Category Archives: Event Photography

Lake County Il Child Photographer | Bernie’s Book Bank

I had the pleasure of photographing a Bernie’s Book Bank book distribution at Dever Elementary in Chicago this past week.

Bernie’s mission is to increase book ownership among at-risk children throughout Chicagoland.

Bernie’s sorts the books into individual bags for the children. Each child receives a collection of books appropriate for their grade level.

Watching the excited smiles and hearing the oohs and ahhs as the kids opened up their individual bags was a lovely site to behold.

The kids had a great time perusing their new treasures, as well as trading the books they received with friends.

Bernie’s Book Bank book distribution at Dever Elementary in Chicago. February 17, 2017

I also love doing day in the life sessions with families. If you would like to see some examples of those photo shoots, click here and here.

Interested in seeing my bar mitzvah photography? Click here and here .

And my favorite thing to photograph is Grandparent Sessions. There is nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. To see examples of a Grandparent Session and hear why those are so important, click here, here and here.

To follow me on Facebook, click here.

To follow me on Instagram, click here.

Susan Ryan Kalina is a Lake County, Il, Family Photographer, Lake County, Il, Event Photographer, Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer, Chicago Event Photographer, Newborn Photographer, Grandparent Photographer, Day in the Life, Documentary, and Candid photographer servicing Chicago, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Glenview.

A Greek Orthodox Baptism

Have you ever been to a Greek Orthodox baptism? Previously, I had only done Catholic baptism photography. Yesterday was my first experience attending and doing baptism photography at the stunningly gorgeous Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. I can now tell you it’s a beautiful ceremony, rich with tradition and attention to detail.

Before the Baptism

The L family arrived early to get everything perfect before the ceremony. I had an opportunity to photograph some details, the gathering crowd of well-wishers as well as portraits before the baptism started.

The Ceremony Begins

The priest began the service saying prayers with Christos and his godfather, George, in the back of the church.

After a few prayers, they moved forward. And then a few more prayers were said, and they were up on the alter.

The Main Event

A Greek Orthodox baptism is different than the Catholic baptisms I have attended and photographed. Christos was undressed completely, annointed with oil and then fully immersed in the baptismal font. Additionally, they cut a few locks of his hair.

The Ceremony Continues

Once he was dressed in his white baptismal outfit, more prayers are said, incense and candles are lit, and the ceremony continues.

I am thankful that I was hired to do baptism photography for Christos’s big day. I always enjoy learning about and photographing the beautiful rituals of different religions.

Do you have a baptism or other religious event you would like photographed? To see examples of some of the mitzvahs I have photographed, click here and here . To see examples of my family photography and grandparent photography that celebrates the beauty in the every day, click here, here, here and here. Never heard of a grandparent session? Click here and here to learn why I think it’s some of the most important photos you will ever take.

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Chicago Mitzvah Photography

I find it to be such an honor when someone asks me to be their mitzvah photographer. I truly enjoy capturing their family story on such a momentous day.

I love witnessing the culmination of all their hard work.

Mitzvah kids study Hebrew for years. They identify and perform a mitzvah project. Doing the mitzvah (volunteer) project is such an amazing way for kids to open their eyes to the world around them and learn about helping others. It’s so beautiful to watch young teens finding a way to give back.

And of course the mitzvah kids have the pressure of preparing their Torah portion and their speech. I can’t even imagine leading a service at the tender age of 13! What an incredible accomplishment for these kids.

Emily did such a great job with all of her responsibilities. She handled her big day with grace.

Party Time

Emily’s party at Austin’s Fuel Room was definitely one to remember. Energy Productions kept everyone out of their seats and dancing all afternoon. And I don’t think I will ever forget witnessing Emily’s little brother Ben singing “Baby Got Back.” Priceless! Who knew he was such a great little break dancer too?!

For many families, having a bar or bat mitzvah is the first time since their wedding that so many of their family and friends are all together in one place. You could literally feel the love in the room.

Winding Down

The entire room got on the dance floor for the last couple songs. Everywhere I looked the crowd was all smiles.

I know I wasn’t the only one who was sad when the party ended!

To see more mitzvah photography please click here. For more event photography, please click here. To see Chicago family photography, please click here, here and here.

Jasmine’s Sweet Sixteen Party

The Make-A-Wish Foundation asked me to photograph Jasmine’s Sweet Sixteen party. I was thrilled to spend the evening documenting Jasmine getting pampered and enjoying her fabulous party. Her family was a joy to be around. And seeing several vendors I recognize from the bar mitzvah and wedding circuit donating their time to a worthy cause definitely makes my heart sing.

I love photographing events. Birthday parties, sweet sixteens, baptisms, bar mitzvahs, you name it! Any chance I get to tell the story of someone’s day, I know it’s going to be a wonderful experience.

Having good clients throughout the year allows me to take the time occasionally to donate my services to families that can’t afford photography. Thank you to all the people I work with that make this possible!

Chicago Sweet Sixteen Photography

Deerfield Bat Mitzvah

Photographing Jessica A.’s Deerfield bat mitzvah was such a treat! From the before photos at Shir Hadash Synagogue to the party at Highland Park Country Club, her family and friends were so much fun. I could tell from the minute I walked through the door that this is one loved, special girl.

Thanks for choosing me to document your big day!

To see more event photos by Susan Ryan Kalina, click here.