Get to know
Janelle
Wedding & Portrait photographer based in Chicago, IL.
Photography has always been part of my life—I still have a drawer full of photos from middle and high school! I studied photography at Howard University, worked as a Lifetouch photographer, and soon after, found myself capturing love stories and growing families. That’s when I knew I had found my calling—documenting joyful moments and helping create lasting family legacies.
Long before marriage and motherhood, photography was my first love, and it’s been my full-time career for over 12 years. Along the way, I became a military wife and a twin mom, which meant restarting my business in different states with each move. Now, my family has finally settled in my hometown of Chicago, where I made a longtime dream come true—opening Avenue J Photography Studio, a space that reflects my modern, warm, and stylish approach to photography. While it’s home to my clients, I also love sharing it with other photographers and creatives.
Capturing beautiful memories for amazing clients is truly a dream come true, and I’m so grateful this is my job!
My Why
Everything I do in life always leads back to God. Photography is one of my greatest passions, but more than that, it’s a gift—one that He has given me the opportunity and ability to use in a way that serves and blesses others. Without Him, I’d probably be doing something entirely different, but I’m so grateful He led me here.
My second reason is my family—my husband and our miracle twins, Harper & Isaiah. Having a career I love while still being present for my family is something I don’t take for granted. Photography has given me the flexibility to do both, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.
Through my work and my God is Gracious blog, I hope to inspire others to seek their purpose, trust in God, and pursue the dreams He’s placed in their hearts. If He did it for me, He can do it for you too!
