FAQ's and Info

1. What type of services do you provide?

A little bit of everything - because sticking to one thing feels like a slow creative death.

On the photography side, I shoot non-traditional portraits. Family portraits, high school senior portraits, band/musicians, events, boudoir, maternity, birth, personal branding, basically anyone who wants to look their best, most badass selves without the fake smiles and awkward poses. Unless you're into that sort of thing because I also really love shooting deliberately awkward portrait sessions too.
I also offer conceptual photography, where we dive into deeper themes, often symbolic, personal, emotional, or just weird, beautiful stuff that creates a story and makes people think.

Then there's the art side. I create mixed media fine art, including encaustic photography (where images are layered with clear molten beeswax and resin for a dreamy, smooth or textured finish), encaustic paintings (again with the beeswax and resin, only with colors), and assemblage art made with some found, some curated items like rusty metal, watch parts, bones, vintage ephemera, and whatever else the universe throws at me. My art often explores themes of perception, time, transformation, emotion, and finding beauty in the mess - turning discarded or forgotten materials into something meaningful and beautiful.

So whether you're looking for bold, meaningful portraits or strange layered art that tells a story, I've got you covered. I'm also available for for commission to create custom pieces if you have an idea you want to come to life.

2. Where are you located?

I am from Illinois and moved to Northwest Indiana about 9 years ago. I am still close to Chicago and am available for travel. In fact, I love to travel and am thankful for all of the places my profession has allowed me to go. In the future I am hoping to plan a roadtrip through the U.S. making photo stops along the way. So don't hesitate to hit me up if you aren't local!

3. How long have you been a photographer?

Professionally, since 2006 and as a hobbyist since 2000. This makes me feel old. In the last 19 years I've photographed more weddings and families than I can count but each and every one of them still hold a special place in my heart. While I have since retired from weddings, I am taking that time and energy and putting it into my more creative work such as conceptual photography, encaustic painting, assemblage art, and learning other mediums.

4. What got you into photography?

I love this question, even though in all honesty the answer is rather personal. Depression got me into photography. It's something I've battled off and on throughout my entire life and during the lowest of all lows I forced myself to start seeing at least one beautiful thing each day. Once I shifted my perspective I excitedly couldn't stop searching and finding beauty everywhere in our world. We are surrounded by it, sometimes you just have to search a little harder for it, but it is there. Simple things like the shadow of a bird sitting on an electric line or a leaf floating in rippling water were the things that brought life back into my life and when I was searching for these things I wanted to photograph them to remember them. From there I moved onto photographing concepts I came up in my daydreams or insomniac nights and thought provoking concepts that tell a story or make a statement.

5. How would you describe your style?

I'd say my style is raw, story-telling, and emotive. And my photography editing style has a moody tone to it. I love the natural placement of shadows, the glow of natural light, authentic moments for portraits, and invoking an emotive response with my art.

6. What sets April Love Photography apart from other photographers?

I'm not interested in cookie-cutter anything or following trends. I think what sets me apart is is that I blend fine art and storytelling into everything I create - whether it's a family session, a high school senior portrait or a conceptual piece that looks like it crawled out of your subconscious and asked you the hard questions.

I have an obsessive attention to detail. Details that most people overlook but quietly makes or breaks a piece of art. A slight shift in body language, a frayed edge on an old photo, the texture of rust against wax. Those small things matter, they carry weight, add to the story, and give soul to the work. I notice and utilize the unspoken or often discarded and makes space for it to be seen.

I feel like I get people in an unusual way - especially the undergdogs, people who don't feel seen by traditional portrait photographers, or society. Representation is important. I love diversity, spreading awareness, and breaking social norms. Neurodivergent? Chronically ill? Awkward in front of the camera? Welcome. I make space for real humans and real stories.

So if you're looking for art or photography with depth, edge, something a little raw, a lot of strange, and speaks to you - you're in the right place. If you're looking for a unique portrait session you're also in the right spot. I understand that trust and personalization are important. I like to get to know my clients on a personal level so I can better customize their session. It is important to me that you not only walk away with professional quality photos and products but also having had a positive and memorable experience. It's pretty much a guarantee that we will laugh a lot and you will leave having gained a new friend. 

7. Will I own the copyright to my photos?

To be blunt, no. Since I am the photographer I will remain the copyright holder. However, as the client you do own rights to print and share on social media. 

1. What type of portrait sessions do you do?

So many! Family sessions, personal branding sessions, maternity sessions, creative conceptual portrait sessions, boudoir, engagement sessions, band sessions, you name it. 

2. How much does a portrait session cost?

On average, $350 is the starting point and can go up depending on how many add-on's and extra time you choose. 

3. How long does it take to get my photos?

Up to two weeks. They will be delivered via an online gallery. Depending on the package you have chosen will determine how many photos you get out of the gallery. Once you have chosen your favorites you will be able to download them and will have rights to print. You will also have the option to order professional prints from your gallery as well.

4. What products do you offer?

I offer a variety of top-notch quality products that all come from a professional printing lab. Albums, photo books, canvas wraps, metal prints, acrylic prints, prints of various sizes, and encaustic photo paintings.

5. Will you help me pose?

Absolutely! I won't leave you hanging and wondering what to do with your hands. I am not one for over the top traditional posing but I will give direction and prompts so that you are comfortable, having fun, and relaxed, and most importantly - smiling authentically!

1. What is boudoir?

By definition, boudoir is a private sitting room, bedroom, or dressing room, especially one belonging to a woman. But in the realm of photography, boudoir is a photography session that celebrates one's body, is self-care, and doing something to show case your bad self. Boudoir also makes for a steamy gift for a partner.

2. I'm super self-conscious. How do I get over being nervous?

I say it time and again, I think it's natural for each of us to be our own worst critic. Especially as women, we tend to pick apart ourselves far more harshly than anyone else. That narrative needs to stop. We need to see ourselves in a new light and sometimes it helps to see ourselves through the eyes of someone else (me and my camera hopefully!). One of my goals with each boudoir session is to show each and every client just how beautiful they are. It's normal to be nervous for a boudoir session. I find that those nerves fade after a few short minutes and before you know it, even the shyest of the shy, are rocking the hell out of their session!

3. Will you help me pose?

Absolutely! I will help you every single aspect of the way. From finding out what your goal is by doing a session and making sure it is obtained, to helping you choose the perfect pieces to wear, and helping you pose.

4. Will you show my photos to anyone?

Only, and only, if you give permission. If you choose to keep them private, I absolutely respect that. If you are completely comfortable with me sharing, I respect that too. Zero pressure and 100% respect.

5. Where will we shoot?

At the moment, I do not have a studio of my own. Although, I do have a few that I frequently rent out so that is an option. Your own home is another option as well as a boutique hotel, AirBNB (as long as they are okay with photography taking place on the premises), or even outdoors at a discreet non-public area.

1. What is a Creative Session?

A creative session is when someone comes to me wanting unique imagery of themselves. Either we can come up with a concept together or I can come up with one that is completely custom to your distinctive individuality. 

2. How much does a Creative Session cost?

Creative Sessions start at $750. You might be wondering why they cost more than my average portrait session and that is because much more planning and much more editing is involved. Often times I will provide wardrobe if I have it as well.