Chi-Town Foto

WOW! 2012

2012-01-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

OK so I haven't posted anything in forever! The Holidays had me booked and busy, but now it's January 2012 and things have calmed down. I'm starting to venture into food and table top/product photography. Here's a few shots to start, A few friends have to help my learn styling food better.

Other news my band No Enemy! is working on 4 new songs for everyone, and yes they will be FREE! I have a post on that when there all done. Look for us playing round town in the up coming months!

Long Time, No BLOG! but I have alot now! No Enemy!, Riot Fest, Material Issue, Rockit Girl!

2011-10-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's been too long since I blogged, I'd say partially busy and laziness involved there! OK so first things first is my Band released our 2 song E.P. today it's FREE, yes FREE, Free is the new $5 or atleast with music it is. Click the photo to download, photo taken by great photographer friend Tracy Graham.

Next Riot Fest is this week, I can't wait bands like Descendents, Social Distortion, Danzig/Misfits, Suicide Machines, Weezer (which one of these bands doesn't belong!), & many many many more. I was supposed to get a photopass hopefully I do so I bring all you fantastic photos, however I feel cause I'm not with any media I may get the shaft even though they said yes at first!

Now to what I've been up to! I'll work backwards I guess. Yesterday I photographed Lilly's 2yr photos, Let me say this girl is a character and I love taking her photos. So many great moments from that shoot. Here's one of my favorites.

Then a few weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing Material Issues reunion show (of course not with their real singer) They got Phil Angotti to fill in, who if you've never seen this guy is great! Rockit Girl opened up for them, who if you don't know Gina from Veruca Salt is the lead singer. This band I personally know and did a reunion show after 5 years at the Double Door in August and then was asked to open for the Material Issue show. It was kind of like a double reunion show and both bands ruled the stage. Material Issue even had guest appearances like Scott Lucas from Local H sing a song. Here's a few photos you can click on them to get to my facebook section with all my photos from the event.

ROCKIT GIRL

MATERIAL ISSUE

For my final, Prior during the day of the show above, I photographed Amy Schwartz a local comedian/improv actor. We had blast and got some really great photos. She was naturally awesome :) You can see her perform this Thursday October 6th for The Tonight of the Living Dead Show at Studio BE, 3110 N Sheffield Ave,Chicago, IL
Here are some of my favorites from Amy's photo session.

We Repel Each Other in the studio!

2011-08-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I went over to the studio where We Repel Each Other are recording and took some photos. If you have never seen this band GO SEE THEM! Their music is awesome and they are so entertaining. I saw last night how that energy on stage stays with them even in the studio and I think that's what makes their music so great. They have music up on Bandcamp to check out and to see where their playing next check the facebook page
Now here's a few photos. (to see more click on the photo to go to my FB page)

Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival - See my work

2011-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

So this weekend (July 29-31) is the Logan Square, Milwaukee Ave Arts Festival. Lots of great art and bands going on during this weekend. I will have a few band photos up in the Crown Liquors Bar, I was excited to see one of my images used for an article about the fest, here's that link if you'd like to read and see my image (it's the first one of Allan from the Blackbelts playing guitar and pointing) Click here for article Aside from this art show there are sooo many great bands playing this weekend around town,

We Repel Each Other - playing The Mutiny friday night
The Handcuffs(CD Release)-Penthouse Sweets-The Blissters - playing The Beat Kitchen saturday night
The Arrivals will be playing saturday 7:30pm at the Milwaukee Ave Art Festival

This is only a small portion of the fun going on in this great city this weekend. I'm going to try to make as many of these events as possible. (I'm moving this weekend so my schedule is super busy)

Agent Skateboards-Dan Martin yo!

2011-07-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I was with Agent Skateboards taking some photos in the crazy hot weather. Jarret Berry was in town from CA tearing it up. Along with him was a skater Dan Martin, now I've been a skateboarder most of my life and this kid has got some talent. After getting kicked out of a few street spots we ended up at this park in Elgin where Dan proceeded to wreck this handrail. He was working on a new trick (360 flip to nose blunt down the rail, or I think thats what they still call it now days!) anyways he was sooo close to landing it, maybe next time. I did get a great kickflip boardslide sequence of him down the rail you can view on my Facebook page click here. Definately a current and future contender in the skateboarding world! Cheers to you Dan!

If you're in Elgin stop by Hilltop Skateshop they have a mini-ramp and you might catch some of the Agent team skating there. Hill Top also has great prices on boards and any other sk8 gear you may need.

Facelift - New Blog

2011-07-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

So thanks to my assistant Michelle, my blog got a new makeover. Check it out, scroll around, leave comments and tell all your friends.

