I picked up a camera at the age of 13. My parents gave me my first SLR for high school graduation, and I attended Columbia College majoring in Photography. I recieved my bachelors in Fine Arts in 1992.

While in college, I took a couple of acting classes and a dance class in anticipation that I would be photographing actors.

I wanted to know the language of performers.

What I didn't know is that I'd become one.

Since 1999, I've been an improviser, training at Second City, iO, and Annoyance Theater here in Chicago. I've performed on at least a dozen stages here in Chicago and four around the US. I currently coach improv teams and run a program at The Playground Theater called The Improviser's Studio. I love the rush of performing without a script. I've auditioned more times then I can remember, and take my responsibility as your photographer very seriously.

I interned at Playboy, shot product photography for Fibre Craft for 8 years, and took photos for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. I am the official photographer for The Chicago Improv Festival and GaryCon.

I bike. I love to run during the summer. I have three cats. I read a lot of non-fiction. I want to know a little bit about everything.

My name is John Abbott. I shoot people for a living, and they pay me to do it.

Testimonials from clients