Plum Tree Studio Blog
Kenosha Wisconsin Racine Wisconsin Wedding Photography at Dekoven Center and Conference Center
On Saturday our lead photographer did the wedding day photography at the wedding The DeKoven Center in Racine Wisconsin. This lovely Saturday afternoon, was the perfect day for Stephanie and Kevin to celebrate their love for one another by committing their vows in this 19th century Tutor style church. The ceremony was perfectly serene, with poem readings from close friends as well as the exchange of vows from the couple. We were given permission to stay within the church after the ceremony for wedding portraits of family and friends. The Center was built in 1867 as a boarding school and Christian college and over the years has been modernized yet still retains its old fashioned look and feel. The DeKoven Center is located at 600 21st Street in Racine Wisconsin, in case you are looking for a quiet and peaceful setting for your wedding day.
After the ceremony, everyone headed to Lincoln Park for beautiful outdoor photos of the individual couple and with their bridal party. The park is located at 7010 22nd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143. When the lead photographer arrived the group was already engaged in fun photography of their own, as they were a very happy and lively group. We stayed near a nice wall of trees for some solid shadow, where he had our group photos of everyone, including a few sneaky kissing photos from the flower girl to the ring bearer (though I don’t think he really minded at all based on the pictures.)
Once we had the portrait group photos completed, we headed to the lovely white bridge down the walkway. There we had some fun with jumping photography and running jump photos. This group was awesome! So much life and energy from everyone that it made the day fly by too quickly.
Finally, the reception was at the Best Western Harborside Inn & Kenosha Conference Center at 5125 6th Avenue, Kenosha Wisconsin 53140-3403. The staff there was very attentive and polite. The couple had a live Jazz, Steven Rainey (Real Deal Band, called “during cocktail hour as the DJ set up his equipment. The night was much still in the swing as we ended the evening!
Congratulations Stephanie and Kevin!!!
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Chicago area bridal lingerie boudoir photography studio
This afternoon our lead photographer had a beautiful bridal lingerie and boudoir photography session in our Chicago Bridgeport studio with a client from Round Lake Beach Illinois (a northwest Chicago suburb). Our client was a natural in front of the camera, with a dramatic smile and gorgeous curves. We proceeded through numerous outfits, both capturing the seductive and innocent looks. As the afternoon sun began to set, I realized we have some magnificent glass around the studio here, so a few boa feather later and we able to capture the sexy beauty against the wall looking out longingly. Finally, we wrapped up our session with a few pure white photographs in her wedding veil on top of our white studio lace.
Below are a few of the images from our session. As per norm, I will not share personal client photography outside of the immediate client. The images below are safe for viewing at work.
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Michael Jackson confirmed dead on june 25 2009
It was just confirmed on June 25, 2009 on every news media source that Michael Jackson, pop music legend, has died in his Los Angeles California home. He had no pulse when the emergency team arrived. The UCLA and Los Angeles Fire Department were rushed to his home at 12:26am, responding to a 911 call placed at Jackson’s home that morning. At that time they were not able to confirm his death. The medical team performed CPR and he was then transported to the UCLA medical center where he was in a coma (or so it is said). On June 25, 2009 at 5pm he was declared dead. The king of pop suffered a cardiac arrest earlier in the afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. It was confirmed that when the paramedics arrived Mike Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back (yet there was rumor of him being in a coma and hospitalized for a few hours).
So many of his loyal fan were shocked to hear the news of the former icon to rock and pop music. Facebook and Twitter as well as other social media sites today were full of constant blogs and updates. It took a few hours for confirmation to come through about his passing. So many are now writing on twitter to his family and posting things like “rest in peace”. It is sad news and so many sources have now confirmed. He was pronounced dead at 5:20pm this evening. The internet is now full of prayers, tribute, memories, and photos of the deceased Michael Jackson.
Jacko was once married to the daughter of Elvis Presley and is the father of three children. “Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.” He was the king of pop and inspirational to many many of us. Even this photographer remembers growing up in Chicago Illinois listening to Thriller and Black & White. In fact I can vividly remember his B&W video as influencing how I felt about those around, staying open minded and accepting of others in my very diverse neighborhood.
