The Atelier

Chicago, United States

5

16 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 312-465-2349
Website:
www.theatelierchicago.com
Address:
2008 W Erie St Unit 1E, Chicago, IL, 60612
b/t Damen Ave & Hoyne Ave
West Town, Ukrainian Village
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.7 miWestern Avenue
0.8 miMadison & United Center 1900 W
0.8 miAshland
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Chicago) 10:49 Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Boudoir, glamour, pin up and contemporary portraiture by Cara Garbarino

Every woman is an icon. The Atelier offers an experience that celebrates women, capturing their own iconic beauty through natural, elegant imagery.

We take great care in approaching every shoot with fresh creativity. The experience is a celebration of womanhood; a fabulously fun, liberating, beautiful journey of self discovery. Whether you are wanting to reclaim your femininity, reconnect with your unique beauty, celebrate a triumph, reward your hard work, surprise a loved one or simply have a fun day honoring yourself; a boudoir shoot is a perfect way to honor yourself.

We work with each woman individually to tailor the experience to her vision. Prior to shooting, every woman receives a consultation to discuss the look, feel and general art direction of her shoot. All bookings include personal coaching in posing throughout the shoot, retouching and airbrushing on selected photos, a private password-​protected gallery and a fully retouched custom reprint.

To view our full menu of services and packages offered, please contact the studio. No matter what your reasons for doing a boudoir shoot, believe us when we say that you are going to adore this experience! We look forward to hearing from you!

History

Established in 2009.

The Atelier launched in Spring of 2009. The primary goal being to celebrate women by capturing their beauty and spirit. The Atelier, and it’s all female staff, work with each woman to tailor the photographic experience to their unique vision.

Meet the Business Owner

Cara G.

Business Owner

A photographer with over a decade of experience, Cara Garbarino’s work has been seen in such magazines as Town & Country, Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Social, CS Brides, North Shore, and she has photographed numerous celebrities and public figures, including Vice President Al Gore, Paul McCartney, Cindy Lauper, Lebron James, and President Vicente Fox. Cara has also shot hundreds of upscale events, from elite charity circuit and corporate functions for Fortune 500 companies, to luxury weddings. A former team leader at the nationally acclaimed wedding photography studio, Garbo Productions, Cara lives and works in Chicago.

Related places

You might also like:
1
mi
JPP Studios
(West Town, Ukrainian Village)
1
mi
Chelsea Mazur Photography
2023 Carroll Ave Ste C313 (Near West Side)
1
mi
Northlight Studio
2023 W Carroll Ave Suite C304 (Near West Side)
1
mi
Erika Dufour Photography
2140 W Fulton St Unit E (Near West Side)
1
mi
Konca Photography
(West Town, Ukrainian Village)
1
mi
GlitterGuts Portrait Booth
(West Town, Ukrainian Village)

Nearby

Near this location:
80
ft
Doughty Paul Photography
2000 W Erie Street
170
ft
Electrical 3D Construct
2003 W Huron St
390
ft
Bar DeVille
701 N Damen Ave
490
ft
Whole Healthy Pet
2029 W Superior St
640
ft
Odge’s
730 N Damen Ave
740
ft
Dream Dinners
740 N. Damen Ave

