Urban Model Photography in Chicago

Showcasing Strength and Style withAugust Maxmillian

Urban model photography in Chicago offers a unique blend of fashion, grit, and architectural beauty, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of modern style. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with male model August Maxmillian, whose dynamic presence and versatile looks were ideal for an urban-themed photoshoot. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the combination of creative lighting, compelling poses, and the vibrant cityscape of Chicago can result in striking urban portraits. We’ll also delve into the process of capturing August Maxmillian unique style, providing insight into the artistry behind urban model photography in Chicago.

A dramatic silhouette of August Maxmillian in blue tones, highlighting the contours of his face and body against a dark background in an urban model photography setting.

The Allure of Urban Model Photography in Chicago

Chicago is a city that effortlessly blends historical charm with modern aesthetics, providing a dynamic environment for urban model photography. The towering skyscrapers, industrial textures, and iconic landmarks make for a visually rich backdrop that complements the model’s style and personality. Urban model photography is not just about capturing the model’s appearance; it’s about creating a narrative that connects the subject with the city’s unique character. This style of photography is perfect for models like August Maxmillian, whose strong presence and versatile looks are enhanced by the urban landscape.

A cool, cinematic silhouette of August Maxmillian, emphasizing his profile and muscular definition in an urban setting.

Lighting: Crafting Mood and Drama in Urban Portraits

Lighting plays a pivotal role in urban model photography, particularly when shooting in a city like Chicago. The use of lighting can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, adding mood, drama, and depth to the images. For August Maxmillian’s photoshoot, we utilized a combination of natural light and artificial lighting to create diverse looks that highlighted his features and the surrounding environment.

Urban Model Photography in Chicago-Charlotte is standing against a textured green background, wearing a stylish plaid overcoat with a black shirt underneath. His pose is casual but confident, with one hand adjusting the coat. The lighting is soft, emphasizing the rich colors and textures of his outfit and the background. — August Maximillian stands confidently against a textured green background, wearing a stylish plaid overcoat that enhances the urban aesthetic.

In one of the more dramatic shots, we used low-light conditions with blue-toned illumination to create a silhouette that emphasized August Maxmillian’s muscular contours and added a mysterious vibe. This approach not only highlighted his physique but also brought out the stark contrast between the subject and the background, making the image pop. In other images, soft lighting was used to bring out the rich textures of his outfit and the background, creating a harmonious blend of fashion and urban elements.

Charlotte is seated on a wooden stool against the same green background as the second image. His pose is relaxed yet poised, with one leg crossed and his hands resting on his lap. The lighting and composition draw attention to his confident demeanor and fashionable attire. — A relaxed yet poised pose by August Maxmillian, showcasing confidence and style in an urban photography setting.

Posing: Expressing Confidence and Style

In urban model photography, the model’s pose is crucial in conveying the desired message or emotion. Whether the goal is to showcase strength, elegance, or a casual vibe, the pose must align with the overall theme of the shoot. During August Maxmillian’s photoshoot, we experimented with a variety of poses that ranged from relaxed and casual to intense and focused, each carefully designed to complement the urban backdrop.

A more intimate, close-up shot of Charlotte against a clean white background. He is shirtless, displaying his athletic physique and tattoos. His expression is strong and contemplative, with one hand thoughtfully placed under his chin. — An intimate close-up of August Maxmillian, showcasing his athletic physique and contemplative expression against a clean background.

One of the standout images features August Maxmillian seated on a wooden stool against a textured green background. His pose is relaxed yet poised, with one leg crossed and his hands resting on his lap, exuding confidence and sophistication. This pose, combined with the urban elements, creates a visually striking image that captures the essence of urban model photography.

Similar to the third image but taken against a darker, black background. This image focuses on Charlotte’s upper body and face, highlighting the detailed textures of his skin and tattoos with soft, directional lighting. The mood is intense and introspective. — A powerful and introspective portrait of August Maxmillian, with soft lighting emphasizing the textures of his skin and tattoos.

Another image captures a more intimate side of August Maxmillian, with a close-up shot that highlights his athletic physique and tattoos. His expression is contemplative, adding depth to the image, while the clean background keeps the focus squarely on the model. This image contrasts sharply with the more dynamic, full-body shots, showcasing the versatility of urban model photography in capturing both strength and subtlety.

