Welcome! My name is Bridget Baker Pawlak and this is my story...
I am a Portrait Artist & Designer, I have Christ in my life, and I am married to the most amazing man from my home town of Calumet City, IL; Richard. We were married in 2000 and recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on a second honeymoon. I am also the mom to two amazing and handsome sons; Brendan 6 yrs and Brayden 3 yrs, as well as a dog-hter (Jack Russell Terrier), Bella 8 yrs.
I have been an artist all my life and earned top female artist in drawing and painting of my senior year at Thornton Fractional North High School. After high school I began commuting via rail to Chicago to financially put myself through art school at night. I began majoring in fine art, but always had a passion for photography. When I was introduced to Photoshop, I had found my career! It allowed me the best of both worlds; bridging drawing, painting and photography.
After marrying Rich, I decided it was time to give up my career downtown as an Executive Assistant at J. Walter Thompson Advertising to focus on my dream of studying photography full time at Prairie State College, and to start a family.
Then, after 5 years of infertility struggles, I surrendered to God that I would never have babies and that He must have had a greater plan for me. So, in 2005, I decided to open a storefront portrait studio in Manteno, IL with a college peer which we named, "Doves Photography Studio, Inc.", and I would consider my client's children my "babies."
To our shock, the day we celebrated our studio's grand opening, we found out we had gotten pregnant on our own (and while on birth control to maintain endometriosis). Talk about opening with a bang!
Our first miracle baby was born on Christmas Eve that year (and our second miracle baby was born in 2008). I finally had the family I had always dreamed of and prayed for...then my world came crashing down. Almost a year to the day of my son's 1st birthday, my sweet mother, Diane Baker, died at the age of 53 from Burkitt's Lymphoma. My life is forever changed!
My testimony, which I did not realize until months after my mom's death; my first son's due date was January 2nd, 2006, but he came early that Christmas Eve 2005. We spent Christmas Day in the hospital which is the first day my mom got to meet and hold my son. We then brought him home for everyone to see on December 27th. The entire family gathered around the dining room where his bassinet was set up.
Here's the unbelieable part; I spent Christmas Day 2006 in the hospital, again, but this time with my mom while she battled cancer. She was hospitalized for two months, so each family member took shifts to care for her. My shift ended late Christmas night, so I went home to get rest and to be with my now 1 yr old and husband. The next shift came in to actually bring mom home with hospice that day after Christmas.
Then, on December 27th, I got the dreadful call that mom was not doing well. I rushed to her house where the entire family gathered around the dining room where her hospital bed was set up. She met Jesus that day. I missed her last breath by a minute! Christmas Day was the last time I got to see and hold my mom alive. And her funeral happened to fall on January 2nd, 2007...which was my original due date one year prior.
Originally, I had always wanted a home based studio (of any kind), but when the kids didn't come, I wanted to go BIG with a storefront. But after these trials and tribulations...I knew it was time to close the storefront and put God, family, then business in order.
Rich and I worked with an architect to finish renovating our 1863 Manteno, IL home, known as The Berthol Madison House. We tripled its size with a new construction addition to accomodate our growing family, as well as a portrait studio (still undergoing renovations) and home office with separate entry. Doing this has allowed me the luxury of being a stay-at-home AND work-from-home mom/wife (aka Mommyprenueress).
God's purpose for me and His gifts have become clearer than ever. I spent much of 2010 dissolving the old business and rebranding the new business, "Doves Photography by Bridget" as a custom fine art boutique studio specializing in newborns, baptismals, babies, children, communions, high school seniors, families, boudoirs, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and maternity portraiture. Doing so has brought me to a higher level of gratification than ever before; I have always LOVED painting and photographing faces!
I am also an advocate for woman who are struggling / have struggled with infertility and breast cancer, by offering fine art body casting / mosaic services for the preservation of pregnant bellies, and the breasts of cancer patients. As well as an advocate for skin cancer and care, by offering beauty consultant services and classes.
Rich and I continue our labor-of-love by completing our {new} old home / studio detail work with decorative painting and trim, and renewing our Victorian gardens with new landscaping and flower beds. This spring I will offer "Portraits In The Garden", something I have dreamed about since my college days!
2012 marks 22 years of photography experience for me. I was born to do this! I didn't fall in love with photography once I had kids, or once I bought a digital camera. I have studied my craft my entire life! This is what sets me apart from other studios. Since I was a little girl, I was always passionate about art, photography, crafting, glamour, fashion, gardening and interior design. I love that I get to do all of these things balled up in one when I create and photograph a session. I owe much of this to my mom. She was by far, the most influencial person in my life. Planting the seeds of strength, leadership, compassion and creativity. To her, everything is in the details! The small things matter and so do people. She always believed in me when I didn't beleive in myself.
