Kambua Chema Photography

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Kambua Chema Photography Kambua Chema Photography is a high-end, experience-driven brand that blends technical mastery with a deep understanding of human connection.

We specialize in Corporate Headshots, Portraits, and Travel Photography. I’m Kambua, a Chicago-based photographer and instructor specializing in corporate headshots, portraits, and branding. With over 20 years behind the lens, my work is rooted in connection—capturing the authentic, beautiful moments that define us. Whether crafting a powerful headshot or teaching photography, my goal is always the same: to help people see themselves at their best. Joy is my superpower. It fuels my approach, bringing energy, authenticity, and warmth to every session. Photography isn’t just an art for me—it’s a bridge, revealing the extraordinary in the everyday and creating meaningful connections through storytelling. Capturing your essence, is my favourite moment behind the lens.

Closing Reception - SundayI can’t imagine that it’s been a month. Come and see the show at Alma Gallery before it comes...
10/16/2026

Closing Reception - Sunday

I can’t imagine that it’s been a month. Come and see the show at Alma Gallery before it comes down.

Please continue to donate to help frame the next 50 Portraits. Link is in the bio and thank you!

10/15/2026

Congratulations !!!!

Senyah Haynes So wonderful to share this win with you Senya! I love participating in the Headshotcrew contests! It so ...
10/15/2026

Senyah Haynes
So wonderful to share this win with you Senya! I love participating in the Headshotcrew contests! It so wonderful to have my skills tested every month. I get better with every challenge.

MILE 21: BEFORE THE WINNERS EMERGEDEvery year, I make my way to the Chicago Marathon to cheer on my Kenyans.This year I ...
10/14/2026

MILE 21: BEFORE THE WINNERS EMERGED

Every year, I make my way to the Chicago Marathon to cheer on my Kenyans.

This year I found myself at Mile 21, near Chinatown.

It turned out to be a remarkable place to watch the race.

By the time the runners reached us, they had already traveled 21 miles through Chicago. There was a gentle climb leading toward our position, and beyond it, the course began its descent toward the final miles.

But the finish was still more than five miles away.

First came the wheelchair racers.

I watched in awe as Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland powered through athletes I would later know as the men’s and women’s wheelchair champions.

Then came the elite runners.

And suddenly there were my fellow Kenyans.

Amos Kipruto. Sharon Lokedi.

I watched the women’s race unfolding right in front of me the fight to keep moving forward, the concentration, the changing positions, Hawi Feysa and Sharon Lokedi battling through Mile 21, with Feysa ultimately emerging victorious.

But as extraordinary as it was to photograph the leaders, they were only part of what moved me that morning.

I began watching everyone.

I saw exhaustion.

Determination.

Pain.

Focus.

And an extraordinary amount of courage.

I watched people struggle. I saw runners falter, gather themselves and continue. There were moments when what I was witnessing brought me to tears.

Because at Mile 21, you could see the marathon written all over their bodies.

Every year I watch these runners and quietly think, maybe one day I will run this race too.

I’m not there yet.

So for now, I choose to live a little vicariously through these brave souls the people willing to test themselves for 26.2 miles under a beating Chicago sun.

I photograph them.

I cheer for them.

And I marvel at what the human body and perhaps even more importantly, the human spirit is capable of doing when it decides to keep going.

Mile 21 wasn’t the finish line.

But it was where I could see what finishing required.

10/09/2026

Save the Date

Next Sunday, we come together one more time to celebrate I Have Earned Every Line™ and the extraordinary women who made this project possible.

Please join us for the Closing Reception at Alma Gallery on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2–4 PM, featuring an Artist & Curator Talk with Susan Aurinko and me. We will also be joined by a very special guest: one of the women in the project who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. I cannot wait for you to meet her.

This exhibition has been about visibility, courage, aging, beauty, truth, and the stories our faces carry. I am deeply grateful to every woman who bravely stepped in front of my lens and allowed herself to be seen without makeup, filters, or beauty retouching.

