Tranquility. Peace. Approachable. The consistent theme in ALL of Brian's photos. I believe Brian is a VERSATILE photographer. Essence + Personality is Brian's specialty! Impressive that Brian was able to change texture backdrop and lighting quietly without much effort. The Pro! ;-) My hair is now normal and professional. :-* read more

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Brian came highly recommended from a few colleagues of mine whom also had business headshots taken. I went to his studio, pretty much dreading the photo shoot since I'm camera shy and critical of my own photos. However, Brian's warm and laid back vibe made me feel so comfortable. He gave me great feedback about what angles worked best for me and his talent is undeniable. For someone as self-deprecating as I, I was rather pleased with the photos! The quality is great and I know my marketing products are going to turn out awesome. I would definitely recommend him for professional photos! Thank you again, Brian! read more

I went here today to get my first actor's headshots in 8 years (the first set I had done were demi-professional and I rode those for A LONG TIME). It was all-in all a good experience. They have a makeup/hair artist on site ($150 cash). Brian is obviously a spirited and creative photographer held in high regard in the industry. He encourages candids, funniness. My only criticism was that I felt too "done". That could be part of being me, I just wanted to ruffle my hair and take off a layer of makeup the whole time. Actually, Brian said many times during the shoot that my best looks were after tousling my hair. The between shot touch-ups made me feel too doll-like. Like I couldn't move dynamically without messing something up. I do understand the need for polish, though. That makeup artist whipped my brows into shape and I did like the makeup!! I had 4 rolls taken and I feel like I really like 4 pictures. People tell me this is pretty common, especially if you are self-deprecating. I know my shots will look great and I would recommend him to anyone looking to get headshots. read more

Brian is AWESOME!!! We have had him out to our office twice in the past two years for marathon days of shooting headshots of all of our staff (about 50 folks) and not only is he fun to work with, we have gotten back great, highly usable photos. We have not used a makeup artist, preferring to go au natural to capture everyone's real looks and personality...this is where Brian excels. He has a great sense of humor and was able to make even our shy folks loosen up and get some terrific shots. read more

GREAT WITH KIDS My eleven-year-old daughter had her first headshot taken with Brian and his staff. I had no idea how the process works, and Brian was recommended to us by several family friends -- some of whom know him personally and others who've either used him or have wanted to (but couldn't afford him). I was nervous about spending so much money (all in, the 2.5-hour process cost around $400 before getting copies of the shots we liked), but I was told it was worth the investment. Katie, Brian's assistant, talked me through the whole process and answered all of my questions, especially about what types of clothes to bring and how to find the studio (would have been tricky without her explanation). The day before the shoot, Brian called our house to ask me several questions about what my daughter's interests were, the purpose of her headshot, and to remind us to bring a few important things (see below). He sounded excited to meet us. We drove to his studio (near Harpo, Oprah's former studio) and had no trouble parking. Arrived and was impressed to see all the headshots he's taken, including Morgan Freeman, Brian Dennehey and many, many others. Brian reminded me of a groovy uncle you wish you could spend hours with. He's professional but totally cool and hilarious. We were told to bring 3-4 outfits (which the staff steamed and rehung nicely for us) some mascara and an iPod loaded with favorite songs. That's it. The makeup artist was fantastic and asked if it was okay to just do some touching up. I was a bit worried she'd make my daughter look doll-like, but she just gave her a fresh, clean face that evened out her skin tone and brought out her eyes. She also curled my daughter's thin, straight hair just enough to give it a pretty, natural wave. She did all of this in under 15 minutes. Brian made us feel comfortable and relaxed. He got my daughter laughing and loving the camera within minutes, and he "got" her personality immediately. He varied the backgrounds (interior, exterior) and got some beautiful shots. The highlight of the process actually occurred AFTER the shoot was over: the following week, my daughter received a callback audition and we needed a few prints of a particular shot ASAP. I called Brian's office and explained the situation; his assistant, Katie, ran the prints and left them (along with two discs with ALL our shots for future use) in the lobby for me to pick up on my way to the audition. Worked out beautifully. Brian also sent us an online link to all the shots so we'd have access to them for future use. Can't say enough about what a positive experience this was. I plan to use him myself for my own professional headshot (I'm a writer). read more

There is no doubt in my mind, that Brian McConkey is one of the best photographers in business in Chicago. I have utilized his service for my headshots multiple times since early 1990s, and he has only improved with respect to his skills, and ability. Brian is professional, and when you are his client, your experience and outcome is crucial to Brian. He is friendly, and gives subtle, but GREAT direction when needed. The studio environment is friendly, and professional. He has terrific resources, including excellent make-up professionals (Trisha for me) if need for a modest extra charge. Clean, with clean, private bathroom available. My recent experience was exactly what I was looking for, and Brian's prices are competitively reasonable. If you're an actor/performer, Agents recognize his work, and he is highly regarded in the industry. Service includes weddings, events, etc...Highly recommend. read more

"To work with someone in the top of their field was a joy. Brian is able to bring out the real you in print. Something that is hard to do by yourself.-- Brian doesn't take your headshot, he comes into your world for the whole session. The results are outstanding." read more

I went to Brian 20 years ago for headshots, and again two weeks ago and both experiences were absolutely incredible. I only wish I could have him photograph every single important moment in my life. He's a true genius. I recommend him to everyone for everything read more

I had to get a headshot for work and I loathe having my picture taken, but he made me feel comfortable and I was pleased with the results. Brian is in that class of people that make Chicago authentically cool. He probably goes to Mariano's like the rest of us and swears in traffic but I imagine him chilling at Soho House and making pour overs for breakfast. read more

