Legacy, Vision & Evolution


Founded in 2017 by Soohyun Kim (Soo), Studio Soo was built on a commitment to timeless storytelling and fine art portraiture. With over 25 years of experience across Korea and the U.S., Soo has captured evocative moments for individuals, families, institutions, and brands—always with an eye for meaning, elegance, and depth. From early collaborations with artists and musicians in Seoul to teaching at SAIC and UIC, Soo’s path has blended fine art with cultural sensitivity and technical mastery.


After relocating to Chicago in 2012, Soo began to reshape the local photography landscape. He and his wife launched Studio Soo and rebranded Chicago Baby—an established children’s photography studio—as part of a growing portfolio that reflected their family’s creative values. In 2022, they expanded their offerings under gugwa, a boutique portrait studio known for its sleek design, Korean-inspired self-portrait experiences, and museum-quality service.

Soohyun Kim, founder of Studio Soo, smiling with his two sons in a warm family portrait, with the children dressed in traditional hanbok.

Ian, Sean, and Soohyun, gugwa Glenview 2025

In 2025, Studio Soo transitioned to a unified brand structure, with all services now offered under Studio Soo and Chicago Baby. This consolidation reflects our continued growth and clarity of purpose. Studio Soo now serves as our flagship for luxury weddings, family portraits, on-location events, and commercial films—offering cinematic storytelling, custom albums, and tailored experiences across the Midwest.



A minimalist photography studio space with exposed brick walls, a standing mirror, and a tripod setup on concrete floors.

Our Northbrook studio is a light-filled, private space designed for comfort, creativity, and museum-quality portraits.

Rooted in Art, Designed for Connection


Whether it’s a high-end bridal session or a quiet moment between generations, Soo’s approach is both intentional and intuitive. He holds dual MFAs from Hongik University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his work has been recognized internationally—with accolades that include a U.S. green card for exceptional talent in the arts.


You’ll find his signature style across every project: rich in emotion, grounded in light, and timeless in form. Studio Soo continues to honor the vision that began it all—offering museum-quality imagery with heartfelt storytelling and world-class professionalism.


To explore Soo’s broader artistic portfolio, visit www.soohyunkim.com.


Our Journey

2012


Soo moved from South Korea to Chicago, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant art scene and pursuing advanced photography studies at SAIC and UIC.

2017


Together with his wife, Soo rebranded Chicago Baby—an established children’s photography studio—laying the foundation for Studio Soo’s expansion into weddings, family sessions, and milestone events.

2018


Studio Soo expanded into wedding videography, building a photo and video team trusted by private clients, corporate brands, and high-end bridal events.

2022


Introduced gugwa as a design-forward sister brand focused on studio-based portraiture and Korean-inspired self-portrait sessions.

2025


Consolidated all offerings under Studio Soo and Chicago Baby, officially retiring gugwa. Studio Soo now leads all luxury wedding, portrait, event, and commercial productions. Chicago Baby continues to focus on newborns, families, and milestone moments.

What We Do

Weddings & Engagements


Timeless images and cinematic films that capture every detail of your special day, reflecting both your style and cultural traditions.  

On-Location Events


Professional coverage for corporate galas, fundraisers, brand launches, and milestone celebrations.  

Commercial Film & Branding:


Engaging video and photography to elevate your company’s marketing, product launches, and online presence.  

CES event entrance with a large crowd, featuring a bright CES logo arch and an LG advertisement promoting

Photobooth Rental


A fun, interactive experience for guests of all ages, perfect for large gatherings or intimate parties.

Guests enjoying a festive photo booth experience with a holiday-themed backdrop.

Trusted by:

White bold SAIC text logo on black background.
University of Illinois Chicago UIC logo featuring red circle emblem with university name in navy blue text.
A grainy black and white film strip showing a dark abstract pattern against a light background.
Northwestern University's purple and white horizontal logo featuring the university seal and wordmark.
University of Chicago logo featuring a shield crest and red text against a dark background.
Red Vieworks company logo with
Korean Air logo featuring blue text and the company's signature red and blue yin-yang symbol in place of the O letter.
A black and white crest logo with Saint Xavier University text featuring a shield with checkered pattern and red accents.
A modern logo design for Spicy Tribe company featuring a red hexagonal polygon and clean black text.
Red circular logo with letter L and text 'LOTTE BIOLOGICS' in red on white background.
Blue and red LS Electric company logo with stylized letters on white background.
Blue Seoul National University logo featuring a shield crest with inscriptions and text in both Korean and English.
Brown and beige logo for Nature Hub beauty and health brand with dots design element.
LG Electronics corporate logo featuring red and black text with circular brand symbol.
A black and white logo design for Grand Frame Inc featuring bold text and a minimalist corner frame element.
Bold black GOLF text stacked above yellow VX letters creating a modern sports logo design.
The New York Life insurance company logo in white text on a bright blue square background.
A logo for K-Beauty Chicago Medical Esthetic featuring a stylized 'K' in a white circle with pink lettering on brown background.
Stylized white text reading 'KAN WIN' on a textured coral red background.
A red rectangular logo showing Chinese characters for Gong Cha bubble tea brand with text in English below.
A modern minimalist white logo design featuring connected C, K and D letterforms on a purple gradient background.
A purple heart logo with Korean text for Hanul Family Alliance and an abstract family icon in white.
Colorful geometric logo for the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago featuring red, yellow, blue and green curved shapes.
Logo of the Korean American Association of Chicago featuring a yin-yang symbol with stars and stripes in red, white, and blue.

Connect with Us


Thank you for visiting our story! At Studio Soo, we’re honored to bring our passion for art and storytelling to life in every project we undertake.


To learn more about our services or discuss your upcoming event, please get in touch. We look forward to creating images and films that capture your most cherished moments for years to come!