The last weekend of July is the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival in Logan Square, I will have a few music photos up in the Crown Liquors, 2821 North Milwaukee Avenue. That's right stick the bands with the booze! LOL - Anyways if you're in the area come check it out. Here's a link to the Facebook event page for it. Independent: Chicago Band Photography

Also on another note if your feel like road tripping this weekend and are into cars and motorcycles check out the Midwest Car Show & Swap Meet in Iola, Wisconsin.

RIOT FEST Chicago

2011-06-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yes I woke up excited this morning, why? RIOT FEST tickets went on sale. Known for getting great bands that haven't played in a long time back to play, this years line up is ridiculous! Danzig Legacy, Descendents,Social Distortion, Weezer, Suicide Machines, 7 Seconds, Left Over Crack, I mean this list of awesome bands goes on and on! Riot Fest takes place Oct5th-9th. For more info check out RiotFest.org or to purchase tickets click the Riot Fest banner! I was lucky enough to get a photo pass 2 years ago for NOFX and I got some great photos, (by the way NOFX will be at the House Of Blues on Oct 14th & 15th). Hopefully I get a pass this year to take some great photos of these awesome bands.

Beach Ponchos

2011-06-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I photographed a clothing line. The company is Beach Ponchos by designer Josephine Elias. We went to the beach on thankfully a great perfect day. Our 2 models we're awesome, sun was in the perfect spot, couldn't asked for a better day. Check out this clothing line, if you're a beach go-er than these are a must have to look stylish on the beach. They also are great for a night out on the town too or just relaxing around the house. Here's one of my favorites and to view more or purchase one click here --->> Beach Ponchos on facebook

47 Chevy

2011-06-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Photographed a 47 Chevy yesterday, we found some old railroad tracks for our story and got lots of awesome photos. Here's a sneak peak and of course there will be more posted on Chi-Town Foto's facebook page as they're completed.

Here's a few IL shows coming up soon if you're interested in seeing some great vehicles!

14th Annual All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show
June 23, 2011 - June 23, 2011

Wheels in the Woods
June 24, 2011 - June 24, 2011

11th Annual Classic Car and Hot Rod Show
June 25, 2011 - June 25, 2011

WAUCONDAFEST 20TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
June 26, 2011 - June 26, 2011

Chicagoland All Wheel Show- West
June 26, 2011 - June 26, 2011

Made U Look Classics Car Show
June 26, 2011 - June 26, 2011

Kustom Rod Cruise Car Show at Volo Auto Museum
June 26, 2011 - June 26, 2011

Mt Prospect Lions Charity Car Motorcycle Show
July 2, 2011 - July 2, 2011

Bikes and Tattoos!

2011-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I photographed 3 bikes at Tat2Jimmys shop in Chicago. If you've never been- go, great guys and great artists! The place opened up a few months ago it's a gotta see if you need tats. So we photographed 2 bikes inside and because of leaking oil photographed the 3rd outside. I will be posting the finished ones on my Facebook ChiTownFoto pages soon as each one gets finished. Here's a preview!

AGENT SKATEBOARDS

2011-05-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

So a good friend of mine owns a sk8 shop Hilltop Skate Shop in Elgin and also has a sk8 team called Agent Skateboards. I went this Sunday and photographed the Illinois team (he also has team members in Florida and Cali) I'm usually against brick walls but this one was cool cause it was falling it apart giving it style. Here's the final team shot we used.

Water

2011-04-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

So I've always wanted to take pictures with water being the focus.....and today I did! It's challenging to get all the reflections out, lets just say I had the studio to full use today with stuff. Here's 2 of my favorites from todays experiments.

Flowers from Andy Z of Kikos

2011-03-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Andy Zimmerman, singer of my band No Enemy! is one of the best floral arrangers I've seen. His family owns a flower shop "Kikos" in Park Ridge, IL. Yesterday we took some great photos of some flower arrangements for a contest. I always find his work amazing. If you ever need flowers for anything he's the guy to talk to. Here's some photos from that session.

No Enemy! New E.P. and its FREE!

2011-03-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

My band No Enemy! released a new e.p. today called UNWIND. We are giving these great songs away for FREE! No catch, FREE. It's not like people really buy music anymore anyways and we want to share these songs with as many people as we can! So please PASS THESES SONGS ON! We will be playing our release show at Memories Bar in Chicago on March 27th (sunday)
Click on the image below for the link to download "UNWIND".

