chicago Jul 2010

The food industry prevails in Chicago, and much of Derek Richmond’s work centres around it. From the modern elegance of colourful mixed drinks to the rawness of a medieval feast, he defines food in exciting new ways.

“So many artists focus on 'the beauty' of their subjects; I like to go beyond that,” he says. “I try to explore alternative angles and different types of lighting to reveal other perspectives. It's this aspect I feel that makes my work unique.”

Derek knows how to push the limits. His edge drives his success as a commercial photographer and inspires him to pursue personal projects that dare to be different. He has shot for Nikon, L'Oréal, Lands End, Martha Stewart, Royal Doulton, Sirius Satellite Radio, Sur La Table, The Whirlpool Corporation, Kraft Foods, Bit of Swiss Pastry Shop and Kitchen Aid Portables.

His photo studio is located in Logan Square, Chicago.

Eric Klein is an advertising photographer based in Chicago. He specialises in location photography and shoots regularly in Miami, New York and LA.

Eric brings a lot of energy and excitement to a shoot and creates a relaxed atmosphere for both the agency and client. Whether with stills or live action he has a passion for capturing the moment and telling stories in the process. His subjects look natural, not overly directed or posed.

A production support crew of the best producers, assistants, stylists and location people is on hand and ready for any type of job. Eric is skilled at getting lots of people (crew, talent, clients) to wherever they're needed, and his productions are always well planned and within budget. Casting is a crucial element, and whether clients are looking for "real people" or professional talent, Eric specialises in casting the right people for the right project.

Joe Wigdahl is an award-winning portrait and landscape photographer who works in advertising, editorial and design. He approaches what he shoots with an eye that looks for beauty in realism - whether the subjects and the settings are real or part of a fully produced shoot, he aims to give the viewer a sense that what they are looking at is a genuine moment. Joe's cinematic reportage style is used to convey a sense of the dramatic and beautiful in everyday details and moments.

Recent clients include Blackberry RIM, the Chicago White Sox, Bicycling Magazine and Runner's World Magazine.

Kacper Skowron was born and raised in beautiful southern Poland. At the age of 16 he relocated to Chicago where he discovered his interest in the arts and a love for photography and film. He has since dedicated himself to his passion for light and composition.

Kacper's creativity combines with a meticulous attention to detail and an endless hunger for stunning images. His upbeat and pleasant personality helps him to work with a diverse range of clients while his perfectionism, curiosity and unstoppable drive motivates him to deliver beyond expectation.

Mike Anzaldi is a lifestyle and commercial photographer with a background in photojournalism. Corporate and entertainment headshots, children's photography and studio still life are just a few of the disciplines Mike practices. News and sports, including children's team sports, fill up the rest of his schedule.

Mike works out of his 3000 sq. ft. studio in Chicago's South Loop and can be available at short notice.

Brian Wetzstein is a Chicago-based food and beverage photographer who specialises in advertising, packaging and editorial assignments. He has shot food and product images for companies including Promoaction DDB Saudi Arabia, McDonald's, Quaker, Bunnomatic, Publications International Ltd., and Imagine Publications.

Brian's studio in Chicago's South Loop includes a newly refurbished kitchen (designed with a food stylist's needs in mind), beautiful daylight, a vast array of props, and many other client amenities.  From the studio or out on location, Brian and his stylists work together to create images that captivate the viewer through his sensitivity of the different textures within food, so the viewer comes away saying… 

"It makes me hungry."

Visit his newly designed website for more information. You can also log on to his blog  and feel free to contact him, so Brian and his team "can satisfy your hunger".

Chicago-based Paradigm Color Studio is a full service pre-media company specialising in imaging for advertising, print production and dynamic rich media.

The company's experienced staff has been carefully selected to provide the highest level of quality. With more that 15 years of experience working on high profile projects, Paradigm Color constantly pushes the idea of being able to accomplish brilliant work without sacrificing personalised client service.

