Refined portraits for your profile.

Timeless family photographs for your home.

Elegant wedding photography & heartfelt films.


Your boutique photography studio in Northbrook.


At gugwa, we believe in a personal and collaborative approach. Our team is dedicated to understanding what matters to you and making you feel at ease. Our goal is to create not just beautiful heirlooms, but a meaningful and memorable experience.

For Every Chapter of Your Story


Explore our dedicated services for your most important personal and professional moments.

Wedding & Engagement

Cinematic, fine-art coverage for your entire wedding celebration, from grand ceremonies to intimate elopements and courthouse vows.

Milestone & Family

From the joy of a newborn session and the celebrated first birthday (Dol) to your annual family portraits, we capture every cherished milestone.

Studio Portraits

Elevate your brand with a professional headshot, capture your story with a fine-art portrait, or get creative with K-Style self-portraits and passport photos in our private studio.

Corporate & Private Events

Comprehensive photo and video coverage for corporate events, galas, and milestone celebrations throughout Chicagoland, captured with a storyteller's eye.

A cozy reading nook with cream canopy tent, wooden stools, woven basket, and plush cushions against a white wall.

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A young girl in a white First Communion dress and veil poses with a smiling woman in a brown sweater.
Testimonials

“So incredibly pleased with the service and the quality of the work that we received from Studio Soo. They gave us so much time. They wanted to know exactly what we were looking for and they exceeded all of our expectations!”

Tracie & Emily

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A happy family of four poses for a professional portrait against a dark blue background in a photography studio.
Testimonials

“We took are family portrait and Soo and April were amazing and accommodating. Great attention to detail in explaining the photo shoot and the process to get a great experience (which we did).”  

Carlos

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Family of four in white shirts and jeans sitting together on a wooden bench against a white background.
Testimonials

“I couldn't be happier with our family portraits! As our first time doing a studio photo session, we weren't sure what to expect, but the owner, Soo and April made the whole process effortless and fun. They were so kind and made our kids feel comfortable in front of the camera. The photos turned out stunning!”

yulia

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Our Story & Northbrook Studio


Founded by Korean artist and photographer Soohyun Kim, Studio Soo brings together portrait photography and photo and video production. Our boutique photography brand, gugwa, continues the personal and family photography services previously offered under Studio Soo and Chicago Baby, and is now home to all our wedding photography and films.


At our private, 1,600-square-foot Northbrook studio, gugwa welcomes you for family milestones, headshots, self-portraits, and wedding portraits. With thoughtful posing, artful lighting, and personal attention, we create photographs for your profile, your home, and the moments you want to remember. Beyond the studio, gugwa captures wedding ceremonies and celebrations throughout Chicagoland.


Studio Soo provides photography and video production for businesses, institutions, and corporate events.


As the leading experts in the Midwest for Korean pre-wedding "Rehearsal" photos, we offer a deeply artistic and culturally authentic experience. This unique specialization is a mark of our commitment to craft and cultural sensitivity, allowing us to create truly exceptional images for couples from all backgrounds.  

Your Private Photography Studio in Northbrook


Welcome to our new space, designed for comfort, privacy, and a premium experience. It's the perfect setting for everything from elegant bridal sessions to intimate family portraits.  

Wooden shelving displaying photography albums and artwork in gugwa’s private Northbrook studio.

For your convenience, we offer direct online booking for our most popular in-studio sessions.

Woman seated on a wooden stool for a self-portrait against a light studio background.

K-Style Self Portrait | Starts at $215

Professional headshot of a gray-haired woman wearing a black blazer against a dark studio background.

Professional Headshots | Starts at $240

Passport and ID portrait of a man wearing glasses and a navy suit against a white background.

Passport & ID Photos | Starts at $90

Mother holding and kissing her baby during a studio portrait session.

Studio Portrait Session | Starts at $280

Let's Create Something Beautiful


Your story is unique. It deserves to be captured by artists who see it, feel it, and can preserve it for generations to come.

Whether you're planning a portrait session or have questions about our services, we'd love to hear from you!


gugwa

3655 Woodhead Dr,

Northbrook, IL 60062

‪(312) 725-8233‬

support@gugwa.com


gugwa is open by appointment only