The Photek Softlighter II Umbrella… the Best $115 You’ll Ever Spend

Chicago Photographer John Gress using a Photek Softlighter II Umbrella

When I received a Photek Softlighter II for Christmas in 2015, it quickly became one of my most treasured tools. I first became aware of this miraculous modifier when I discovered my favorite photographer, Art Streiber’s work on Instagram and I noticed him using a ten sided umbrella while shooting Placido Domingo for Vanity Fair. I loved the way it looked and rather than just asking him in a comment what he was using, I went on a day long journey to find it and once I did I never looked back.

Chicago Nightlife Advertising Photography: World Of Chocolate Ad Campaign

Chicago nightlife advertising photography lifestyle ad campaign photographer John Gress

I first stepped into Chicago’s Union Station in 1996.I was 18 years-old and traveling through on my way to check out colleges with my mother. What possessed me to take a train clear across the country is beyond me, but I did really enjoyed the experience of seeing so much of our country first time.

Fast forward 18-years and I am back in Union Stations cavernous great hall, creating a Nightlife lifestyle ad campaign for the Aids Foundation of Chicago’s World of Chocolate. A charity event that raises money for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Video: Step-Up Get-Tested Live Event

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago recently hired me to shoot a full length video of this live event last month on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Charity Integrated Marketing Campaign

Integrated Marketing Campaign Chicago Sports Lifestyle Video Youtube online buses charity

If you haven’t already seen them, this video and print fundraising ad campaign is now appearing online, in print and on buses all over Chicago. Shooting an integrated marketing campaign with both videos and stills for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago gave me a great opportunity to create effective visuals that I hope will allow this charity organization to exceed their fundraising goals! It was also been another opportunity for me to work with talented graphic designer Dan Paterno.