My Bigger Pot

MY BIGGER POT

Who knew they had such big aspirations? Just like us, plants thrive when given the opportunity to reach their full potential – and what better way than planting it into a bigger pot.

July 2019 marked a turning point in Anna Cillan’s life, as she opened her Photography business full-time and ran it out of the cozy confines of her condo! With an unwavering passion to pursue photography professionally, Anna took this time to cultivate a powerful portfolio that has set herself up for success. Even with all these new endeavors under way – she kept hustling – growing connections, marketing heavily and still interviewing for corporate jobs on the side! Planting those creative seeds early really paid off because now there is no stopping Anna from fully flourishing into who she was meant to be.

In early 2020, Covid took the US by surprise. Chicago was one of its first hits and people rushed to stock up on paper products – a lesson learned from moms everywhere: ‘You can never have enough!’ This meant long lines at stores like Costco where shoppers stood six feet apart while employees disinfected carts and placed limits on what each person could buy. What resulted? A competition for coveted items like Clorox wipes, toilet paper rolls and paper towels! Wait, these are staples on my Mom’s standard grocery list since the beginning of time. Long story short, Covid Hit, I maybe had 10 headshots in my In Home studio space to close out the year, but I had supplies! Yeah, more space was not top of mind.

After a year of regrowth and steady clientele, I was determined to find the perfect studio space. It had to have free parking, elevator or first floor access, room for hair and makeup, shoot space enough for my wildest visions – plus comfortable seating areas with easy bathroom access. My unicorn! After months of searching it seemed too good to be true when just one day before flying home for holidays I stumbled upon an amazing 1500 sf loft that not only fit all my criteria but blew them out of the water! Unbelievable…but somehow here we are today in this spacious industrial dreamland full of creative potential already manifesting itself every time someone enters through our doors 🙂 

Click here to RSVP to the Open House!

Creativity is a powerful force, and if you give it the right environment to thrive in- there are no limits what can be accomplished! I invite everyone out on February 18th from 1pm – 4pm to come check out my new studio space near United Center in Chicago. Share some laughs over some wine and watch our live studio demos. As an extra bonus for attending, special gifts await you. Parking won’t cost ya anything because street spots are free all day! RSVPs are encouraged.

Moving to a “bigger pot” has been a journey but I couldn’t be happier. I love what I do and how it makes people feel after working with me. 

You Are Art. Live it. Love it. Own it. 

Cheers!

Anna Cillan Studios

2256 W. Walnut Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60612

www.annacillan.com

#chicagoheadshots #headshotphotographer #yourdigitalhandshake #amplifyyourlook #personalbranding #yourheadshotisyourbrand #Headshots #chicagopersonalbranding

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Why Professional Photography is worth the Investment

Why Professional Photography is Worth the Investment: A Guide from a Professional Photographer

When considering whether or not to invest in professional photography services, it might seem like a difficult decision to make. To ensure you can view our website correctly, please make sure your browser is up-to-date. After all, modern smartphones have cameras that can take amazing photos at the press of a button and apps for editing them quickly—so why should you put money into hiring an experienced photographer? An outdated browser may not display the website correctly, affecting your ability to see the high-quality images and content we offer. The truth is that professional photography is worth the investment for numerous reasons.

  1. Quality and Experience: Professional photographers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their craft, ensuring high-quality results that exceed your expectations. Their familiarity with lenses, camera settings, and lighting techniques allow them to capture breathtaking images, even in challenging lighting conditions like low light or bright sunlight. They also know how to angle shots for the most flattering results while bringing out the best attributes of their subject matter.

  2. Attention to Detail: When you hire a professional photographer, you can rest assured knowing they will take the time to review each photo taken before delivering the final product. They are masters of attention to detail and pay close attention to every minor element within their shots—from exposure levels to color tones—ensuring all images are perfect before printing or publishing them online. This level of scrutiny ensures you get pristine results every time!

