New Work
I was excited to finally 'finish' this project I started in January, between winter colds and my shooting schedule I had to postpone the second day of shooting, but it was worth the wait. Here are some of the new portraits from the Chicago burlesque community.
There's something really great about revisiting an old theme and seeing it with a new perspective. For me, of course, its always burlesque. Finding something that you can always get excited about and look at in a new way makes working on a long term project especially rewarding. Every winter, I like to create new work around this theme, knowing I will have a great excuse to send it out to clients for a fun spring promotion. After doing only videos last year, I am going back to the basics - black and white portraits of local Chicago performers. I'm looking forward to sharing the finished results after finishing the sessions I started in January. There is another video planned too, but I won't spoil that surprise just yet...
Here's a new promotion I am trying after seeing a lot of other beautiful magazines in the blogosphere. My first issue will mail to select clients this month, you can purchase one here if you like it.
I had the privilege of working with McDonald's recently. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot: [gallery columns="4"]
I am excited to announce the launch of my new website here: www.callielipkin.com It is a design from the lovely folks over at Aphotofolio
For my next spotlight feature, meet Seth Birky. At age 24, he runs his own Taekwondo studio in Elkhart Indiana, Star Taekwondo. I met him on a shoot recently and thought he would make a great addition to the series. Pictured behind him are all the medals and trophies he has won in the past seven years. [tweetmeme source=”callielipkin” only_single=false]
What kind of business are you in?
SB: I run a taekwondo-based martial arts school for children and families that trains over 300 students from the ages of 2 to 70. We specialize in training kids with ADHD and behavioral struggles to be successful in school as well as in taekwondo classes; we also special in high-competition for students who strive to be State, National, and World Champions.
How long have you been in business?
SB: I've been a key employee at this location for eight years, but have owned the business for three and a half.
Where are you from - where did you grow up?
SB: I grew up in Goshen, IN- just about 8 miles from Elkhart where my studio is located.
Where did you go to college?
SB: I went to Goshen college where I studied Developmental Psychology and Elementary Education. I've also
taken specialized training for the physical and business aspects of running a Taekwondo school through the ATA (American Taekwondo Association)
since I was sixteen. Training is always ongoing and continuing education courses are a required part of certification.
What is your favorite thing about working for yourself?
SB: Setting your own rules and goals.
And your least favorite?
SB: Enforcing those rules and meeting those goals.
Meet Josh Cooley, owner of Belmont Barbershop in Chicago. A more than appropriate name for a guy who knows a thing or two about style.
What kind of business are you in?
JC: The timeless craft of barbering
How long have you been in business? JC: A little over 5 years.
What was your last job before starting your business? JC: I worked at a shop that was more of a "man salon" than a true barbershop. I was frustrated with the atmosphere and mediocre haircuts that were given at that shop. I decided that I only want to work with guys who've gone through the same barber training that I have. It was a turning point and now I have an atmosphere and quality that I am proud of.
Where did you grow up? JC: I grew up in Northern Ohio. I lived close to Oberlin College, Cleveland, and a lot of farms. I am proud of it all. I was exposed to a lot of culture, yet I was able to enjoy a simple life in the country. I dream of a day when a Cleveland sports team will win a championship.
Where did you go to college? JC: I studied Art at a small liberal arts school in Kentucky called Asbury College. I also attended The University of Cincinnati. I ended up going to Allstate Barber College in Cleveland to get a diploma. My college education was not necessary for my profession, but it enhances my life.
What is your favorite thing about working for yourself? JC: I think it's the adventure. I like the control and the freedom to focus on what I care about.
What is your least favorite thing about working for yourself? JC: I never get to call in sick!
Meet Teresa Ging of Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique in the Loop:
What kind of business are you in?
TG: Cupcakes! Yay!!
How long have you been in business?
TG: I have been in business for 3 years now.
What was your last job before starting your business?
TG: I was in finance for 6 years before I started Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique. For 2 years, I worked at Bear Stearns doing Investment banking, then I went to a private equity firm in Chicago for 2 years, and then I did equity research for Credit Suisse. My work experience definitely helped me start my business.
Where are you from - where did you grow up?
TG: I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, but have been in Chicago for almost 15 years.
Where did you go to college?
TG: I went to University of Chicago for Economics and Statistics, I know...completely different than what I am doing now, but I use what I learned in college, as well as my finance work experience everyday. It has come in very handy. I also went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and received my Patisserie Certificate.
What is your favorite thing about working for yourself?
TG: Being able to set my own schedule.
What is your least favorite thing about working for yourself?
TG: Getting up early...unfortunately have to wake up at the crack of dawn to bake, but happy to serve happy customers once 8am rolls around.
