Meet Roberta & Paul
The People Behind Staske Photography
We are a husband-and-wife team dedicated to creating meaningful, personalized portrait experiences for clients throughout Champaign, Urbana, and Central Illinois.
A Shared Passion for Portrait Photography
As natives of the Champaign-Urbana area, we have spent our careers building a studio rooted in personal connection and exceptional client care.
We believe that being photographed should be an enjoyable and empowering experience. Our philosophy toward portrait photography is simple: relationships matter. We take the time to understand your vision so that we can create a comfortable, fully guided experience that results in beautiful, lasting artwork.
Meet Paul
Paul developed an interest in photography at a young age, establishing his first studio, "Paul's Dark Room," as a teenager. That early passion grew into 30 years of professional photography experience.
Dedicated to mastering his craft, Paul studied photography at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois.
Throughout his career, he has continually refined his technical expertise and artistic vision by studying under renowned Master Photographers, including Darton Drake, Tim Kelly, Tim & Beverly Walden, Fuzzy & Shirley Dunkel, Dave Junion, Gary Box, and Monte Zucker.
Today, Paul brings that wealth of knowledge to every session, using his expertise in lighting, composition, and gentle posing direction to create stunning, natural portraits that celebrate his clients' unique stories.
Meet Roberta
Roberta is the heart of the studio's client experience. From your very first inquiry, she is dedicated to ensuring you feel welcomed, informed, and completely comfortable.
With her warm communication style and meticulous approach to studio management, Roberta coordinates every detail of your journey. She guides you through your initial complimentary consultation, helps plan your wardrobe and styling, and provides support leading up to your session.
Her priority is to remove any stress from the process, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience. After your session, Roberta will be there to guide you through your personalized artwork reveal, helping you select the perfect printed pieces for your home.
Better Together
Our combined strengths allow us to provide a comprehensive, luxurious experience that neither of us could offer alone.
Roberta's exceptional client care and meticulous planning perfectly complement Paul's creativity and technical expertise. Together, we ensure that every session is thoughtfully designed, expertly photographed, and beautifully presented. We work as a seamless team to bring your vision to life.
Active in Our Community
We are proud members of several esteemed professional organizations, reflecting our commitment to continuous learning, ethical business practices, and community involvement:
Why Clients Love Working With Us
Friendly Guidance
We provide clear, step-by-step direction so you never feel lost or uncertain during your session.
Relaxed Atmosphere
Our private studio and calm approach help you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.
Professional Experience
With 30 years of professional photography experience, we guarantee beautiful, high-quality artwork.
We'd Love to Meet You
Ready to start planning your session? Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your vision, ask questions, and get to know us.