With this, I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world!God has blessed me in faith, familiy, friends and "fotography"...and an amazing home that I can share with my clients as I provide them with my God (and mom) given talents with good works. It has been a long road to get where I am, but I wouldn't change a thing. Each step has molded me into the woman, wife, Mommyprenueress, artist and designer that I am. I dedicate my life's work to the Lord and the memory of my mom, Diane Baker. "As for me and my house {studio}, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
DOVES PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGET IS A BOUTIQUE, HIGH-END, PORTAIT ART STUDIO THAT TAKES AN ORDINARY EXPERIENCE AND DELIVERS IT AS EXTRAORDINARY. WE ARE NOT A COOKIE CUTTER BUSINESS, NOR A TURN-AND-BURN STUDIO. WE TAKE PRIDE IN QUALITY, DETAILED, ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS THAT ARE NOT RUSHED BECAUSE OF THE QUANTITY OF SESSIONS BOOKED IN ANY GIVEN DAY. OUR DESIGN SESSIONS ARE LIMITED AND PERSONAL, SO THAT WE CAN GET TO KNOW EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS, ALLOWING US TO COMMUNICATE THEIR VERY THOUGHTS & NEEDS IN A COMFORTABLE SETTING. WE OFFER CUSTOMIZED, HARD TO FIND PRODUCTS, THAT ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLICATE. WE VALUE OUR CLIENTS NEEDS FOR WANTING A SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE TO CREATE PORTRAITS THAT THEY'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF. IT ISN'T JUST ABOUT WHAT WE SELL, BUT HOW WE OPERATE AND HOW OUR CUSTOMERS FEEL LONG AFTER THE SESSION. WE LISTEN TO EACH FAMILY'S LIFESTYLE AND DESIRES. WE CATER TO THE NICHES, NOT THE MASSES, BY OFFERING ORIGINAL ARTWORK THAT IS METICULOUSLY HAND PAINTED. WE RELISH THE FACT THAT OUR SERVICES AND PORTRAIT ART ARE ONE-OF-A-KIND. WE ARE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF PHOTOGRAPHY. PLEASE CONTACT THE STUDIO FOR A PERSONAL CONSULTATION, SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH A DEEPER LEVEL OF SERVICE AND EXPERTISE. WE OFFER PERSONALIZED CUSTOMER SERVICE, UNIQUE PRODUCTS, PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICES AND PRIVATE SALES. OUR WORK STAND'S OUT IN THE MARKET. WE AREN'T JUST ABOUT "TAKING PICTURES", WE ARE ABOUT HOW PEOPLE FEEL ON AN EMOTIONAL LEVEL. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AND POWERFUL IMAGES. PLEASE GIVE US A CALL TO LEARN MORE...815-468-3505.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR SESSION?
WE HOPE YOU'LL SPEND THE NEXT FEW DAYS TELLING EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD!
APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SESSION, YOU'LL COME BACK TO THE STUDIO WHERE WE'LL UNVEILED YOUR PORTRAITS SET TO MUSIC ON OUR BIG SCREEN. YOU CAN COME BY YOURSELF, BRING SOMEONE SPECIAL OR ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR SELECTION DECISIONS. YOU CAN EVEN MAKE IT A SURPRISE FOR YOUR GUEST, AS WE DISCRETELY LEAVE THE ROOM SO THAT YOU CAN ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE PRIVATELY.
IS RETOUCHING AND ENHANCEMENTS INCLUDED IN PRICE?
WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN OUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND WANT NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR OUR CLIENTS. THAT MEANS THAT WE ANALYZE AND DETERMINE HOW ARTWORK MAY BEST ENHANCE EACH IMAGE. WE DO DETAIL WORK DOWN TO FACIAL LINES, BAGGY EYES, BLEMISHES, FACIAL SHINE, TEETH AND EYELASHES! THIS IS COMPLMENTARY AND INCLUDED ON ANY IMAGE YOU SELECT FOR YOUR ALBUM OR ADDITIONAL PURCHASE OPTIONS. ADDITIONAL RETOUCHING SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AND PRICES BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF ARTWORK NECESSARY.
WHAT IS IT IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS AND HAIR STYLIST?
IT IS OUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION THAT HAVING YOUR HAIR STYLED AND MAKEUP APPLIED BY OUR TRAINED AND LICENSED ARTISTS NOT ONLY ADDS TO THE BEAUTY OF YOUR FINAL IMAGES BUT ALSO ENHANCES YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE. THE FEELING OF BEING PAMPERED THROUGH THESE SERVICES WILL SET THE PERFECT TONE FOR HOW THE REST OF YOUR TIME WILL BE SPENT WITH US. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHOOSE OUR PREFERRED IN-STUDIO MAKEUP ARTISAN (JESSICA), AS WELL AS OUR PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SALON OF CHOICE...FUSE SALON www.experiencefuse.com...WE KNOW YOU WILL BE MUCH HAPPIER WITH HOW YOUR IMAGES WILL LOOK. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THE MAKEUP YOU WOULD USE ON A DAILY BASIS IS NOT NEAR THE AMOUNT YOU WOULD APPLY TO BE "CAMERA READY".
APPROXIMATELY 1-2 WEEKS AFTER YOUR SESSION, YOU AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN MAKING PURCHASES (NO CHILDREN PLEASE), ARE INVITED BACK TO THE STUDIO TO VIEW YOUR PORTRAITS ON OUR 42" FLAT SCREEN LCD MONITOR TV IN A SLIDESHOW SET TO MUSIC. YOU ARE INVITED TO SIT AWHILE AS YOU SIP A HOT OR COLD BEVERAGE AND HOMEMADE BAKED TREATS WARM FROM THE OVEN. AND IF THE WEATHER PERMITS, WE"LL EVEN PUT ON A FIRE IN THE FIREPLACE JUST FOR YOU!
