My name is Charles Cook, and I am a freelance photographer based in the Chicago area. I first began working in photography in 1992, spending my first 5 years in commercial photography studios in Chicago, photographing for clients such as JC Penney, Sears and Smithsonian. My work involved setting up and shooting table-top and room scenes, using a variety of lighting sources, both in studio and on location.

While working in commercial studios, I began building my stock photography files during any available time off, as well as during travels while on location. In 1997, I decided to give up my staff position and pursue working as a freelance photographer on a full-time basis. More than a decade later, I am still shooting.

In 2000, I contracted with Lonely Planet Images, the stock photography division of Lonely Planet Publications, to represent and license select images. Lonely Planet Images is world-renowned for representing some of the finest in professional travel photography from around the globe. I currently have over a thousand images included in the Lonely Planet photo library. To view images represented by LPI, please visit: Search Travel photographs and professional stock photographs - Lonely Planet I

Over the years, I have had images published in dozens of magazines, books, calendars and web sites. To view published samples, please visit: Published Samples. To view a partial listing of clients/publications credits, please visit: Clients/Publications.


In addition to my stock photography files, I am also available for assignment work, including travel. Being based in the Chicago area provides me with a central location that allows for easy travel. For information on stock photos, assignment availability or fees/rates, please feel free to contact me at: info@charlescookphotography.com