A New Studio, A Paris Dream, and a London Honor
PHOTOGRAPHY, FINE ART, & LIFE IN BLOOM
As I sit down to write this, the studio is quiet and the morning light is coming through the windows — it’s a calm start to the day, and a good time to share something new with you.
I’ve decided to start this Sunday newsletter as a way to stay in touch, share what’s going on behind the scenes, and let you in on a little more of the heart behind both Alicia’s Photography and Alicia’s Fine Art. Whether we’ve worked together before or you’ve just discovered my work, I’m glad you’re here. My goal is simple: to keep creating beauty, telling meaningful stories, and sharing the journey along the way.
AP Studios Delaney Small preparing a beautiful bridal shower event at our studio.
STUDIO SPOTLIGHT: The Space That Built Me
There’s something sacred about the space where an artist creates — not just the walls or windows, but the feeling in the air, the history in the hands that built it, the dreams that echo through every corner.
For the past year, We’ve been building something quietly. A place that didn’t just hold my work, but reflected it — a place where my love for light, beauty, craftsmanship, and intention could live and breathe. What began as an idea in my mind and many design changes with Delaney is now real: our very own Parisian-inspired studio. And today, I’m finally sharing it with you. There are still a few things to be finished. Like our custom designed Style closet, the kitchenette, and the “uber organized” (fingers crossed) prop and equipment closet. But other than those minor things, the studio is ready to start accumulating its own history and stories.
This studio is more than a workspace — it’s a living photograph. From the antique mirrors to the soft, diffused light that fills the room each morning, it’s exactly the kind of place I’ve always dreamed of creating art in. The walls are light and bright. The furniture is a collected mix of charm and coziness. It’s designed not only to photograph beautifully, but to feel beautiful — for anyone who walks through its doors.
What makes it even more meaningful is that this space was a true family labor of love. My husband built it with his own hands. Our children helped —framing, insulating, wiring, laughing, sweating, dreaming alongside us. My father, who is 84 was here helping every step of the way. This studio isn’t just mine — it’s ours. It’s a reflection of what happens when a dream is built by many hands over time and love.
Surrounded by new gardens, a patio, and a life-size garden chess board, the studio now stands as a sanctuary for creativity — a place for portraits, workshops, gatherings, stillness, and celebration. In fact, we have already held Santa sessions, Duckling Sessions, hosted a bridal shower for a friend, a 30th birthday party for Delaney and a first birthday party for my grandson. We are already filling it with memories and the beauty that grows from patience and vision.
Beginning this summer, we’ll be opening the space to other creatives, educators, and dreamers, friends who want to celebrate a bridal or baby shower or those who are looking for a peaceful, artful space to host something meaningful. If you’re dreaming of teaching a workshop, holding a styled shoot, or gathering a small (40-50 people) group for something inspiring — we would be honored to welcome you.
Because what I’ve learned is this: when you’re in a space that truly feels like home, your creativity flows differently. Something softens. Something opens. Magic happens.
And in this studio — magic is exactly what we’re making and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Call 630-961-5777 if you'd like to host something magical. View more of our studio here.
ALICIA’S PHOTOGRAPHY UPDATE: From Naperville to Paris
In just a little over a week, we’ll be boarding a flight with three of our extraordinary senior models for what promises to be one of the most unforgettable experiences in Alicia’s Photography history — a Paris senior photo shoot.
Yes, Paris — the city of light, love, and now, legacy.
The beautiful architecture in Paris taken by Alicia Staley Johnson
Our Class of 2025 senior models Grace Desnoyers, Juliet Parrott, and Gigi Stevens will be joining us for this once-in-a-lifetime shoot. These young women are not only beautiful and full of spirit, but they also represent everything we love about photographing high school seniors — confidence, individuality, hope, and a sense of adventure. Their stories deserve a setting just as iconic as they are, and Paris felt like the perfect match.
This isn’t just a photo session — it’s an experience. A celebration. A memory in the making.
We’ll be photographing in some of the most breathtaking corners of Paris:
Quaint Parisian cafés
Secret garden paths tucked away near the Seine
Iconic Eiffel Tower backdrops
The colorful, artistic streets of Montmartre
and even the regal architecture near The Louvre
I actually returned from Paris just six weeks ago, where I spent several days scouting locations, soaking in the light, and imagining the moments we’re about to create. Walking those cobblestone streets with this vision in mind felt like stepping into a dream — and soon, that dream will come to life.
