About Chicago Baby and gugwa

Chicago Baby, established in 2011, has been capturing precious family moments for over a decade. In 2022, it evolved into gugwa, expanding our services and vision while maintaining our commitment to high-quality family portraiture.

gugwa, meaning “Nine Fruits” in Korean, symbolizes the harmonious blending of ideas and virtues. This encompasses our full range of services, from newborn and family portraits to professional headshots and self-portrait sessions.

Our Studios

We operate two spacious, 2,400-square-foot studios:

Chicago (Uptown): Our original location, offering a wide variety of settings for creative and luxurious portrait sessions.

Glenview (Joongboo Market): Our newer studio, providing convenient access for suburban families.

Both locations feature Korean-inspired aesthetics, creating unique and culturally rich backdrops for your portraits. These diverse settings allow us to offer you distinctive photo experiences, regardless of your cultural background.

About Soohyun Kim

Soohyun Kim, our founder and lead photographer, brings over 25 years of photographic expertise to every session. Born and raised in Seoul, Soohyun moved to Chicago in 2012, infusing his work with a unique blend of Korean artistic sensibilities and American photographic styles.

Soohyun’s journey as a father of two boys has deeply influenced his approach to family photography. He understands firsthand the importance of capturing fleeting moments and the joy of watching families grow. This personal experience translates into an intuitive ability to connect with clients and capture genuine emotions in every portrait.

Why Choose Us: Our Korean-Inspired Approach

At Chicago Baby and gugwa, we don’t just take pictures – we create lasting memories. Our studios stand out for their Korean-inspired aesthetic, offering a fresh and unique approach to portrait photography in the Chicago area. This cultural influence allows us to create distinctive portraits that stand out from traditional studio photography, offering a multicultural experience that resonates with families from diverse backgrounds.

Our unique blend of Korean artistic influence, years of experience, and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to offer you distinctive, high-quality portraits that capture your family’s unique personality. We provide a comfortable and culturally rich studio experience, with a wide range of services to meet all your photography needs, from newborn to professional.

With Soohyun Kim’s expertise, which combines technical skill with a father’s understanding, we ensure that every session results in beautiful, timeless art. Our elegant and timeless backdrops complement a wide range of styles and preferences, making your portraits truly one-of-a-kind.