Caffenol Processing

2011-03-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so for the past year I've been meaning to try out developing film with coffee, Yes COFFEE! Today I finally got to it. I went to the cold beach and shot off 2 rolls of film (we'll after stopping at Jewel and then my car wouldn't start cause I think I left an overhead light on all night and now my "service engine" light is stuck on.....UGH) So I developed the first roll and I over developed it, most articles on developing it say 25min, but then I read everyone does it round 12min, I went with 25min and was way too long. The next roll I'm going to do at 12min. Which is going to get developed in the next few hours! So due to over-developing the first roll they turned out really really grainy when I scanned them in. However this is all experimental so I went with it and brought them into Lightroom to play with. I put some cool effects on 2 of my favorite images and it's pretty neat, but I'm still looking forward to the 2nd roll hoping all goes well! Here's those 2 shots, I'm going to link the photos to my facebook page if you wish to see the 2nd roll that will be posted later today (unless its a complete failure)

This photo was Slide Film Developed with Coffee

Lou-Aid #2

2011-02-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, yesterday was Lou-Aid #2, if you missed it well you missed some of the best acts I've seen! Every band rocked the house. We Repel Each Other - Let me tell you if you haven't seen this band, GO SEE THEM. They get the blood flowing and put on one hell of a show (which changes practically every show). The Handcuffs and Penthouse Sweets were kick-ass as always. It was a great turn out for a great cause! Here's a few photos, click on them to get to the rest on my facebook.

iphone new app!

2011-02-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

So I got this awesome app on my iphone, called "The Best Camera" you can take,edit and send with ease to FB, Flickr, Twitter,Email all in one touch! Also links to a network with other "The Best Camera" People and you can upload to a website to view others photos. Here's is one of my first uploads! It's a bit FOUL!

http://thebestcamera.com/

Lou-Aid

2011-02-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Lou (from the Penthouse Sweets) had some medical bills he couldn't afford to pay so "Lou-Aid" was formed to help out. I've known Lou for years and is one of the nicest guys I know, always willing to help somebody. Last night was the first of the 2 shows, the music was awesome from beginning to end. Really just great music no matter what style you listen to. If you happen to read this before Feb-24 / 2011 go see the next show @ The Beat Kitchen

2100 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 281-4444

Different acts also this time, The Penthouse Sweets will be playing, also The Handcuffs and We Repel Each Other. Some great acts to see!!

Michelle

2011-01-07T20:01:00.001-08:00

CTF_Michelle, originally uploaded by Chi-Town Foto.

Michelle is my great designer and assistant, she does so much to make my images what they are!

El Camino

2010-12-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

2010-12-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Red Hot Annie

2010-11-30T15:55:00.001-08:00

Red Hot Annie, originally uploaded by Chi-Town Foto.

Well it rained so we couldnt get the Hot Rod to the warehouse so we just went to the car! It still turned out great!

Project Orange Chair

2010-10-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

CTF_OC_Jay 01, originally uploaded by Chi-Town Foto.

I got this orange chair from I think like 1953 off a friend for $20. In my free time (I started and plan on to continue) to take it on locations wherever. Usually just driving around till I see a good spot. I try to keep my lighting minimal (usually one strobe with my generator and a reflector) so I can be quick and hit up lots of spots in a day. If you would like to sit in the "Orange Chair" please feel free to contact me.
-Patrick

Amanda Braus and Jon Butera Wedding

2010-10-15T11:19:00.001-07:00

CTF 02, originally uploaded by Chi-Town Foto.

Congrats to Amanda and Jon Butera, Photographing their wedding was a fun time!

Pete & Logan

2010-09-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

While watching the Bears (barley win) against Detroit, I took this photo of my friend Pete and his nephew Logan. This is one of my favorite photos!

2010-09-12T11:56:00.001-07:00

oh and Logan bouncing round. ( I need a better phone to take better photos with!)

2010-09-12T11:54:00.001-07:00

Half time during the Bears game, keegans playing Tanks on Wii.

30 NOW!

2010-09-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Oh man I officially turned 30 August 20th. What happen to my 20s they went by way to fast!

So I was in the U.P. Michigan my Bday week and it was so fun. My girlfriend has relatives that own a potato farm with tons of land. I love the country its so peaceful. Anyways here's a few shots from that week.

Motorcycle Shoot

2010-07-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I photographed this girl Vicki on a motorcycle. It was planned to be outside, but rain was predicted so last minute my friend Pete got access to his old work warehouse, which was awesome. We originally wanted to use a warehouse but couldn't find one. Thankfully we did get one cause it was like 90 some degrees out. The shoot went great and was a huge success. Here's a photo from it.

Comedian Lee Kepraios

2010-06-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

So I frequently photograph comedians in the Chicago area. Today I photographed Lee Kepraios. He needed some headshots which we did and were great and then I asked if he wanted to do a few shots outside with this vintage orange chair I picked up this weekend. He was totally down and man these pictures are AMAZING! (or atleast in my eyes they are) Here's a photo from earlier today! I set up lights outside round all this junk my landlords cleaned out over the weekend. I have wider shots that I'll be working on and posting eventually (probably on FB)

Generators first run is a success!!!

