Julieta Alvarez: Soaringbird Studios - Chicago Area Photographer

For this blog I wanted to highlight what Julieta Alvarez is doing for artists, photographers and the community. I am amazed as to how much one person can take on.

This last Friday I was very honored to have my work displayed at Julieta's studio: Soaringbird Studios (find it on FB). In talking to her I learned that as a photographer herself she felt that there was a lack of resources for artists to display and sell their work. Instead of throwing her hands up in the air, after doing her research, she decided to start her own gallery right in her living room. Every month she chooses a different theme and artists who are interested apply to have their work displayed.

Through her hard work and effort organizing she has developed a partnership with the Canale Art Lounge (find it on FB) to have artists display and sell their work there. The Canale Art Lounge is Chicago's first art lounge. They showcase an array of artists media including paintings, photography, sculptures, digital art, film and music.

Her work doesn't stop there. She is also very involved in the music aspect of artistry. She is the marketing manager for Ratio Enterprises. "Founded in 2004, RATIOnation.com is a production and artist management company in Chicago. With a heavy focus on new and independent music programming, RATIO has established itself as the true presenter of underground live performances and emerging artist promotion in both (but not limited to) Latin Alternative and Latin World music. Through a myriad of music and art based events, RATIO creates a unique and high-end environment that shows their dedication to attaining the ultimate music experience."

Julieta Alvarez is a pioneer and activist for artists, photographers and musicians. I am very proud and lucky to call her my friend.

I took this shot of her last summer:

Mark your calendars for May 13th 7:00pm at the Canale Art Lounge; 500 W. 18th Street, Chicago, 60616 where I will be displaying my work along with Julieta and other female artists.

Stop by my blog next Sunday night to view images from my first newborn session.

The Wedding Story of Mr. and Mrs. B - Chicago Area Wedding Photography

Please take a look at last week's blog for details of a reception highlighting women artists that I will be a part of.



I just couldn't decide on a few images to post for this week's blog. I was thinking since this was an intimate wedding only the bride and groom's immediate family members and a hand full of close friends were in attendance, I decided to tell as much of this wedding story as I could. Those that were not present could witness this beautiful union of husband and wife.








She was the calmest bride ever. I thought it was because of the less then 30 guests that were going to attend, but as we talked she said I'm not nervous because marrying R just feels right.

The best moment of the day happened very early, I was glad that I arrived extra early and was there to capture it.

There was a knock at the door...

The pretty flower girl; the bride's daughter S.

The beautiful maid of honor; the bride's daughter V.

The girls had big roles, so they were preparing all morning. They did an excellent job!

Profile shot of the bride as she looked at her daughters.

Over at the groom's room... he was very nervous (it was so sweet).

In both rooms cartoons were playing on the TV for the kids.

Profile shot of the groom as he looked down at his lil' niece playing at his feet.

The ceremony and reception took place at Gibsons Steakhouse.

Rev Phil Landers officiated the ceremony. He is a renowned minister of weddings, and I had first hand experience as to why.

A note about the editing of the ceremony pics. I wanted to stay true to the romantic dim lit atmosphere.

The processional music.

The bride could not keep her eyes away from her husband to be as she walked down the isle.

The look on his face says, "WOW, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am the luckiest man."

The groom's sister was filled with emotion as she read: "These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as we promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever ... And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch." - The Blessing of the Hands, author Unknown

The vows "...Because of you, I laugh, I smile, I dare to dream again. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, caring, loving and being there for you in all life has for us..."

During the ceremony the Bride and Groom gave the girls charm bracelets with the date engraved to symbolize that they are one family. Afterwards the girls proudly displayed them for me. V said, "I had no idea what was in the box. I thought it was the wedding rings. Isn't it (bracelet) cool?".

Now that is a kiss...

The perfect recessional music.

The bride and groom's parents have a combined 78 years of marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. B, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to capture your wedding day. When we first met, Mrs. B you said to me that you felt an immediate connection with me via my blog. I felt the same when I met the two of you. Beyond the sense of accomplishment in shooting my first wedding I hope that I now have new life long friends.

Exciting News: Photo Showing @ Soaringbird Studios - Chicago Area Photographer

I have some exciting news to share. I've been invited by Julieta Alvarez manager of Soaringbird Studios (find it on FB) to do a photography showing with her. Julieta is a good friend from college, an artist, photographer, mother and the consummate organizer. She has developed a collective where artists work together to organize and promote events as well as sell artwork; right out of her own home. Her vision has grown and now she has established partnerships with multiple galleries throughout Chicago to display artists' work. One of these galleries includes, the Canale Art Lounge a unique art gallery located in the creative arts district in downtown Chicago. Julieta successfully completed her second collective showing there just this weekend.


I am honored that she has chosen me to partner with her and celebrate Women's History Month by doing a collective photo showing. The preview show will be Friday March 25th from 7:30-10:30 pm at Soaringbird Studios located on 3435 S Wood St in Chicago. The second installation will be at the Canale Art Lounge on May 13th. I am very excited, and I hope to see you there.


More Good News - today I shot my first official wedding. Check in next Sunday night to see the photo story of Mr. and Mrs. B's beautiful and intimate wedding.


In the meantime enjoy this capturing the moment image:

Luis Angel Guzman CD Release Party - Chicago Area Event Photographer

I assisted a photog friend Margarita Vazquez (friend her on FB) in covering this event because she was also part of it. Maggie show cased her photo session with musical artist Luis Angel Guzman at the CD release party. I had so much fun shooting these images. I also had lots of fun editing while playing his music on You Tube.

Here is the photo story of the CD release party of Luis Angel Guzman (become a fan of his artist page on FB). His CD "Tan De Repente" was debuted in downtown Chicago's National Museum of Mexican Art.

The opening act was performed by Jose Luis Gutierrez http://www.elgtz.com.

As Luis Angel Guzman took the stage, the strobe/fog machine and not to mention his fans went crazy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVQOKLP-_vo&NR=1

Maggie covering the event. Congratulations to her she sold several images this night. She only has a few left if your interested contact her.

DJ AZTLAN

Everyone was dancing the whole night.

It was a great event on this cold snowy night in downtown Chicago. Congratulations to Luis Angel Guzman on his CD "Tan De Repente".