I’m Olga, owner and photographer behind Gleam Photography.  I’m based in Northfield IL, serving the Chicago North Shore and surrounding areas.  First and foremost, I am a wife, and a mom to two kids (boy and girl) who are getting older by the minute.  I am also a yogi, and a nature and animal lover  – we have two senior pups, and two chickens. 

My passion for photography sparked when I was just a kid , watching my dad take pictures and develop the film in our bathtub back in Ukraine.   Fast forward a few years, when I was about 11 years old, I bought my first digital point and shoot camera and began documenting all the beautiful things around me (macro mode was so fascinating), learning to see and manipulate light along the way.  Then, after having my first child, a new passion for portraiture ignited within me, prompting me to want to document every last bit of my baby with desire to stop time – the only way I knew how to do that was by taking pictures.  

There is a pivotal moment in motherhood when you realize that you will not get back a moment ever again and seemingly ordinary things like rocking your baby to sleep, or having them wrap their little hands around your fingers, or holding their hand while you help them make their first steps – these moments are special milestones worth capturing because they won’t last forever.  Then you blink, and your baby is not a baby anymore, but a lanky 7th grader who is almost as tall as you are.  And so, this desire to stop time for my own kids, has helped me take my hobby one step further by starting my photography business back in 2010.  Since then, I have dedicated myself to mastering the art and skills needed to provide my clients with unparalleled portraits with style and quality that will stand the test of time.

With a style that has been described as clean, modern, romantic, and timeless, my goal is to capture a child’s personality and genuine emotion.  My past clients would vouch that I am a very patient person and understand that every newborn, baby, and child requires a unique approach to make them feel special and relaxed in front of my camera.  For this reason I allow extra time for sessions with little children to ensure they get to know me a bit before I start clicking away.   And thus, don’t be surprised when you see me singing songs and saying funny and silly words (usually some that have something to do with poop) to get some laughs.

My sessions are very laid-back and casual.   As the result, I am able to capture honest images that are full of life and authentic moments like joy, silliness, surprise, and wonder of childhood.  I won’t ask your kids to force a smile but I certainly won’t leave until I have captured a set of stunning images that will make your heart sing.  I love to get creative with beautiful light and artistic perspectives to end up with images that will make you smile every time you look at them because they will capture the real you, but better.  

Life is full of fleeting moments worth capturing. Ensure those moments and milestones are never forgotten by contacting me today to chat about your desired session and how we can make it happen.  I’m committed to helping you with every facet of planning your photo session from wardrobe planning to location selection to help take the load off.  So, reach out and let’s document your family as it is today so that you have memories to share with your children when they are older. 

To set up a session or to find out about my availability please use the contact form above or send an e-mail directly to info@gleamphotography.com.

Thank you so much for visiting.  I look forward to connecting!

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Gleam Photography is a proud member of Professional Photographers of America that holds to the principles of producing top quality art and business practices.