
Hi, I’m Chris…
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Working with me is relaxed, collaborative, and deeply personal. I approach each session with curiosity and calm, guiding you gently when needed but always leaving space for real moments to unfold. I’ll scout great locations, help you feel at ease, and quietly look for those unguarded expressions and interactions that truly reflect your relationship. Most couples tell me afterward that it felt more like hanging out than a photoshoot — and that the photos feel like them.
Why Print Matters to Me
Print makes photography real. In a world where so many images live briefly on screens and then disappear, I believe the ones that matter deserve to be seen, held, and lived with. Whether it’s a framed print on your wall or a handcrafted Story Box on your shelf, printed photos have weight and presence. They anchor your memories in the real world. For me, creating printed art isn’t just a final step — it’s the heart of what I do.
How It All Started
I got my first camera as a kid — a little Minolta point-and-shoot my parents gave me. The photos weren’t great, but they always encouraged me to keep shooting. In junior high, I started using a manual Canon FTB and developing my own film in a darkroom my dad and I built together. That early love of photography stuck with me. Over the years, it evolved from hobby to passion to the business I run today, rooted in both storytelling and artistry.
My Approach
My work is guided by intuition, natural light, and a deep respect for your story. I don’t come with a rigid shot list — instead, I observe and respond. Whether we're hiking to a waterfall or documenting the quietest part of your wedding day, I aim to create space where you can be fully present. My approach is about noticing: small gestures, soft moments, the way light touches your skin. That’s what makes the final images feel honest and timeless.
Things I Love
I’m endlessly inspired by nature — especially water and woods. I love long hikes, motorcycle rides, and time spent with my kids. I collect antique singing bowls and have a soft spot for old maps, quirky museums, and well-worn books. My perfect weekend would include a hidden trail, a thermos of good coffee, and a camera in my hand. These are the kinds of moments I try to bring into my work: grounded, real, and meaningful.
A Few Favorite Places
Some places feel like they do half the work for you — the light, the textures, the mood. A few of my favorites include the lower dells of Matthiessen State Park, the foggy bluffs near Seward, and quiet forest preserves outside Geneva. I also love the Pacific Northwest, the hills of Kentucky, and anywhere with a good waterfall and a sense of discovery.
What Clients Say
“My partner hates taking photos, but by the end of the session we were both laughing and completely at ease.” That’s one I hear often — and it means everything. Clients have told me that our sessions feel unforced, like spending time with a friend who just happens to have a camera. They love how natural their images feel, and how the printed pieces turn those memories into something lasting.
Prompt: Feel free to share a few actual testimonials here!
Why I Love Photographing Couples
There’s something sacred about being invited into someone’s love story. I’m drawn to the moments between the moments — the quiet smiles, the spontaneous gestures, the way you reach for each other without thinking. Photographing couples gives me a chance to witness that connection and preserve it in a way that feels meaningful. It’s not about perfect poses — it’s about honoring something real.
If We Work Together
If we work together, you’ll get more than just photos — you’ll get an experience that’s thoughtful and tailored to you. I’ll help you choose a meaningful location, offer gentle guidance throughout the session, and walk you through your artwork options so you end up with something you genuinely love. I’ll show up prepared, curious, and fully present — and I’ll bring snacks if we’re hiking.
Why My Clients Love
My clients love the relaxed atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the final artwork that doesn’t just sit on a hard drive. They love that I don’t force anything, but I still make sure they look amazing. They also love how I see their connection — not just how they look, but how they are together. Whether it’s the subtle glance, the inside joke, or the moment they think no one’s watching, that’s what they come back for.