Oftentimes accessories are an afterthought. Arguably the one time that should not be the case is on your wedding day! As a bride-to-be, it can be overwhelming to choose a veil or hair piece, a belt, your jewelry and your bridesmaids’ jewelry, on top of everything else you have to plan. So many decisions! Here are 5 tips to make sure you and your ‘maids are impeccably accessorized for your big day.
Read MoreBonphotage had the privilege of photographing the Catering Executive Club of America's meeting at Pinstripes in downtown Chicago. Pinstripes exposed brick and Chicago river views made the perfect venue for a fun evening!
Contact sales@bonphotage.com for more information about event/corporate photography.
Read MoreDespite knowing each other for two years, both growing up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago (Obama's home town!), their grandmothers sharing a best friend, the Bernsteins living literally across the street from the Heydemanns, Henry and Lizzi never really connected.
It was during the summer of 2014 that Henry moved back to Chicago after a brief stint in NY and was looking for a new spiritual community, a place to be inspired and reconnected to Judaism on his terms. Enter Rabbi Lizzi, who loves nothing more than a young adult on a mission to be inspired. Fast forward a couple months later... Lizzi asked Henry out. Giddy with excitement, he said yes. And finally, despite having a really really bad day on the date they happened to pick for a first date, he psyched himself up, put on his game face and let her pick him up in her Honda. The rest is history.
Read MoreWhen I am not shooting weddings and engagements, I absolutely love boudoir photography! Women are beautiful and I love using natural lighting and posing to enhance and create gorgeous imagery. At Bonphotage, we focus on making the experience classy, comfortable and enjoyable.
We have partnered with some of the most talented hair and make-up artists and Bonphotage offers those services to accompany your boudoir shoot.
Contact sales@bonphotage.com to book your session today :)
Model: Willow Star www.willowstarmodel.com
Read MoreWhen Andres contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal to his girlfriend of 7 years, I was elated! Andres and Paula recently moved to Chicago from Miami and he wanted to find a warm, tropical place to propose to remind her of her home and family. We decided that the Lincoln Park Conservatory would be perfect!
Amongst the luscious greens and spring flowers, Andres told Paula a "story" he had carefully thought of about a "friend" who reminded him a lot of them. I watched from a few feet behind as I pretended to be photographing the flowers. When I saw him get on his knee and the ecstatic look on Paula's face...I remembered why I truly have the best job in the world. I get to capture love and happiness!
Congratulations Andres and Paula!
Read More"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family." Lee Lacocca
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Editorial bridal photography is an emerging trend in bridal photography and it’s largely inspired by fashion editorial, focusing on glamour and style. The photographer works with the real-life bride to create imagery inspired by couture fashion magazines.
At Bonphotage, we love beauty. We work with incredible stylists, bridal gown shops and make-up artists to make your dream images come to life. Contact bonphotage@gmail.com for more information or to schedule your editorial bridal shoot.
Read MoreWhen Bonphotage photography, Amy Beck Cakes, Veil Event Design, Lauren Nicole Val, Amy Zwikel Studio and Elle Val decided to put together a styled shoot, we knew get fun would be had! The shoot took place at Veil Event Design's beautiful Chicago space which included a rustic exposed brick interior as well as a charming wooded backyard area, both perfect settings to convey our rustic and woodsy theme. The model Lauren Nicole Val is also the owner of Elle Val, a high-end Chicago clothing and accessories boutique. Elle Val provided the beautiful gowns, nude Louboutin heels, a 15 carat sapphire engagement ring and other accessories. Amy, from Amy Zwikel Studio, created custom macrame pieces for the shoot which added beautiful texture. Casey, from Veil Event Design, provided stunning hydrangea, dusty miller and eucalyptus arrangements, standing over 2 feet tall and providing layers of blue, green and ivory floral drapery. Amy Beck Cakes provided the 3 layered cake with beautiful rhinestone detail. The shoot was photographed by yours truly, Bonphotage.
Read MoreNot many words are needed. Blanche and Pearl are easily the most adorable English Bulldogs in Chicago! Pet photography by by www.bonphotage.com.
