Oh, baby!

Newborn portrait photography by James Jordan.

Images © 2011 James Jordan

Feeling at home

Sylvia is a nutritional consultant. She contacted me recently to get some headshots and environmental portraits for her soon-to-be-renovated web site. Sylvia's office and client meeting space is in her home. Talking beforehand, we decided to feature her surroundings as part of the portrait making process.

Sylvia's place has a nice open airy space with lots of windows, and on the day of the shoot, lots of late afternoon sun streamed in through a bank of windows and a set of french doors on the west side of the house. Lots of light. My job was to bring in just enough fill light with a flash or two to keep the shadows from getting too dark and to provide nice catch lights in Sylvia's eyes.

We shot poses in her kitchen (what better place for a nutritionist?) and living room, projecting the warm and welcoming vibe of Sylvia's home and personality.

James Jordan Chicago Portrait Photographer

Portrait Quiz

Take a look at the portraits below. Can you pick out which portraits were taken on location and which were taken in a studio?

OK, trick question. All of the portraits you see were taken on location. Top left: Taken at the subject's office; Middle Top: Taken in a park; Top Right: Taken at the subject's home; Bottom: Taken at a retail optical store.

You don't have to travel to sit for a professional portrait. I'll come to you, and bring whatever is needed to produce a pleasing portrait that puts you in your best light.

Five reasons in-home portraits make good sense

1. It’s just a heck of a lot easier to have the photographer come to you instead of packing up and carting everyone to the mall or photo studio, then going through the stress of combing, primping and straightening everyone just seconds before it’s your turn to “look natural.”

2. You are the one and only customer. You have the photographer’s undivided attention. No standing in lines or waiting your turn. It’s all your turn.

3. Children (and admit it –adults, too) are more at ease in familiar surroundings. They can have professional pictures taken inside, outside, with a favorite toy or pet – even in their own room. How cool is that?

4. You can change clothes as many times as you wish. Can’t decide between casual, formal, seductive, or playful? Why not be them all?

5. You can feel free to show your passionate side. Whatever your hobby or avocation, the things you love to do can be a part of your photograph.

If your home has a window and a ceiling, it’s a good bet it can be quickly transformed into a temporary photo studio. (If your house doesn’t have any windows or ceilings, getting a portrait done is the least of your worries.)

A single strobe and a reflector or two (don’t worry, I’ll supply those) is all we’ll likely need to git ‘r done. I even can supply the backgrounds if you’d rather. I’ll even visit ahead of time (at no extra charge) to look over your home and discuss various locations that may work well for pictures. You may be surprised to find out just how photogenic your home can be – not to mention its inhabitants!

Engagement session – Kara and Eric

Kara and Eric will be getting married next summer and asked me to do some quick engagement portraits for them. This was a simple portrait setup in the living room at Kara’s house. I brought a number of plain and patterned sheets of background papers and Kara chose … white. The lighting was supplied by a single strobe bounced off the ceiling … the bride - and groom-to-be held small reflectors on their laps while seated on an ottoman.

The chemistry between Kara and Eric made the session a breeze. I suggested some poses, then let them get creative and have some fun. What you see is who they are.

Bling shot.

Messing around.

They did their thing, I just kept snapping.

A session similar to Kara and Eric’s starts at $150, which includes an hour of shooting time and delivery of a CD of images. Affordable high-quality print packages are also available. Leave a comment or drop me an email: james[at]jamesjordanphoto[dot]com.