The work is not finished. I am still raising funds to print and frame the next 50 women as I Have Earned Every Line™ continues to grow. If you would like to support the project, please visit the donation link in my bio.

And to the women who are part of the project: it is time to begin working on your one-page handwritten letter. Your words will become an important part of the next chapter of this work. Please mail your completed letter to:

Kambua Chema
3636 S Iron St., Ste C247
Chicago, IL 60609

Bring a friend. Bring your family. Come see the portraits, hear the conversation, and help me celebrate these AMAZING women who so bravely unveiled themselves in front of my lens.

I can’t wait to see you next Sunday. ❤️

Closing Reception: Curator Susan Aurinko & Artist TalkAlma GallerySunday October 18, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PMI’m Inviting...
10/07/2026

Closing Reception: Curator Susan Aurinko & Artist Talk
Alma Gallery
Sunday October 18, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

I’m Inviting Women 50 and Over to Write…. I See You….
If you were to write a love letter to yourself, what would you say?
You might begin:

Dear Me,

Today, when I look at you, I see…

Over the years, I have learned…

What I want you to remember is…

“I have earned every line because…”

Let the words come as they are. Poetic. Raw. Funny. Fierce. Soft. However your truth shows up.
Use these reflections to write a handwritten letter of one page or less.
Address it to yourself, your younger self, your daughter, or any woman you want to uplift.
You don’t need perfect words.
You only need your own.
If you would like to share your letter with me for I Have Earned Every Line™, drop it off at the studio or mail it to:
Kambua Chema
3636 S Iron St.
C247
Chicago, IL 60609
Save these prompts.
Share this invitation with a woman 50 or over.
Your story matters.
Every line has been earned. Don’t forget to date your letter. I can wait to read them.

Meet EarleneIf you have seen the show, many of you have got to experience her larger than life personality. I had an in...
10/07/2026

Meet Earlene
If you have seen the show, many of you have got to experience her larger than life personality. I had an incredible time photographing her for the I Have Earned Every Line Project. She left me inspired! What moved me the most about Earlene, she does not let her wheelchair define her. Everyday she chooses to win and lives her life with such abundance that being around her just makes you smile.
Our closing reception is coming up on October 18, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Join us Alma Gallery. Come meet the women and hear their stories. We’re going to have a special guest.
,

Dear Sam,There were so many wonderful moments in September and so many AMAZING people that lifted my spirits everyday so...
10/02/2026

Dear Sam,

There were so many wonderful moments in September and so many AMAZING people that lifted my spirits everyday some old some new! You would have loved hearing all the stories.
After 7 years on the Peter Hurley’s Headshot Crew I won headshot of the month! After being behind the lens for over 25 years, I found a photography project that means the world! I spoke at not one but 2 conferences! It was so humbling to speak at the Black Women Photographers™️ Summit and I didn’t have imposter syndrome. I actually felt great about my talk!
I’m not sure if we ever talked about FreshLens Chicago, I took part in the Co Generational photography project for the second time. It made me miss Eli, a young photographer we lost last year. I’m still sad about his loss. I asked him to look out for you up there.
I hope October can top this! I’m grateful for all the communities that support me, Carlo whom you know, Leila & Co., Liz Mu, and all my friends!!! You’d have loved Gosia from Alma Gallery! She gave me my first solo show!!!
Hope you’re having a great time watching me grow, from that little girl you photographed holding your camera sitting on the hood of your car to the woman I have become. I love you and miss our daily chats! I think of you often and I’m comforted by all the fun we had together. We laughed a lot and my heart is at peace in celebrating you daily!

Address

600 W Cermak, Unit 2E
Chicago, IL
60616

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 9am - 10pm
Wednesday 9am - 10pm
Thursday 9am - 10pm
Friday 9am - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 1pm - 10pm

Telephone

+15733563090

Website

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