Friday, February 19th, 2010
I juggled my camera and lighting equipment as I walked into The James Hotel from the brisk Chicago air. Being new to the city and having the most fabulous sense of direction(!), I drove around the block twice before pulling up in front of The James. The valet gave me a comforting smile as I approached him, and I knew my little red car was in good hands. I entered the lobby of the boutique hotel and instantly loved it- from the large windows, the modern decor and the friendly staff. I was talking to the gentleman at the front desk and had barely gotten the words out my mouth, when Melissa descended the stairs and greeted me with her warm, beautiful smile. Her energy was contagious.
Melissa Diep had asked me a few weeks ago if I’d like to join her for a fashion shoot at the James Hotel, and I was thrilled! While I’ve dabbled in fashion, my emphasis has been primarily families and couples- weddings, engagement sessions, lifestyle shoots. So I was amped to have an opportunity for a different kind of creativity.
We walked into the luxurious bathroom-turned-dressing-room. Beautiful Horacio Nieto pieces were delicately hanging everywhere. The models were a vision to behold, and were laughing and primping playfully. Diem wore a flirty white chiffon dress that could easily have been a beach wedding gown, and she was zipping up Maryam’s stunning olive taffeta dress. Typically working behind the scenes as one of Chicago’s up and coming talented hair and makeup artists, Diem Angie Nguyen, is as radiant inside as she is on the outside. She was such a natural in front of the camera and could change her expression on cue from to sultry, playful or serious. Maryam Subhani originally joined our session as Diem’s hair and makeup artist, but she was glowing with such sheer beauty herself that we had to kidnap her for our shoot. Maryam’s passion is her art but she has stepped into some opportunities lately to shine in the spotlight herself. And we are so glad to have had such a gorgeous and gracious addition to our day! Melissa whisked Maryam away while Diem and I went off to create some photographic magic ourselves. We switched half way through the session and I was amazed at how both girls brought such unique styles to the camera. It was also so interesting to see the difference in Melissa’s artistry and my own, and the models even commented on how differently we worked. That is the thing that continually inspires me in my field, and most creative industries- the ability of an artist to interpret an experience and express it in a remarkably unique way. Every shoot is an opportunity to tap into one’s personal style and continue to discover it, to reinvent it, and to create beauty. I am truly blessed to do what I love. Thanks to Diem and Maryam for being incredible to work with, and Melissa for having me along. Check out these stunning women!
I tend to prefer a more authentic, natural look when it comes to my post-production. But in the vein of reinventing, it seemed appropriate to play with some color a bit for the fashion shoot at The James Hotel. LOVE this one of Diem!
This girl knows how to work the camera! I adore her sexy and then sultry glances below.
Diem humored me on this one! Beyond the lobby of the James Hotel there is a foyer that leads to the elevators and the spa downstairs. There is a strange and interesting mural on the wall that shows a woman’s hand, and a tree sort of doubles as her mid-section. I’m still wrapping my mind around it, but thought we’d play a little bit with Diem mirroring the mural. It’s kind of odd, but there’s a part of me that likes it!
It was so fun playing with the window light and still using some fill in addition. I love Maryam’s expression in the second one as she basks in the glow of the light- something about it really moves me.
Nothing sexier than a woman on a pool table, right? Especially when she’s as gorgeous as Maryam.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at The James Hotel for hosting us. I stopped by The James again last night to check out the Bridal Lounge by Chicago Social Brides and was blown away. The Modern Event Space and James Club were decked out by the city’s top designers and stylists and I had the chance to meet some truly exceptional wedding vendors. Several stood out in particular and I’m so thrilled to have met Courtney of Courtney Callahan Paper, Natalie and her staff at Hello Darling floral and event styling, Rebecca with Dilly Lily floral, and the refreshing Mary Nisi of Toast and Jam Disc Jockey. Looking forward to connecting with them more in the future!
Tags: Chicago Fashion Shoot, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Photography, Chicago Weddings, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Melissa Diep, Photography, The Bridal Lounge, The James Hotel
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