2010-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, so after a few months of having this generator to power lights anywhere, I finally got to use it today. I was photographing engagement photos for a wedding Im shooting in September. At first I didnt think I was going to get to use my studio lights outside. We went to the west loop of downtown and nothing stood out and said "AWESOME" (i usually photograph bands there, but engagement photos??????) So anyways went to Grant Park photographed, Great good shots, but still I haven't caught that "YES THERE NOW GREAT" photo yet. heading home (fathers day we all had to get top dinners and what not) I went through a different industrial area and found this deserted back warehouse with a yellow door, right away I was like "THERE THIS IS IT" set up my lights, reved up the generator and freakin awesome photographs turned out! Made my Fathers Day! Here's my favorite among many other great photos.

Summer Shoots begin........NOW!

2010-06-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

So I cant wait to shoot outside many many many times this summer. I have a super jammed packed schedule, This Sunday Ill be shooting some engagement photos going downtown and I cant wait. I now have my generator which means I can set up studio lights anywhere I please! YES, AWESOME. Also Ill be doing more Pin-Up shoots starting at the end of july.

Im also going start offering FREE slideshows with orders to my clients for certain portrait areas such as Children, I should be getting that program this week.

BOOK your shoot NOW slots are filling up!

Published

2010-05-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

So the photos of the Flowers a few posts ago, was for a contest for my friend who's a florist. We'll out of hundreds of entries he/we got in the top 10 and the photo will be published in this flower magazine in August, then people vote so who knows maybe we'll get 1st. Ill keep everyone posted on this in august more.

Anyways, I'm excited to see on of my photos in a magazine regardless! Woo-Who!

Lots of Kid fun

2010-05-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

So I've been photographing alot of kids these past weeks and has it been fun. Tons of great shots, here are a few.

Brochures also are almost complete, then I can really promote my work, Im excited! For now visit my website for pricing and portfolio.

Chi-Town Foto

Bunnie and Jason Tesmer's Wedding

2010-04-08T12:35:00.001-07:00

NEW LOGO

2010-03-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

My designer/assistant/friend Michelle and I have finally made a new logo. I will have a new website up in April (hopefully the 1st) with new photos, connections to this blog, facebook, lots of new stuff. Im excited to get my business one step further!

Here is the new logo, feel free to comment!

Best Flowers EVER!!

2010-03-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

Andy designed these from Kikos Flowershop in Park Ridge IL. These are so awesome! Love'em.

2010 goals

2010-01-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

OK, so the Image USA convention, was great. Stayed at the worst hotel in the US but otherwise I got alot of good tips and saw alot of great photographers speak.

Right now I am getting the studio I work at in working order. Setting them up with new website,facebook,blog and all that. (yes, my work is soooo far behind on technology, its sad!)

After I get all that in working order, I will be redoing my website. My friend Dino designed the site I have up now, did a awesome job, I just need something more interactive for myself and customers. Once thats done I will be able to constantly upload new photos to the site and do lots of fun stuff!

I also will be making brochures, with pricing and I'll be making numerous marketing materials.

Eventually I hope this blog to be an interactive site, for clients and fans to post photos and discuss photography. As I will be posting images in the future here also.

Been awhile! 2009 is almost over.

2009-12-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I havent been doing much with this blog and I will probably only post a few times a month for awhile. I have lots of plans for 2010. Really get Chi-TownFoto on the map, I currently run a MotoPhoto, which is great, but I really want my own studio and hopefully by 2011 Ill have my own studio. Im really getting out there and learning the business side of things so when I take the plung I'll be ready. Im still doing Pin-Up shoots, just with the holidays my day job has comsumed all my time. Ill be at the IMAGE USA convention in Nashville early Jan. and hopefully can pick up alot of good business tips! That's all for now.

Take Care
Happy New Year
Patrick
Chi-TownFoto

Pin-Ups- slowly but surely

2009-09-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am starting/going to shoot- a series of Pin-up photos, I shot one this past sunday, it went very well. At first it was a bit tricky as the sun was blarring down on us and it was a bit windy later on in the morning, but I got some nice shots I was pleased with.. I am going to be doing a whole series and Im always looking for volunteer models, so if you think you have that pin-up look just let me know. This project is going to be a bit slow though at getting done, with holiday season approaching its getting crazy around here. I shoot my own projects on Sundays. Here's a photo from the first shoot.

First Blog

2009-09-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Ok this is my first blog! My name is Patrick Fraser. My purpose for this blog to update people on whats going on with my photography, post pics to talk about, promote my website, ect. ChiTownFoto has been around since 2007, I use this name cause there is another professional well-known photographer with my exact name from california. I also am a drummer in chicago bands, playing in a band called The Its! (we broke up in 2008, but still play about once a year for benefits) Now I'm in a punk band called No Enemy! I'm going to leave this short and simple for now. Feel free to join in, ask questions and what not. I'll also leave you with a link to my website!

www.chitownfoto.com