Indoor Winter Engagement Session in Downtown Chicago
It was such a joy spending a quiet Friday afternoon in January with Gretchen and Anthony, capturing their engagement photos amidst the grandeur of the Art Institute of Chicago. The hushed ambiance of the museum in the off-season provided the perfect backdrop for a personal and intimate session. From the moment we met, their easygoing nature and genuine connection were evident. They completely trusted my vision, allowing me to explore creative angles and utilize the stunning natural light that filtered through the museum's iconic windows. And, bless their hearts (and their quads!), they were incredibly patient with my frequent requests to ascend and descend the many staircases – a photographer's dream, but perhaps a bit of a workout!
I truly believe that the best photos come when couples can relax and simply be themselves. Gretchen and Anthony embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. They were so present with each other, lost in their own little world, which allowed me to capture genuine moments of affection and laughter. My goal is always to create images that feel authentic to the couple, and these two made that effortless. The dramatic architecture of the Art Institute, combined with the breathtaking artwork housed within its walls, provided an unparalleled setting for their session. Every corner offered a new and inspiring composition.
Gretchen and Anthony are such warm and down-to-earth people. Their comfort with each other was palpable, making my job as a photographer so much easier. Given the quiet atmosphere of the museum, I kept my directions minimal, wanting to avoid disturbing other visitors. This resulted in a natural and unscripted stroll through the galleries, with a few extra flights of stairs thrown in for good measure. I must have told them a dozen times how effortlessly they seemed to own the space. Their outfits were impeccable, their poise was striking, and they simply radiated confidence. It was particularly special that Anthony was experiencing the Art Institute for the first time, and it was clear that he felt right at home.
One of the most memorable moments of the session involved a bit of a comedic miscommunication. I had asked them to walk up a set of stairs while I remained below to capture the shot. Once they reached the top, I wanted them to interact naturally, but without shouting across the echoing space. My attempt at a silent direction – a sort of enthusiastic wave/charade – was unfortunately misinterpreted as a synchronized dance move. They immediately began mirroring my flailing arms, resulting in a hilarious, silent performance. We all had a good laugh about it afterward. I only wish someone had been there to witness the scene from an outside perspective!
The fact that they were so comfortable being themselves, even amidst a slightly awkward charade moment, speaks volumes about their personalities and their trust in me. That's the kind of energy that makes for a truly successful engagement session. It's about embracing the moment, not taking things too seriously, and allowing the genuine connection to shine through. And of course, looking absolutely fabulous while doing it. I'm so excited to celebrate with Gretchen and Anthony again in November at their wedding! Cheers to this wonderful couple!