The reporting and news was limited initially. ABC, BBC, CBA, NBC, CNN and MSNBC did not want to release any incorrect information until it was confirmed that Michael Jackson had died in the evening. The media wanted to confirm his passing to the next world before publication of the information. TMZ was already on it and posted the information before the other larger media sites, possibly to get more hits from readers. Photographs of Michael will be valued at higher rates given his influence on pop music and society during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Reliable sources such as tmz, cnn, and msnbc have all now confirmed that the legend has ended his career as a pop legend.
It is very interesting how one person has had so much influence on so many people and how so much of society shuts down to remember one such a man. His infamous Thriller, Bad, Black and White, Billy Jean, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Man in the Mirror, Dangerous, Remember The Time, Ghosts, Morphine, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (a wedding favorite) and Beat It. He influenced performers such as Madonna and Justin Timberlake (who credits most of his style to his influences from MJ aka Jacko).
His work, music, stories, and life history will be remembered by many. His interesting past, no matter how colored or blotchy, was nothing but fascinating. Despite our agreement or distain for his lifestyle and choices, he was influential to all of us in his own manner. I vividly remember singing along to the lyrics of Michael Jackson songs before I even spoke any English (I spoke Polish first).
Michael Jackson video’s were full of color, life, energy, and passion. Much of his free spirited dancing and use of lights and depth of field have been influential to my own art work. As an artist he was a legend among men. He will be remembered by millions of people for his legendary life and influences on popular music over the past 5 decades.
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Giant hail storm hits Chicago
I really wish I had my Canon 5D camera with prime lens with me today. Giant hail storm hits Chicago! Today while meeting in Chicago, I was pummeled with marble sized hail. At this point I would have pulled out my professional camera’s to capture the amazing essence of the day. However, since I was not expecting any outrageous weather, I only had my Apple IPhone in pocket to capture the images. Below are some of the photographs, sorry for the resolution, it is all I had today.
Amazing! I posted the images quickly on Facebook for Plum Tree Studio clients to see and received numerous remarks about how the Chicago suburbs were sunny or cloudy or moderate. Yet, here in Bridgeport Chicago (60608) the weather was only 60 degrees and we were being assaulted by giant rocks of ice. Again, this proves my concept that I should always have a camera with me at all times. Today was an amazing day, with sunshine, clouds, storms, black, skies, and chaos in the skies. It’s a beautiful day… don’t let it get away…
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Bridgeport Chicago 60608 Wedding Portrait Pet Boudoir Photography
We signed our lease for our newest studio in Chicago (60608) in the Bridgeport area near US Cellular Field (formerly Comiskey Park). We will now be located on near 35th and Halsted, very close to the home the Mayor of Chicago, Mayor Daley. Our Chicago studio will open in early June, with gallery tours available in mid June.
Our new address (starting in June) will be
Plum Tree Studio Photography
3401 South Lituanica Avenue
Chicago Illinois 60608
Please email us or call to set your appointment. Even if the door is closed, we will be inside setting everything up and through I will be scheduling and working portraits sessions up until the doors open. There is no rest for the small business owner!
We will continue to serve the northern suburbs, without interruption. Our phone number remains the same. Please continue to refer us to your friends and family, as personal referrals and testimonials are the biggest source of new clients. Since weddings and portraits occur throughout Chicago and the suburbs we will continue to provide photography all the way up through Milwaukee. We frequent to Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee Wisconsin for our current clients and have no intention to stop. With our new study we have more room for portraits and much much more room for wedding and portrait consultations.
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Wedding photography at St Patricks church in Wadsworth Illinois
Saturday was a perfect day for wedding photography at St. Patrick’s church in Wadsworth Illinois. The outside of the church area was full of lush greenery and flora. The surrounding area was beautiful.
The wedding events started in the early afternoon, with the sun pouring through the tall church windows.
The setting was splendid for photography, filling in the background with amazing light.
The light in the church was perfect for the wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony, we stayed around for posed family portraits on the alter. The bridal party and expanded family photos went really quickly, as the light was so pure and true.
Later that afternoon, we proceeded to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago. We spent the rest of the evening in song and dance, with many smiles and hugs exchanged.
Around midway through the wedding I realized that I had recognized around ten people at the wedding. Finally it clicked; these were people from my form dorm Allen Hall in Urbana Illinois. When I was an undergraduate in school, I worked as a Program Advisor in the residence hall; hence I recognized so many of our former residents and desk clerks. It was great to see everyone again. A few people actually live fairly close to the new studio, so we hope to have plenty of wonderful people at our upcoming studio opening party! Stay tuned for details.
