New Blog Address!

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After three years of blogging at blogger.com, I have upgraded my blog so that it is now located at my own address. Blogs will no longer be posted here at the blogger address, so please update your bookmarks!

http://blog.amyphotochicago.com

Happy Anniversary

March 12, 2010

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Today I am celebrating how fortunate, blessed, and thrilled I am to have one of the most unique and thrilling jobs out there. I cannot thank you enough, Ray, Erich and Helen, for this amazing opportunity. It has forever changed my life for the better :)

~amy

The New Face of Facing Winter

A Brighter Side of the Forest

March 6, 2010

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Justin Birchard and Jeff Goluszka of Facing Winter are two of the most genuine, caring, and special people I've been lucky enough to call friends. We have all gone through a shocking and hurtful time together, but are prevailing in our own paths of life. With our friendship renewed, and the replacement of their old bassist with their current one - Drew DeWaard - I've again become a part of the boys' musical journey as a fan and photographer.

I have been very privileged to have the new Facing Winter preview some of their latest material, along with some old favorites. Drew has exceeded my hopes for the band's rebirth - helping land opening gigs for bands like Rusted Root, and playing larger venues than before. They're continuing to pursue their desire to play cities outside of Chicago, and are doing so tactically and with more determination than ever before. Together, this new grouping has already begun exploring new avenues of musicality - evidence of which will be seen on their forthcoming album due for completion in just a few short weeks.

So... without further ado, here is the new face of Facing Winter:

The VERY talented, kind and fabulous new bassist, Drew DeWaard

Watch for the official announcement of the release of the forthcoming album, "Gifts From Gravity" at www.facingwinter.com.

Alexander Djordjevic

A Solo Performance

Steinway of Chicago - Downers Grove, IL

February 28, 2010

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Alex gave an unforgettable and beautiful show on Sunday, February 28th at Steinway of Chicago in Downers Grove, IL. His program included:

Für Alina by Arvo Pärt

Metamorphosis Two, by Philip Glass

Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, by Frederic Chopin

Sonata in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata", by Ludwig van Beethoven

Twelve Etudes, Op. 10 (complete), by Frederic Chopin

Encore: Elegie No. 1, S. 196, by Franz Liszt

Alex filled the performance room beyond capacity - something that had never been done at Steinway of Chicago by any other performer. He earned a standing ovation from his impeccable technique and interpretation of these intricate pieces. The performance reminded me of how truly lucky and blessed I am to have Alex as my piano teacher.

Many thanks to all who supported this talented musician and teacher through their attendance on Sunday. Please help show your continued support of Alex's art by purchasing a cd of him performing:

http://www.alexanderdjordjevic.com/products.html

Another Session With Carole

February 28, 2010

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Carole and I decided to work on a little bit of studio photos for her modeling portfolio. I've had some damask fabric in my office for over a year now that I've been meaning to use for a shoot, and finally figured out the perfect reason to use it! :)

We'll be doing a few more shoots together, and I'll keep be sure to keep everyone filled in on what becomes of this lovely lady's modeling career.

~amy

A Sneak Peak

(Aerial Ice Formations - Series Finale!)

February 25, 2009

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Yesterday, I completed shooting a series that I started three years ago! I am hoping to host an actual gallery event with prints of the final images I've collected in this time, but am unsure of the date or location for such an event.

For now, however, here's another peak at some of this year's ice formations on Lake Michigan:

Andrew Belle

The Ladder

Album Release

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Hi everyone. I am so proud of my friend Andrew Belle with a fantastic first couple of days of the release of his latest album, The Ladder. I've had the album for a couple of months now (there was a sneak preview event in Chicago that I attended and photographed), and absolutely LOVE it!

So... check it out on Itunes, and help support this talented guy as his album continues to climb to the top of the charts!:

www.iTunes.com/andrewbelle/theladder

Niki
A Day of Fun in the Music Studios
February 21, 2010
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I met Niki a bit more than a year ago when she and her now husband, Phil, asked me to be their wedding photographer. Since that time, Niki has kept in touch with me, and asked me if I would take some time out to do a photo shoot with her.

How could I resist?

She had her family friends, Patti and Alicia, come out for the day to help me with Niki's fashion, makeup and hair styling (among other things - thanks for the wine, fruit, and chips & salsa ladies!). The four of us laughed a lot, and HOPEFULLY helped this beautiful girl realize how lovely she is.

See you soon, Niki!!!

xoxo

~amy

P.S. SAVE THE CHICKENS!!!

Carole
An Experiment In Modeling
February 16, 2010
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Let me just start off by saying that Carole is more than just a gorgeous person on the outside - she's sweet, hilarious, gracious, smart, and incredibly down to earth. We had a blast shooting some pictures yesterday, and are trying to get Carole started in the modeling world.

Can you believe this is only the first shoot she's ever done?

You rock, girl!

xoxo
~amy

Steve & Marlene
Save the Date Session
February 13, 2010
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I knew Steve from back in high school (I'm starting to feel old, as this year marks 10 years since graduating!), and when he asked me to photograph his wedding, I was quite honored. I KNOW it's going to be a fun day!

Steve and his lovely fiance, Marlene, dropped by Saturday to take a few quick photos for their save the date cards. We'll be doing a more in-depth engagement session as soon as the weather warms up, but for now, here's what we got!