Artistic black and white photo of a person squatting, wearing a purse and earrings.

Black and white photo of a young man sitting on the floor, wearing a sleeveless shirt, jeans, and boots, with tattoos on his arms, against a plain dark background.

a Chicago photographer working with models, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want clean, natural-light portraits that actually feel like them.

timeless images without the stiff studio vibes.

portraits, model digitals, branding & more

portraits

Minimal, timeless portraits in soft natural light—perfect for birthdays, headshots, or just because.

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model digitals

Simple, natural-light photos that meet agency standards—no fuss, just you.

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branding

Polished, personality-driven images for creatives, entrepreneurs, and personal brands.

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blog

more than portraits

The journal for everything in-between: personal shoots, creative play, and cozy stories that go beyond headshots and portraits.

more than portraits

Nicole’s Branding Session: Launching Studio by NK

Nicole’s branding session was all about capturing movement, texture, and the creative spirit behind her new line of sculptural hair accessories. With a suitcase full of shiny pieces and a vision for something airy and expressive, we created photos that feel just like her brand — soft, polished, and full of personality.

A Chill Studio Session with Madeline | Chicago Hair Stylist Branding Photos

Madeline wanted branding photos that felt real — fresh, laid-back, and true to her style as a Chicago-based hair stylist and colorist. With her best friend as her model and cozy natural light all around, we captured the kind of imagery that feels more like a vibe than a photoshoot.

Beauty Test Inspired by K-Beauty & Whimsy

I challenged myself with a K-beauty-inspired test shoot, featuring dewy skin, whimsical glam, and dreamy edits.

Mother’s Day “Pay What You Can” Portrait Day

On April 26, I hosted a Pay What You Can Mother's Day portrait event at my natural light studio in Ravenswood, Chicago. Families came through for relaxed 20-minute sessions full of love, connection, and timeless photos—delivered just in time for Mother’s Day. One of my favorite studio days to date.

Vibes on Logan S6 Kickoff

Kicked off Season 6 of Vibes on Logan in Logan Square with a sunny boulevard party featuring Chicago’s own Slo ‘Mo. Queer joy, community vibes, and live DJ sets made this the perfect summer event to shoot.

Bridal Test Shoot No. 1

Not your typical bridal shoot. this modern editorial features three bold wedding looks, from a sculptural gown to a tailored white suit. Styled in studio with luxe details and a killer creative team, it’s bridal inspiration for the non-traditional bride.

roxy turns 6

Because six years with your dog deserves a little celebration. A quiet foggy day, a lot of fetch, and some of my favorite moments with Roxy + her crew.

A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing colorful eye makeup, a yellow sweater, and layered necklaces with a watch and a cross pendant.

For Photographers

My custom Lightroom presets are designed for clean, natural edits with soft highlights and dreamy tones. perfect for studio work and natural light sessions. Whether you're editing client portraits or creating your own look, these are the tones I reach for every time.

Explore Presets

Based in Chicago il
studio in the ravenswood neighborhood

monyekaphoto@gmail.com