Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Baker with Elle Baker Photography.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always been ‘the creative entrepreneur’ in my family. My world has been filled with art classes, painting, and music lessons my entire life. I always knew I wanted to work in the arts as an adult and had a passion for running different businesses. At a very young age I began teaching piano lessons to neighborhood children and that really sparked my desire to become an entrepreneur. This drive continued through college and long after and I owned a music business for many years.
When my first daughter was born eleven years ago, I began documenting her and had a new found passion for newborn and family photography. I fell in love with documenting my children and all of their special details that make them so incredible. There is nothing more irreplaceable than having those memories that you cherish documented and I wanted to offer my services to others. After a few years in the photography industry I knew I wanted to open a commercial space and began searching for locations. With the support of my amazing husband and a complete renovation, my dream space was created in Homer Glen. My space is quiet and relaxed and has a minimalist design and truly allows me to be an artist.
I am so thankful I picked up my camera many years ago and the endless support given to me by my family and friends. Without them, I wouldn’t be participating in this interview today.
Please tell us about your art.
I offer modern and natural newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography to clients in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. I have always been drawn to minimalist design and art and I knew early on I wanted to portray this in my work. I love raw textures, earthy tones, natural light, and connection in images. As I learned how to manipulate light and saw how it fell across my subject, my images really began to transform. I find inspiration from all avenues of my life, not just in the photography world. I find inspiration through personal experiences, my children, light, nature, minimalist interiors and design and this allows me to photograph newborns in a simplistic way and free from distraction.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Speaking from the photography industry, I think with the use of social media and online publications, you can reach a very large amount of viewers. I think these types of interviews help industry professionals very much and allow us to share our work with local viewers.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I welcome you to visit my Elle Baker Photography studio in Homer Glen, IL as well as online viewings at https://ellebakerphotography.com/
Contact Info:
- Address: 12544 W. 159th Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491
- Website: https://ellebakerphotography.com/
- Phone: 708-822-4687
- Email: ellebakerphotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellebakerphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellebakerphotography/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Other: https://boudoirbyelle.com/
Image Credit:
Elle Baker Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
