I'm Aviva, and I know what it's like to dread the camera.
I'm the founder of Aviva Sherman Photography, a headshot and personal branding studio in West Ridge, Chicago.
Most of the women I photograph are over 40 and hate having their picture taken. They still need a headshot that looks professional and confident, and they want it to look like them.
I Picked Up a Camera at 54
I picked up a camera at 54 and fell completely in love with photography. Changing careers at that age was scary. Fear has never been a good enough reason for me to stop going after something I want, so I kept going.
Once I started shooting, the world looked different. Ordinary moments suddenly felt beautiful, and I began seeing everything through a photographer's lens, even without a camera in my hand.
I photographed street scenes, landscapes, wildlife, and families. I've been photographing clients since 2016.
A new career can begin later than you expected.
Photography changed the way I looked at ordinary moments, people, and eventually the work I wanted to spend my time doing.
Being Behind the Lens Has Always Felt Easier
Being behind the lens is so much easier than being in front of it. A camera is a great place to hide. I've never liked having my own picture taken, sometimes because of my nose and sometimes because of my weight.
Over time, I noticed how many women feel the same way, especially after 40. They worry about lines and wrinkles, and they're convinced they don't photograph well. Many of them haven't liked a photo of themselves in years.
That's why I do what I do.
You Don't Have to Walk In Feeling Comfortable
A lot of women walk into my studio uncomfortable and convinced they aren't photogenic. I understand that feeling from the inside, and I think that's part of why they trust me.
My job is to help you relax and be present, so the images we capture feel like you and you're proud to share them.
The best part of any session is when a client looks at an image of herself and says, "That looks like me, and I love it."
Inside the West Ridge Studio
If you'd rather see the space before you arrive, here's a quick look inside the studio.
I Want the Person in the Photo to Still Be You
I think people respond to authenticity more than perfection these days. Anyone can smooth a face with a filter or generate a headshot with AI. What matters to me is creating photographs that feel real and human.
I want every client to leave my studio feeling more confident than when she walked in. When she does, I know I've made a difference.
My retouching stays restrained.
A stray hair, temporary blemish, or rough night can be cleaned up. Skin should still look like skin, and your face should still look like your face.
There's More to Me Than Headshots
I've been married to the love of my life for over 40 years, which is no small accomplishment on my husband's part. I'm a grandmother. When I'm not photographing people, I'm usually cooking or planning our next trip.
You Can Be Nervous and Still Get a Photograph You Love
You don't need to arrive knowing what to do. I'll direct the session, show you what's working, and help you choose the photographs you want to use.