amy aiello photography

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

ON August 10, 2026 at about 530pm, my car was broken into at Montrose Beach in Chicago after exactly 12 minutes of a quick photo stop. The thieves stole everything except for one camera and one lens that I had on my shoulder. They even stole my intern's purse and belongings, and used/ attempted to use her credit cards.

After the break in/theft, the cost is now over $10,000, and still climbing.

I need help.

I hate asking for and accepting help. Ew.

But I plan on working harder is all. Can you all spread the word for photo sessions?

I know everyone is struggling with the economy, so I'm offering:

an extra 15 minutes per mini session
Plus 2 additional digital image files
(normally it's an extra $100)

Also, first come first serve, no weekend surcharges (except for golden hour) when sessions are booked by my birthday (Sept 23).

As you can tell, I would have to have to do a LOT of mini sessions to recoup (which is totally fine!). But any help networking in COMMERCIAL or ADVERTISING photography, corporate headshots, etc would be most helpful to not only get me back on my feet, but to continue to the trajectory of where I'm aiming to move my career.

No matter what, people energize me, and I would love to see all of the happiest of faces. I also accept all the hugs. I love hugs. Hugs are my favorite next to smiles.

Thank you all so very much

amyphotochicago.com/mini-sessions

xoxo

~amy

p.s. For those of you who pray, please pray for the people that did this to me. Pray for both earthly and heavenly justice to be served. Pray that this will be a turning point in their lives.

I forgive them (doesn't mean I don't want and will continue to seek for justice however), and leave it to my Father in heaven to carry my anger (I've too much else to try to do than to allow anger to get in the way anymore)

08/15/2026

Leila Love Patisserie is MAGICAL, with the most incredible macarons with imaginative flavors. One I cannot stop thinking about is their rose and pistachio macaron. Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for allowing us to take these pictures outside of your incredible patisserie! I will be back!!!

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I spent last week building a portfolio for my cousin's beautiful and insanely talented daughter. This was only her second ever photoshoot (her first one was the day before that with me)! I cannot believe the poise, creativity, and ability she has in front of the camera.

Agencies, I PROMISE, you need her on your lineup.

Sadly, our week was poisoned after my car was broken into, all of my camera gear was stolen, as well as Zoe's belongings. I would love everyone's help booking work to recoup the costs I am now facing to replace everything (around $10k).

INSURE YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS SEPARATELY, everyone. Camera gear requires a separate additional write up (learned that one the hard way). USE EXTREME CAUTION AT THE BEACHES OF CHICAGO. Only criminals are protected there. Victims are not. That's all I'm going to say right now about that right now.

Oh and photographers, if you don't already have it, get a membership to Professional Photographers of America (PPA) . They are the only hope I have through this ordeal because of their loss/theft policy built in to their membership.

Even though we lost some images on a stolen camera, we have almost all of incredible captures together.

Miss Zoe , you're going to go places! Can't wait until our next adventure.

05/18/2026

I love being asked to capture art installations around Chicago, and seeing these pieces surrounded by our city

Thank you, Public Art Fund ❤️