Discovery and positioning
Shot lists built around real locations.
Portrait photography · Chicago
Light, patience and honest portraits.
Maren Okoye is a documentary and portrait photographer in Chicago for families, chefs and small manufacturers who want images that feel lived-in, not over-retouched. Sessions include planning calls, on-location direction, tethered review when helpful, guidance for nervous subjects and galleries delivered within ten days with print-ready files, licensing notes and a short guide on where each image should live online and in print.
Print wall
A rotating wall of recent portraits, kitchen scenes and factory floors pulled from client sessions across the Midwest.
How Maren Okoye helps
Sessions start with planning calls, location scouts and a written shot list your family or team can challenge. We document lighting choices, edits and delivery formats so galleries survive busy seasons and still feel consistent six months later. Rush selects land within forty-eight hours when your campaign timeline moves.
Visual and verbal craft
Direction that respects camera-shy subjects.
Digital execution
Galleries tuned for print and web.
Training and handoff
Licensing explained in plain language.
Session metrics
- Core team members
- 12
- Median first response time
- 48 hr
- Clients who renew annually
- 93%
- Average partnership length
- 6 yrs
Client testimonials
“The gallery felt like us, not a stock shoot, and grandparents actually ordered prints.”
“Rain on wedding day and we still delivered a gallery that felt sunny.”
“Print orders from the gallery were easier than any lab portal we used before.”
Sample quotes for photographer- only.
Portfolio stories
Lodge & Loom
Repositioning a legacy tool for modern buyers
Research, identity and site
Brand
Ember Transit
Ridership campaign across print and digital
OOH, social and microsite
Campaign
Fjord Health
Patient portal UX refresh
Flows, UI kit and QA
Product
Session packages
Session fees listed upfront with change orders for extra locations.
Session packages include one reschedule without fees.
Sprint
Portrait day plus gallery delivery.
$12,000/ month
- Planning call
- Shoot day
- Online gallery
Partner
Ongoing support.
$7,500/ month
- Mini sessions
- Print consults
- Gallery updates
Embedded
Senior talent in your tools.
$15,000/ month
- Dedicated lead
- On-site days
- Hiring support
Session questions
How do projects start?
A planning call, shot list and shared gallery test link within five business days.
Do you work remotely?
Yes, travel fees apply outside the Chicago metro area, and we can recommend associate photographers in other cities when dates conflict.
What tools do you use?
Capture One, Lightroom, Pixieset or your gallery—we adapt to your workflow.
Who owns the files?
You do, with RAW selects, edits, print-ready exports and web-sized JPEGs.
Ready to plan your next session?
Bring camera-shy subjects—we like coaching them.
Chicago studio
2147 W Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60622 (studio by appointment)
- Sessions Wed–Sun, office Mon–Tue
+1 312 555 0174