The Art of the Moment - Storytelling Photography for the Families of the North Shore

A Life in the Light

My name is Tao. In my native language, my name means "water wave" - a detail that feels like destiny given how much of my life has been spent chasing the light along the lake. For over twenty years, I’ve been behind the lens, not just taking pictures, but documenting the quiet, honest moments that make up a family’s history.

My 2,400-Acre Studio

I’ve never been one for the four walls of a traditional studio. They feel too small for the stories I want to tell. Instead, I’ve adopted the entire North Shore as my workspace.

From the wild, windswept beaches of Winnetka to the sun-dappled trails of our local preserves, I believe nature is the best collaborator. When we step outside, the stiff poses disappear. Kids run, parents laugh, and I’m there to catch the breath in between.

Where the Light Leads

The Wild & The Open (June – November): We head outdoors to embrace the vibrant textures of the North Shore beach fronts and parks. These sessions are about movement, energy, and that fleeting, spectacular light.

The Quiet & The Close (December – May): We move indoors for intimate, "at-home" sessions. There is a distinct beauty in capturing a family in their own element, surrounded by the walls that hold their history.

Why This Matters

A great portrait should do more than just show what you looked like; it should remind you of how you felt. I create images intended to live on your walls of your home - permanent, tangible pieces of a legacy that only gets more valuable with time.

I’d love to help tell the story of your family.