The company does not ascribe to the 'one-size fits all' mentality. Paradigm Color is exceptionally built for creative challenges and its team has experience working on everything from extremely visible campaigns to editing award-winning feature films. This diversity makes the company uniquely qualified to tackle any type of project.

Constantly exploring and experimenting with new technology to keep up with the changing media environment, one of the keys to Paradigm Color's effectiveness is its ability to be innovative. Whether deploying new hardware, software, or workflow strategies, the company is constantly looking for the best way for its clients to deliver their product.

Melanie Trombley has been part of the advertising and commercial photography industry since 1996. Working as a producer for the last 10 years, she still prop shops, casts talent, and scouts locations for clients when the need arises.

With extensive local knowledge and ample experience shooting across the US as well as internationally, hiring crews and finalising details for any size shoot comes easily for Melanie. Recent jobs include producing an ad for BASF in Texas, kiddie wrangling in Chicago for a One Step Ahead catalogue, and coordinating a shoot with Daniel Garriga of Barcelona and New York for The 900 Shops.

Other recent clients include Eckrich-Armour, Bon-Ton and Electrolux.

Johanna Lowe is a British born, Chicago-based stylist who specialises in food, table top and sets. She is a talented, calm, resourceful and creative multi-tasker with a sense of humour, a strong work ethic, and an undying love for her job.

Clients include Kraft, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Kitchen Aid, Sur La Table, Katie Brown, Home Depot, Meijer, Walmart, Rowland Reading Foundation and Pampered Chef.

Visit Johanna's website or call her direct on +1 312 420 0162.

Liz Klafeta has been styling since the age of four, when she would outfit entire villages of Barbie dolls. Today she works with top ad agency photographers on commercial advertising and catalogue shoots.

Liz completes assignments around the world as well as in US cities such as New York, LA, San Francisco and Chicago. She is easy to work with, thorough and efficient, and can effectively deliver wardrobe and prop styling, tabletop, accessories or interiors expertise.

Clients include Energy BBDO, Draft FCB, Leo Burnett, Arby's, Discover Mastercard, ESPN, Frito Lay, Humane Society, Jimmy Dean Sausage, Miller Lite, Orbit Gum, Peroni, Purex, Scott Towels, Skintimate, Steppenwolf Theatre, Target, VO5 and Weber Grill.

The One Eight Street Studio is a 3000 sq. ft. photography shooting space and gallery in Chicago's South Loop. Located at 329 W 18th St, the studio is only three blocks east of I-90/94, and four blocks from the CTA Red Line.

The space has a comfortable client lounge with satellite TV and Internet, ample free parking for both clients and visitors, and a gorgeous sweeping view of the South Loop and the lake. The building has a loading dock and freight elevator as well as a 24-hour security guard at the reception area.

Open Flame Films Location Services division assists productions with scouting, procuring and management of locations for music videos, commercials, independent films, photo shoots and motion pictures. The company has an extensive database of local locations, including those out-of-the-way spots not everyone knows about, and travels throughout Illinois, Indiana and Michigan to find exactly what clients require. It also has an extensive international database.

Services include rate negotiations, contracts, obtaining permits, coordinating with police and fire departments, and generally ensuring that shoots run smoothly. The company can also serve as liaison between clients and the film offices, government agencies and local municipalities.

Open Flame Locations works with every type of budget. Call +1-312-848-9172 or send an email for more information.

Hotel Palomar Chicago, a Kimpton Hotel, sets "art in motion" in River North, a vibrant neighbourhood in downtown Chicago. Located near Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, the luxury hotel offers exceptional accommodation and personalised attention for an unforgettable stay.

From a beautiful indoor heated pool and sundeck to 261 stylish guestrooms and suites, Hotel Palomar Chicago celebrates the arts with warmth and sophistication. The centrally located boutique hotel continues the celebrations with 5,800 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, outstanding Chicago dining at Sable Kitchen and Bar, and all the superb services and amenities clients have come to expect of a Kimpton Hotel.