Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Epstein.
Capturing the history of time in a single frame is what motivates Naomi. She graduated with a degree in Photography and Graphic Design at the University of Michigan. Over a decade, she worked in production and TV but always had her camera and family close to her heart. The hours spent on commercials really got to her, and what mattered most was family.
Taking her classically trained eye and sense of color, Naomi found her unique niche in Photography. Whether it is capturing a snuggled-up newborn, a seven-year-old with their toothless smile, a thirteen-year-old reading from the Torah, an actor getting ready for an audition, a couple celebrating their engagement or the moment they say “I do,” Naomi has documented it all. She has been a guest lecturer at Colombia College, apprenticed under portrait photographer Marc Hauser and photographed faces coast to coast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Gosh, there were so many bumps. But, I’m one of those people that likes a challenge. I think that we learn best from our mistakes and I’ve always been a hands-on learner. I think that Churchill actually said it best…. “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
Please tell us about Naomi Epstein Photography.
Well, I’m a Wedding and Lifestyle Branding Photographer who’s based in both Chicago and Miami. Weddings are such an exciting day. I love capturing pure love and seeing people at their very best. Lifestyle Branding is a broad term. But, to break it down, I photograph families and newborns at their growing mile stones. As well as, collaborate with businesses shooting headshots and products. I Specializing in a documentary organic style that displays their product in an environment that would showcase it in the best light.
My style is crisp, clean and vivid. I’m know for vibrant colors and genuine smiles.
After a decade working in the commercial world, I blended my photographic eye and rad-bad design chops in TV production, to create my own studio, Naomi Epstein Photography. Working for network television stations and post-production companies in Chicago and LA, is where photographic eye got its start. I designed and created countless storyboards – designing every frame shot for TV shows and commercials.
I would look at the headshot files, marked “men” and “women” to see who would fit the part of “mother role” or “cashier at the bank.” After this role of Art Director, sitting behind a computer for countless hours, – I sought out another creative outlet.
I took classes at Second City, and actors and performers would ask me to take their headshots. As I had all the commercial equipment and knowledge to capture people, why not create a photography studio? I would create and direct scenes on a whim with clients. What I found was, it wasn’t WHAT people were saying with their lines that was interesting; but it was HOW those stories were being told through their expressions and body language. I would look for their facial expressions when watching clients tell their stories. What I found was particularly interesting, a dimple there, a furrowed brow or a sexy smirk. These were the looks that I loved seeing! I’d help clients emphasize their natural quirks and characteristics. If you’d ask me…”What makes a great shot?”…. I’d say, “it’s all about owning your uniqueness and being confident.”
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think all roads lead to where I am now, so if I were to change something who knows where I’d be.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $2,875
- Headshots start at $325
- Business Branding $650
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naomiepsteinphotography.com
- Phone: 773-710-3222
- Email: smile@naomiepstein.com
- Instagram: @nephotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/naomiepsteinphotography
- Twitter: @nephotography
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.
