April Reflections: A Month of Highs and Lows

May 1

April 2025 turned out to be quite the rollercoaster ride—filled with exhilarating highs and some unexpected lows. Buckle up as I take you through the highlights and challenges of this memorable month!

First up, the thrilling news! I finally had the chance to shoot at one of my dream dealerships, Perillo of Downers Grove. From the moment I set my sights on car photography, Perillo was always on my bucket list of four must-visit dealerships. Thanks to the support of a talented friend and fellow photographer, this dream became a reality. And what’s a dream shoot without the perfect model? I knew right away that Victoria was my ideal choice to bring the vision to life.

Yet, as is often the case in this business, the sweet comes with the sour. I had been eagerly awaiting a special project that paid homage to those iconic Playboy magazine covers—this was my dream shoot at the studio! When a model reached out about collaborating on those classic cover shots, I was over the moon. Vintage Playboy covers have long been a key inspiration for my photography, so this was a moment I had been looking forward to for ages.

But then came the disappointment: after two canceled shoots, my beloved model and muse had to step back due to a new job with strict social media policies, which meant she couldn’t be part of the project. It felt like losing a piece of my artistic vision, and sadly, some of my favorite shots featuring her had to be tucked away in the "DO NOT USE" vault. To add to the frustration, two clients also backed out of scheduled shoots, leaving me navigating a bumpy patch.

Despite these setbacks, not all was lost! I got to escape for a fantastic vacation with my wife, and we celebrated one of our kids getting married—a beautiful occasion that reminded me of the joys of life beyond the lens.

In the grand scheme of things, I’d say April was a remarkable experience, full of lessons and opportunities. Here’s to embracing every twist and turn on this creative journey!