Portrait of artist Kevin Holliday, a creative force from Chicago's Westside, continuing to expand his influence and artistry."
Covering prime Derrick Rose was an unforgettable experience. The first time I saw him play was during a high school tournament in Central Illinois, and even then, he was something special. You could see the raw talent and explosive athleticism that would later captivate basketball fans everywhere.
Though I never officially covered Rose as a primary subject, I found myself in the right place at the right time on several occasions, covering other stories while catching glimpses of his greatness. Those moments were pure magic. Watching him dominate the court, even from the sidelines, was like witnessing the rise of a legend in real-time.
Sometimes, it’s about being in the right room at the right time, and I’m grateful for the chance to see one of Chicago’s finest athletes in action, up close and personal.
Leica D-Lux7
Pigeons flocking through downtown Chicago on a bright summer day, adding a touch of nature’s rhythm to the bustling cityscape.
One of the perks of covering a medical conference is getting a front-row seat to the latest cutting-edge advancements in healthcare. It’s always fascinating to see the innovations that are shaping the future of medicine. Recently, I had the chance to witness something pretty unique: a demonstration involving a cadaver, used to showcase a new surgical tool.
Now, while I can't dive into the technical details (and honestly, I might not even understand them all!), there’s something undeniably cool about watching medical professionals at work up close. The precision, the focus—it’s a different kind of artistry. You can feel the gravity of the moment as they introduce technology that could potentially change lives.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. I get to be in the room for these incredible events, capturing the energy and progress that comes with each new breakthrough. Even when I can’t share all the specifics, it’s still exciting to be part of documenting these milestones in the medical field.
Sometimes, it’s the moments in between the action that really stand out. These shots are an outtake from a College of DuPage football game—a quiet pause in an otherwise high-energy atmosphere. There's something about capturing these candid, unscripted moments that tells the story beyond the game itself. Whether it's the intensity on a player's face or the calm before the next big play, these outtakes often hold as much emotion as the action-packed shots.
That’s the beauty of sports photography—not every great image happens during the game-winning touchdown.
I recently had the opportunity to cover a special event featuring businessman and motivational speaker Richard Montañez at the McAninch Art Center in Glen Ellyn, IL. Montañez, known for his incredible story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a top executive at PepsiCo and the mastermind behind Flamin' Hot Cheetos, shared powerful insights with the audience.
His speech was both inspiring and thought-provoking, filled with personal anecdotes about perseverance, creativity, and breaking barriers. It was a memorable evening, and the energy in the room was palpable as he engaged with the audience, offering a message of hope and empowerment.
This event wasn’t just about a book signing—it was a moment to witness someone who has truly made an impact share his journey in person.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my journey as a photographer, and one thing keeps calling me back—the studio. There’s something special about the controlled environment of a studio that allows me to focus entirely on the subject in front of me. It’s a space where I can be deliberate with lighting, angles, and composition, and that’s where some of my most creative and personal work happens.
In the studio, I have complete control over the light—whether it’s soft and subtle or bold and dramatic. It gives me the chance to create a mood that fits the subject, whether I want to capture their vulnerability, strength, or something in between. The focus is purely on the person, without distractions, and that’s where the magic of portrait photography comes to life.
I’ve been missing that hands-on process of crafting a portrait in the studio—working with different lighting setups, experimenting with shadows, and having the freedom to guide the session from start to finish. The studio is where I can push my creative boundaries and take the time to get the shot just right.
So, as I look ahead, I’m excited to get back into the studio and dive into more portrait work. If you’re looking to capture a unique, personal moment or need professional portraits, let’s connect.
I recently had the pleasure of doing an outdoor photo shoot with Roselynne, a medical student with an inspiring story. The natural light added a beautiful softness to the images, perfectly complementing her energy and drive. Capturing her in this setting felt like the perfect reflection of her journey—bright, grounded, and full of promise.