Read MoreWhen Jenna Colgrove, popular fashion blogger behind Visions of Vogue, contacted me to ask if I would photograph her and her husband to commemorate their 6 month anniversary, I CLEARLY jumped at the chance. Jenna and Matt, who currently reside in Los Angeles, were in Chicago for the holidays and wanted to take the opportunity to get some photos in iconic Chicago locations. We started the day at Chicago's Union Station and took some adorable shots by the iconic ivory columns.
Read MoreThe freezing Chicago winter temperatures did not stop this sweet family from enjoying every moment of their family photo session. We started out at Oak Street Beach in Chicago where Dashi and Teddy's (newlyweds) chemistry was undeniable and a pleasure to photograph. Even grandma was a good sport about hiking out onto the snow covered sand for a snap. We then went to the Bonphotage studio where the family laughed and posed for a few more snaps.
Read MoreThere’s nothing I love more than to capture candid moments between loved ones. When my long time friends Brian and Arnicia Harris asked me to capture their adorable family, I didn't think twice. When the Harris family arrived at the Bonphotage Studio, I was greeted by the sweetest of smiles from their entire family. Here are just a few of my favorite moments from their candid family portrait session!
Read MoreThe only thing better than an adorable dog is four of them. Pinch me because I couldn’t ask for a better job. The sun was still shining in California when I met up with Mary and her *beyond cute* gang of golden retrievers and a maltese, Mickey, Layla, Hurley and Gunther. We had a great time bribing the pups with treats in exchange for a sweet smile. I adore so many of their images from their family and pet photography session. Here are just a few of my favorites - enjoy!
Read MoreA photo is worth a thousand words. To me, a photo is most meaningful when it gives us a glimpse of the beautiful story we all have behind us. We found love, we found a family, we found each other. Jill and Darrell and their adorable french bulldog Walter, are building some beautiful things together and I couldn’t be happier to have captured this adorable trio. Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Read MoreThere is no replacement for a natural smile and a candid, happy moment. The Bavelis boys made it so easy to capture those authentic shots. After meeting at the Bonphotage studio and playing with balloons and Christmas tree ornaments, Theo, Joanne, their two adorable boys and I headed over to Olive park. The children took turns jumping from one step to the next and giving each other sweet hugs for the camera in between. This family was just such a joy to have in front of my lens. Here are just a few of my favorites from their session. Enjoy.
Read MoreHappy Monday! What better way to start the week than with a jungle-themed first birthday party?! This sweet party for Mark's first birthday took place at La Mirage Restaurant, was designed by Yanni Design Studio and photographed by yours truly, Bonphotage. I loved all of the bright colors and adorable animal fur hats that the children took home with them. Every detail was accounted for, from animal themed cake pops to colorful gummy worms.
Read MoreBonphotage has photographed a lot of dogs over the years. Big, small and medium, and we love them all. But even with all the pet photography experience under our belts, it's still always a bit intimidating to meet a dog that weighs as much as you and stands up taller than you.
Nevertheless, it took only minutes to realize that there was nothing to fear about Kona and Oliver. These 115 lb Great Danes were as sweet and playful as could be.
Shelly has had Kona (the beige Great Dane) since she was 10 weeks old. Kona is 3 years old but still acts like a puppy and loves bounding around the house playfully. She would much rather curl up in a sofa or chair then lay on her bed. She loves to go on walks, does anything for a treat, and enjoys accompanying Shelly and her husband wherever they. Kona thinks everyone should give her love when they see her and can't understand it when they aren't petting her. Understandable!
Oliver, the 6 year old black Great Dane, was adopted just over a year ago. Shelly and her husband are still getting to know him and vice versa. What they know for sure so far is that he has a sweet soul, loves to have his ears scratched, and loves to go on long walks. He can often be found walking around the house with a stuffed toy in his mouth and always has to take one to bed with him. He likes to lie in the sun in the house and outside. Oliver is also known to chase after birds and squirrels, but probably wouldn't know what to do if he actually caught one. His favorite past time is walking up to Kona when she's laying down and making her move so he can take her spot!! Shelly and her husband are so happy we added him to their family!
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