Hello! I'm Aimee.

 

I'm an Accredited Associate Portrait Photographer specializing in Modern Portraiture and Professional Branding images with two studios located in Carbondale, Illinois. A native southern Illinoisan, my family and I have lived in Carbondale for almost 20 years. When I graduated from SIU in 2002 with a Business Degree in Management Information Systems and a minor in Women's Studies, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, but I knew, whatever it was, I was going to find a way to be empowering to other women. It took 10 years, but I found it and have never looked back. 

I’ve been developing portraits for the beautiful and amazingly diverse people of southern Illinois since 2012 with one goal in mind: create elegant portraits my clients absolutely love that will be treasured beyond their lifetime. 

My approach is to customize each session to the unique desires of my clients with the intention of capturing the mood and beauty of who they are, right now, today.  Consulting with clients before their session, connecting with them and understanding the significance of their shoot, helps us determine the best wardrobe choices and styling decisions, which ultimately helps ensure we bring the vision to life. Combining the talents of local stylists, makeup artists, florists, and other creative professionals allows us to freely explore the possibilities of planning each session. 

We go through so many changes in our lifetime, why not celebrate all you have achieved or survived, all the choices that have made you who you are. I know my life has taken a litany of twists and turns, some harder than others, but I am grateful for the lessons learned, and for those I learn each day, continually striving to be a better me. Each experience changes who we are inside, as we evolve into our true self; and each experience is worth noting where you are within it. A photograph is just a moment captured, and yet, incredibly, the experiences leading up to that moment can be captured within it. 

I want to capture that for every woman I meet. The beauty of this experience is that it allows you to fall in love with yourself all over again, and see, sometimes for the first time, the beautiful person who those around you see in you.

 

Photographing the beauty in others is one of my life's greatest joys.

I want to capture that for you so you can shine and share it with the world. 

You are perfect, now.

You are worth celebrating, now.

I look forward to celebrating with you.

-Aimee

 

Still want to know more?!

Born in Herrin (IL), I grew up mostly in Cape Girardeau, MO (Go, Tigers!), I am married with two amazing children who are the inspiration and motivation for everything I do. I have worked a variety of "jobs" in my lifetime, including fast-food/waitressing, telemarketing, customer service, office management, database management, and small business advisor before truly finding my calling just before turning 40. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University in Business Management, with an emphasis in Management Information Systems, a minor in Women's Studies, and have started two businesses, including this one, since 2002. 

My happy place is in my studio with a camera in-hand. I am self-taught in the art of photography and Photoshop, and am always exploring, learning, and challenging myself to think outside the box, to be creative and imaginative in my approach to mastering my craft. I am currently working towards accreditation through The Portrait Masters; my submissions to which you will find in the Image Awards portfolio gallery. 

If my images and/or message resonates with you, please contact me for a complimentary consultation. I would love to speak with you.