WOW so much to talk about

Well, I have neglected this blog for long enough! I am back to blogging.

There is way to much that has happened over the summer to even begin to talk about! Some very exciting things have happened for R. Hanel Photography in the last few months. My new studio in the west loop (Halsted and Randolph) is incredible! I've been shooting up a storm here, and it's been great! I love the area and there is so much to use in my work.

Ive been shooting for several local Chicago Fashion Designers (Michelle Wu, Anna Hovet, Audey, Verdessence, ZN Creative, just to name a few), many local businesses (Ora Dental Studio, Tailored Dog, Hard Rock Hotel, and more!) and also some very exciting magazines! Check out the cover of Kouture's Fall issue!! R. Hanel Photography was even on the front page of the Tribune this year for the Fashion Week Feature issue. I was even featured on America's Next Top Model this year!!!

Here are some samples from what Ive been up to recently-
























So check back soon! I've been working on even more exciting projects that I can't wait to show the world :) More fabulous images coming soon.

Wow, February was a busy month. Now on to March and it's almost half way through by the time I even realize it. I am soaking up the sunshine today, well, as much as I can from my open window as I am stuck inside retouching. I did get out for a run with the puppy today though, and it was lovely. I am really glad that summer is so close! I CANNOT wait to get out and start shooting at some of the locations I've scouted over the winter.

I recently did some work with a local fashion designer named Anna Hovet. We shot about 20 pieces for her Fall 2009 line. It went great, and all involved were really talented and fun to work with. I can't wait to show off the new hoodie dress she is making me. I'll post more photos soon. but here is a sneak peak-

Makeup by Henri Mitchelle, Model is Megan Lewis

Please check out Anna's site at www.annahovet.com

Jenny

Hair/Makeup by Carol Wood

Here is a girl who had only done 1 shoot prior to working with me. She is signed with BMG and UR SuperModels. She was a bit nervous at first, but she seemed to warm up to the camera very quickly. I love the shots we came up with and I would encourage all of you to go visit her page on model mayhem to say hello. I had a great time working with her!

Refresher

There is nothing like a good old road trip to clear the mind and fill it with new ideas and ways of looking at things. I love to take a long drive by myself. I generally prefer driving to flying anywhere these days. Plus you can get some great photos along the way. Sometimes I find myself running around, stressing out trying to get everything done, when what I really need to do is take a second and think. And a 10 hour trip definitely gives you a minute to think.
Spring is just around the corner as well, and I am very ready for that. I get all excited just thinking about it. I have some great locations in mind as soon as the weather turns warm. And I am raring to go. I have been cooped up too long! Now I am ready to go with a million ideas. Just wait.

Here are some newly retouched images from a shoot I did with a few FORD girls (Noelle & Stephanie). Makeup/Hair by Carol Wood | Wardrobe by Yanira Garza.

Check for more images on my Myspace profile or on Facebook.

Milana

Here is another girl from BMG-

Milana was great to work with and even though this was her first shoot, she took direction very well! And she has great skin, that's for sure. I love what came out!

Katie

BMG sent me Katie the other week, and she was great! Her and her mom were both very sweet. I thought we got some really good shots. And I've been playing with lens flares again. I just love the sun, and I love getting it do do funny things in my camera. Also, I have really been putting some extra time in photoshop getting that unique look using different color toning, etc. And I have to say I'm really liking the results.

Wardrobe by Beckett McMahan | Makeup/hair by Morgan Blaul

Portraits from college

My friend Tom Bemister has been a photographer for a very long time. He and I met in college (Columbia College Chicago) and we've been friends ever since that time, long ago, that Tom showed me the ropes in the Darkroom. We were T.A.'s and we worked together often. He was working on some portraits and asked if he could come by and photograph me. I just stumbled across these the other day on Tom's Flickr account and it made me remember just how young and nieve I was back then. It's always good to look to the past to remind you how far you have come, and how far you still need to go.