For more than 20 years, Brad Baskin, a Chicago-based commercial photographer, has
helped executives, lawyers, actors and others tell their compelling stories. That’s in addition to
the many advertising and PR projects he’s handled, focusing on fashion, home décor and other
stylish subjects.
“I’m particularly interested in what inspires people,” says Baskin. “An executive or
attorney might be motivated by something entirely different than an actor or actress. Yet, all
of us have a reason for the work we do.
For example, a young actor who was appearing at Second City at the time, named Steve Carell came to my studio for a photo.He struck me as very focused and thoughtful young man. He spoke openly of the challenges of continuing to work as an actor and making a career in theater. In spite of his quiet demeanor, I sensed a powerful commitment to realize his dreams to make a living doing the work he loved. With everyone I work with I I believe that my challenge is to capture the essence of what
connects people to their work – in a portrait, a group photo or a headshot.”
Baskin estimates that he has photographed more than 1,000 people in the business, legal and
acting worlds. His pictures have been used in annual reports, press materials, advertising campaigns
and brochures, as well as on websites and in other venues.
“I enjoy the interaction of a photo shoot – continually trying to draw out the human
side of people and helping them to be more relaxed, while I take pictures of them,” Baskin
says. “This is equally important if I’m taking a corporate portrait, pictures of attorneys in a
meeting room or a headshot of an actor or a model. I’m essentially telling their stories
through the photos I take.”