CONGRATS TO CHRISTINA AND WESTON!
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Family Portrait Photography Studio in Chicago
Our Chicago photography studio is conveniently located in Chicago, close to the Downtown Loop, Logan Square, Bucktown, West Town, Depaul, Wrigleyville, and Lincoln Park. We are quick walk from Bridgeport, Mckinley Park, or Pilsen. We also serve suburbs like Cicero, Stickney, Oak Park, Schaumburg, and Tinley Park.
Since today was father’s day, it was the perfect time for a family reunion photo! This morning we had an expanded family from Lincoln Park Chicago into the studio for their annual family portraits. We started out with individual sub family portraits and moved onto the larger family portraits. A few barn animal sounds later and we had a gorgeous family portrait. It was great having the family in, so much energy and love.
Our photography studio is open for appointments on weekdays and weekends. We take portrait clients by appointment only. Please contact us directly via the “contact" button above.
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Wedding Photography in Chicago Lincoln Park
Wedding Photography in Chicago Uptown, Chicago Bucktown, and Chicago Lincoln Park Illinois now available. Schedule your appointment today to lock in our 2009 prices for the 2010 season! Ask about our engagement sessions too.
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Wedding Photography in Naperville Illinois
Wedding Photography in Naperville Illinois and Aurora Illinois is available for the 2009 and 2010 wedding seasons. Our talented staff is available for nearly every North Chicago wedding venue. Inquire directly about our affordable prices and discount packages.
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Wedding Photography in Village of Round Lake Beach Illinois
Last weekends wedding weather was nearly perfect for Lilly and Jody’s Round Lake Beach wedding. The clouds were mixed with lovely sprinkles of sunshine, which brought out the extra sparkle in all of the dresses! The ceremony and reception was held at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center in Illinois.
The couple decided to see each other before the ceremony, so we were able to complete a good quantity of important family portraits before the ceremony began. This allowed the couple to spend time socializing with guests, versus standing in place doing portraits. We were able to go from portraits, to ceremony, to reception, to dancing, all without any delay.
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Wedding Photographer Lincoln Park Chicago Illinois
Wedding Photographer Lincoln Park Chicago Illinois. Affordable wedding photography and engagement portrait photographer in Chicago. Quality and professional photography services for nearly any price range. We are local to mckinley park, brighton park, archer heights, forest view, clearing, west lawn, back of the yards, gage park, canaryville, lincoln park, wicker park, uptown, cicero, berwyn, Bridgeport, Chicago, north riverside, Brookfield, lyons, la grange, westmont, downer’s grove, willowbrook, oak brook, roselle, elk grove village, franklin park, northlake, melrose park, darien, willow springs, hickory hills, oak lawn, chicago ridge, palos hills, worth, everygreen park, bedford park, wheaton, flossmoor, tinley park, orland park, romeoville, joliet, aurora, Naperville, batavia, Warrenville, west chicago, carol stream, south elgin, lansing, oswego, mokena, matteson, oak forest, palos heights, hazel crest, justice, hinsdale, berwyn, and chicago. Bridgeport Chicago, Mckinley Park Chicago, Back of the years Chicago, Fuller Park Chicago, Canaryville Chicago, Grand Boulevard Chicago, Douglas Chicago, Kenwood Chicago, Oakland Chicago, Dunbar Park Chicago, South Lawndale Chicago, Little Village Chicago, Greek Town Chicago, Little Italy Chicago, China Town Chicago, Ukranian Village Chicago, Wicker Park Chicago, Lincoln Park Chicago, Goose Island Chicago. Ask about your location if you do not see your city on the list. In addition our service extends up through Madison Wisconsin and down to Champaign Urbana. We are available for photography services anywhere in the Midwest, across the United States and through Europe. Please view our “recent events” for samples of recent weddings! Wedding photography in Chicago. Click on any image below to view the gallery of images. Thanks!
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Spring Wedding In Wauconda Reception in Gurnee
This weekends wedding was held in Wauconda and the reception at the new Vista hotel in Gurnee Illinois. The day was marvelous in the morning with the sun hidden behind the clouds, allowing the photography to be natural and light. After we did the formal photos with the ladies, we proceeded to the church. The bride waited patiently in the limo while everyone else ran from place to place ensuring everything was ready.
