About John Gress
his story
For over 20 years, Chicago photographer John Gress has created stunning photography and video content for some of America’s largest companies and major international publications. His extensive portfolio covers a diverse range of fields including lifestyle, advertising, portraits, and video content tailored for the beauty industry, professional sports leagues, and high-profile advertising campaigns. Recognized by Professional Photographer Magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,”
HIS UNIQUE STYLE
Gress has developed a dynamic style that is evident in the striking visuals he produces, whether on location or in his well-appointed Chicago, Illinois studio at 5339 W Lake St., Suite 427, Chicago, IL 60644.
Commercial Clients
As a commercial photographer, Gress has played a key role in crafting impactful imagery for advertising and public relations campaigns for numerous Fortune 500 companies. His notable client list includes Nike, Coors Light, Windex, Glade, the NBA, Hyatt Hotels, Lufthansa, the WAHL Clipper Corporation, and Panini trading cards.
More about Chicago Photographer & Director John Gress
In addition to his commercial work, his photography has appeared in leading global publications including Time, People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and The New York Times.
In 2025, Gress helped lead Team USA to victory in the World Photographic Cup, the premier international photography competition where top photographers from over 40 countries compete in the “Olympics of Photography.” He was also awarded Best in the Nation for having the highest-scoring image from the United States, helping secure the USA’s first-place finish.
Gress discovered photography as a teenager in his native Oregon, taking his mother’s Vivitar point-and-shoot camera to summer camp. By his senior year of high school, he was already covering major events for the Associated Press. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Portland State University in 2000.
His background and breadth of experience allow him to deliver visual content that elevates branding and storytelling initiatives. Combining technical mastery with creative vision and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs, Gress has become a sought-after professional in the industry.
A passionate educator and mentor, Gress is committed to advancing the photographic community. Through Instagram, YouTube, and contributions to leading photography publications, he shares his expertise with a broad audience. He regularly speaks at top industry conferences and leads in-person workshops across the U.S., offering hands-on training in both the technical and creative aspects of photography. His dedication to education continues to shape the next generation of photographers and push the art of photography forward.