2:45 AM

Kirstin & Jon, June 27, 2009

2009-12-26T01:12:00.002-06:00

when i was in middle school i "dated" a wonderful girl named kirstin. 15 years later she would ask me to take 5-year anniversary portraits for her and her husband, jon. i was thrilled and honored to be asked and can only hope the session was as fun for them as it was for me. check out some highlights at rich chapman foto. wow. 15 years. i'm getting old...

Jenny & Michael, June 20, 2009

2009-12-09T22:01:00.002-06:00

hard to believe how backed-up i am on updates. it's no offense to the terrific couples - like jenny and michael, who were married back in june - i'm just a busy slacker. is there such a thing? discuss. and while you're at it, check out some highlights here.

Melissa & Dan, June 14, 2009

2009-08-27T21:56:00.004-05:00

back in june i headed out to the ol' homestead, elmhurst, il - where i was born and raised - to shoot an e-session for my cousin, melissa, and her fiance, dan. i have to say, i've never seen elmhurst look more beautiful - but i'm pretty sure that was due to this fantastic couple. congratulations to the two of you - i can't wait for the wedding! check out some highlights here.

Jamie & Brian, May 24, 2009

2009-08-26T22:22:00.002-05:00

we are so lucky to work with such amazing couples! jamie and brian are another match made in heaven and we were thrilled to document such a beautiful wedding. i took some of my favorite pictures of the year during their wedding, so please check out rich chapman foto for the highlights. peace!

Nora & Art, May 23, 2009

2009-08-12T23:21:00.002-05:00

my dad and i shot nora and art's wedding waaaay back in may. it was a quick shoot - somewhere in the three to four hour range - but they were an awesome couple, more than willing to have fun in front of the camera. we had a terrific time and captured some great moments. check out the highlights over on the main page.

Mary Kate & Tony, May 15, 2009

2009-08-10T21:12:00.002-05:00

exactly two months after we shot their eSession, mary kate and tony had a beautiful wedding. and now, 3 months later, i'm finally posting pictures. i guess it's good to be busy - especially nowadays - but 3 months is much too long of a delay in posting such precious moments from another perfect wedding day. check them out over at rich chapman foto and i promise many more weddings to come soon! now, who wants to help with the backlog???

Lindsey & Bill, May 09, 2009

2009-06-07T02:13:00.002-05:00

i shot some portraits for my great friends, lindsey and bill, a month ago. wow, time flies. well, i've finally managed to post some highlights on my website and can officially thank my creative director aka mom for all her help. i had a blast with the three of you and hope we can do it again soon!

Cindy & J., April 18, 2009

2009-04-20T23:09:00.002-05:00

we shot a fantastic wedding this past saturday and while i'm still editing, i wanted to share one of my favorite shots from the day. this was outside of the beautiful atwood cafe where cindy and j. had their reception. more pictures coming soon on rich chapman foto.

Traci & Jon, March 14, 2009

2009-03-30T21:58:00.003-05:00

it takes a pretty special event to knock my sweet little baby layla-gator off the top of my blog but that's exactly what i've got. my brother and newest sister-in-law became man and wife during a civil ceremony on march 14th. while the real festivities don't begin until next year in mexico - i was honored to capture the 'legalization.' and the post-ceremony brunch at ella's (traci's mom) house was a blast. congrats, kids. i love you! check out some highlights at rich chapman foto.

Our Graduate

2009-03-05T21:10:00.002-06:00

bobbi and i are proud parents today as we congratulate our layla-gator - petsmart's newest graduate of puppy school.

Mary Kate & Tony, February 15, 2009

2009-02-19T19:44:00.002-06:00

rich chapman photographers struck gold downtown at the opera in the form of mary kate and tony's engagement session. an incredibly sweet couple and one of my new favorite locations. be sure to check out rich chapman foto for the highlights. it's good to be back in the game.

Tasha & Rich, December 20, 2008

2009-02-08T20:13:00.002-06:00

tasha and rich were married at the mchenry county courthouse on a chilly saturday morning. you wouldn't know it, though, because the love in their eyes was enough to warm all of our hearts. good thing, too, because when i forced them to do outdoor pictures at the woodstock square minus their coats, they needed all the warmth they could get :) hopefully the pneumonia was worth it and i hope they enjoyed working with me as much as i did working with them. check out some highlights at rich chapman foto and let me know what you think. peace!

