Archive for the 'portrait' Category

Nate Mathai Photography | 2008
- December 25, 2008 -

I’m a bit of a people watcher. I find myself in an area, watching the subtleties of the interactions between people. What I see is not simply the kiss between the couple, but the shy smile and glance she gives him immediately afterward. It’s not the laughter of a child being thrown in the air by her father, but the look of anticipation right before she is lifted up. It’s these moments before and after ‘the moment’ that get my attention, and play a huge role in the story that I tell through my work.

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of being asked to participate and document the important moments in the lives of many. Here’s a recap of 2008 (I also have done a handful of family sessions and events, but I wanted to keep these images more…couple-y… ;)).

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[04.26.08] Deb+Cabin for Nakai Photography

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[05.31.08] Dawn+Richard for Nakai Photography

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[06.07.08] Namratha+Lenie

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[06.07.08] Dianna+Joe

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[06.20.08] Nisha+Joel

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[06.28.08] Soumy+Jiju

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[07.05.08] Linu+Sunil

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[07.12.08] Linzy+Christiaan

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[08.23.08] Sherry+Phuc for Nakai Photography

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[08.24.08] Sudha+Stinson

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[08.30.08] Liza+Shibu

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[09.13.08] Carolyn+Chris for Nakai Photography

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[10.04.08] Susan+Jason

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[10.11.08] Julie+Mark

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[11.29.08] Michelle+Suresh

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Once again, a big thank you to all of my clients (or as I like to call them, friends) for allowing me to have the greatest job ever. You all make it so easy for me!

2009 is right around the corner, and I’m looking forward to some awesome things to come. If you are interested in learning more about my services or availability, head over to the contact section and drop me a line! I’m looking forward to connect with all of you a bit more in the years to come.

The Zachariah’s
- December 9, 2008 -

I have known Mohan and Susan for quite awhile as they were members of my home church in the past, and now Mohan is the campus pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in Niles, IL.  Susan contacted me as they wanted to get some family pictures taken for their holiday cards, and we were able to have sort of “A Morning With…” session with the family.

The kids got some reading in to start of the day…

The little one found her aunt’s heels and took a stroll…

And then came breakfast!

We did do a traditional/formal pose, but instead of showing that, here they are with their best ‘having a blast’ look…

Mo and Susan, I had a blast spending the morning with the family, and look forward to seeing you guys again!

Julie and Mark :: e-session
- November 1, 2008 -

When Julie first contacted me, I got really excited.  Although its really difficult to determine emotion and tonality through text, it was obviously clear that she was so excited to have their portraits taken, which is a photographers dream!  (note to future clients:  tell me how excited you are and that you’re up for pretty much anything and you’ll make me really happy) Mark and Julie have known each other for quite awhile through a family friend, but had only started dating in 2007.  Even though Mark’s from Dallas, they were able to see each other all the time as Julie would go out to the area to visit family and such.

Their wedding is going to be held out in Dallas next fall, but Mark was able to come up to Chicago recently and we got there session taken care of here. We had an extended session as they wanted both casual portraits as well as some with her decked out in her Indian outfit. So we started the day out downtown, and finished off with some shots around Itasca.

Major Props Alert: Mark deserves a special shout out for his proposal (which happened the night before). Julie had not gone to prom, but they had talked about all the details she would have liked. Mark with his awesome memory remembered it all, and gave her her own prom! With the help of Julie’s family and friends, they set up the scene with everyone acting as guests. Mark bought her the same dress that she had told him she would have loved to wear. After dinner, he brought her back and when they opened the doors - she was at prom. When it was time for the “King and Queen” dance, everyone else stepped outside as they danced, and then he proposed to her there! I mean…seriously! He definitely raised the bar for all you guys who haven’t proposed yet…

Definitely love this one…

After our time in the city, we headed back to Itasca where they changed up a bit to finish off the shoot:

Definitely my favorite:

Julie and Mark, it was my honor to shoot for you guys.  I had a blast getting to know you, and I wish you the best of luck as you prepare for your upcoming wedding, and more importantly the marriage ahead.

Abraham Family :: portraits
- October 24, 2008 -

Jason and I pretty much grew up together (though he is a bit older than I am) attending the same church, and he’s also best friends with my brother-in-law.  Over the past few years Jason and Susan were out in Bloomington, IL, and had just moved back closer to the Chicagoland area much to the joy of many of us.  (He chronicled the transition for his family to move back as well as starting is insurance agency at this blog).  We’d been looking for an opportunity to do a family shoot all summer but it was quite difficult because of schedules, but finally were able to get something a couple weeks back.  We made our way out to the Cantigny Gardens in Wheaton, IL for some fun times with the family.

(side note:  Isabelle is also best friends with my niece Alexis, and has become like another niece of mine.  I think she likes me - except she constantly refers to me as the one who always takes her food…I don’t know what she’s talking about [kids always have good snacks wherever they go]. )

Definitely one of my favorites of the day…

Of course, we were able to grab a few of just Jason and Susan too…

and I LOVED that patched lighting by this bench…a beautiful set…

Little kids have so much fun making silly faces.  I’ve always wondered, though, where it starts…where do they get the inspiration to make these faces?  I think this answered my question.

Jason and Susan, I had a blast as always hanging out with you guys, and definitely look forward to seeing you more often now that you’re back ‘home’.

NMP Challenge
- October 7, 2008 -

Alright, I’ve posted the next challenge for October, so check it out.  It’s a shortened month (since I posted this late), but it’s a simple one.  Self-Portraits.

And from September’s challenge, here’s a submission from Taffy…he sent in both his texture as well as an image he used the texture with…

Keep pushing your creativity people…happy shooting!

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