ABOUT CARA
Renowned for her unmistakable, fashion-editorial aesthetic and her profound commitment to forging connections through laughter and storytelling, Cara Garbarino has dedicated over 16 years to empowering everyday women to embrace confidence in their own skin.
Growing up in a family of artists, Cara's journey began early, with a darkroom in her closet and a camera in her hand by the age of 9. With more than two decades of professional expertise under her belt, she has had the privilege of capturing the essence of numerous luminaries, from former President Barack Obama to music icons like Paul McCartney and Cindy Lauper, as well as sporting legends like Michael Jordan, Lebron James and the Chicago Cubs.
In 2009, after retiring from a distinguished decade-long career as one of Chicago's most sought-after luxury wedding photographers, Cara embarked on a new chapter establishing The Atelier- one of the Midwest's pioneering boudoir studios. Her vision birthed a unique portrait experience, honoring everyday women with timeless elegance.
Today, with over a thousand clients and sixteen years of dedication, Cara's commitment to her craft remains unwavering. Residing and working in the city of Chicago alongside her husband, their two sons, and their beloved rescue pitbull Phoebe, she continues to champion the transformative power of her work.
Women are so much more than their sexuality; we embody we embody passion, power, vulnerability, and courage. We are empathetic, intuitive, creative, and remarkably resourceful. Despite this, we are our own worst enemies, with a running list of our own inadequacies constantly tallying – not pretty enough, not thin enough, not motivated enough, not successful enough, not smart enough, not healthy enough, not engaged enough. The list is endless, suffocating us with the notion that we are simply not enough. I want to photograph every woman who has wrestled with feelings of inadequacy. I want to spend a day listening to her story, honoring her resilience and celebrating her journey. Over the past 16 years, my mission has been to empower women to embrace their innate beauty and confidence. I love everything about my work, but it is witnessing the transformative power of self-love that fills me with the greatest joy. Nerves usually follow women into their photo sessions, it’s normal. But, as they leave, they exude an aura of confidence and pride that makes me giddy. Witnessing this metamorphosis, observing their newfound belief in themselves – this, to me, is the ultimate gift.
— Cara
