About

Marian Kraus Photography, a Chicago area based professional architectural photographer, multi media artist and purveyor of fine art photography, began at a time when cameras used film and pictures developed and delivered within an hour was considered super fast. Now, it oftentimes seems owning a digital camera or a phone makes anybody a professional photographer.  And while there is no doubt that digital cameras encourage photo enthusiasts to pursue their dreams, in the end, the picture is always the best authentication. Does it tell the story, your story…is it technically and aesthetically proficient… compelling enough for you wanting to see more? Are the photographer’s goods and services being provided in a professional manner? Can you rely on him or her to go the extra distance when needed? In short, would you feel comfortable having the photographer represent your brand, or his or her photos grace your precious wall space…?

Well, here is my abridged story. Before I began my vocation as a full time photographer in 1999, I spent years pursuing my desire to create photographs. Born in Czechoslovakia and raised there for the first tender years of my life, the Soviet invasion forced my parents to immigrate to West Germany during the Prague Spring. While Slovakia is etched into my memories as the first of my homes, Germany is where I lived for the next 17 years and began to see life for what it is, a ticket to the greatest show on earth. From a young age I was enthralled with nature and the natural order of the Universe. As a result, a deep appreciation for expressing beauty grew inside me, encouraging me to reach for something beyond what I thought I was capable of.

After beginning a business career with German based industrial conglomerate Thyssen at a young age, I applied for a transfer to the United States in ’85. This brought me to the greater Chicago area in Illinois where I still reside today. And while traveling a good part of the world during my 20 years in corporate, I would set out on excursions to photograph the beauty of planet earth in its various forms whenever I could. An appreciation that has deepened over time.

Love for fine art, design and my profound fascination with life kept me seeking “picture perfect moments”, while praises for my decorative art fueled my decision to eventually become a professional photographer. It seemed that my natural ability to view and express the flow and convergence of form, aesthetics, color, shape, energy and composition of every setting and subject matter as a photograph was directing me to a new and very fulfilling career path.

According to Zen, the only life we have is that which is found in the present. Everything else is memory or anticipation. We must be awake to really live. Mindfulness, or waking up to the present, is not easily mastered yet extraordinarily important and fulfilling. And to be truly sensitive to the unique visual offerings of the moment, and not be lost to and in the myriad of our every day distractions, is also highly effective for seeing and photography. If our minds are quiet and not preoccupied with agendas, we will be able to respond to the intuitive and spontaneous reactions of our inner being as it responds to the awesome beauty and wonder of life. The Golden Ratio section of this site is devoted to showcase and reveal the vital relationships of Nature and manmade designs.

Through the vehicle of my photography I’d like to present you with unexpected views of familiar objects which encourage open-mindedness and inspiration. My style has been described as bold, colorful and symmetrical. Over the years my fine art photography has been exhibited nationally and internationally and can be found in a growing number of private, corporate and institutional art collections. My images are ideally suitable as decorative art for the beautification of residential, corporate, institutional and commercial spaces, or perfect as a gift. You can view installations of my work here.

My commercial photography services encompass the architectural, advertising, travel and editorial markets. My photos have appeared in numerous periodicals as well as DuPage County’s book, Economic Powerhouse. The City of Naperville, IL selected my work for its 175 Birthday Photo Exhibit “Mirror Image”. My clients include Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Marriott Hotels, Double Tree Hotels by Hilton all via OnRequest Images, Crate & Barrel, Graycor, Inc., Chicago Double Decker Co., Getty Images, Lend Lease, Inc., McKesson Pharmaceuticals, RMK, Kerasotes ShowPlace Theaters and many others.

Following is a slightly longer interview that tells you more about my photography and philosophies…

Breaking loose from Corporate Steel… from Marian Kraus on Vimeo.

And before you rush off…do not miss out on perusing samples of my book “Inspirationals”.

Thank you for your interest in my photography.

Wishing you well & Peace.

Marian Kraus

The short version video was shot and produced by my friend Billy Sheahan at BillySheahan.com