trustudio | imagery that touches your soul | a Chicago based creative lifestyle photography duo

Phil + Megan Part 02 // modern and fresh Chicago engagement

trustudio — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:11:00 +0000

She said they wanted something different. In fact, she asked for editorial looking – and then she followed that by saying feel free to laugh in my face and tell me if this is not going to be good.

This is where I got all excited. Not at laughing at her, but she was giving us permission to do something that would be a little different than what they normally see for general engagement photos. We couldn’t turn that down! Most couples want to stay so far away from stiff unnatural poses that we try our hardest to make it as ‘unposed’ as possible, and we just love capturing the natural interactions between couples. But to get to play? Be allowed to do something – may I dare say, ‘editorial’ – was fun! It allowed us to be creative and try things that we wouldn’t normally do with couples for fear of making them tense or nervous.

Thanks, Megan + Phil for stepping out on a limb and asking to try something new. We hope you had as much fun as we did! Phil, I might be biased but I think these photos “make you both look hopelessly good looking, while still looking like you are casual and having fun.” ;) [A]

PS If you missed part 01 of Megan + Phil’s engagement session, check it out here!

Phil + Megan Part 01 // Wicker Park, Chicago Engagement

trustudio — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:32:27 +0000

As we left the restaurant I turned to Steve with a huge smile on my face and asked “can you believe this is our life?” It was a beautiful Tuesday afternoon – the sun was shining, the temperature was just hot enough to be without a coat but not humid, and it was only 12:30. We had already done an awesome morning engagement session and went out for lunch with a fellow friend. We were anxious to get home and start editing and none of the day felt like a job. Steve + I work hard at keeping a typical ‘work day schedule’, but every so often we have to remind ourselves that we don’t have to. Lately we’ve been trying to embrace the ownership we have over our time, and if we want to go meet up with friends during the day or go for a walk outside to enjoy the weather – it’s OK! In fact, it keeps us refreshed, and we never want to take that flexibility for granted.

Meet Megan + Phil. We had the privilege of getting to know them last summer soon after they got back from their engagement in Iceland! We were fast friends and spent most of the time chatting about their travels, mutual similarities, and oh, I guess we eventually got around to talking about photography. :) When we got together last week for their engagement session it had been awhile since the last time we had seen them, so I was anxious to catch up – it was if no time had passed and we picked up right where we left off. Always a good sign!

Megan mentioned that they were a little nervous (I’ve never met a couple that wasn’t!) but as soon as we started the jitters were nowhere to be seen. They were simply adorable together – smiling, kissing whenever they felt like it, and just being themselves. Typically Steve + I might have to give couples a slight nudge with things to do, but not Megan + Phil. I would start to suggest something and then just say, “or just continue doing what you are doing!” They really made it fun and easy. We can’t wait to see them again in July for their wedding in St. Louis. It’s going to be a blast!

Be sure to check back again this week for Part 02 of their session. They decided to change it up and do something different… [A]

happiness, a love letter

trustudio — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:08:55 +0000

Things have been really good between us lately. Not like they are ever really not good – I’m pretty sure we make people want to roll their eyes or vomit with how much we actually adore being around one another. It’s true, we’ve been like that since the day we met and after 7.5 years together nothing has changed. But something has shifted, it feels lighter, and we have stepped into a new realm. The past few months have been wonderful and I’m writing this post to remind myself what that feels like. To be able to come back to this place when I’m stressed, when it might not be a good day, when I’m older, and remember the good days. They’re all good days with you, but lately they have been exceptionally good days. We’ve been more care free and are enjoying each day as it comes. You’ve taught me this. This year has been such an incredible one and we aren’t even half way through it. I feel like we are on the brink of something and I’m holding my breath for the big reveal. I’m not sure when it’s coming – or if it even will this year – but I’m certainly excited about the trajectory. I’m so very thankful to have you by my side and I owe every bit of happiness in my body and heart to you. So thank you and may these days continue forever. Much love. [A]

Photo courtesy of one of our favorite friends and talented photographer, Anda Marie. And although she shared this on her blog I couldn’t help using it here because if that doesn’t sum up happiness, I don’t know what does. One of my favorite pictures. Ever.

Jim + Claire // Humboldt Park, Chicago IL Engagement

trustudio — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:24:30 +0000

Spring is here! And while we didn’t have a brutal winter, the green grass, blooming flowers, and warmer temperatures call for the return of engagement season. Steve + I enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with couples that we may not have seen for a few months and use the time to get better acquainted. We explain to each couple that we like to get to know them, their likes and dislikes, so that we can create unique imagery that is personal and meaningful to them.

We met Jim + Claire last December and liked them immediately. Their calm demeanors and quiet love for one another warmed my heart. Steve + I were both excited to see them again last Sunday at Humboldt Park for their engagement session. I particularly like when a bride and groom choose a location that has special meaning to them. Jim + Claire used to take frequent walks in the park when they lived closer, so it was a perfect setting to capture their love.

Although it was a chilly morning, Claire was such a trooper. I think it helped that Jim was their to hold her close and keep her warm. :) His genuine love was evident just by the way he would look at her – it’s always such a joy to witness AND capture for them to look at forever.

Jim + Claire, we loved getting to connect with you again and can’t wait to document your wedding in June! We can’t thank you enough for trusting in our vision and taking some of our suggestions to heart. Claire – you rocked those orange pants – I am envious of them! :) We hope these pictures will hold fond memories for you as you look at them in the years to come. See you soon! [A]

Miss, Missed, Missing

trustudio — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:11:25 +0000

I read an article the other day that a good friend of mine posted to twitter. It deals with the Fear of Missing Out. It was one of those posts I read. Then read it again. Then let it really sink it. The point of it all hit something deep inside me and close to home. Fear of missing out has been something I know personally, and the reason it’s been quiet around the blog lately. I decided I needed a break. A break from this blog and others’ blogs, from twitter, from Facebook, from the internet in general. I realized I spent more time lamenting over what other people were doing, creating, becoming successful at – instead of focussing on what I want and need to do for the success of my goals, our goals. So while I’m sorry for being quiet, and possibly leaving some of you hanging, I couldn’t be happier with the last few months and focusing on me, Steve, and the direction of our future.

We’ve been busy sprucing up our space and making it ‘client ready’ – we have a grown up looking apartment now! :) We’ve created a photography studio in our what-once-was-dining-room (more on that to come later!), and have forged some new paths for our business. There is so much to share with all of you in the coming months and we simply can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to!

I’ll leave you with this sneak peak of a recent engagement session we did. Full post coming Monday. Have a fabulous weekend everybody! [A]