AT THIS TIME, WE WILL SHARE THE "PHOTOGRAPHERS PICS" AND ORDER YOUR CUSTOM "BOUTIQUE" PRODUCTS PURCHASES. WE OFFER EVERYTHING FROM WALL PRINTS, CANVAS WRAPS, OIL PAINTINGS, CUSTOM FRAMING, HANDBAGS, JEWELRY, ALBUMS, ORNAMENTS, MUSIC PHOTO CDs, CARDS...EVERY CHIC PHOTO RELATED PRODUCT ON THE MARKET. WE WILL ALSO GO OVER SALES INCENTIVES, BONUSES AND OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM.
ONCE YOUR IN-STUDIO PURCHASE HAS BEEN MADE, ALL IMAGES WILL THEN BE POSTED FOR 1 WEEK TO YOUR VERY OWN ON-LINE PHOTO GALLERY, WHICH YOU CAN SHARE PERSONALLY WITH PASSWORD, OR PUBLICALLY, WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
** SESSIONS REQUIRE HALF DOWN OF SITTING FEE / PACKAGE TO OFFICIALLY BOOK DATE. BALANCE IS DUE AT TIME OF SESSION. 24 HOUR CANCELLATION REQUIRED TO USE DEPOSIT TOWARDS FUTURE SESSION. IF CANCELLATION OCCURS LESS THAN 24 HOURS, DEPOSIT WILL BE KEPT AS A RETAINER FEE **
BRIDGET'S "B CHIC BOUTIQUE"
AVAILABLE IN HER STUDIO & SOON AT ETSY!
~ PHOTO JEWELRY
~ DIAPER / HANDBAGS
~ LARGE PRINTS
~ METAL PRINTS
~ CANVAS WRAPS
~ ALBUMS
~ CUSTOM FRAME FINISHING
~ CARDS / ANNOUNCEMENTS
~ ORNAMENTS
~ REPURPOSED PHOTO PROPS
~ VINTAGE REPURPOSED CUSTOM FRAMING
~ ARTS-N-CRAFTS
~ BELLY CASTING KITS
~ ANTIQUES
~ COSMETICS
ITTY-BITTY-MINI SESSION {APRIL}:
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
$20 INDIVIDUAL SITTING FEE
$10 EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON
SESSION LASTS APPROXIMATELY 30-45 MINUTES & PRODUCES APPROXIMATELY 10-20 FINAL PROOFS.
APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK AFTER YOUR SESSION, YOU ARE INVITED BACK TO THE STUDIO (NO CHILDREN PLEASE) TO VIEW & PLACE A PURCHASE ORDER FROM YOUR 10-20 FINAL PROOFS SET TO MUSIC VIA OUR 42" FLAT SCREEN MONITOR.
WE INVITE YOU TO SIT AWHILE AS WE DEBUT OUR NEW SPRING "BOUTQIUE" LINE WHILE YOU ENJOY FRESH BAKED GOODS AND A HOT OR COLD BEVERAGE FROM OUR GUEST MENU.
ONCE AN IN-STUDIO PURCHASE ORDER IS PLACED, THOSE IMAGES WILL THEN BE POSTED TO YOUR VERY OWN ON-LINE PHOTO GALLERY THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS PUBLICLY OR PRIVATELY WITH PASSWORD PROTECTION. WE WILL ALSO GO OVER INCENTIVES FOR BRINGING IN OUTSIDE SALES!
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES TO COME IN FOR PORTRAITS IN THEIR EASTER SUNDAY ATTIRE! OUR HOME BASED STUDIO OFFERS A QUIET STREET WITH "VIP" PARKING, SO NO NEED TO FIGHT TRAFFIC OR CROWDS AT THE MALL WITH YOUR KIDDOS! A QUICK "ITTY-BITTY-MINI" ~ IN & OUT!
CALL FOR DETAILS & TO BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW 815.468.3505. SPACE IS LIMITED!
*WE PICK BACKDROP & PROPS FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE SESSION
DOVES PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGET
BERTHOL MADISON HOUSE
375 North Hickory Street @ Fourth Street
Manteno, IL 60950
815.468.3505
DovesByBridget@att.net
HOURS BY APPOINTMENT
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm
TUESDAY: 8:30am ~ 2:30pm
WEDNESDAY: 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm
THURSDAY: 8:30am ~ 2:30pm
FRIDAY: CLOSED
SATURDAY: BASED ON AVAILABILITY AROUND WEDDINGS
**BECAUSE OUR STUDIO IS A HOME BASED, FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS WITH SMALL CHILDREN, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. WE DO "NOT"ACCEPT WALK-INS, AS THEY INTRUDE ON OUR PERSONAL FAMILY TIME, AS WELL AS SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS IN SESSION. NO APPOINTMENT ~ NO SERVICE.**
