Meet Thomas and Tiana Kubik of TK Photography in Lincoln Square and Edgewater

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas and Tiana Kubik.

TK Photography started in 2009. Thomas started photographing weddings then children and families. Thomas is an architect turned photographer and his wife Tiana has her Masters in Early Childhood Education.

Thomas, Tiana – please share your story with us.
We came to a point where we had to decided what we wanted our life to look like. Tiana was graduating from grad school and TK Photography was really taking off. So, we decided that our dream life was to have this family business where we could raise our children together while also running this business. So, we started on this journey of bringing both a business and human beings into the world at the same time!

Now, Tiana is the Studio Director and Thomas is the Principal Photographer. Since 2009, we’ve grown to a small tight-knit team of 6 photographers, several assistants, 4 editors and a small office team. We have photographed well over 5,000 sessions, and just over 1,400 in 2016 alone. Thomas has formed a relationship with Bump Club Chicago to be their exclusive event photographer. We also work with Chicago Parent Magazine by photographing all of their covers as well as the covers and inside stories for Hey Baby Magazine, for over 2 years. We also value so many of our other business partnerships. We have worked hard to make connections with the best businesses in Chicago.

Thomas incorporated his background in architecture with his long-time hobby of photography to create detailed and creative images. Tiana’s understanding of children and their developmental patterns was perfect for Thomas (and now their team of photographers)! She educated him on milestones and ways to engage with children to bring out their personality and make photos less stressful for little ones. Thomas began loving capturing family memories and seeing his client’s kids grow! Some of his first clients are on their 4th kid now and it’s been amazing to be a part of that!

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having is easy. We have had several bumpy roads. The biggest was figuring out how to work together and stay married…and not just married but happy and in love and good parents. When you start a new business it takes a lot of time. It took a lot of late nights, skipped vacations, and lost family time. As family photographers, taking a weekend off meant missing almost an entire week’s worth of income. However, we always saw the light at the end of the tunnel and laid the ground work for our ideal life. Which we are almost there! Now we have a Studio Manager who handles most of the day to day and so many fantastic photographers who keep our company make money when we decided to take a day or weekend to be a family.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We focus on Children, Families, and Family related Events and businesses. This means we can photograph a family from pregnancy through college. Not only studio portraits, but also in home portraits, on location, family events. If the parents need a headshot, or have a business venture, we are there to help them capture that. We really aim to be your family photographer. So, whatever your family needs, in terms of photos, we are there for you!

We are really proud to stay unique and have offerings that are different from our competition. There are so many photographers out there and it is always a welcome challenge to offer something slightly different, have a new mini session idea, or scout a new location. For example, most family photographers shoot Smash Cake Sessions. However, we are the first and only company to create a monthly weekend dedicated to Smash Cake Mini Sessions. I would say in the 4 years that we have done them, they are the MOST popular thing we do. Selling out most Months at 24 Smash Cake Mini Sessions.

We are also proud in our broad offerings. We really wanted to have a company that fit every budget. So, we make sure to do a number of events that offer free images, we offer Snapshot events in our studio where images are purchased a la cart after the session, mini session days for popular holidays and themes, and full sessions for those who need more time and flexibility to capture their family.

What really sets us apart from others, is our hybrid of a solo photographer with a photography company. For full sessions and events, Families can choose their photographer. Each photographer maintains their own style and has a portfolio on our website. So, you can choose to stay with the same photographer for years OR you can try each photographer and their style, without research a completely different company and their policies. You get the backing of a company of photographers which include flexible scheduling, more availability, and consistent policies. However, you can get to know your photographer and make them part of your family!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is AMAZING for a photographer! We never run out of amazing places to shoot. Our business is all about connections and it is what has made us successful. Connections to people, to the community, to other businesses, all of it is important.

The only downside to Chicago is there are So. Many. Photographers. Which makes shooting at popular locations a little difficult. Permits are needed for many popular spots and, where 7 years ago we could shoot in many open areas, the increase in photographers means that these public spaces are starting to charge permit fees and enforce stricter rules in order to maintain fair use. We have loved the idea of locations charging Photographer Memberships. So, instead of paying a fee per session, photographers can pay a yearly fee and have access to a particular conservatory or area whenever they need it.

Pricing:

• Full Sessions Range $350-$425 and include the edited images (usually 50-60)
• Mini Session Events Range $150-$225 Depending on location, photographer, and theme. The also included edited images (usually 5-15)

Contact Info:

• Lincoln Square: 4353 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
• Edgewater: 6241 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60660
• Website: tkphotographychicago.com
• Phone: 847-386-1223
• Email: booking@tkphotographychicago.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkphotographychicago/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TKPhotographyChicago/

Image Credit:
All Images Credit TK Photography Chicago
Jonathan, Thomas, and Veronica for these images

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