Chicago
6 stories filed under Chicago on Lee LHGFX Photography. The newest of them: “Behind the Lens: The Art and Power of Chicago's First Black-Owned Building”, “Blending Masculine and Feminine: A New Face on Styling and Agency Ambition”, and “Defying the Odds: An Unexpected Casting Call Triumph.”. "It was a very unique project, to be sure." With these words, Barbara Karant captures the essence of her immersion into the Johnson Publishing Company's headquarters. Five months into modeling, TJ McCloud Jr. Lee LHGFX Photography is a dynamic portfolio and lifestyle hub built around the artistic work of @lee_lhgfx — a highly engaged Instagram creator and… The list below is every Chicago story on Lee LHGFX Photography, newest first.
Behind the Lens: The Art and Power of Chicago's First Black-Owned Building
"It was a very unique project, to be sure." With these words, Barbara Karant captures the essence of her immersion into the Johnson Publishing Company's headquarters. This is Chicago's first Black-owned building, a landmark born from the vision of media mogul John Harold Johnson during the Civil Rights Movement. Karant's lens transforms architecture into a vibrant, authentic story of power and artistry. It's an immersive exploration we find truly inspiring.
Blending Masculine and Feminine: A New Face on Styling and Agency Ambition
Five months into modeling, TJ McCloud Jr. is already steering his own aesthetic. His New York shoot plays with a single concept that shifts between masculine and feminine, a curated blur of identity that feels both deliberate and fluid. That kind of self-awareness is rare this early. He's freelancing, earning pay, and aiming for agency representation from Chicago while planning a move to NYC.
Defying the Odds: An Unexpected Casting Call Triumph.
A 5'7" model walks into an open call, gets told she doesn't meet the height requirement, and walks out with something better: a genuine invitation to attend anyway. That's not just a win; it's a quiet testament to how authenticity can outshine a tape measure. Her city isn't a bustling hub like Chicago or NYC, which makes the agency's visit feel almost serendipitous. The polite thank-you email, the unexpected three-day reply, the patient wait, it's all a masterclass in graceful persistence.
Chicago's Legacy: A New Documentary Honors Pioneering Black Photographers
At 32, Michael Blackshire has turned his lens on the very artists who shaped Chicago's visual legacy, honoring the pioneering Black photographers now in their eighties. His documentary feels less like a history lesson and more like a living conversation, a vibrant bridge between generations. We love how this film celebrates authenticity, capturing the grit and grace of a city through the eyes of those who saw it first. For more visual storytelling, explore our related piece on the 5 Boro Foto Fest.
Elevating the Portfolio: A Midwest Model's Journey to Print.
Cleveland might not be the first name that springs to mind for modeling, but this 23-year-old's journey proves passion doesn't need a coastal address. Her call for feedback on lifestyle and print work feels refreshingly grounded, especially when she's candid about her height and the need to rebuild her digitals. It's not about fitting a high-fashion mold; it's about owning an authentic presence. That honesty, paired with a clear drive to refine her craft, is what makes her story worth following.
From Model to Momentum: Navigating the Next Chapter
Returning to the feed with a portfolio that balances grit and grace is a bold, beautiful move. We love that you're leaning into the duality of your look, especially with that Jean jacket headshot anchoring your commercial work. Two agency bookings against five self-sourced ones is a clear signal: your hustle is sharp, and your market just hasn't caught up to your range yet.