Chicagoland Photographer | Exploring Chicago with Sofia

I've been dying to go to the Garfield Conservatory for a while. Before the summer I thought it would be fun to do a Giveaway for a Chicago Session for one deserving 2019 High School Senior Girl.

I didn't have the shout-out up on instagram for more than 15 minutes and already received Sofia's application. Wow, that was quick. Not only was she the first but I also loved her answers. She loves photography, thrift store shopping and is involved in school activities.

Sofia also appreciates my natural approach to senior portraits. I am a big believer in looking like yourself in your senior portraits and not having too much make-up on. The thing that sold me the most was she said that she has a loud and silly personality. Say no more, I knew we are going to get along.

So one beautiful day in May, my intern Shannon, Sofia's mom and I drove to Chicago. We had so much to talk about - like food and life in general! Sofia's mom Monica is awesome and we chatted away. Later Sofia's little sister joined us in Chicago as well.

Our first stop was the Garfield Conservatory and it was just beautiful. The perfect place to photograph a beautiful girl like Sofia. Her outfits were on point and we really enjoyed our time there. Spring was in full bloom, the weather amazing and Sofia looked gorgeous in every shot. Doesn't she look just so vibrant? That yellow jumpsuit was perfect!

We had fun exploring the location and finding the perfect spots. Sofia wrote she wanted to be even more confident in herself which was a big reason she wanted to do this shoot. She couldn't have been more confident, honestly, she looks like a model and her inner and outer beauty radiate. I quickly realized I had picked the right girl for this!

Next stop was Millenium Park ... I must've never been to Chicago in May because I had never seen it in such beauty. All the trees where blooming white and tulips everywhere. Just absolutely magical. Add Sofia to the scene and WOW! So in love with all the images.

18 Questions with Sofia

1. What's your favorite song right now? What do you play on repeat?

Paris in the Rain by Lauv

2. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

1. Travel the world
2. Go skydiving
3. Meet the Pope

3. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

I’m not super high maintenance so it takes me about 15 minutes to get ready. Nice and quick so I can sleep more!

4. If you could teleport where would you go?

I would totally travel back in time to the 1920’s and dress like a flapper girl and fall in love Jay Gatsby!

5. If you were a super hero, what's your power?

My super power would be to heal so that I can help those around me I love feel better and anyone else that can use my help. I think have a super power that can help others would be great.

6. What animal would you want to be?

I would want to be a giraffe! I think they’re so beautiful and interesting animals.

7. If you were famous, what would you be famous for?

I’d probably create videos of my life and me being goofy and include my hilarious family and friends and upload them to YouTube because that would be premium content that would get me famous!

8. Favorite cosmetic product you can't live without?

I couldn’t live without moisturizer! Moisturizing is super important for me and I have to do it 2 times every day.

9. What fashion trend do you think is ridiculous?

I think the most ridiculous fashion trend is the tiny glasses trend. Not here for it!

10. What is your favorite outfit ever?

My favorite outfit ever is the dress I wore for my quinceañera. I wore a light pink ball gown and it’s beautiful! Plus it had pockets!

11. What do you think is the most annoying habit of humans?

The most annoying habit of humans is when they chew loud! It’s the worst sound ever and will always drive me crazy.

12. What would be the name of a movie you star in?

“Hot Mess Express”

13. Favorite part of high school?

I really love being a part of Student Council! Volunteering and being a part of events like Homecoming and Dance Marathon is so fun and has made High School really great for me.

14. What is your favorite treat that you'd eat all the time if you could?

I’d eat ice cream all the time if I could. Ice Cream = 11/10

15. What can you not live without?

I can’t live without my family. They mean the world to me and have made me who I am today! Love you guys!! ️

16. Best book you've ever read?

The best book I’ve ever read was “Looking for Alaska” by John Green. It was one of the first books I really enjoyed and it’s been the only book I’ve finished in 3 days.

17. If you could travel or move anywhere, where would that be?

Without a doubt I would go to Greece. Greece is stunning and I’d love to live there one day or even visit but I don’t think I would want to leave!

18. Why do you think it's important to do senior portraits? What was the best part?

Senior portraits are important because it captures a part of your life that you can look back on and think of your senior year. It also represents to me the next step coming up for me, where I’ll be in the “real world” and start my future! This year however, I can’t wait to create some memories that I’ll think about when I look at my senior portraits! Thank you again Carmen for this opportunity and capturing some amazing photos!

Sofia - I hope you have an amazing Senior Year! You are a true beauty and I wouldn't change a thing about you.

Carmen | CHC-Photography, Inc.