Where there is smoke . . .

. . . you'll find the talented, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Matthew Santos. Jen at Chicago Magazine came to me to help build on a portrait concept of Santos which incorporates how he got his start touring with Lupe Fiasco (and opening up for people like Kanye West and Rihanna) and and is now performing in a much different genre of music.
I approached the shot more conceptually and created a simple, monochromatic set with light and energy bursting through a hole in one of the walls. I was hoping to give the sense of two different worlds and leaving it up to you, the viewer, to decide which is which. Be sure to pick up the March issue of Chicago Magazine and read the whole story behind Matthew Santos (and also my image!)

Santos has a brand new album that is about to drop in March and I can guarantee you'll be hearing it soon.

Rain Rain Go Away . . .

...just kidding! We miss the warm weather here in the Windy City and can't wait for the first sprinkles of a spring shower!
Here's a fun one for Time Out that we created a few weeks ago. You may have caught a glimpse of the shoot during our live web cast that was rolling during throughout the day. It was such a fun shoot and everyone loved the kids' energy and enthusiasm for the concept. I wish kid rain gear was this cool when I was a kid. Heck, I wish adult rain gear was this cool now!
I'd totally sport a slicker embellished with some Iron Man or perhaps an umbrella that covered with the hero Transformer, Optimus Prime.
Thanks again to our brother and sister talent Keoni and Naia, everyone at Time Out Chicago, Amy Lauhoff Obrien for some styling love and to Yo Gabba Gabba for setting the tone for the day!

What happens in Vegas . . .

will stay in Vegas until we're back in the studio on Monday! Hopefully I'll have some downtime to catch a show, win some money or some Zzzz's - or all three!