He is amazing. My wife and I took our 8 week old baby boy to Brian's awesome studio for a photo session Not only did we have a great time and Brian delivered hundreds of awesome shots, but he was patient, friendly and super accommodating. Very affordable too! Super high quality pics and great service plus quick turnaround. We had the shots back in 4 days!! Highly recommended! read more

Brian is absolutely awesome. Helping our family with dog photos, Christmas cards, helping my daughter with her comp cards, and headshots. And he has helped us with a wonderful mother/daughter women's in history project. We highly recommend Brian for your photography needs. We couldn't be more pleased. read more

It was time to update my headshots for my website and I came across Brian by doing a Google search of Chicago headshot photographers. I loved his natural style and the fact that each person's photo seemed to capture the uniqueness of that individual. They didn't look stiff or "canned." I had my appointment with Brian today and it was a wonderful, professional experience. He has an ease about him that makes the photo shoot natural and not contrived . I've never "loved" so many photos and look forward to choosing a few for future projects. I recommend Brian without reservation; he's a gem. read more

I have used Brian for headshots two different times in the past 5 years. I have really enjoyed working with him. As an actor I have worked with a few different photographers and so far.. this is been the best experience. He is professional but also laid back. (which i love!) By the end of the shoot we were laughing and joking around. Its important when being in for of the camera to be comfortable and I was. This last time I had my shots done I told him exactly what I was looking for and he nailed it. I had plenty of different shots to choose from. I would totally use him for a great price and nice headshots. plus hes just an awesome guy. read more

Where to start? Well, there is so much good things to say about Brian McConkey Photography! Even from the very beginning, he puts you right at ease! I was so tired & anxious about doing my very first real Headshot Session! Pictures are one of those things where I excel at being alone in my place & taking selfies and getting cutesy poses but I knew I had to get legit Headshots to even be taken seriously in this field! I love acting! I always have! You either love it or its just a job! For me, its as vital as breathing! I wanted someone who would capture my Essence, my Aura! I also wanted someone on the same side of the country as me! I had a Facebook contact recommend Brian to me so first, I looked at his previous work and reviews to see what people said of him and to get a feel for his creative level! I think I get along better with the creative open & free spirited types! People who are too rigid almost suffocate my Aura!! I loved his previous pictures right away!! The way he captures the thought & feeling of a person is remarkable and I think he is brilliant at what he does! He truly listens & goes and above and beyond giving more than anticipated which is very unusual in such a Highly professional business man!! I went in an Amateur, wannabe and came out, an Actress! He gives subtle help by helping you feel like your character and that is true genius! I feel so much more wiser now & really know what to look for!! I had a Professional Makeup Artist too because this time I wanted to do it right! I had two other Headshot Sessions from other people who had only just started but neither had the experience in how to capture a character shot which I wanted for my Headshots! So, I was introduced to Megg!! Megg was so fun & gave me Beautiful tips on how to do a natural yet elegant makeup style!! It's easy enough though that I should be able to recreate the look or similar for auditions so I can look like my Headshots when I walk in the door!! She was there the entire time & was a great support & fixed anything out of place!! It was wonderful to have such enthusiastic high energy people vouching for me as an actress!! It made me feel I could do it for the first time in my life!! I never got so much love & acceptance being me!! Only being brought down but to be told I am Beautiful & I nailed it or great job or it looks great!! It was like a whole new reality!! He also allowed me to see my pictures after each roll!! It made me confident & I know he wanted me to succeed!! He also had them finished so much sooner than I thought he would!! It was done by the next day!! I was stoked & lost for words when I saw my Headshots!! It's that feeling looking at yourself & being in such awe of how other people see you!! There is no real words to give it The Justice he deserves!! All I can say, is it was a real Honor to have been able to work with Brian & Megg!! They made my day Unbelievably Perfect and when I get to the Top, I won't forget who helped me get there!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I recommend them both!! If you put your faith in their hands, you too, will be lost for words but well taken care of, this I promise you!! read more

Brian is simply the best. He also made it easy by hiring a great make-up and hair artist, Meg. Brian is personable, intelligent, a true professional with lighting, background and helping an actor choose the right clothing. My photos are natural and beautiful at the same time.This is the second time Brian has done my head shots and I wouldn't go to anyone else. He is a master with capturing who I am and making the process painless and FUN! If you want to get a head shot that will help you book a gig then he is the guy. Sandy Shea read more

Outstanding! I went to Brian McConkey's studio to have a headshot and the results could not have been better. His assistant, Katie Adam, gave me great advice on the types of shirts to bring with me so I was well prepared. Brian is truly a master at using natural lighting , creative poses and unique background materials throughout his studio. Brian uses music and a sense of humor to get you to relax and look natural. Katie is wonderful with her retouches which were subtle and tasteful. I simply love these high quality professional photographs. So far, I've received nothing but compliments from my friends. read more

Have never written a yelp review before but felt I had to for this business. Brian McConkey is the man: fun to be around and keeps everything super upbeat / casual but is extremely professional at the end of the day. Has an amazing studio space in the West Loop that is worth checking out in itself. Would definitely recommend for any type of head shots, be it corporate or more fun and personal. read more

This guy is AMAZING at what he does! You would be crazy to not work with him! I love my headshots! He knows when to SNAP! If he tells you to not move, DONT F'N MOVE!!! The master is at work! Cant wait to work with him again. Super Fun! Brian, you are an ARTIST! THANK YOU SO MUCH, BROSKI =D read more

Brian McConkey is extremely talented and fun to work with! I've hired him three times for headshots and have never been disappointed. I hired a couple of other photographers over the years and have never been as happy with my photos as I am with the ones Brian takes. Do yourself a favor and hire Brian McConkey, I guarantee you will end up with incredible photos that get you noticed. read more