I am so excited to offer my latest collections to you all! I have been busy gaining feedback from clients, researching past print orders, and scrutinizing my products to build the best collections possible. What’s even better is that I not only have print collections to help ease the sometimes difficult part of choosing sizes, but I also now offer session collections, which present one or more sessions paired with prints and other products at a discount, sometimes as much as thirty percent.

My print collections start at just $595, which includes both desk AND wall portraits. Session collections begin at only $550, and all session collections include more than one session, a session with prints/products, or multiple sessions with prints/products.

I am now including client viewing and ordering sessions at the loft with every session. This gives you a chance to sit down with me, go over all of your proofed images, and discuss editing options, print sizes, and see product samples. Going through your images on your own and trying to decide how many and of what size can be daunting, but now my collections and experience during the viewing and ordering sessions will help make the process even easier! And don’t worry- family and friends can still order through your online gallery that is displayed for two weeks following your viewing and ordering session!

Please go here to view my latest session collections!
Please go here to view my latest print collections!

Please let me know if you have any questions on any of the new collections. I have more surprises coming within the next week as well, so stay tuned!

Cheers!
Saundra
www.saundrakarol.com

You’re not “expecting;” you’re preparing, then waiting. Isn’t “waiting” usually referred to as “playing the waiting game?” Right now I am waiting to meet my new nephew or niece. My sister was due a week ago today. I remember that time well two years ago- waiting. You have all the pieces together, feel ready and have the nursery all done, hospital bags packed, and you’ve had enough of those phone calls from people inquiring if you’ve had the baby yet (you almost want to say, “Hey, thanks for the reminder that I am PAST due and tired!). So, when you become pregnant, you can expect to wait….and then wait some more. The good news is, you always win! That baby won’t be staying in you. (Although, have you seen that show on Discovery Channel about that lady who had the huge mass in her for most of her life, and it turned out to be a fetus?! “The Curious Case of the Stone Baby” By Diane Mapes/MSNBC)

I have the privilege of photographing women when they are waiting, yet usually still patient and rather calm. Then, I see most of them again when their baby is new, and they’ve only had a limited number of nights with little to no sleep. I see smiles. Then, I try to make some more.

Here’s another of my beautiful clients, Annie, playing the waiting game….

www.saundrakarol.com

Happy Friday, everyone! The sun is shining, the weekend is almost here, and I have a beautiful newborn to share with you to widen your smile.

Marco was only seven days when I worked with him recently. In fact, he was my very first newborn session at the new loft! He is such a little beauty, and I can’t figure out what I love the most about him….maybe his pouty, baby lips? You be the judge…

Best of luck with your new, precious babe! Thank you for having me capture his first portraits!

Cheers!
Saundra
www.saundrakarol.com

These babes melt my heart! Little Coco and Jack were photographed by me a few months ago when they were only a little over a month old, and their personalities and purity are something that left me in awe then….and now once again.

Something I find fascinating, whether one is talking about one baby or multiples, is that parents are usually able to identify their personalities while they’re still in the womb. Twins only double that fascination with me. Seeing Jack acting more reserved and laid-back while his sister partied it up next to him made me raise this point with their mom, and she stated that they were like that prior to their birth. I know that my own son has many of the same qualities now at two as he did when he was two days old. It’s amazing how much of one’s personality is innate, really.

I have surely delayed enough in sharing a few of their images from their session, so before further ado…

Here’s little Jack…

And little Coco…

Cheers!
Saundra
www.saundrakarol.com

This girl did great for her first real photo shoot! Her mom came to me after seeing me on the recommended list of photographers for a local talent agency, and she is now set with a new headshot she can be proud of to book those auditions!

I love working with kids because they are just like a breath of fresh air! They walk in wanting a great headshot of themselves and a fun experience. It can’t be about just holding up the camera; it has to be about connecting with them first. I’m often told I easily make them comfortable, but then, they make me comfortable too, so it’s a win-win!

Here are just a few from her session…

Cheers!
Saundra
www.saundrakarol.com

This beautiful woman made my job so easy. She wasn’t sure if I would want to hide her butterfly tattoo, but I thought it would only add to the photograph, showing more of who she is! This was another session at my loft, where I had tons of sheer material to use, and use it I did. Like most sessions, it can be difficult to choose my favorites to show, but these will do for now…

Cheers!