The ceremony itself was beautiful, partnered with a soft thump of a heavy rain. We all stood inside protected by the cover of the church roof. Although we had scheduled for photos at the Lake County Forest Preserve on route 176 (by the Wauconda Dog Park), with the rain and mud we moved formal portraits until after dinner.
Jillian and Shawn were amazing in front of the camera. Jillian, with her wide range of expressions, and Shawn with his handsome smile, both posed in from of the forest of weeping willow trees by the hotel. The poses included the standard wedding photos, plus also a few artistic and fun photos like the two of them snuggling and jumping for joy. We had some amazing images!
The Vista staff at the hotel were great to work with, the food was great, and the surrounding area was perfect for wedding photography portraits. The assistant manager has made note that Plum Tree Studio Wedding Photography will be a preferred wedding vendor for Vista hotel, so make sure to ask about our specials for Vista clients!
CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO VIEW GALLERY
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Engagement Photographer Illinois Dog Friendly Studio
If you are looking for a dog friendly phototgraphy studio in or near chicago then you have come to the right place. The images below were the enagement photos for the couple, and they chose to have the entire canine family in their photo. Good for them! They were so friendly and the couple was nice too! Ha! Their wedding will be in Starved Rock Illinois in the fall and the couple chose Plum Tree Studio Wedding Photography to capture their special moments. Can't hardly wait!
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Bridal lingerie photography female photographer
Looking for a female photographer to create beautiful art of you to share with your husband to be on your wedding night? Boudoir Photography and Bridal Portraits are what you are looking for. The owner of Plum Tree Studio Photography is also the Lead Photographer (and also a female). She has over 12 years of experience in photography and being a woman herself, knows about those “sensitive spots”.
Below is a sample from a recent session. Due to client privacy we cannot show you more than what is below. Sorry, but our clients wishes come before any company marketing. Every boudoir session is strictly locked with a password known only by the photographer and the client. No exceptions.
We provide bridal and wedding night gift photography for Chicago and all surrounding suburbs such as Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Carol Stream, Tinley Park, Aurora, and Bridgeport. Contact us today to inquire about our bridal lingerie photography sessions.
And best wishes for your special wedding day ladies!!!
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Photography Studio in Bridgeport Chicago 60608 Photographer Available
Photography Studio in Bridgeport Chicago (60608) now open! Serving Chicago and all suburbs such as mckinley park, brighton park, archer heights, forest view, clearing, west lawn, back of the yards, gage park, canaryville, lincoln park, wicker park, uptown, cicero, berwyn, Bridgeport, Chicago, north riverside, Brookfield, lyons, la grange, westmont, downer’s grove, willowbrook, oak brook, roselle, elk grove village, franklin park, northlake, melrose park, darien, willow springs, hickory hills, oak lawn, chicago ridge, palos hills, worth, everygreen park, bedford park, wheaton, flossmoor, tinley park, orland park, romeoville, joliet, aurora, Naperville, batavia, Warrenville, west chicago, carol stream, south elgin, lansing, oswego, mokena, matteson, oak forest, palos heights, hazel crest, justice, hinsdale, berwyn, and chicago. Bridgeport Chicago, Mckinley Park Chicago, Back of the years Chicago, Fuller Park Chicago, Canaryville Chicago, Grand Boulevard Chicago, Douglas Chicago, Kenwood Chicago, Oakland Chicago, Dunbar Park Chicago, South Lawndale Chicago, Little Village Chicago, Greek Town Chicago, Little Italy Chicago, China Town Chicago, Ukranian Village Chicago, Wicker Park Chicago, Lincoln Park Chicago, Goose Island Chicago.
If your location is not mentioned please inquire. We provide professional photography services through all of Illinois up through Madison Wisconsin and down to Champagne Urbana Illinois.
We specialize in wedding photography, children’s photos, pet photos, senior and family portraits, restaurant and food photography, engagement photos, professional modeling photos, maternity portraits, baby pictures, real estate photography, product photos, sports photography, real estate photography, event photography, and boudoir photography for both female and male clients.
Please see the photos below of our newest studio! We are so excited. Please join our mail list above for information about our studio opening party, local events, specials, discounts, coupons, etc.