16 reviews of The Atelier

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Naperville, IL
Recently I did a boudoir session with Cara and Cindy at The Atelier. I started looking on line at other people’s reviews of various boudoir photography studios and was not thoroughly convinced that this was something I wanted to do until I came across Cara’s site. I knew immediately that this was the place for me and that I had to go for it. The pictures were stunning! I went in November and it was an experience that I will never forget. The fact that she has opened her home to these photo sessions makes the biggest difference in the world. I felt so comfortable prancing around in my underwear because it really felt as though I was spending the afternoon with two of my best friends! They made me feel like we had known each other forever and that this was just another Saturday afternoon. Cara is a wealth of information on so many different topics and was able to give me great advice ahead of time regarding hair, makeup, and general prep work. When it came time for the actual photo-​taking, they were wonderful. They gave great direction to someone who generally does not enjoy having her picture taken. I have since seen the pictures and I can’t believe how well they turned out. I would HIGHLY recommend The Atelier if you are even close to considering doing a boudoir session. It is something that I will always remember and I am so happy that I did it.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I don’t even know where to begin when writing this review. Cara is simply amazing. From the second I met her I felt like I had known her my whole life! Unfortunately for me (and my now husband) I am not good at being sexy or graceful or any of the things you would imagine a boudoir shoot would require you to be. Fortunately for me (and my now husband) Cara is seriously gifted. When I saw the pictures I genuinely couldn’t believe I could look that amazing. She made me feel very confident during the shoot which definitely showed in the pictures, she gives great directions for the poses which all turned out gorgeous! Thank you Cara!!!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
when I decided to get boudoir photos taken for my soon to be husbands wedding gift, I read every review and looked at every website of boudoir photographers in Chicago (and even a few in the burbs just to make sure). Not only did Cara get hands down the best reviews, her photos were the most classy and flawless I saw. And than I found out my friend just had her photos with Cara and had the best things to say, so I was sold.
Cara was great at the pre-​communication and even did her homework by studying my pintrist page before our shoot to get a feel for my style and desires. True to the reviews, she has a knack for making you comfortable and at home from the moment you walk in the door. I really didn’t know what to expect out of the experience and was so surprised at how much fun I had — I was ready to come back the next day and do it again!
When the finished album came I could not get over how amazing everything looked! I pretty much hide in my closet (gift exchange is a few weeks away) and peak at it every few days — the woman is a miracle worker.
I agree with the reviewer who said this isn’t just for a wedding gift. Every woman should have a day with Cara so they can document the fierce beautiful woman they are and never forget it!
Place rating: 5
Orland Park, IL
I just did my boudoir session earlier this month and OH. MY. GOD. Cara is absolutely amazing! From the moment I contacted her about a session it felt like she was my long lost friend whom I’d known for years. Excellent communication from the beginning and extremely helpful with preparations.
When I met Cara for the first time, it was the day of my shoot! She opened the door to her place and again, I immediately felt like I had known her forever! I was so comfortable and at ease with her… I really like the fact that she does her shoots in her own home, rather than a studio! It didn’t feel rushed at all, since she only books 1 appointment per day, so it just made me feel extra special to know that it was all about me! We were laughing the whole time and she even helped me re-​curl my hair after it started to fall during the shoot, which was so nice! She is hilarious and joy to work with!
As far as Cara’s work goes, she knew exactly what my vision was and executed it with perfection! I got my proofs back within a week of the shoot and have now picked what images I want to put in my book. Cara has a great eye for artistic poses that still look effortless and natural. Her direction during the shoot was fantastic and I felt that we had an understanding of one another very quickly. She really listened to what I was asking for — we were on the same page for every decision that was made!
Honestly, if you are even remotely interested in a boudoir session, your search must stop here with The Atelier! I would be comfortable showing my photos to anyone — nothing is too provocative or offensive — every single image is a truly a piece of art that I would be proud to hang in my home! You will not be disappointed with Cara, I promise!
Place rating: 5
Richmond, IL
I loved the experience. I was super nervous to get started but from the second I arrived I felt beyond comfortable. Cara made you feel like you were best girlfriends and was very good at giving direction and motivation. She was amazing, a very talented individual. I highly recommend using the atelier. I decided to do this boudoir shoot as a wedding gift for my soon to be husband. I did a lot of research and came across the atelier, I’m so happy I went with cara! She was very fast at responding via email amd is very resourceful. The pictures turned out amazing and I can’t stop staring at them. Very very pleased.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
What a wonderful day it was to work with Cara. I was certainly nervous to do a boudoir shoot but Cara made it feel like you were hanging out with an old girl friend. She made an incredible effort to listen to my ideas and helped me create such a beautiful gift.
This was such a great experience!
CARA YOU ROCK!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Do yourself a favor and stop your search for a boudoir photographer here. I cannot imagine Cara failing you. She has vision, tact, class, humor. She shoots beautiful photos. Her prices are more than reasonable for something that you will probably only do once.
Another wonderful thing about Cara is her versatility. I’m a reserved person, pretty shy in front of the camera, and she coached me through the whole thing. However, at the very end she encouraged me to let loose a little (like last 4 frames). I really had trouble. What this tells me, however, is that if you come to The Atelier with some of your own ideas, she isn’t going to shoot you down.
Like many women, this started as a project for my fiancé. I realized it was more for me than him when I got so anxious that I told him my plans. Try not to give away your surprise to your fiancé if you are riding an emotional roller coaster perpetuated by insecurity of paying for your perceived flaws exposed on film.
Ideally, you are totally secure in yourself, or this isn’t a surprise for anyone, because you are totally worth it! And guess what? You don’t need to buy too much lingerie! Don’t freak out about the lingerie like I did.