Saundra
www.saundrakarol.com

(See below to read about my latest headshot special!)

I know I share a lot of maternity and newborn images, but another photography specialization of mine is working with talent- actors, singers, and models! As a Chicago headshot photographer, I keep myself up to date in “the biz” and not only have a good understanding of what makes a great headshot, but also understand all that is required of talent in order to have a successful career. I have worked with talent just getting started in the business and seeking representation as well as the actor who has been working for many years and has their SAG/AFTRA/EAE card(s).

The 8×10 headshot is one of the most useful marketing pieces of the working actor. One typically uses a headshot to secure their agent representation, as a calling card to book auditions, and finally as the “memory enabler” for casting directors once you have recited your last line of your monologue or side at the audition and left the building. Your headshot can really get you in the door and help you be remembered once the door has closed behind you! I will be covering more information related to headshots, specifically for actors, within the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

I’ll share a few headshots from one of my recent sessions with an opera singer grad student from Northwestern, Sarah. She saw the headshots I posted a while back from one of the Lyric Opera’s singers and decided I was the photographer for her! I’m glad she did because she was wonderful, and I hope to see her perform before long!

My current headshot special is open to all talent, whether you are just getting into the business or have your union card. Through the end of the month I am offering the following: one look, 10 proofs, and one edited image for $150!

This is great for those spring auditions coming up, if you have a child whose look is frequently changing, or if you just need to add another fresh new look to your repertoire! Please contact me to reserve your session at 773.301.1404.

I’m going to be an aunt…again! This is my younger sister’s first child, and I was so excited to be making her maternity portraits! In fact, she and her husband were the first subjects I captured in my new loft. They’re keeping the sex of the baby a surprise, which I think is fantastic, and the baby is due March 2nd. Congratulations, Sis and Bro-in-Law! I can’t wait to meet him/her!!

I love their connection in the following:

“There’s So Much More with You”

“The Calm Before the Storm”

“The Body Can Only Stretch So Far”

I will be seeing you two, er, three, soon!

Love,
Your Sis

www.saundrakarol.com

I worked with lovely Jenn last week at my new loft. She was game for anything, so I tried out some new materials I have. Of course, one of the many reasons I got the loft was so I could take all of the ideas swirling in my head and finally create images from them.

My goal for every session is to make everyone as comfortable as possible. I keep the loft welcoming and comfortable. I stay as true to myself as possible since people tend to feel comfortable around me. As a photographer, that’s a good characteristic to have, I think. It allows me the ability to create more artistic pieces because the trust is there.

So, we start out very casual. These are images you may see on the front pages of any magazine. Once we get those out of the way, we can move on to more artistic images that show more of the “connection” between the mother and baby. These are much more cerebral, and these are my favorite!

*Big* Transition!

“The Mummy”

Thanks for looking, and thank you, Jenn, for being such a great subject!

Cheers!
Saundra

www.saundrakarol.com

Yes, it is true! Those news anchors weren’t kidding- Saundra Karol has a new loft studio! Located in the heart of the Chicago Arts District (Halsted and 19th street), my loft is very easy to get to no matter if you’re coming from the city, the suburbs, or northwest Indiana. This abode is perfect for the photography in which I specialize and helps create the experience I so wish to make for all of my clients. It’s a relaxing space, and I welcome you all there.

To celebrate my new loft studio, I have two wonderful promotions going on for the month of February! Portraits at the loft will be discounted $100. Actors and musicians, please contact me for a special rate for a one-look headshot. These are fantastic offers, so please contact me as soon as you have a couple of dates in mind since I am booking only a select number of clients and am on my way to a busy month already.

Why choose a loft session? Let’s face it- I love working on location and using the environment to create unique and interesting photographs. The home may be more convenient and even interesting if incorporated into the portrait. The loft gives me the ability to offer you even more of an experience though. At the loft, I have more props which means more possibilities with posing- more everything. I can make the space as warm as needed, which is perfect for those newborn photographs I love to make. I haven’t forgotten about the parents either. I have a changing table, rocking chair, and other necessities for your convenience. Calm music, a cup of tea, and aromatherapy will help you relax. A comforting and enjoyable time is my goal!

I will continue to do location photography, and while I love the challenges and unique images it presents, I am thrilled about my new loft and can’t wait to have you there so that I can give you even more of an experience!

See you there!

Saundra

www.saundrakarol.com