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Professional Real Estate Photography for Bridgeport Chicago Hoffman Estates Carol Stream Naperville
Professional Real Estate Photography for Bridgeport Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Carol Stream, Naperville, Cicero, Oak Park, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Elmhurst, Schaumburg, Elgin, Wicker Park Chicago, Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Don’t trust the sale of your house, town house, condo, or even renting your apartment to your own consumer digital camera or even your realtor photography skills. It is a fact that using high quality images in your marketing flyers and MLS listings will generate more viewing and thus increase your probability of finding a qualified buyer or renter.
Recently, I photographed a 1200 square foot condo in downtown Chicago south loop area. The owner had been trying to sell his place for 6 months with only minimal viewings. He invested the money into having his beautiful condo photographed and with our Plum Tree Studio Real Estate Photos he got an offer within 2 weeks and sold his home within 3 weeks. Another satisfied customer!
When on site at your location, we use only high end equipment and professional lighting calibrated to the light available in your home. We won’t blast our white walls with super charged walls when you have sky lights and we certainly will use lighting to highlight your long stairways and amazing views.
Contact us today for a free estimate! Click on the “contact” button above right. Thank you and best of luck!
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Family Portrait Photography in Uptown Bucktown Lincoln Park Chicago
Family Portrait Photography in Uptown Chicago, Bucktown Chicago and Lincoln Park Chicago area now available. See images below of samples of recent work. The family below is from Oak Park Illinois and visited us at your Bridgeport Chicago location, just off of I-94. Contact us today to schedule your babies first portrait, a smash the cake session, or new born family portraits. Our spring and summer calendar is filling up quickly… it is never too early for Christmas photos for those Christmas cards!!
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Engagement Portrait Session In Libertyville
This afternoon was a marvelous day for an engagement portrait session through Independence Grove in Libertyville Illinois. The clouds gentle rolled across the sky and a gentle breeze came across the rolling fields. Every different season allows for different types of seasonal poses and use of the foliage.
I meet with Jennifer and Mark for their engagement portraits. We walked around the loop in the grove for the standard poses. It amazes me every time I meet with a couple about how different each session is. With the variety in the time of day, the wind, the sun, and the relationship itself, every engagement session is totally different.
Mark and Jennifer were both eager and happy to try the different locations and poses. Whether it meant hoping up on the bridge, walking through into the woods (and fighting the prickly pears), or snuggling up next to the cattails, both of these lovely people were quite adaptive to each scene. And Jennifer… I do think GQ and Modern Bride Magazine might actually be calling you for the jpg from today’s portrait session! Just send them my way and I’ll handle the rest! LOL! Click on any photo to view gallery.
Congratulations to Jennifer and Mark on your engagement!
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New Location in Chicago New Prices New Packages
Looking for a new portrait photographer? Please check out our new price brochure, available now! We have listed all of our new portrait prices available to all new and current portrait clients.
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Senior Portrait Photography Session in Vernon Hills Illinois
This afternoon I had a Senior Portrait Photography Session with Kelsey, from the Johnsburg High School in McHenry Illinois. We met at Marimac Park in Vernon Hills Illinois, just south of Deer Path Park. I really love doing senior portraits in this outdoor area because there is a wide array of trees, ponds, waterfalls, grass, rocks, and other natural and manmade creations. More specifically, outdoor portrait sessions are always preferred to indoor studio photography. This is mainly due to the freedom of using the environment to our advantage for more creative poses and adventurous shots. And, it is always a good laugh for my clients to see me delicately balance on a moving rock while I take “just one more”. At least someone is laughing here!
We started today’s portrait session along the front trail with a few basic photos under the trees and near the giant water fountain. This reaffirmed that spring was here, since we had a lovely 80 degree day full of sunshine. No better way to spend the afternoon, IMHO. Our next stop was near the rock wall by the gazebo, where Kelsey happily climbed up top of for a few leisurely “Huckleberry Finn” photos. Then we did some modern and edgy against the wall.
Next, we stopped along at the bridge for a few poses near the bridge and the trees and the small waterfall. Finally, we rested a moment and poses for some “Garden” photos surrounded by many great oaks. Below are a few of the best images from the session. Kelsey was awesome to work with! She was full of smiles and had an adventurous heart; she tried every formal and silly pose without hesitation. I love that kind of spirit and attitude, makes my job even more fantastic!
Best of luck with your next year of school Kelsey!
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