# 312 Elements Photography > 312 Elements is a professional headshot and portrait photography studio in > Chicago's West Loop, founded by photographer Michael Schacht. Specializing > in corporate headshots, actor headshots, team photography, and personal > branding for businesses and individuals across the Chicago metropolitan area. - Studio: 212 N. Sangamon Street, Studio 4B, Chicago, IL 60607 - Phone: (312) 546-3582 - Email: info@312elements.com - Service Area: Chicago, IL and surrounding suburbs (within 50 miles) - Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday by appointment - Website: https://312elements.com/ - Type: Photographer, LocalBusiness, ProfessionalService - Audience: Executives, entrepreneurs, actors, models, corporate teams, and individuals - Language: en-US - Last Updated: 2026-06-20 --- ## Pricing Session fee: $500 - Unlimited wardrobe changes - Unlimited background options - Unlimited session duration - Private dressing room with steamer available Images: $250 each (retouching included) - At the end of each session, images are reviewed together on-screen - You only purchase the images you want to keep - All purchased images include professional retouching Image buyout: $1,500 flat fee for all images from the session On-location fee: $500 additional for sessions outside the studio (homes, offices) Rescheduling: Free with 72 hours notice. $100 fee for last-minute rescheduling (less than 72 hours). Currently booked 10-14 days in advance. --- ## Services Offered ### Professional Headshots Headshot photography for executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Studio sessions covering wardrobe, lighting, and on-screen image review. For company websites, LinkedIn, and professional profiles. ### Group Headshots Team and group headshots for companies and organizations. On-location sessions with consistent lighting and styling across the team. For company websites, annual reports, and team pages. ### Business Headshots Business portraits for executives, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals. For company websites, marketing materials, and professional profiles. ### Office Headshots On-location headshots photographed at your office or workplace. Efficient sessions that minimize disruption and produce consistent portraits across an entire team. ### Personal Branding Lifestyle and brand portraits for entrepreneurs, influencers, and personal brands. For social media, websites, and marketing materials. ### Actor Headshots Theatrical and commercial headshots for actors and performers. For agents, casting directors, and acting portfolios. ### Corporate Headshots Executive and professional business portraits for individuals and teams. For company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and company materials. ### Model Headshots Fashion and commercial modeling portfolios for new and experienced models. Includes comp card development and agency-ready digitals. ### Headshots for Women Headshots for women in business, entertainment, and creative fields. For personal branding, LinkedIn, and professional profiles. ### Headshots for Men Headshots for men across all fields. For LinkedIn, comp cards, dating profiles, and professional use. ### Influencer Headshots Personal branding photography for content creators, influencers, and social media professionals. For Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms. ### Headshots for Teens Headshots for teens pursuing acting, modeling, or early professional work. Age-appropriate portraits for casting submissions, college applications, and social media. --- ## About Michael Schacht Michael Schacht is a Chicago-based professional photographer with 20+ years of experience. He opened his Fulton Market studio in 2010 after photography became his side hustle in 2009. His approach combines technical precision with a relaxed, collaborative environment. Michael lives in Chicago with his wife Meghan (married 2009) and daughters Layla (born 2013) and Norah (born 2016). Photography philosophy: "I never felt particularly fulfilled doing anything other than art. Photography became my side hustle in 2009 and I opened my Fulton Market studio in 2010." --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to dress for success When it comes to wardrobe, options are your best friend. We all know what colors we look best in — start there. Then eliminate anything too shiny or with bold prints. Simple is better. Think in terms of layers. Blazers, coats, cardigans, sweaters, and button-downs can be mixed with other pieces to create variety. A well-fitting jacket over a simple top gives you two looks instantly. Some go-tos include anything denim, a black turtleneck, solid-color knits, crisp button-downs, tailored blazers, and simple dresses or blouses without busy patterns. Fit matters more than fashion. The studio has a steamer and a private dressing room. ### Should I wear jewelry in my headshot? Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Grab the studs instead of the hoops or anything that might dangle and creep into your hair or draw attention away from your face. The best necklace for a headshot is no necklace at all. If you're going to opt for a necklace, choose one that doesn't fall to a point in the middle. Something with more structure (think pearls) will work better than a traditional chain. ### Do you offer a make-up artist? Most people are best served doing their own makeup. No false eyelashes, bold lip colors, or excessive contouring. Bring your makeup with you and you can touch it up as we go and see how it looks on the computer screen. Photoshop is a much better solution for people looking for that flawless skin effect. ### Should I wear a necktie in my headshot? If you wear a tie every day, then yes you should probably be wearing a tie in your headshot. Everyone else can probably leave the tie at home. If you know you want more than one shot, a necktie can be a nice accessory when tied well. Choose something subtle without a distracting pattern. Bring a backup. ### Do you do greenscreen headshots? Greenscreen background replacements are rarely the best solution. This type of background replacement rarely looks convincing in a finished product. If this is something you really need, call first and let's try to find a better solution. ### Can we do the session at my office? On-location sessions are available at your home or office for an additional $500 fee. Text or email immediately after you schedule your session and we'll work out the details. ### Do you offer outdoor headshots? Outdoor headshots are generally not recommended. Most suffer from bad lighting, disheveled hair, and distracting background elements. Weather permitting, a few minutes outside is possible, but the majority of work will be done in studio. Sessions will not be rescheduled for weather. ### Can you match company guidelines? Whether your company has a style guide or you saw something you liked in a magazine or online, chances are it can be recreated. Some of the best shoots have started with a Pinterest board full of ideas. Feel free to text or email any inspiration you have. ### Is retouching included? All purchased images include professional retouching. Standard retouching covers fly-away hairs, lightening wrinkles, evening out skin, and smoothing clothing bumps or gaps. Further retouching is available at no additional charge when requested. ### Do you offer proofing galleries? Image selections are best made in-studio at the end of your session. If you prefer to get outside input, you're welcome to do the image buyout and decide later. ### What if I need to reschedule? Free rescheduling with 72 hours notice. Last-minute rescheduling (less than 72 hours) incurs a $100 fee. ### Do you offer an image buyout? Yes. For $1,500 flat fee, you receive all images from your session. Standard pricing is $250 per image. --- ## Client Testimonials "There are lots of 'good' photographers out there, but I always come back to Mike because he's the most fun to work with and that fun comes through in the images." — Jack S, Los Angeles "Working with Mike is like hanging out with an old friend." — Kathryn V, Atlanta "Headshot sessions can be tough, but he immediately caught on to what I was looking for and made the whole experience relaxing and a lot of fun!" — Chris M, Chicago --- ## Contact Information - Studio: 212 N. Sangamon Street, Studio 4B, Chicago, IL 60607 - Phone: (312) 546-3582 - Email: info@312elements.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelschacht312 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischacht/ - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/312elements/ - Website: https://312elements.com/