To summarize, Cara made an intimidating experience enlightening and fun and I learned more about myself than I expected. I almost turned back after putting down a deposit and I’m so glad I didn’t. The photos are hot, if I do say so myself ;-)
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
There is nothing more that I can say other than «AMAZING». Cara does the most amazing work out there. I could not have been happier with my pictures and my fiancé LOVED them. Ladies, understand one thing — you get what you pay for!!! I would recommend Cara to anyone, no questions asked.
Besides being amazing at her job, Cara is also a really cool, personable, sweet and down to earth girl. She made the session so enjoyable and took all apprehension away.
Total YES in my book!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Many years from now when I am a grandmother, I would love to be able to have a tangible memory of a younger, sexier version of myself. Even though I always wanted to do this for myself, choosing to do this as my husband’s wedding gift was an appropriate excuse (I don’t know if I have ever seen his smile and eyes so big as they were when I gave him the gift!).
Even though I was nervous and shy at first, Cara makes you feel super comfortable and gives helpful instructions while shooting– not to mention she makes you laugh constantly! On top of that, Cara is incredibly talented and the pictures turned out sexy, elegant, and just stunning. I really could not say enough amazing praises about Cara, the experience, and the resulting pictures!
Also, I booked an on-​site hair stylist and make-​up artist through Cara. Both women did an amazing job and it is totally worth getting your hair/​make-​up professionally done… that way you can enjoy some bubbly, too!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
I want to express my complete and utter gratitude to Cara. I shot my boudoir photos as a wedding gift to my husband 2 years ago. I have a lot of experience with photo shoots, mainly as a professional dancer, but this was a completely different, amazing experience.
First off, I wanted to do something creative and Cara helped me finagle a plan to get my husband to drive his motorcycle down to her studio so we could use it in the shoot without him knowing what was going on — complete commitment to making my experience unique. It was incredible!
The thought of being photographed in a neglige and/​or lingerie was both exciting and terrifying for me. I had seen Cara’s work and knew it was beautiful, but wasn’t sure I could do what the other women did. The ingredient to helping me pose in a way that was classy, sexy and completely empowering was Cara. I’ve never been in a situation where another woman was so supportive and encouraging. I honestly didn’t know that I could take pictures like this and the fact that they were so pretty and actually looked like me led me to use one of them as a professional head shot (from the shoulders up!)
I’ve just returned back to Cara for a round of professional head shots after some failed attempts with other photographers. The difference with Cara is that she pulls the sexy, beauty, fun, personable, confident woman out of you and that shows up on film.
I feel so lucky to have had another opportunity to work with Cara, especially in a time of my life where I have really found a sense of true self. My consistent comment when glancing at the photos that she is taking is «It looks like me only really really good!»
Thank you Cara for continuing to help me show my inner beauty on the outside — I will recommend you until the end of time :)!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This review is long overdue. Cara shot me for my boudoir photo experience prior to my wedding last September. I wanted to get something unique for my future husband ‘s wedding gift and this experience seemed appropriate.
Cara was professional in every way: timely in her responses and made you feel like it was more of a girl get together than a photographer and you strutting awkward poses.
She made you truly feel like a woman empowered to get the right shots and not to mention supplied Champagne when needed! Hehe. Cara coaches you through the whole shoot.
Her followup after the shoot made you feel like you were her only client. She really took the time to go through your photos to pick the best ones for the album. My husband was in shock and awe (in a good way) with the album.
I adore Cara and found her to be one of the best vendors I worked with prior to the wedding day. She is an accomplished photographer and captures the moment with each frame.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Simply amazing. If I could give Cara 10 stars I would. I have never done any type of lingerie shoot and was a bit shy because as we all know there’s always a part of our body that we’re not comfortable with. Well let me tell you that after literally two minutes I felt so at ease because Cara’s energy and guidance on what to do made me feel incredible and beautiful.
The whole experience was so liberating and cathartic I would highly recommend to any woman out there that wants to get reconnected with your beautiful self.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
In addition to golf clubs, watch or some other conventional wedding gift, I was considering a classy (and sexy) boudoir photo album of myself. I was hesitant and gun shy doing research of this growing trend, but once I spoke to Cara, my hesitatation became excitement! Cara has amazing energy, enthusiasm, and direction. I felt so comfortable, as well as liberated during my shoot. The photographs gave me a new found confidence as an independent and sexy woman – AND my husband LOVED them!
Cara is as professional as one can be. She assured me of the quality of her product and services and she delivered on her assurances. If not for a wedding gift, then absolutely consider it for yourself. I have never felt so beautiful!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Cara is amazing!!! I wanted to do some fun pictures for my husband and had such an amazing time… and now have classy but super sexy pictures. On top of that, she is such an easy person to be around with such a fun personality that I left feeling totally fabulous! Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, just contact her and her creativity will help you find the perfect looks for you! I have been telling all of my friends to do this — so worth it!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Cara Garbo… Amazing!
I wanted to create a new Image for my website and
business cards .I was referred to Cara Garbo by my co
workers. Little did I know the experience I was in store for?
From the moment she greeted me I knew I was in for
something special.
.
We began with head shots and worked our way out of my
clothing to take some fun and sassy photos for my boyfriend.
I was a bit shy to start but by the end I felt so free and
liberated. I left the studio on cloud nine and more confident
than ever. The pictures as well as the experience are
something I will treasure forever. I would recommend giving
a session as a gift. You will feel beautiful inside and out!!!
Leah Chavie, ME/​MLT and Makeup Artist
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
My mother and I absolutely adored our time with Cara. As soon as she opened the door to her studio, we were enveloped with her warmth, laughter and generosity. I immediately felt at ease and I had so much fun. Cara has an uncanny talent not only with the camera but in how she is able to engage her subjects and make them feel effortlessly beautiful– inside and out. Thank you so much, Cara!