The Church Organist :: Springfield, Illinois, Business Portrait Photographer

Linda Storm, an accomplished piano and organ performer and teacher, will be playing a "farewell concert" on the pipe organ at Lincoln Christian University on Sunday, May 29, at 2:00 PM in Lincoln, IL. During our session for her promotional photographs, she explained to me that the auditorium at LCU was built specifically for the pipe organ that was installed there. Anyone who's heard Linda perform on that organ will attest to its phenomenal sound--as well as Linda's outstanding playing.

Linda plans to play some "serious" pieces as well as some fun ones, including (at her husband's request) a song by The Beatles. If you're in the Lincoln area, make plans to attend this special event. You won't likely have the opportunity to share in this kind of experience for a long time.

Queen Bethany and Little Miss Dani :: Illinois Pageant Photographer

2010 Logan County Fair Queen Bethany Rea and Little Miss Dani were recently in the studio for some promotional images for the upcoming Fair publicity materials. As always, they looked stately and regal--well-suited for their roles.

Both Queen Bethany and Little Miss Dani will be hosting a "Cookies at the Castle" event tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) for young girls in Logan County at the Lincoln Women's Club from 10-11 AM.

Thanks once again to Queen Bethany and Little Miss Dani for letting me make your photographs.

Rachel, Business Headshot :: Central Illinois Portrait Photographer

My friend and neighbor Rachel Grunder recently started her own business, Onward!, an educational consultancy. She's been an educator, trainer, and project developer for years and is now seeking to expand her influence. As she's getting everything together--filing for her "DBA," setting up her books, designing a website, seeking clients, and all the other thousand details that go along with it--she contacted me to make some professional business portraits. She wanted images that revealed her warmth and friendliness but that also showed confidence and competence. This is just one of her photographs that she felt conveyed those qualities.

If you'd like to discuss how your business' image can be improved with better photography, contact me today.

Jetty, Lifestyle Portraits :: Bloomington, Illinois, Headshot Photographer

Jetty and I have a working relationship that goes back several years. She's worked as a hair stylist for years here in Lincoln, most recently at Cape Landing Salon at the corner of Kickapoo and Broadway, and has been cutting my hair for, well, since I can't remember. I photographed her wedding in 2009 and she's worked as the hair stylist for a few brides I've photographed as well. She is friendly, fun, and always treats her clients with respect.

If you're in central Illinois (Springfield, Bloomington/Normal, Decatur, Peoria, Champaign/Urbana) and interested in learning about how I approach business portraits (AKA, headshots) in the studio, you'll find descriptions, videos, and testimonials on the Business Portraits page. 

Here are a few more images from Jetty's session--enjoy. 

Jetty - Springfield, Illinois, portrait headshot photographer - Michael Gowin Photography

Jetty - Bloomington, Illinois, portrait headshot photographer - Michael Gowin Photography

Jetty - Peoria, Illinois, portrait headshot photographer - Michael Gowin Photography

Bethany Rea to Compete in Illinois State Pageant

Bethany Rea, a resident of Lincoln, Illinois, won the Logan County Fair Queen pageant this past August and will be competing at the state pageant this weekend.  She is a delightful young lady and will represent our county well.  I wish her the best in the competition this weekend.

Bethany Rea - Springfield, Illinois, pageant headshot photography by Michael Gowin

Bethany Rea - Springfield, Illinois, pageant headshot photography by Michael Gowin

Image in Use: Dr. Keith Ray in "The Restorer" - Lincoln Christian University

I made the portrait below of Dr. Keith Ray, president of Lincoln Christian University, in his office late last spring.  It's been used as the inside cover image for the president's regular column in the school's quarterly alumni magazine, The Restorer (available for download here via the "Publications" link).