Miloch Family, December 14, 2008

2009-02-08T18:27:00.002-06:00

the milochs are very dear friends of the chapmans and i was very honored that they thought highly enough of my work to ask me to shoot their family portraits. we had a great time and took some wonderful pictures of a beautiful family. check out some highlights on my website and let me know what you think. until next time...

Jill & Rick, November 23, 2008

2009-01-31T23:02:00.002-06:00

on november 23rd i shot jill and rick's wedding (my first solo wedding!!!) thanks to a referral from the amazing jean lachat, who is an incredibly talented photographer and dear friend of the family. if you're looking for a portrait photographer, jean is the best.

speaking of the best, can you imagine a better couple to photograph then one who is willing to slide down this gorgeous staircase (at the newberry library) after the 'formal pic.' i know i can't. jill and rick were so fun and easy to work with i feel spoiled. my sincerest congratulations and warmest wishes to both of them. check out some pictures over at my website and let me know what you think.

My Nana, Gladys Kroon, 1922-2009

2009-01-19T22:59:00.003-06:00

in a touching tribute to my nana, who passed away this past friday, her red hat society released these balloons during her memorial service. she will be missed...

Elvis called...

2009-01-14T18:48:00.001-06:00

he wants his moon back.

Maura & Casey, November 01, 2008

2009-01-08T20:49:00.003-06:00

happy 2009, my loyal base of blog readers...reader? guinness called and said i was dangerously close to setting the world record for longest stretch without an update, so i figured i better step into gear. rich chapman photographers (less one creative director) was privileged to shoot maura and casey's wedding on november first and i'm thrilled to say our streak of wonderful couples to work with remains unblemished. we had a great time, they had a great time and i think we captured some beautiful memories. check out some pictures at my website. i also posted a few on facebook. if we're not friends, what are you waiting for?

And They Lived Happily Ever After...

2008-09-30T17:34:00.003-05:00

a beautiful end to a perfect wedding and the start of a new life together...

picture by the multi-talented robin miloch and arch placement by the best groomsmen crew around. thanks to all!

Karri & Robert, September 06, 2008

2008-09-21T22:01:00.003-05:00

uh oh...somebodies once again slacking on updates... to be fair, i have a good excuse. things have been kind of crazy around the casa lately as bobbi and i prepare for our wedding. 5 days! i've never been more excited in my life. to watch a beautiful young couple like karri and robert starting their life together and know that that will be us in less than a week is amazing. best wishes to the happy couple. they had a blast - as you can see from the super-formal shot of the groom and his groomsmen below. check out some more pictures at my website. i also posted a few pictures on facebook. if we're not friends, what are you waiting for?

Nikki & Eric, August 30, 2008

2008-09-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

uh oh...somebodies updating and it hasn't been 4 months... how could i not, though, with a beautiful, fun couple like nikki and eric? i think rich chapman photographers must be the luckiest crew out there with all these awesome weddings. makes our job easier and a lot of fun! check out some more pictures at my website. i also posted a couple pictures on facebook. if we're not friends, what are you waiting for?

Karen & Chris, August 02, 2008

2008-08-27T20:09:00.002-05:00

it was almost a year ago that i first met karen and chris to second shoot on their engagement pictures. i thought they were a beautiful couple then and was reminded how much i enjoyed working with them. it was wonderful to reconnect and be able to send these two into marriage with some great pictures. click weddings at rich chapman foto to view some of them.

Chrissy & Matt, July 26, 2008

2008-08-11T22:32:00.002-05:00

another weekend and another beautiful wedding. i feel so blessed to have found photography and really can't think of anything i would rather be doing. to be trusted with capturing these moments that will last a lifetime is an amazing feeling. chrissy and matt were another ideal couple who didn't stop smiling all night long. a lot of fun to shoot. congratulations! click weddings at rich chapman foto to view some of their pictures.

