Bio
For over 25 years, Chicago photographer John Gress has created stunning photography and video content for some of America’s largest companies and major international publications. His diverse portfolio spans lifestyle, advertising, portraiture, and video content tailored for the beauty industry, professional sports leagues, and high-profile campaigns. Recognized by Professional Photographer Magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,” Gress is known for his bold, dynamic style—whether shooting on location or at his Chicago studio at 5339 W Lake St., Suite 427, Chicago, Illinois 60644.
As a commercial photographer, Gress has played a key role in crafting impactful imagery for advertising and public relations campaigns for numerous Fortune 500 companies. His notable client list includes Nike, Coors Light, Windex, Glade, the NBA, Hyatt Hotels, Lufthansa, the WAHL Clipper Corporation, and Panini trading cards.
In addition to his commercial work, his photography has appeared in leading global publications including Time, People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and The New York Times.
In 2025, Gress helped lead Team USA to victory in the World Photographic Cup, the premier international photography competition where top photographers from over 40 countries compete in the “Olympics of Photography.” He was also awarded Best in the Nation for having the highest-scoring image from the United States, helping secure the USA’s first-place finish.
That same year, Gress was honored at the United Nations with a Professional Photographer Achievement Award from the International Photographic Council—a distinction that celebrates excellence in photography as part of a decades-long tradition.
Gress discovered photography as a teenager in his native Oregon, taking his mother’s Vivitar point-and-shoot camera to summer camp. By his senior year of high school, he was already covering major events for the Associated Press. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Portland State University in 2000.
His background and breadth of experience allow him to deliver visual content that elevates branding and storytelling initiatives. Combining technical mastery with creative vision and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs, Gress has become a sought-after professional in the industry.
A passionate educator and mentor, Gress is committed to advancing the photographic community. Through Instagram, YouTube, and contributions to leading photography publications, he shares his expertise with a broad audience. He regularly speaks at top industry conferences and leads in-person workshops across the U.S., offering hands-on training in both the technical and creative aspects of photography. His dedication to education continues to shape the next generation of photographers and push the art of photography forward.
