Hensel Photography / Professional Photographer in Batavia, Illinois

I discovered photography at a very early age and it immediately became my main outlet to express my creativity. By the time I was 16 I was spending hours studying different works by well-known photographers and had started my own business photographing people. When I was 20, a Chicago-based catalog production house hired me to shoot commercial work, which I did full time for the next 3-4 years. During these years, I gained invaluable technical proficiency that enabled me to grow as a photographer.



After living in Oregon for awhile, I returned home to St. Charles, IL, to help take care of my mom who was suffering with an autoimmune disease. At that time, I took a job managing the Norris Recreation Center. Over the next three years, I split my time working at the Norris Recreation Center, practicing photography in the evenings, and helping my family. When my mom passed away in 2008, keeping busy seemed to help me work through much of the sorrow I experienced from such a tremendous loss. For the next four years, I excelled and grew both my photography business and the Norris Recreation Center. However, I was burning the candle at both ends and was about to take a big leap of faith when….



In the Spring of 2012 I was the victim of a terrible car accident that almost ended my life, left me hospitalized for 2 months, and required 14 surgeries. I was in my first year of marriage and in need of more support than I would have ever expected as man in my 30’s. Each day I have been blessed with the support of my beautiful and amazingly brilliant wife--she has been there for me through every step of my recovery. I am forever Kelly's.



This is when I discovered a great lesson and a true calling. I learned that having 10's of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and knowing the latest techniques had little to do with a great image. It’s is not only about being able to see and capture a beautiful moment, but perhaps more importantly, it is about creating a fun, relaxed, and natural environment that allows beautiful moments to happen.



Today, I am back on my feet and photographing at a higher level than ever before. My perspective and appreciation for life has enabled me to see moments and details that I may have missed before. This is my passion, to see those little details and expressions. For me, it is important to encourage individuals, during a portrait session, to go out on a limb and know that it's ok. It's to see, accept, and appreciate what makes us who we are.



Cheers,

Mark

Specialties

Business Portrait Children's Photography Corporate Portrait Family Photography And Baby Photography Services Family Portrait Location Portrait Modeling Portfolio & Headshots People Portrait Photographer Professional Photography Professional Portrait Senior Portrait Studio Portrait