Kristen & Dave, July 18, 2008

2008-07-30T22:36:00.003-05:00

does it make me evil if i thought about holding off on publishing these pictures just to drive mama avicola nuts? probably. but i'm not mean enough to actually go through it. kristen and dave are a beautiful young couple, a lot of fun and wonderful to photograph. i feel very lucky to have been a part of their amazing day. click 'weddings' at rich chapman foto to view some of their pictures.

And You Thought You Had It Rough...

2008-06-22T20:29:00.001-05:00

have a happy monday, everybody!

Jacqui, May 16, 2008

2008-05-29T21:23:00.002-05:00

i had my first portrait session on may 16th and couldn't have asked for anything more. jacqui wanted graduation/senior pictures with her horse, tank. we had a beautiful day and the camera loved both of them! click 'portraits' at rich chapman foto to view some of her pictures.

Frances And Mike, May 10, 2008

2008-05-15T20:08:00.002-05:00

the 'team in black' had a fantastic time with frances and mike on their wedding day. their ceremony was at bond chapel on the lovely UIC campus followed by a reception at the school of the art institute of chicago. click 'weddings' at rich chapman foto to view some of their pictures.

Kathleen & John, April 26, 2008

2008-05-04T15:44:00.002-05:00

rich chapman photographers were on the job at kathleen and john's april 26th wedding. we had a great time documenting this lovely couple's day. click 'weddings' on my new website rich chapman foto to view some of their pictures.

It's A Major Award!

2008-05-03T14:43:00.004-05:00

my sincerest congratulations to my dad. he recently won a 2007 lisagor award, which is given by the chicago headline club to honor the best in journalism in and around the city, for his sports photo called "throwing error." the judges wrote: "great catch...for the photographer! more than just two eyes and a ball. good timing for the expression and the ball. nice exposure for sharpness and light." i am so proud of and inspired by him. i can only hope to someday be half the photographer and man that he is. the winning picture:

Rich Chapman Foto, April 22, 2008

2008-04-22T21:13:00.004-05:00

i've decided it's time unveil my website i've been working on for the past couple of weeks. yes, weeks. i'm not a web designer. and it's far from perfect - most of my links are still under construction. but it's a start and i wanted to share it with you all. enjoy! http://rchapman245.googlepages.com

and don't worry. i am still first and foremost a staff photographer for Rich Chapman Photographers.

Dress Shopping, March 29, 2008

2008-04-01T09:07:00.003-05:00

<<removed by request>>

my beautiful bride-to-be went shopping for a wedding dress this weekend with her mom and sisters.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like. . .

2008-03-21T22:21:00.003-05:00

another day, another snow storm. ol' man winter's a bitch. here's to finding new ways to photograph the same old snow.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)

2008-03-14T20:10:00.002-05:00

hey gang. i just saw a post on mike coló n's blog about a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. they recruit volunteer photographers to photograph baby pictures for the families of infants who don't have long to live. in their own words:

For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.

i was deeply moved by the letter mike received from the mother of one of the children he photographed and by what NILMDTS is doing for these poor families. i have already offered my services and would strongly encourage everyone to visit their site. http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

Nikki & Eric's "Save The Date" Postcard

2008-03-06T18:34:00.002-06:00

my dad recently designed this "save the date" postcard for nikki and eric whose wedding we will be shooting in august. he took these pictures during their engagement session (which, unfortunately, i was unable to make). i think it turned out great and i can't wait for their big day. congratulations, nikki and eric!

The Student & The Teachers, February 22, 2008

2008-02-24T12:29:00.003-06:00

My thanks to Kenny Kim for sending over this picture he shot of me with Mike and Bob. I had just won a gift certificate to Calumet Photo and while that's very cool, I think having this picture for inspiration is a much sweeter prize. Talk to you soon!

Master Your Craft, February 22, 2008

2008-02-23T09:42:00.008-06:00

I spent this past Friday at Bob Davis and Mike Colón's "Master Your Craft" seminar. What a wonderful way to spend a day! These guys are true masters of their craft and for me to be able to spend a day learning from them was amazing. From beautiful images to lighting techniques to editing to marketing yourself - It's going to take me a week to come down from this high!

