John Reilly looks the part of an artistic, intellectual Parisian for cause.
He studied at the Sorbonne and earned graduate degrees in history, economics and political science before finding his calling in photography. With camera in hand, his career “just took off.” He explains, “There was no agonizing effort.”
John started at Stuart-Rogers Photography, rose to partner, then left to open his uber-sophisticated Chicago studio, which specializes in portraiture for the social, corporate and religious elite.
John’s romantic life didn’t settle until much later. At age 55, he married for the first time. “Myra is probably the most perfect woman that I’ve ever known,” he exclaims, “and this has been the nicest time in my life.”
This “nicest time” includes being with her four children and seven grandchildren, and living in the Lake Forest home where Myra grew up. John keeps a second studio—his atelier—next to Myra’s spectacular flower, bird and butterfly-filled country garden. His favorite photographic subject to date is the Dalai Lama.
“What a spiritual mood he created during our 75-minute session,” John explains. “What he radiated was extraordinary.”
John has witnessed this to a lesser degree with other religious leaders, too: “You see it in their eyes. I think that it comes from being so comfortable with themselves that they can share all their kindness, warmth and love.”
John’s not resting on his successes. Rather he is continuing his own spiritual and intellectual journey.
This includes his morning ritual: “I get up at about 4 a.m., have a strong cup of coffee and my special oatmeal, then settle in to meditate and watch the sunrise. This allows me to just be peaceful, just connect.”
His spiritual quest also takes him around the world, with frequent one- or two-month long trips to photograph the world’s most beautiful or religious settings.
“Being in Machu Picchu at sunrise was one of those unbelievable experiences,” he says. “Some of these places are so glorious, it’s a connection with a higher power.”
John still considers himself a student and philosopher. That intellectual quality informs his craft: “If I can’t make the world a better place through academics, I can through my photography.”
