A tragic loss in her teens has brought a uniquely personal perspective to Pamela Sage's work as a portrait photographer.

"My dad died when I was only 15. He wasn’t in most of my childhood photographs, not because he wasn’t there, but because he was the person behind the camera. I don’t want other families to someday realize that someone important is missing from their story simply because that person was always the one taking the pictures."

While portraits make up the bulk of the award-winning photographer's work, Sage also loves to capture the vibrance of live performances, and the intimacy of nature photography. "Since 2018, I’ve grown milkweed in my yard and helped protect monarch (butterfly) eggs and caterpillars while photographing their incredible transformation. Watching that life cycle unfold has been fascinating and inspiring, and strengthened my belief in preserving the small, beautiful things around us before they disappear."

Enjoy Pamela's exhibit as AAPLD's Artist of the Month for October.

Your Name:  Pamela Sage

Your Community:  I live in the Lake in the Hills/Algonquin area.

Your Background/Training:  I am a professional graphic designer and photographer, with formal training and a BA from Columbia College Chicago. I’ve  continued my education through industry associations, workshops, online education, and collaboration with other professionals.

I had the honor of being the Photography Fellow at Raue Center for the Arts, in Crystal Lake and that experience was amazing. I had creative freedom to experiment and try new techniques every week and I continue to freelance for them at their historic theater.

Your Preferred Subjects and Why:  Most of my photography centers around portraiture; newborns, children, families, weddings, animals.  Everyone deserves to exist in photographs — not only for themselves, but for the people who love them.

That is why pet photography means so much to me. Our animals are family, and their lives never seem long enough. Having beautiful photographs that capture their expressions and personalities can become incredibly meaningful — especially when their portrait is hanging in your home.

I also love entertainment photography, including theater productions, concerts, musicians and band portraits. It’s an entirely different kind of personality, energy, and story.

What Inspires Your Work?  The beautiful contrast and tonal range seen  in Ansel Adam’s b/w photography has been a big influence on me, as well as the edgy but  beautiful lighting that  illuminates Robert Mapplethorpe in his self portraits. One of my biggest influences has been Annie Leibovitz. Not only did she have a  body of work that was unique and expressive while contributing to Vogue and Rolling Stone Magazine, she also modeled that women can succeed in roles that, until then, were only held by men. She showed me it was possible.

Is Your Work for Sale? How Can Someone Contact You?  Yes! My work is for sale and my  photography services are available, too. My business, Pamela Sage Photography, is based in Crystal Lake but I work with clients throughout McHenry, DuPage, and Cook Counties, as well as Chicago, and across the border in Wisconsin. I am always up for creative portraits and capturing what is important for you. Contact me through my website: www.pamelasage.com or call or text me at: 630-564-5431.