Mr. Bob Davis

Mr. Mike Colón

Mr. Kenny Kim along to document the journey.

From the bottom of my heart - Thank you, guys!

January Blues

2008-01-22T22:37:00.001-06:00

I feel like my dad and I are Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn waiting for wedding season in "Wedding Crashers." Our course our motives may be different. Anywho, I'm trying to keep my trigger finger warm so I've been looking for inspirado wherever I can find it. So, a landscape, a fish and a couple of cats it is...

G(l)o Fish

2008-01-22T22:34:00.000-06:00

The sunlight shining through our fish tank caught my eye the other day.

Fine Feline Friends

2008-01-22T22:24:00.000-06:00

Bella watches the world go by...

And keeps Dixie clean...

Lonely Tree

2008-01-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

This caught my eye. Shot just outside my house.

Fly By

2007-12-22T17:00:00.000-06:00

I always try and be on the look-out for photo-ops. I think this one turned out pretty cool.

Wedding Portfolio, December 08, 2007

2007-12-08T18:30:00.003-06:00

On Monday my parents made me a delicious taco dinner AND helped me pick out pictures for my portfolio. Thought I'd share our selections with y'all. Enjoy!

Tamar & Brian, November 10, 2007

2007-11-23T21:10:00.000-06:00

our last wedding of the year was a fun one at the art museum in milwaukee. good times were had by all and it was a great way to close out a year of beautiful weddings. i can't wait to see what lies ahead in 2008.

Karen & Chris, October 21, 2007

2007-11-04T13:09:00.000-06:00

autumn is my favorite time of year. if these engagement pictures are any indication it's going to be my favorite time to shoot, too. unfortunately it's a season far too fleeting. . .

You Call It Fantasy, I Call It Distorted Reality

2007-10-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

a quick moment to pat myself on the back, here, as i posted this season's highest point total to-date in my fantasy football league. billy, the greatest commish ever, oversees the league and keeps us up to date with his blog. this week, in the winners column, you'll find. . .

Travelblog, Day 4 - 11:00pm

2007-10-14T22:53:00.000-05:00

all good things must come to an end, but before i geaux - a last glimpse of the big easy as i begin the long ride home. i'll see you all soon.

Travelblog, Day 3/4 - 1:15am

2007-10-14T01:07:00.001-05:00

it's not even mardi gras and bourbon street's a'rockin. stay classy, new orleans.

Travelblog, Day 3 - 8:00pm

2007-10-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

spent a good part of my day in the french quarter taking in some of the sights. i also drove through some of the areas of the city devastated by katrina, but for now we'll keep things upbeat. enjoy. i'm off to bourbon street!

Travelblog, Day 2 - 10:45pm

2007-10-12T22:48:00.001-05:00

welcome to naw'lins! turning in early tonight to prepare for a busy day tomorrow. did manage to sneak out to the bar d.b.a. on frenchmen st. for a little whiskey and a little music. so far so fun. until next time, peace y'all!

Travelblog, Day 2 - 2:30pm

2007-10-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

hey gang, just checking in from lovely grenada, ms. i'm here to grab a quick bite and then continue on. wanted to share, though, that i did stop to pay my respects at the gates of mecca - graceland. may the king smile upon my journey.

Travelblog, Day 1 - 11:30pm

2007-10-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

greetings from my beautiful luxury suite at the econo lodge in hayti, mo. i crossed 500 miles in the pirate ship today on my way to port in the big easy, n'orlens. i decided to wander out before calling it a night - big mistake! i was attacked by helicopter and hunted by wolves - all to find a mississippi riverboat casino to take steal $20.00 from my travel fund. i need to sleep. i'll talk to you soon.

Kristen & Dave, September 30, 2007

2007-10-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

this was my first engagement photo session and what a good time. kristen and dave are a fun couple and we had a great day to do the pictures. i've known kristen forever and have never seen her look more beautiful or more happy. i think she's found a great guy to spend her life with. i can't wait for the wedding!

