I Can See My Whole Life From This Window
The first time I went into Chicago I remember exactly what I wore - it was a HUGE day. I pulled out my very best stonewashed jean skirt, my California Raisins t-shirt and my favorite pair of turquoise Converse hightops. I looked good (Olivia and Will please keep your eye-roll to a minimum if you are reading this because this was the 80’s and I did look good).
It was November 11, my sister's birthday, and we had the day off school (she was always lucky that way…got a day off school every birthday!). We took the train in from Naperville, and my parents said we were going to the top of the Sears Tower - not Willis Tower - the Sears Tower…thank you very much.
I had never been to a city. I thought going to the top meant something like a parade. That everyone would stop and cheer for Abby's birthday, because why else would they let us up there? I learned very quickly that was not the case. I have loved the city ever since anyway.
The view from the 51st floor
I grew up coming into Chicago on weekends with my parents and even sneaking into the city with my friend for shopping trips - thankfully there was no Life360 then and my parents never looked closely at the receipts that said Banana Republic Water Tower Place versus Wheaton IL. It always felt vibrant, with too much to see and explore. Naperville is where I grew up and I am so glad I came back to it. Chicago is special in a different way.
Now I look out from the 51st floor of Studio 25 Chicago and I can read my life in the skyline.
Prentice, where both of my children were born.
Lake Michigan where I met my husband Jim on a Notre Dame booze cruise over a game of cups
Navy Pier - where Jim proposed
The John Hancock, where Jim and I had our reception.
161 North Clark, where I had my first job at Accenture.
512 McClurg when I moved back to Chicago from Japan and Los Angeles
The Peninsula, where we took the kids on staycations when they were small, and a bear brought a cart full of candy and desserts to the room.
The Sears Tower, still there, still no parade.
The list goes on…..
Why I opened a studio in Chicago
I started my career in the city. Opening Studio 25 Chicago is a return, not a move. Naperville is home and Studio 25 Naperville is not going anywhere. Now I get to work in both.
Studio 25 Chicago is a portrait photography studio in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, offering headshots, personal branding, dating photography, family portraits, and luxury portrait sessions with skyline views. It is the second location of Emily Cummings Photography, alongside Studio 25 in downtown Naperville. Inquiries at www.emilycummingsphotography.com.