Matthew J Odom Photography

05/18/2026

🖤 A Tribute to My Dad, My Mentor, and My Co-Founder
If things have felt a little quiet around here over the last month, it’s because my family and I have been pouring all of our energy and hearts into my dad’s final weeks. On May 9th, he peacefully passed away.

For those who didn't know him, my dad was a brilliant artist for the Chicago Tribune. Growing up, he was the living proof I needed that creativity wasn't just a hobby—it could be a career path. In a world that often prioritizes standard academics (which never quite clicked for me), he supported the idea that there was another way. As they say, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. He believed in my vision from day one, supporting me through my higher education in the arts and every step of my creative career.

Many of you who have been with me since the very beginning of my self-employed journey back in 2007 might remember him. At the time, he was beautifully supporting my mom through her cancer and eventually ALS journey, and found a much-needed creative escape through his painting, graphic design, and helping me on-location at photo shoots.

We actually decided to officially team up in 2008, offering full creative services under the name Pixel Perfect Pros. He was the "plural" in that name. He was the one who had my back during the vulnerable days of starting a business, giving me the confidence to build what I have today.

As the digital era quickly progressed, he eventually set me free to fully pursue photography, returning to his own deep joy of watercolor painting—which he continued to do up until his very last days.

I'm the artist and business owner I am today because of him. His spirit, his eye for finding the beauty in life, and his unwavering honesty and support will forever live on in every single image I create.

Thank you all for your patience, your kindness, and your understanding as my family and I navigate this profound loss. I’m stepping back into my work slowly, carrying his legacy with me every step of the way. 🎨

https://www.chicagotribune.com/obituaries/dennis-j-odom-bolingbrook-il/

04/23/2026

A perfectly timed session Cantigny for a truly stunning prom look.🌷

04/19/2026

The tulips at Cantigny Park provided the perfect "chef’s kiss" backdrop for this incredible Neuqua Valley prom group. This was our second session in three weeks, and once again, we were met with intense wind and storm clouds. You’d never know it looking at them, though—they made the whole shoot look effortless! 🌷

04/16/2026

New on the blog is our baby girl making Mom a bouquet. She had so much fun and so will your kids with this interactive Mommy and me session. Give, or get yourself =) a Mother's Day gift that will be a memory for a lifetime!

As a dad, I’ve heard it a thousand times: Mom is usually the one behind the camera, capturing the first steps, the messy faces, and the birthday candles. She’s the family historian, but she’s rarely in the frame. And when she is, it’s often a rushed selfie or a "quick, look at me" shot befor...

04/15/2026

May 16th is our Mommy and Me Flower Bouquet event and our daughter couldn't wait any longer to put on her pink dress and get hands on with some pink and yellow blooms.

Only 4 spots remain, sign up on my booking page https://www.mjophoto.com/booking

04/13/2026

Mommy and me flower bouquet minis on May 16 are are open for sign up on my booking page!
https://www.mjophoto.com/booking

04/09/2026

These gardens are simply amazing to work in all year long, but in the early spring, the blooming tree always gets some attention.

04/08/2026

Chichen Itza... One of the 7 wonders of the world. So... I took a cramped little 6 hour detour on our recent trip to check it out. I geeked out for sure!

04/07/2026

We squeezed this graduation session in just in time—and it made it that much more unforgettable. Between storm clouds shifting light and wind, she absolutely shined in front of the Neuqua Valley High School facade, just before renovations begin.

Proof that sometimes the best sessions happen when you chase the moment (and maybe outrun a storm or two).