About Chicago Baby & gugwa

For over a decade, Chicago Baby has been a trusted name in family photography, capturing life’s most precious moments with warmth and artistry. In 2022, we expanded our vision and became gugwa, elevating our services while staying true to our roots in high-quality portraiture.

What is gugwa?

Inspired by the Korean word for “Nine Fruits,” gugwa represents harmony, creativity, and life’s rich milestones. We specialize in newborn photography, family portraits, professional headshots, and self-portrait experiences, offering a modern yet timeless approach to photography in the Chicago area.

Smiling baby sitting in a cozy wooden nook, playing with wooden toys, captured in soft natural light at gugwa studio

The gugwa Glenview studio blends contemporary design with Korean aesthetics, offering a refined space for timeless portraits.

Our Studios

We operate two spacious 2,400-square-foot studios, designed to provide an exceptional photography experience:

Chicago (Lakeview): Our original studio in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood offers diverse, thoughtfully designed settings for family portraits, newborn sessions, and professional headshots.

Glenview: Our brand-new, elegantly designed studio offers a refined and contemporary atmosphere, featuring handcrafted wood furniture and an exclusive art installation by renowned artist [Sung Jang](https://sungjang.com). This stunning space is ideal for family sessions, milestone portraits, and self-portrait experiences.

Both studios are inspired by modern Korean aesthetics, creating a warm and inviting environment for families of all backgrounds.

Soohyun Kim, founder of gugwa, smiling with his two children dressed in traditional Korean hanbok, capturing a heartfelt family moment.

Meet Soohyun Kim

Founder and lead photographer Soohyun Kim brings over 25 years of expertise to every session. Born and raised in Seoul, Soohyun moved to Chicago in 2012, merging Korean artistic sensibilities with contemporary American photography styles.

As a father of two, Soohyun deeply understands the importance of preserving life’s fleeting moments. His personal experience allows him to create authentic, heartfelt portraits that reflect each family’s unique story.

Why Choose Us?

At Chicago Baby and gugwa, we offer more than just photography—we create timeless memories. Our Korean-inspired aesthetics, modern studio experience, and expert storytelling set us apart in the Chicago photography scene.

With state-of-the-art studios, a multicultural approach, and Soohyun Kim’s award-winning expertise, we ensure that every session results in one-of-a-kind, high-quality portraits. Whether you’re celebrating a newborn, capturing your family’s love, or refreshing your professional image, we provide a seamless and unforgettable experience.