our story

Meet our Artist

Hi there, I'm a portrait photographer based in Northern Illinois. I've always been fascinated by the way a single captured moment can tell a story and evoke emotion. My passion for photography stems from the desire to freeze these special moments in time and create a visual narrative that captures the essence of my subject.

As a wife and mother of 7, I have a strong desire to make sure that the legacy we leave behind is beautiful. This is why I chose to accompany each digital image with a printed photograph as well. Some of my favorite memories growing up involved flipping through photo albums and seeing all of the family members that had come before me. So often it happened to be that there would be plenty of photos of people in their youth, but as they got older the amount of images diminished.

This could be because they no longer recognized themselves, or that they were self-conscious about how they felt they looked. Whatever the reason may be, I know that it left me looking for pictures that didn’t exist. This has spurred the desire to make sure that my children would have images of me. It wouldn’t matter whether or not I was in perfect shape, or if I was the most fashionable. I have made the conscious choice to let the pictures be taken. And it can be so hard! There are times where I cringe because the selfie doesn’t show who I want it to show, but my children still beam at the picture of their mom.

I want to be able to provide an opportunity for each of my clients to be able to say that they feel beautiful in their images. When their children look at these images, I want them to be able to proudly tell them about their experience. I know that we are often times working on loving ourselves, and I want to be a positive part of that journey.

I specialize in capturing portraits, with a focus on creating images that show the unique personalities and emotions of my clients. Using my camera as a tool, I bring out those special qualities and create a personalized experience that's as unique as the subject in front of me.

Every photoshoot is different and I approach each session with a fresh perspective, always tailoring my approach to the individual. Whether it's a traditional family portrait, an engagement shoot or an individual headshot, I pay close attention to detail and strive for a natural, authentic feel.

I believe it's important to build strong relationships with my clients and take the time to understand their vision and needs. I value communication and collaboration, and work closely with my clients to ensure the final product meets their expectations and beyond.

Throughout my career, I have worked with several different groups and individuals, and what I love most is the connection I create with my clients, and the opportunity to create beautiful imagery that will be cherished for years to come.

If you're looking for a portrait photographer who's passionate about capturing your unique story, get in touch and let's create some beautiful imagery together!

Naomi Johnson-Schaar