Chicago really lived up to its nickname during this session—The Windy City showed up in full force. Cold, blustery, and unpredictable, but it’s in these moments that experience behind the lens makes all the difference.

This session celebrated a Loyola University graduate, and while we had to work around the wind and cold, it also gave us the chance to get creative. I found myself pulling out all the tricks I’ve learned over the years: tucking closer to buildings to block the wind, scouting hidden corners for shelter—and in one of those lucky moments, finding beautiful light in a random hallway while she changed outfits in a nearby restroom. It was one of those happy accidents that ends up being a highlight of the shoot.

Rather than fight the wind, I decided to work with it. Her gorgeous hair deserved to shine, and letting the breeze flow through it created that cinematic, windswept look that you just can’t plan for. It reminded me that shooting outdoors is always a bit of a gamble. Will it rain? Will the sun peek through? Will it be overcast or freezing or bright and bold? Every session brings something new—and that’s what I love about it.

It’s this unpredictability that keeps me learning and evolving, especially by watching how other photographers adapt and push creative boundaries.

And to top it all off, her mom and dad joined us at the end to celebrate their youngest’s big milestone. It was such a sweet moment and a perfect way to close the day.
Sessions like these are why I do what I do—turning challenging conditions into beautiful, meaningful memories.