Chicago Family Photographer – About Gen

Name: Gen, short for Genevieve. But my clients call me Miss Gen!
Age: 30-something going on about 6, depending upon the day.

I photograph: Belly bumps, newborns, kids of all ages and families. I don’t photograph weddings, events or pets. Kids are my specialty…they really like my silly monkey face.

I’ve been doing this for: 8 years!

What’s your favorite color: I can’t choose just one! Black, green, orange and blue.

I started out: On accident, actually. I had been behind the camera on a commercial/editorial level, when a friend of mine asked me to photograph her kids. One thing lead to another and I realized that my life was way more fun when I spent my days with giggling toddlers instead of cranky grown-ups.

Favorite Food: Hot dogs. But they have to be all beef because I think the other ones are gross.

Why do you do this: Because I love it. I really do. I’m one of the lucky ones who can actually say that I love my job. On top of that, I was the subject of some terrible portraits as a kid. I’d like to change that for future generations!

Who have been your biggest influences: Without a doubt, I’m one of Patrick Demarchelier’s biggest fans. He’s a fashion photographer and chances are, if you’ve ever flipped through the pages of Vogue, you’ve seen one of his spreads.

What’s your favorite TV show: Currently it would be Yo Gabba Gabba. My son is obsessed with it and I’ve followed suit. I think DJ Lance Rock is one cool cat. But of all time? That would have to be Sesame Street. Hands down!

I don’t like: Photos with a lot of props, coconut, cilantro, bees, watching golf on TV, catching a cold, when my outdoors sessions get rained out, skinned knees, pleated khaki pants, mean people and littering.

I do like: Spontaneity, dark chocolate, brussel sprouts, cute dogs, running, music, making my clients laugh, playing with my son, Yo Gabba Gabba, the zoo, gym shoes, nice people and photography.

My favorite kids places in Chicago: The Red Balloon, Little Beans Cafe, Bubbles Academy, taking my son on lunch dates to Whole Foods Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Potbelly’s.