Questions & Answers

Just like a heart surgeon is a doctor with a valuable specialty, a portrait photographer special focus is with face and body. We study lighting, posing, anatomy and expression to know how the sun illuminates your smile… or where dramatic shadows make you most alluring… to have you sit or stand or recline in the most flattering ways… and yes, what to do with your hands. Check out our Services page to learn more about “What is a Portrait?” or watch this video. Here is a smattering of what you can expect a Portrait Photographer to do for you: Personal Branding (Headshots) Company Headshot Day Business Marketing Photos Beauty/Power Magazine-Style (Fashion) Couples Engagement Sessions Sibling Bonds Best Friends Legacy Portraits (Generations) Intimates (Boudoir) Maternity

Yes! SpiderMeka operates out of The Silk Studio, currently located at: 4311 N. Ravenswood, Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60613 Private. Comfortable. Spacious. Gorgeous. Highly Customizable. Bonus: Easy to get to with ample free parking.

Yes! Have you seen the gallery?

We do, but only if the parents are included in the photos! One day, your children will look for pictures of themselves with you. What will they find?

Yes! We can discuss locations when preparing for your session. Just remember, we make portraits, not architectural photography. YOU are the main subject.

Yes! Engagements, best friends, siblings, mother & daughter, father & son… you get the idea. We love to document individual moments and relationship memories.

Yes! Check out the gallery.

If you’d like to be dipped in milk, buried in leaves… and wearing nothing at all, let’s make some beautiful portraits together. Check out the gallery.

Take a deep breath, drink plenty of water, and think positive thoughts. Many of the beautiful faces you see on our site felt the same way you do. During your Design Consultation, we'll address all your questions and concerns. Your job is to show up, and our job is to pose you, light you, and bring out your unique magic. We're experts at this, and we can't wait to show you.

We prioritize the health and safety of our clients, especially concerning contagious illnesses. Please help us maintain these standards by rescheduling if you experience any cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms near or on the day of your session.

I specialize in and promote whatever is most comfortable for you. If you’re a rockstar at your own styling, then bring that confidence to the studio. If you’re feeling like your natural look deserves a bit more “oomph”… I work with a few of the most talented professional hair & makeup stylists in Chicago. They will come into the studio for all your pampering before we turn on the camera. Easy. Let us know if you desire a styling option add-on during our Design Consultation.

Life happens. If you need to reschedule, please do so 72 hours before your session. Rescheduling is allowed twice. A third rescheduling will incur a $100 fee. For cancellations, 72 hours notice is required for a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the session will result in a non-refundable session fee.

Immediately after your day in the studio, you’ll book your Ordering Session. That’s when you choose the images you love and want to purchase. Turn-around time is between 3 to 14 days, after payment is received. If you need your photos sooner, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Once you purchase your images, they are yours to use as you wish! Share them everywhere and tag @spidermeka. We love showcasing our work on our website, so we may ask for your verbal permission to do so. If you prefer written consent, please read and sign the SMP Image Release form.

You'll receive high-resolution digital files with every image you purchase. These will be emailed to you for download, so make sure to save them to your computer as the download links will expire. Your beautiful prints, canvases, and frames will be delivered to your door or arranged for pickup.