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After years photographing dating profiles in Chicago and Naperville, here's what I know: good dating photos attract everyone. Great dating photos attract your people.

Professional dating photography solves this by creating authentic images at professional quality. Not overly polished. Just you, photographed well so the right people swipe right.

I post before and after images from Luminous Project sessions, and I need to be clear about what you're actually seeing.

This isn't a makeover reveal. It's not about "before = bad, after = good."

It's about showing what professional hair, makeup, styling, and expert photography direction actually do: bring out your best while you stay completely yourself.

Professional headshots are often the first impression a potential client, employer, or collaborator has of you. How confident you feel during the session directly impacts the final result.

Recently, I photographed a couple who came in together for their headshots in Naperville. What stood out was how collaborative and confidence-boosting the experience became when they shared it.

The worst thing you can hear on a first date: "You look different than your photos."

After years of photographing dating profiles in Chicago and Naperville, here's what I know: the goal isn't making you look perfect. It's making you look like yourself.

The Luminous Project isn't about becoming someone different. It's not about transformation or makeovers or revealing some hidden version of yourself.

It's simpler and more powerful: it's about seeing yourself the way the world already sees you.

Stop showing up like a background character in your own dating life.

You're the leading lady. The leading man. The main character. Your dating profile should reflect that.

Dating photos aren't just about looking good. They're about showing who you are. Your personality. Your interests. The life you've built.

You think headshots, you think LinkedIn. But kids need professional headshots too. Rafi's acting comp card session shows what young performers need: age-appropriate styling, natural expressions, professional quality for auditions and talent submissions.

Dating season is here.

January hits and suddenly everyone's back on the apps. Fresh starts. New hope. Maybe this year will be different.

And you know what? It can be different.

Dating profile photos aren't about looking perfect. They're about showing who you actually are. Your hobbies. Your personality. What your life looks like.

Branding photos should reflect how you actually work.

Brandon's recent session demonstrates this perfectly. We photographed both at Studio 25 Naperville and on location at Enclave because that dual approach authentically represents how his business operates.

Professional brand photography isn't one-size-fits-all. Different businesses need different approaches.

The Luminous Project sessions are designed to be flexible.

We create exactly the type of shoot you need. Professional branding photography for your nonprofit work. Family portraits for your personal legacy. Or a combination that serves multiple purposes in one session.

That flexibility is exactly what made Ashley Howard's session so perfect.

That's a wrap on 2025 headshot sessions at Studio 25 Naperville!

Our last headshot day of the year is complete, and I'm grateful to everyone who trusted me with their professional images.

Professional headshots are your first impression on LinkedIn, your website, and your business materials. The experience should be as professional as the results.

People aren't just looking for someone attractive.

They're looking for someone whose life looks interesting. Someone they can imagine connecting with.

Your photos need to show that...

When Hannah Gomez booked her brand session, she wasn’t just looking for updated headshots. She had something more meaningful in mind. She wanted to show people the why behind her business — the real lives her jewelry supports, and the reason she pours so much heart into every heirloom she creates.

This is the story of how we brought her brand to life through intentional, story-driven imagery… and why every small business owner deserves to be seen this way.

Because first impressions matter — and your photos are speaking before you do.
From car selfies to confusing group shots, most dating profiles are full of red flags (and not the good kind). If you want to attract the right kind of attention, your photos need to tell the right kind of story. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid — and how to show up looking confident, modern, and like the best version of you.

When local mission meets professional imagery, beautiful things happen. After photographing hundreds of teens in Kids Matter's summer programs, it was meaningful to welcome their dedicated staff to our studio. This innovative organization takes a holistic approach to youth development, serving young people throughout our community.

Experience the magic of creative collaboration! Step behind the scenes of a personal branding session with website designer Melissa Lunt of Superhero Design Company. From thoughtful Pinterest planning to professional hair and makeup at Zazu in downtown Naperville, see how we captured the essence of her brand as a "website wing woman" for creative entrepreneurs. Discover why personal branding photography is essential for elevating your business presence.

Sometimes the best connections happen unexpectedly. While photographing the Naperville Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals headshot event, I met Erin Huizenga, owner of Desklight Learning. What started as a Chamber networking event blossomed into a friendship built on creativity and entrepreneurship here in downtown Naperville...

From teaching music at St. Raymond's in LA to composing for Hollywood films, watching my friend Pancho Burgos-Goizueta chase his dreams has been inspiring. When he asked me to capture photos for his latest project, "The Unbreakable Boy," it felt like our creative paths had come full circle...