Testimonials
Testimonials and my Portrait Portfolios might help you decide on working with me. I love photographing people and events and collaborating with clients. I’ve been lucky to do what I love for a living and to have Brian McConkey Photography for 27 years now.
“When I look back 20 years, Brian McConkey captured the essence of who I was at a time I was new to the business. That was essential in beginning the career I’m still proud to have this day.”
Pat Healy
“Brian McConkey is a headshot rock star. After many years in the biz, Brian understands what an actor needs their headshot to say, and he knows how to coax his actors into revealing their unique, most interesting selves. Fun, personable, with an amazing ability to help artists relax, Brian takes photographs in which actors reveal themselves. “
Rachel Patterson
“Ask anyone where to get your headshots done in Chicago and invariably Brian’s name is at the top of the list. Willing to work until you’re happy, and shoot whatever off the cuff idea either of you come up with that might be interesting- working with him is a true collaborative effort. Brian has a long standing reputation as of the one the best headshot photographers in Chicago for one simple reason- he remains one of the best headshot photographers in Chicago.”
Allison Tolman
“Brian has an amazing sense of composition while being able to capture the essence of the actor. He always gets “the shot!”
Sam Samuelson
“The headshot is the actor’s most important tool – and one of the biggest investments an actor makes. It’s invaluable to not just get it right, but get it great. Brian’s experience and expertise are unmatched in Chicago and I especially appreciate his humor, creativity, and responsiveness before, during and after the shoot. I’ve trusted him with my pictures for over 20 years, what more can I say?”
Janelle Snow
“Brians depth of experience shows in his work. When I moved to Chicago and was still an actor, I had Brian do my shots. I can tell you from experience – he has a great ability to put people at ease in front of the camera. He captures authenticity. I still love my McConkey headshots after all of these years. “
Adam Belcuore
“Brian has captured many important moments for our family. Whether he is taking candid shots of posed photos, Brian approaches everything as a true professional and, over the years, his pictures have become keepsakes for us and our friends.”
Michael & Nancy Reinsdorf
“Brian is considerate, calm, thinks outside the box, up for anything, outrageous, and frankly took some of my most favorite forever headshots. I could not recommend him and his work more. A great guy who gives great results.”
Susan Messing
“Brian is the one who first put my face on the map in this business. With a playful but focused spirit, he knows how to capture essence without stress and the result is the joy of discovering multiple sides you forgot or never knew you had.”
Larry Grimm
“Brian is a consummate professional photographer. He did the photo for the cover of my upcoming book, The ABC’s of MONEY – Learn the Language of Wall Street. I have already received many compliments on the quality of the image. I feel his contribution will help the financial handbook become very successful. I recommend him highly without reservation.”
Reid Henderson
“Every few years or so, for the last 20 years, I’ve seen Brian for new headshots. I know him that well – but he absolutely know how to capture not just what I look like but where I feel completely comfortable. I would never go to anyone else.”
Julie Ganey
“I really enjoyed working with Brian and found his photography to work really well both for family portraits and corporate headshots.”
Mary Dillon
“Brian was amazing to work with. It was relaxed, fun and totally professional. My photos came out spectacularly, and my brand is already benefiting. I will never go to anyone else again.”
Liz Whatley
“I needed new headshots for my business and kept putting it off. Brian McConkey came highly recommended and so I finally booked some time and went to his studio. He immediately made me feel comfortable and relaxed, which resulted in getting terrific photos. He is extremely professional and knows how to photograph you at your best. Katie Adam, who is on his team, retouched the photos and worked miracles. I highly recommend Brian!”
Janet Owen
“Brian McConkey is, like Tina Turner says, Simply the Best! I’ve never been a person who enjoyed getting headshots taken until I met him. He is the perfect mix of professional and goofball, which puts his subject at ease. Every time I show my headshot to someone they are blown away by how perfectly composed and true to life it is. I even use a few of Brian’s shots raw and untouched because they are that good. I’ve had my headshots taken by Brian four times, and I don’t even live in Chicago anymore – but he’s worth the trip.”
Eileen Montelion
“Brian McConkey is an incredible photographer who has the ability to capture the true essence of every individual he photographs. He is as talented as he is laid back—always making the shoot comfortable and fun. Brian has taken everything from my corporate headshots, family portraits to my sons actor headshots and modeling comp cards. I have always been blown away by his work and would recommend him to anyone I know!”
Ashley Condron
“I’ve gone to Brian for headshots twice. He won’t settle for anything less than terrific. It’s clear that he is as invested as you are in getting a great headshot.”
Blaine Swen
“I had a fantastic experience shooting with Brian. Not only did I leave with photos I’m proud of, I learned a valuable lesson during my shoot: The best shots came from when I was relaxed and having fun. Whether it be through a joke, a story, or a thoughtful question, Brian really took the time to get to know me…a step that’s so critical to being comfortable and having fun on the shoot. When the final shots came in, I received genuine compliments on them from the industry professionals here in Chicago and on New York City. I’d highly recommend Brian to students at the university level preparing for serious post-graduate careers, or any professional actor looking to get new shots. Thanks again, Brian!”
Michael Silberblatt
“Brian doesn’t just take a picture, he captures your inner essence. Reasonable rate, and a casual atmosphere. I was highly impressed from start to finish. I recommend Brian to everyone I know.”
Josh Salt
“Brian took beautiful portraits of my kids. He has a knack for getting people to feel comfortable in front of the camera. My daughter who’s usually a bit shy, really enjoyed her photo shoot. Brian also shot our family portraits and my daughters dance recital portraits, and we received so many compliments on our Christmas cards!”
Tanya Renalt
“We’ve known Brian forever. We’re so used to being behind the camera, it’s a relief to have someone make us feel at ease in front of it. The actors can feel that same comfort knowing Brian will get a shot of their best selves.”
Mickie Paskal & Jennifer Rudnicke
“Brian brings out the best in whatever you have. It had been several years since I updated my actor headshots, and as usual, Brian was able to bring me out to the camera. From the time I did the first ones, til a month ago, I knew exactly where to go to get the best headshots in Chicago! Thanks, Brian.”
Larry Kuchairman
“We have used Brian numerous times for our Corporate Headshots on our company website. He is able to make the most camera shy at ease and produces stunning photographs that make you feel like a million bucks!”
Larissa Mariano
“I am not an actor…but my girlfriend is…so when she went to her favorite “Actor Headshot guy” I tagged along to get a few for myself for my company, Christy Webber. It seemed appropriate for my business. After declining and (fighting off) the “make-up” girl, I sat down and had a blast AND got some of the best professional headshots for my website. Since then, I call Brian for everything. He is not just a pro at Corporate Headshots, he comes in and shoots our parties, staff, my family, my dogs and anything that requires professional photography. Oh and yes, he still shoots Actor Headshots of my girlfriend who doesn’t even act anymore! I highly, highly recommend Brian for anyone that needs professional photographs for their business or just wonderful shots of their life to share with others!”