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Introducing the superstar volunteers from the Mary, Mother of God Parish photography team! Damian, Matt, Wes, and Dina – you may have noticed them with their name tags and cameras – have been generously sharing their time and photography talents with our community. They have photographed parish devotions and events as well as our relic collection and all three of the churches. Click "Read More" to get to know them and find out what kind of photography they specialize in. You can also see examples of their work at the parish.
*If you would like to volunteer with the photography team, please email the parish's Communications Coordinator Stephanie Held at [email protected]. You do not have to have professional experience to volunteer. All you need is enthusiasm! Damian ChladaHi! My name is Damian, I have lived in Chicago since 2015, and I am a photographer, traveler, and coffee drinker. I serve a few churches in Chicago, and I shoot holy sacraments, baptisms, weddings, and Holy Masses. I capture religious events and help non-profits around the country so they can expand their missions. It is a great and rewarding duty to serve God with our talents and serve others in the most important moments of their lives. I would love to tell your story and capture your memories with beautiful photography. Fun Fact: Fun fact, I visited over 100 coffee shops around Chicago and over 200 around the world! ☕coffeewithdamian.com 👍Instagram account (@coffeewithdamian) 🎥 Youtube channel 📸 Schedule a photoshoot (Click to expand the photographs) Damian's Parish Photography Matt DulaMy name is Matt and I'm a regular at Saint Ita's for Mass. I am a Chicago area photographer and videographer who specializes in making photographs and videos of architecture. I also photograph and record people. I am available for commissions locally, nationally and worldwide. I am a member of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers and am an FAA licensed drone pilot. I first became serious about photography when I lived in Japan and in subsequent years when my work necessitated frequent travel to Asia. I turned professional in 2003. In recent years, I have also ventured into video and drone work. When I saw the request in the parish bulletin looking for volunteer photographers I thought, "Ah! Finally, something I can truly help with." I have been mainly photographing our three parish churches including the interiors and exteriors. In particularly, I'm pleased with the photographs of St. Gregory the Great. Creativity is what drives me as a human being and I strive to bring that creativity to every client and project, regardless of size or scope. Fun fact: I am an avid grower – of tomatoes and super-hot peppers – and an artisan baker. See more of Matt's work on his website: mattdula.com Matt's Parish Photography Matt in Action Around the Parish Wes KinardMy name is Wesley Kinard and I live in Chicago. I’ve have been attending Mass at Saint Ita for two years. I first got into photography when I was in the Navy. I was stationed in Japan and on the weekends, I would take pictures on my some of my adventures. I’ve been doing photography for seven years and have photographed special events, Catholic Masses and celebrations, professional headshots, and sports. I was the photographer for Young Catholic Professionals Chicago Chapter for a year and do photography for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. In my free time, I love doing street photography in Chicago. I thought the photography team would be a great way to photograph all the wonderful events and opportunities that parishioners have to grow in their faith. My favorite event that I photographed was Fr. Bede's Ordination Mass. It was so inspiring to witness him be ordained as a priest. It was a beautiful service and reception that I’ll never forget it. Fun Fact: In 2019, I surfed a hurricane swell. I was able to ride inside the barrel of the wave, which was always my dream. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wesley-kinard-89b457230 Instagram: instagram.com/weskinard3 (@weskinard3) Wes's Parish Photography Dina KwitHello, my name is Dina Kwit and I have been a member of the Mary, Mother of God Parish for the last three years. I am a native Chicagoan. I enjoy the diversity of the parish and feel it gives a uniqueness to our parish family. I have been capturing images since the tender age of 10 and fell in love with photography when I attended a school for creative students. I have had the pleasure of photographing churches around Chicago and in the Western Suburbs and even taught photography to high school students. I spent 10 years photographing Women's Professional Sports and self-published a book outlining my career. Over the years, I have photographed weddings, engagements, senior/family portraits, and volunteered my photography services at community events. In my spare time, I contract out for Photo Editing work, run an ECommerce store and work for the Chicago Cubs (my dream job). I wanted to volunteer for the photography team as I feel it is important to share with others the gifts God has given us. Recently, I've enjoyed photographing the Spaghetti Dinner, Ash Wednesday, and the Still Life Paint Workshop. I look forward to working more events and getting to meet more parishioners! Feel free to check out my work on my website or on Instagram. Fun Fact: I am an avid cyclist and last year biked 5,000 miles across the midwest. If you see me biking on the lakefront, please stop me so I can say hello to you. Website: dinakwit.artstorefronts.com Instagram: instagram.com/dinakwit (@dinakwit) (Click to expand the photographs) Dina's Parish Photography Comments are closed.
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