Jenny & Bill, September 21, 2007

2007-09-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

jenny and bill had a beautiful wedding on a perfect day. i hope we were able to capture some of the magic and i wish these kids nothing but the best.

this, unfortunately, is the last wedding i'll be shooting for a month-plus. hope i don't get rusty because the next one's a biggie. i'll have more blogables in the meantime, though, with my photography class providing ample opportunities and a cross-country road trip upcoming. i'm also trying to put together a collection of wedding photo "b-sides". so stay tuned.

Tina & Don, September 15, 2007

2007-09-16T21:37:00.000-05:00

was this the longest wedding i've ever shot? yes. was i exhausted well into the following day? yes. was it worth it? absolutely. with each wedding, each photo, each step, i become more and more excited about where this path is leading. my dad is the best teacher anyone could ask for and i am honored to work alongside him. t-minus 5 days until we do it all again. i can't wait.

Sanem & Mike, September 02, 2007

2007-09-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

sanem and mike had their wedding at the historical "pleasant house" in oak park. it was a beautiful setting for their beautiful day.

on an unrelated note, i begin my photography class this week. i'm very excited about what lies ahead - once i know what i'm doing. i'll keep you posted.

The Pirate Ship

2007-08-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

yar, matey! climb aboard me new yaris to sail the concrete seas. . .

Becki & Jake, August 10, 2007

2007-08-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

becki is a good friend and i was thrilled to be a small part of her special day. i see a happily ever after in the future for these kids.

karen made the photo booth fun. i just might have to get this girl signed to a modeling agency. . .

Tina & Charlie, August 04, 2007

2007-08-12T21:01:00.000-05:00

wow. time flies when you're busy. i'm two weddings and a new car behind in my updates, so let's roll. . .

i spent a good portion of the reception in the photo booth (see last pic) but still managed a few good shots as the girls were getting ready.

Jell-ocon

2007-08-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

as it turns out, you can have fun at work. lars stole chris's ninjas (it's a long story), drowned them in jello and then gave the tasty treat to chris as a farewell present. can't wait to see what happens over winter break...

New Lyrics

2007-07-31T22:33:00.000-05:00

black sundress

what'll it take to make you see
everyday that you're gone
i lose a part of me
you smile false sincerity
it's an ember of hope
that i burn foolishly

set her free
set her free

well tonight it doesn't matter
all the shit that you've done
just put that black sundress
and your high heels on

now you're hanging out with your fool
thinking how there must be
another way for you
and maybe you need someone new
i'm starting to think that
maybe i need you too

set her free
set her free

so tell your man you're going out
and we can have some fun
just put that black sundress
and your high heels on

set her free
(set her free)
set her free
(set her free)

everyone's crazy
least some of the time
so don't be worried
when i blow your mind

cuz tonight it doesn't matter
all the shit that you've done
just put that black sundress
and your high heels on

don't worry 'bout tomorrow
until tonight is gone
just get out of that dress
and we'll get it on

A Look Back

2007-07-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

to kick off the new site, i thought i'd put together a handful of photo collages to give you a little taste of my work over the last year or so. a retrospective, if you will. the picture quality is not the greatest, but you get the idea.

as 2:45 AM gets rolling, i will update frequently with current work. i only want to share fresh ideas. after all, this is about moving forward, not looking back.

~enjoy

kristen & lester, july '07 - a quick three-hour wedding, but they were a sweet couple and i feel i got some really cool pictures.

lori & chris wedding, march'07 - this was the first wedding my dad unleashed me with a camera. i believe my love affair with wedding photography began here.

quinceañera, march '07 - my cousin, nicky's 15th birthday. and my first paid gig!

buffett, july '07 - well, technically the picture of jimmy is from 2006. i didn't risk sneaking the camera into the venue because i wanted to enjoy the whole concert this year.

crystal lake fest, june '07 - good music. good friends. good times.

random '07 - except for my precious lil' bella down in the right hand corner. that was may '06.

Welcome

2007-07-29T19:24:00.000-05:00

welcome to 2:45 AM. my own little presence on the world wide web. here i will share photos, lyrics and some occasional thoughts, musings or observations as i begin my journey towards finding that elusive concept known as happiness. the steps may be small, but i do believe they're leading me in the right direction. if you care to join me, i'd be happy to have you along for the ride.

~peace