Saturday, January 31st, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come stop by our booth and enter to win a free Revealed portrait session. Laurie and Maggie will be on hand to answer any of your questions about boudoir and the other types of photography we offer.
We also have five free Indie Wed tickets to give away. First come, first serve. Drop us a line at [email protected] if you are interested.
Hope to see you there.
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(taken from website) Indie Wed is THE alternative to traditional wedding expos. For those in the midst of wedding planning, Indie Wed offers a one stop shop for all the best wedding artisans and professionals around the country. Indie Wed is the longest running independent bridal fair in the U.S.
Saturday, January 31st, 2015 10 am – 4 pm at the Ravenswood Event Center entrance at 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave Chicago
Plenty of free parking is available along Ravenswood Ave. Venue is also 1/2 block north of the Irving Park brown line station.
Indie Wed will feature:
*100+ amazing vendors from the Midwest and beyond *two full floors of vendors *food tastings *musical performances *wandering models featuring spectacular bridal fashions *a special 3rd floor lounge with lots of surprises *and much more
Tickets are priced as follows:
* Early Bird (through Dec. 19th) = $12 per single / $20 per 2-pack ** Online (through Fri. Jan. 30th at noon) = $15 per single / $25 per 2-pack * At The Door = $20 per person CASH ONLY
Maggie has been taking a much needed vacation in Thailand. We’ve been missing her, but she sent us these beautiful photos to share with you.
On a personal note, I, Laurie, am so grateful for Maggie manning the Studio while I was on bed rest and maternity leave for twins. She did an awesome job and was sooo busy. Love you and thankful for all you do.
There’s still time to book your holiday session for the season! We’re offering a 30 minute mini-session for $99 that comes with a complimentary digital image for you to use for your holiday card this season. Pets are more than welcome!
Male Boudoir Photography and Fitness photos with trainer Dusten Nelson
While our clientele at Revealed Studios is mostly female, we love the chance to stretch our creative wings. This shoot below was a great change of pace; Stepping out of our beloved studio adorned with soft fabric, feminine touches, and clean floors, we ventured to a grittier location to photograph friend and fitness guru, Dusten Nelson. Starting in the early morning, just as the sun broke the horizon, we criss-crossed down Chicago streets, heading south to an abandoned grain production facility.
After using some, eh hem, covert means to get onto the grounds, we quickly started shooting. Dusten, a professional trainer (he’s the motivator behind our other client Miss M’s amazing transformation) wanted some pictures to showcase all the hard, physical work he was doing to prep for an upcoming show in December, while also capturing his personality too.
A little fun makes for the best photos
So, how does one do those two things? Our answer, play and good lighting! Dusten said of his shoot, “I’ve worked with a number of photographers, and this was the most entertaining. I was surprised how good the photos came out because of how much fun we had while taking them.”
We encouraged Dusten to jump, hit, run, and even swing during his session. Combining a this approach with some amazing natural light, we tried to create images that were approachable and light at first.
The second half of the shoot took us inside the actual grain silo where the scene looked like a horror movie waiting to be filmed. We were a wee bit nervous as we crept further into the space. Like a rabbit hole, rooms lead to more rooms, creating a circuit of tunnels and containers that were once functioning storage structures. The dark walls, dirt covered floors, and graffitied background was perfect for the harder look we were after. We relied almost completely on the natural light pouring in from small slits and reflecting off the nearby cement walls. The highlights and shadows were exactly what wanted to define and carve out his figure, while the surrounding environment created the perfect mode for an intense feel.
We completely agree with Dusten! It was so, so fun. If you’re interested in a create photoshoot like this one, call us at 773-273-9063 or e-mail info@revealed-studios for more information.
We’ve never done a shoot like this! Circus photography with Duo Rose
We’re so excited to share this next series of images from a recent editorial style photo shoot with Circus performers from MSA & Circus Arts. Our first post features the married couple, Sylvia and Sam, known in the industry as the Duo Rose. Their routine is so compelling because it’s not only technically breathtaking, with splits, twists, and one armed drops, but also incredibly romantic, ending on a soft note with a gentle kiss.
Sam and Syliva are internationally recognized performers, traveling the World to share their aerial act, even visiting Havana, Cuba, where they were awarded the bronze medal during the 9th International Circus Festival.
Laurie and I are incredibly inspired by movement, so to work with Syliva and Sam, was an absolute treat. The fact that they also happen to love one another, made it even more swoon-worthy. Laurie and I were a thrilled peanut gallery while taking these pictures.
Check back soon for more from our visit to MSA & Circus Arts!
We couldn’t have done this shoot with out our amazing team, including Makeup Artists, Emily Wolf, Jewelry designer Zurina Ketola, assistant Kelly Feldmiller.
Chicago Bridal Photography with The Hue Studio Company
This month we had the pleasure of working with event planning company, The Hue Studio for a Spring bridal shoot. With gorgeous dresses from Veronica Shaffer, jewelry from Zurina Ketola, makeup by Tanya Renelt, pastries from Sugar Hill Bakery, and a lovely painting from Agustina Diez Sierra, the result was a wonderful collaborative effect. With green and pink inspiration, Jeff created gorgeous tablescapes with intricate details, sparkle, and of course, lots of color!!
Curious what a Revealed Studios session is like? Read a firsthand account below.
“A few months ago, my good friend Maggie Rife Ponce approached me and asked me to be a model for one of Revealed Studios photo shoots. She and her partner, Laurie Peacock, had this idea to shoot me at Montrose Harbor at sunrise. I think there were a few reasons they thought of me for this specific concept; one is that, as a baker, I am all too familiar with being up before the sun. I said yes, although, I don’t think I could have been more nervous. I had to keep talking myself into it more and more as the day of the shoot approached. I was very familiar with their work, and I loved it, but I’m not the girl who likes to get her picture taken. In fact, like most women, I don’t always feel great about the way I look. I’m the girl who always makes fun of how awkward she is–why would I want someone taking photos of that? What made me even more nervous was being the center of attention, having two people with their eyes just on me.
After arriving to the beach, it took me a little while to warm up to this idea, but Maggie and Laurie made me feel so comfortable. They are two of the warmest women you will ever meet, feeling silly or uncomfortable didn’t last very long around them. They both understand that posing is not a natural thing to do. While one photographed the other would coach and do poses as well.
The sun was barely up before I started to find the whole experience actually fun. Laurie and Maggie both became so enthusiastic about everything! Whether they were excited about a certain setup, or the way my hair was blowing, or a pose, I received constant affirmation. I seriously don’t know if my self esteem has ever been higher. And it wasn’t because I had my makeup done and felt pretty; it was because I truly felt beautiful and was having fun. Maggie and Laurie are both so creative and passionate, but they also figure out your personality, and with such ease, capture that not only in the photographs, but also in the whole photo shoot process. During makeup, throughout the shoot, wrapping everything up, Maggie and Laurie become your friend and your biggest fan.
Before I did this shoot, I would have never guessed that I would have allowed myself to be in that situation, but after it was over, I wanted to do it again. I didn’t understand why it had taken me so long, why I had been so worried about it. I recommend the whole experience, especially to those who may be more reluctant. And to those, who say yes and make an appointment with these wonderful ladies, take a deep breath, relax, don’t allow yourself to be nervous, and have so much fun.”
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 [email protected] or call (773) 273-9063