Background and Setting: Enhancing the Urban Aesthetic

The choice of background and setting is vital in urban model photography, as it contributes significantly to the overall mood and narrative of the images. Chicago’s diverse urban landscape offers a wealth of options, from industrial backdrops to sleek modern architecture, each adding its unique character to the photoshoot.

A contemplative side-profile of August Maxmillian, with soft directional lighting highlighting his features against a dark urban backdrop.

For August Maxmillian’s photoshoot, we carefully selected settings that would enhance the urban aesthetic while also highlighting the model’s style and physique. From the textured green background that complemented his stylish plaid overcoat to the stark, dark settings that added a cinematic feel to his silhouette shots, each background was chosen to elevate the visual impact of the images

Another side-profile image of August Maxmillian, emphasizing the urban elements of his attire and setting.

One particularly striking image captures August Maxmillian mid-motion, leaping against a dark background. The black-and-white treatment of the image adds a dynamic and energetic feel, perfectly capturing the essence of movement and agilit.

Charlotte is captured in mid-motion, leaping against a dark background. He’s dressed in a dark outfit, and the image is in black and white, which adds a dynamic and energetic feel to the shot. The motion is captured crisply, conveying a sense of movement and agility. — A dynamic and energetic capture of August Maxmillian in mid-motion, embodying the agility and strength of urban model photography in Chicago.

Combining Elements for a Cohesive Urban Photoshoot

The success of an urban model photoshoot lies in the careful combination of elements—lighting, posing, background, and more—to create a cohesive and impactful visual narrative. In August Maxmillian’s photoshoot, each element was meticulously planned to ensure that the final images not only captured his physical strength and style but also conveyed a deeper sense of character and mood that resonates with the urban environment.

Close collaboration between the photographer and the model is essential in achieving this level of cohesion. Understanding the model’s strengths, personality, and how they interact with the urban setting allows the photographer to tailor the photoshoot in a way that highlights these aspects, resulting in powerful and memorable images.

Rates for Urban Model Photography in Chicago

If you’re looking to build or enhance your portfolio with urban model photography in Chicago, investing in professional photography is crucial. John Gress Photography offers several packages designed to meet the unique needs of models:

1-Hour Session – $499: Perfect for capturing a few standout urban portraits. Includes 2-4 background changes, 2-4 clothing changes, and 1 retouched image.
2-Hour Session – $749: Ideal for models seeking a variety of looks. Includes 3-5 background changes, 3-5 clothing changes, and 3 retouched images.
3-Hour Session – $999: Comprehensive portfolio building session. Includes 4-7 background changes, 4-7 clothing changes, and 5 retouched images.
5-Hour Session – $2299: The ultimate package for extensive coverage. Includes 6-9 background changes, 6-9 clothing changes, and 15 retouched images.

Additional options, such as makeup and hairstyling services, are available to ensure you look your best during the shoot. For more details or to book your session, visit our rates and booking page.

Client Testimonials

“John was highly professional throughout our shoot. He was prompt, prepared, and made the photo session exciting! He truly cares about his job, and I would highly recommend.”
– Amir C.

“John is very professional, personable, and patient during the shoots. I have utilized his photography service on three separate occasions, and I recommend anyone who is looking for a skilled photographer who is going to capture great moments within any setting.”
– Cameron M.

“John Gress is an amazing photographer. I’ve used him for corporate headshots at two different companies, and the results are always stellar. John is thoughtful, patient, and takes the time to put his subjects at ease to capture them at their best. And his mastery of lighting is unparalleled.”
– Jeffrey W

“Working with John was easily the best experience to date! John is super personable, engaging, very talented at his craft, and is genuinely a nice guy. And the customer service he provides is amazing! I can’t say enough about the quality of work that John provides.”
– Tan A.

Conclusion: Elevating Urban Model Photography in Chicago

Urban model photography in Chicago is about more than just capturing images; it’s about telling a story through the interplay of the model, the city, and the elements that bring the scene to life. The photoshoot with August Maxmillian showcases how thoughtful planning, creative lighting, and the right settings can transform a simple portrait into a powerful urban narrative. Whether you’re a model looking to build your portfolio or someone interested in exploring the art of urban photography, working with an experienced photographer like John Gress can make all the difference in the quality and impact of your images.

For those in the Chicago area looking to elevate their portfolio with urban model photography, consider booking a session with John Gress Photography. Our expertise in capturing the essence of the city and the strength of the model ensures that your images will stand out. Visit our rates and booking page for more information, and explore our photography gallery to see more examples of our work.