  3. Flexibility: Professional photographers are used to working under pressure and have mastered the art of adapting quickly in order to achieve great results no matter what conditions arise during a shoot. From sudden changes in weather or location to unexpected delays caused by technical issues outside their control, they remain flexible throughout each shoot so you can expect amazing results on time every time!

  4. Creativity: Hiring a professional photographer gives you access to an arsenal of creative skills they have cultivated over years of practice shooting various subjects in different environments. From utilizing unique angles and perspectives to capturing candid moments no ordinary camera can catch—professional photographers know how take your photos from mundane snapshots into stunning works of art!

  5. Editing Expertise: Professional photographers often use sophisticated post-processing software packages such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom in order give each image its own distinct personality through creative editing techniques like cropping, color grading, sharpening, retouching and more! And because these tools require skillful hands with lots of practice—it’s always best option hiring someone who knows how maximize each photo’s potential instead trying it yourself!

Overall—investing in a professional photo services is an excellent choice if you want quality photographs that will capture special memories forever while also creating lasting impressions when used commercially such as advertising campaigns or product launches.. With experience, attention detail flexibility creativity and editing expertise – your photos will be second-to-none!

uh oh…Shameless plug following!

Hi, I’m Anna and I have been a professional photographer since 2016, and during this time I have worked with clients from many different industries including fashion, media, entertainment, and advertising. I bring my experience and expertise “A Game” to every photo shoot so that my clients can feel confident their vision will be captured perfectly. I have an eye for detail that allows me to capture every nuance of a scene or moment. I am not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries when it comes to capturing breathtaking images and my clients love the end result! 

For anyone looking for high-quality professional Headshots, Personal branding and Portraiture services; investing in the Anna Cillan Brand is sure to be an excellent decision. With unmatched experience, skill set and passion; you can rest assured that your investment will yield beautiful images that surpass any expectations you may have had! 

Subscribe to my blog for more tips and updates from the Studio or if you are ready to take the plunge, click the button below to schedule a free consultation about your headshot/branding and Portrait needs and away we go!!! Make 2023 the best year yet!

Cheers!

Anna Cillan

Based out of Chicago, IL but am a wanderlust…where would you like your custom shoot to be?

www.annacillan.com

#chicagoheadshots #headshotphotographer #yourdigitalhandshake #amplifyyourlook #personalbranding #yourheadshotisyourbrand #Headshots #chicagopersonalbranding

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Past updates

My Bigger Pot

MY BIGGER POT Who knew they had such big aspirations? Just like us, plants thrive when given the opportunity to reach their full potential – and what better way than planting it into a bigger pot. July 2019 marked a

Read More

Why Professional Photography is worth the Investment

Learn More WHY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT When considering whether or not to invest in professional photography services, it might seem like a difficult decision to make. After all, modern smartphones have cameras that can take amazing photos

Read More

A little fall of Rain

A little Fall of Rain

“…Can hardly hurt me now…you’re here…that’s all I need to know” ~ Les Miserables

Holy rain Batman! When I first began my photography journey, there is no way you would find me out there with my camera until I just tried it out on a light drizzly day.

You would think light would be an issue but it’s almost quite the opposite. The clouds act as a natural diffuser thus emitting softer lighter leading to more even light all around.. Whew that was a mouthful but do you see where I’m going?

Take a look at some of the Pros and Cons to shooting in light rain. 

 

Pros

  • Beautiful even light from the naturally diffused light
  • Some clients have sensitive eyes, so the soft light helps
  • Sidewalks and streets have a wonderful sheen to them
  • Cool weather
  • Hardly anyone around resulting in less post processing work 
  • The rain brings out the bold pops of colors in nature
  • Less glare in glasses
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Cons

  • Too much rain on your gear could cause damage (cover your gear or use an umbrella)
  • Hair may get wet so take your best shots in the beginning
  • Sitting on surfaces may be too wet (bring a towel)
  • May be a lil cool so bring a jacket

The benefits definitely outweigh the cons, but make sure you have an umbrella. Besides, it makes a great prop. So when you find that your shoot lands on a drizzly day, don’t say no..say YES Please!

