Remember that one time I offered to take photos for you? Well, I actually did it!
In case I ever do it again, here is a walk through and the final photos! To take the best photos, Andrew Defrancesco is the best to contact. The ladies who took me up on my offer (Miranda and Puja), are not only successful entrepreneurs but ever so stylish. Such a treat to work with. They of course returned the favor for me too.
In photography – location is everything. To save time and produce quality images, finding a diverse spot with great light is key. This way you can 1. save hours of time and 2. have unique backgrounds, making for more interesting content. I chose Chicago’s AC Hotel for two specific reasons:
- The Indoor lounge: not only does the AC Hotel have a beautiful interior but windows galore! If there is one photography trick everyone should know, it is to shoot in natural light. It makes the WORLD of difference. It’s why you see bloggers regularly shoot outside versus inside. P.S. they have an awesome happy hour…just saying.
- Two backgrounds, one location. The AC Hotel’s exceptional neighborhood provides TWO unique backdrops in just one block. Charming Neighborhood & Urban Vibe. So great right? Nestled on Wabash (a quaint, tree-lined street) and Ontario (best shopping, restaurants and high-rises), it cannot be beat. It’s the perfect spot and why it’s one of my favorite hotel staycation destinations!
Blogger Tip: Chicago’s grueling temps make winter a tough time to take outdoor photos. So keep this indoor location in your back pocket. You can stay warm and have all the sunshine you could ever ask for. The AC Hotel is amazing to work with too!
So with without further adieu, let me introduce you to the two leading ladies! We started in the AC Hotel Lounge on the 4th floor and then moved outside.
Miranda – a talented Chicago wedding planner – officially took a new job in Charlotte for Chancy Charms. She needed some fresh images to share the exciting news.
She brought in colorful props, which we went wild with. Now for an outfit change!
Isn’t Miranda an absolute doll? Congrats lady on your new adventure! To see her gorgeous work, be sure to check out her page here!
Now on to the next little lady, Puja.
Such a professional but fun look. Puja is a marketing director by day and stylist by night. And now for the outside…
Don’t you want her entire outfit?! I’m obsessed with her fur stool. If you are ever interested in working with a stylist, Puja will make you look incredibly chic.
If I had to do it over again, I would schedule earlier hours to take advantage of more light. Miranda’s inside photos (who went first) turned out crystal clear. My indoor photos were taken later, so they are a bit grainy. See how much lighting makes a difference?
If I were to ever host an open house photo shoot again, would you like to join me? Just an idea I am tossing around.
Thanks so much to Puja and Miranda for letting me share their pretty faces today. And a special thank you to the AC Hotel Chicago for welcoming us with open arms. Can’t wait to do it again!
