Lisa Predko's Blog

I do not like eating doughnuts.  There, I said it!  I think I am perhaps the one person not interested in standing in line 3 hours at that new place downtown.;) Certainly a lover of sweets, my weakness lies in desserts filled with that deadly combo of sugar plus a touch of salt or just about anything Vosges makes with dark chocolate!  Mmmmmmmm!  Photographically however, DOUGHNUTS ARE FANTASTIC!!:)  Seriously, the variety, the shape, the colors, and of course the more sprinkles the better!!  Makes me wonder, maybe I should go stand in that long line just to see what my camera is missing?!!:) I was very excited when Chicago Magazine asked me to photograph their story about doughnuts and the family that loves them!  Meet the Loevys and the Segals, a family so fun we are hoping to be invited to their next family get together!:) 

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Attractive, sweet, and these people can COOK!  Check out these super fine ladies and gentleman we photographed for Time Out’s 20 Chefs to Watch!  And when you are looking for a place to eat, be sure to visit their restaurants-we’ve attached links just to make it a little easier for you!:)   A special thanks to Clarke’s on Damen, Bonny’s, and El Cid for providing us with locations for our chefs’ after hours hangouts!

L to R: Matt Kirkley – L20, Michael Simmons – Lula, Maggie Laleman – Bite, Jan Rickerl – Girl & the Goat, Duncan Biddulph – Rootstock

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I spotted this lovely lady across a crowded room and instantly knew I had to photograph her!  I was very excited when our schedules finally coincided and she agreed to check out an hourly rate motel I’ve had my eye on-the turquoise paint literally calls my name every time I drive by!  Misha is not only gorgeous and sweet, but talented too-check out some of her art work here!

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The Assignment: photograph a very cool, vintage inspired, Jack Spade bag for Time Out’s Labor Day Shopping section-with a Woodie!!  Yes, please!!!:) Thanks so much to our friends at Time Out, our lovely leg model Martina, and to the super fabulous Camp Wandawega duo, Tereasa & David, the proud owners of this stylin’ Wagoneer!!!  If you think the car is cool, wait until you check out the camp website -I’m packing my bags now!:)

Ladies and Gentleman, please allow me to introduce:

The Bowler

A man with skills and the trophy to prove it, The Bowler is a winner.  From the pins on his shirt, to the glove on his hand (and lets not forget the super fine moustache!), it is clear this is a man of style.  The Bowler enjoys the finer things in life, even his beer comes from The Land of Sky Blue Waters.  Ladies, you might notice this handsome fella does not wear a ring; but proceed with caution as this man is taken, The Bowler is married to the game.

Special thanks to Kevin Day for playing The Bowler!

Actors, I love ‘em!!!!:)  We had so much fun shooting these four who are featured in Chicago Magazine’s Best of Theatre!  We started with Ora Jones, this woman is gorgeous inside and out!  Next was Nick Sandys, a complete gentleman, when he offered to show us his weapons we just couldn’t refuse!  Dexter Bullard is not only the Best Director, but also the best hand shadow puppeteer-AWESOME!  And to close out the day, PJ Powers told us love stories and let loose!   Special thanks to Martina Sykes for Hair & Makeup!

Ora Jones – Best Actress

Nick Sandys – Best Actor

Dexter Bullard – Best Director

PJ Powers of Timeline – Best Theatre Company

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We were also lucky enough to shoot Best of Theatre for 2010-if you want to check those out, take a peek here!:)

I’m obviously a huge fan of the exclamation point, so I think I need to start this blog post by giving big props to Move-tastic! for using it in their name!!!:)  Thanks to Chicago Magazine for asking me to photograph these really fun, super nice (and yes, handsome!) fellas and lovely lady for their Best of Chicago article!  Self proclaimed as Chicago’s premier athletic moving company, the owner even offers a weekly yoga class to his crew (how cool is that?!)!  After meeting these guys and reading even just a few of their 323 Yelp reviews, it’s pretty clear why they are the best!:)  Check out their website to schedule your next move!  Move-tastic!=Fan-tastic!!:)

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I was very excited when Chicago Magazine asked me to photograph fellow photographer, Jessica Labatte!  We share a love affair with color and I couldn’t wait to spend the afternoon in her studio with her!  Talented, beautiful, and super sweet, check her out!!!:)

After having the pleasure to spend time with both Executive Director Justine Nagan and Executive Producer Maria Finitzo, I was thrilled to finally see their film Typeface on WTTW last night!  Typeface highlights The Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, which houses one of the premier wood type collections in the world (I REALLY want to go visit!!).  If you missed it, check your local listings for the replay or purchase your own DVD for a limited time here.  Also, be sure to check out some of the ultra cool Typeface swag made by some of the talented artists featured in the film!

Justine Nagan (Outtake from Chicago Magazine)

Maria Finitzo