Here are shots from my super fun shoot today with Genevieve in the lovely grounds of Lincoln Park in Chicago! And if you love these branding shots as much as I do, Come book your session with me today! www.annacillan.com

In Studio Sessions open 6/1 & Updated Studio Safety Guidelines

According to the Chicago Tribune’s latest headliner…

“Chicago will cautiously reopen in early June, begin easing restrictions on some businesses and activities, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says” Full Article

 

I’ve just released a handful of new headshots and I am looking for more of you out there to get your looks updated.  Here are a few.

That said. the Studio Safety Guidelines are now updated.

  1. Studio is stocked with disinfectants, sanitizers and cleaning supplies
  2. Photographer and clients are required to wash hands before undergoing the photo session
  3. Anna Cillan Photography is following a rigorous cleaning regimen before and after each studio session
  4. If the photographer or clients feels any flu-like symptoms, the session will be cancelled.
  5. If you or someone you are in close contact with are sick within 48 hours of your session, please cancel immediately.

Cancellation Policy:

  1. All cancelation fees will be temporarily waived to ensure the studio is a safe environment for other clients and staff.
  2. I will help you reschedule your session for a later date.

Phase 2 of Restore Illinois means let’s responsibly plan out Mini Sesssions!

Here is the official plan Gov. Pritzker released for the phased approach to restore Illinois program. Currently we are in Phase 2, which means we can be outdoors, yet with masks and #socialdistancing.

To that, I am launching Mini sessions for 1 week in June and July.  These sessions will be 30 min in duration and will include 12 images at $295.  For Healthcare workers, I will be adding in special bonus shots for you for free.  Additionally, I am going to gently open some mini sessions in the Pilsen/University Village area for the month of May on a case by case basis.  Contact me directly at 312.572.9783

Headshot studio sessions are still on target to soft open starting June 1st which currently aligns with the Phase 3 Recovery stage date. (crossing fingers health overall is improving)

Throughout it all, I’m a big fan of the face mask so you’ll see me with either a pink bandana or a Cubbies mask.  I can wait to see you, but I am soooo looking forward to capturing your life moments.

To get updates on the latest for Anna Cillan Photography, subscribe below.

To read the full article on Restoring Illinois plan on NBC Chicago, read here.

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ATC Photography – Covid-19 Statements & Updates

It is now May 1st and some stores are re-opening up, but given that it only takes one person to pass on the virus, we all still need to practice proper safety precautions.

As of Thursday, April 23 Gov. J.B. Pritzker has extended the “stay-at-home” order for all Illinois residents through May 30.  That said certain rules will be put in place as of May 1st including mandatory wearing of face masks in most public settings but will also allow some businesses and state parks to reopen and free golfers to get back to the links.

It will also permit hospitals to again offer some types of elective surgeries, giving relief to patients whose procedures had been put on hold because of the pandemic.  Read more here.

 

That said, I will gently reopen outdoor sessions with the following Covid-19 Sanitation and Safety measures and conditions

  1. Will be wearing a face mask
  2. One Session per day
  3. Groups of no more than 10 people
  4. All props will be adequately sanitized between before and after shoots
  5. No outside props
  6. Props and Fabrics to be sanitized right before use
  7. No pets allowed unless it is purely a pet portrait shoot (can be flexible on this one)
  8. Sanitize hands often during the shoot
  9. Will practice social distancing

Indoor Studio Sessions which mainly apply to Headshot Sessions have a tentative open date of June 1, 2020.  Please note that this date is subject to change with the climate of Covid-19.

Covid-19 Sanitation Process for the In Studio Sessions are the following:

  1. I will be wearing a face mask
  2. One Session per day (meaning 1 headshot session)
  3. Will practice social distancing
  4. Sanitize hands often during the shoot
  5. Shoes will be asked to be removed
  6. Proper hand-washing upon entry
  7. Studio will be properly sanitized between shoots
  8. Wardrobe will be required to be freshly laundered