Joining us on this incredible adventure is Delaney Small, our lead stylist and hair & makeup artist, whose magic touch brings every detail together. She’ll be creating effortless, editorial-worthy looks tailored to each girl and the location we’re in. Her styling and care are part of what make these sessions so elevated, so personal, and so unforgettable.
There will be laughter, pastries, beautiful light, and of course, stories we’ll be telling for years to come.
I cannot wait to share the final images — and the behind-the-scenes magic — with you all.
from left to right: Grace Desnoyers, Juliet Parrott, & Gigi Stevens
FINE ART FEATURE: Golden Elegance Goes To London
It still feels surreal to type these words: my fine art piece, Golden Elegance, has been selected to appear in the London Biennale, held this July 16–20 on the iconic King’s Road in Chelsea.
The London Biennale is a museum-level, internationally juried exhibition that presents the work of over 300 artists from 60 countries — all carefully selected by a curatorial panel made up of the International Confederation of Art Critics, the Chianciano Art Museum, and the Gagliardi Gallery. There’s no theme — only excellence across artistic movements. And to be showing alongside established, world-renowned artists? It’s one of the greatest honors of my creative life.
The featured piece, Golden Elegance, is a still life that holds personal meaning. The books used in the composition are family heirlooms — worn, loved, and passed down — and the image itself is a meditation on legacy, beauty, and the quiet richness of time. It’s everything I love about still life photography: dramatic light, reverent detail, and that silent poetry only objects can hold.
But this is more than just a professional milestone. At 59, after years of being too afraid to submit, too hesitant to call myself an “artist,” I decided to finally start saying yes to the dreams I’d put off for far too long. I began submitting my work — to galleries, residencies, magazines — not knowing what might come of it. And in less than a year, I’ve had the incredible privilege of exhibiting in Barcelona, being published in Create! Magazine, and The Artist Spotlight, featured on Carlene Bauwens Podcast “The Distracted Dreamer” and now… London.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s this:
There is no deadline on your dreams.
There is no expiration date on art.
And it’s never too late to begin.
I’m so proud to represent not just my work, but every woman who’s ever whispered, maybe someday and is finally brave enough to say why not now?
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: Real Stories, Real Inspiration
Starting this month, I’m launching something close to my heart — a Client Spotlight series that celebrates the incredible people I’ve had the honor of photographing over the years.
This space will shine a light on clients who are doing extraordinary things — building beautiful businesses, overcoming personal challenges, giving back to their communities, or simply living their truth in a way that inspires others. Whether it’s a senior following a big dream, a family who’s weathered something hard together, or a local creative making a difference — I want to share your story.
Know someone who deserves to be featured? Nominate a fellow client, friend, or even yourself!
Reach out to us with a name, a short note about their story, and why you think they should be featured.
Because your story matters. And sometimes, reading someone else’s gives us the courage to live our own more fully.
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK
Inspiring Follow: @puhoifarmhouse — for lovers of beautifully arranged and photographed flowers, Laura Tait creates dreamy pieces of art from the flowers that she grows in her New Zealand garden. I am completely obsessed with her work!
I’m Obsessed With: Lost Pattern silk scarves! And we all know when I’m obsessed with a product, I have to have multiple LOL! These scarves are the perfect accessory to your outfit. I wore one every day while we were in Paris.
Local Love: If you find yourself in Geneva, make sure to stop by the newly relocated Caroline Shop and Atelier at 101 South 3rd Street. This iconic space is absolutely stunning filled with French-inspired décor, thoughtfully curated gifts, and timeless charm around every corner. It’s the kind of shop that makes you want to linger, dream, and take a little piece of beauty home with you. Insta: @carolineshopandatelier
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP
When photographing senior grads, look for ways to make the moment personal and visually meaningful. One of my favorite ideas? Have them hold a framed photo from kindergarten or a childhood milestone — it creates a powerful “then and now” image that tugs at the heart
Shoot during golden hour — about 60–90 minutes before sunset — for that warm, glowing light that flatters every skin tone and adds a nostalgic feel. Position your subject with the sun behind them and use a reflector (or even a white poster board) in front to softly bounce light back onto their face. It keeps the light dreamy but balanced.
It’s not just about capturing a graduate — it’s about capturing the story they’ve lived and the future they’re stepping into.
With love,
Alicia Staley Johnson
of Alicia’s Photography