Jennifer Shaffer Photography
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I’m a photographer based in Chicago working with historic photographic processes to create intentional, handcrafted portraits — in studio and on location.
I grew up in a family of photographers. At every holiday, family reunion or get together, cameras were passed around and conversations were had about a photo taken and images shown for critique. To no one’s surprise, after high school, my love for the medium brought me to Chicago to major in photography at Columbia College. I began shooting weddings and family portraits prior to my move to Chicago
05/01/2026
One of a kind 4x5 tintypes of Spring tulips.
04/30/2026
Lily of the Valley are just starting to bloom in my Humboldt Park backyard. These perennials were planted over a decade ago, sourced from my family farm in western Illinois.
Growing up, I would track the progress of Spring on the farm by the flowers blooming. These transplanted flowers always bring me back to memories of picking lilacs and Lily of the valley with my mom and grandma.
I often think about how the flowers I enjoyed as a child were the “relatives” of the blooms I’m cutting today. Keeping these plants alive is like keeping a family history alive - even though my city backyard is worlds away from the farm. Do you have plants that your family has shared over generations?
Anyway. These plates will also be available through my tintype store.
I was mildly obsessed with my tulips this Spring. These one of a kind tintypes are available for purchase on my (new) website. Check out the store at chicagotintype.com or the linkin bio
This is just the start of my Illinois River/Towns project that I will be working on this year.
04/28/2026
Tulips - Spring 2026
My first attempt at growing tulips… and they made it. Through a new garden, a Chicago winter, and a very curious puppy who thought bulbs were fair game.
They deserved proper portraits.
I’m drawn to their texture, their structure, the way each one feels like its own character. And that frilly bloom? I can’t unsee it — giving full Marilyn Monroe energy in that iconic wind-blown dress.
A small, fleeting thing… but worth slowing down for.
Illinois River in tintype
04/11/2026
The Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park in tintype.
I'm going to put my woodworking skills to use with a shadow box for the triptychs I have been capturing of parks in the city.
04/08/2026
Sand Ridge State Forest, Illinois. There were cactus, too.
Through the camera and on film
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1757 N Kimball Unit 210
Chicago, IL
60647
Opening Hours
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |