Martha Abelson Photography

05/06/2026

It's been a minute but stay tuned for the return of a very special client offering...

04/16/2026

Have you ever known you needed updated images for your business but have not been sure whether you need “pure” headshots, solo portraits with more of a lifestyle bent, or photos with your business partner or fellow team members? Why choose! In one session, in-studio or on-location, we can do it all!

I had the pleasure recently of working with , who is a smart, savvy, successful realtor in Chicago’s North Shore. She is also the lead of the top performing Noah and Janet Group. And did I mention that she is an absolute delight? (Janet is too!) We covered a lot of ground in their studio shoot, creating a set of beautiful, on-brand images that can be used flexibly for a variety of purposes and platforms. Here’s a peek!

04/10/2026

As someone who spends a lot of time walking, driving, and editing photos in front of my computer, I have developed a bit of a podcast obsession. So how fun it was for me when the creators behind the popular podcast came to me for updated branding images! Andrea and Morgan are smart, engaging subject matter experts so if you are in any stage of contemplating or living through divorce (or are just looking to learn something new while strolling about the neighborhood), you should check them out. They also were a *dream* to photograph ❤️

03/17/2026

Hi everybody! I am honored to be one of the presenters this coming Friday at the Women in Business event sponsored by the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce. I'll be chatting about the role of presence in brand photography, and how to take control of your visual impression. It should be a great event; come join us!!!

12/31/2025

And it's a wrap... With one quick headshot session this morning, 2025 comes to a close. Thank you to all my incredible clients for making this year my best one ever, and I wish everyone who sees this a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2026 ❤️

10/11/2025

What an honor it was to photograph first time author on the first stop of her book tour for her new memoir “A Promise Kept.” Erica spoke to a packed crowd at in Highland Park, and her talk was powerful, poignant, and personal (as were the questions and stories shared by the audience). The LA Tribune said “A cultural act of courage and moral clarity, A Promise Kept is an invitation to reimagine how we approach death—with compassion, honesty, and profound humanity.” I invite you to learn more about Erica and her story; I’ll be sharing the link to her website in the comments.

06/05/2025

12/19/2024

When you are a multi-dimensional human, you may communicate with different audiences or find yourself in situations that require a different tone. It can be hard to find a single headshot that does it all. In photos as in real life, you can be versatile AND authentically yourself.

12/16/2024

I'm cooking up something completely new and different for the new year: my first ever Branding Mini Sessions!
Coming soon on January 24 in downtown Highwood.
Email me at martha .com to learn more, and to get the opportunity for a priority sign up (pls do not message me through this page bc I may not see it). Spots will be limited so don't miss out!!

12/14/2024

My philosophy when it comes to photographing families is that I want to show what your family ~feels like~ every bit as much as what it looks like. So when I have a client who shares this POV (but 10x'd, if that's even possible), and has the wild idea to match, I can only say "Count Me In!!" These are just a few images from our magical, messy, absolutely magnificent family portrait session.