Crown Point photographer's shot earns Vogue cover spot
CROWN POINT — Michell Santelik calls it a “wow moment” in her 29-year career as a portrait photographer.
After three years of submissions of her photos to Vogue Italia, Santelik’s portrait of model Izzy Gomez, 16, was the one accepted.
Go on patrol with Aaron Crawford, a Cpl. with the Lowell Police Department, as he speaks about joining the force, DUI enforcement grants, and police Jiu-jitsu training.
“It truly is a big deal. … It was a big yes moment, a pivotal moment. It was the tip of the iceberg,” Santelik said.
The Vogue Italia accepted portrait featuring Gomez, a Highland High School honor student who is a dancer and an aspiring model.
Gomez wore in the photograph a crinoline skirt, pink ballet slippers and a fabric wrap covering her shoulders and head.
The portrait is titled “The Haunted Woman,” Santelik said.
Gomez said she was in shock when she found out her portrait taken by Santelik was featured in Vogue.
“Vogue is a really big deal. I’m just a normal girl in high school and feel grateful to be given this opportunity because of Michell,” Gomez said.
Gomez said she anticipates her portrait placement in Vogue as a tremendous leg up in her future photos shoots and goal to become a professional model.
“If I get a photo shoot in the future, they will recognize that and it will give me more opportunities,” Gomez said.
Santelik said she knew while taking the portrait that it might be “the” one to be selected.
“It was a surreal moment. We were going for something emotional. It was so fantastic and we knew it. … It came from my heart,” Santelik said.
Santelik, who resides in Crown Point with her husband and son, has lived in the area her whole her life. She grew up in Cedar Lake and graduated from Crown Point High School.
Her interest in Vogue magazine, considered to be the top fashion magazine in the world, started when as a young girl she and her sister taped, floor to ceiling, American Vogue photos on their bedroom walls.
Santelik knew even as a youngster she wanted to be the photographer and not the model in the photos.
“I wanted to be the person creating the work,” Santelik said. “My parents always encouraged us to do what we wanted, but to just work for it.”
Santelik got her first job working for Ted Wahlberg Photography in Cedar Lake.
“When I started, it was on a film in a straight-out camera,” Santelik said.
She later worked for Ray Price and Legends Photography in Crown Point.
“Ted taught me portraits, and Ray the business side,” Santelik said.
She opened her own Crown Point-based home studio in 2009, and then on Dec. 13, 2013, she opened her present studio at 107 W. Main St. in downtown Crown Point, above Vanis Salon.
“That was my goal, to open my own studio,” she said.
Santelik, a portrait master level accredited photographer seeking a fellowship, said her first camera was a Mamiya 645.
But the camera she inherited and is proudest of is one used by her late grandfather, Julian Benedict Sr.
Her grandfather served in World War II and took photos there on an unofficial basis.
“He dreamt of being a photographer, and the night before he passed he brought his special film camera out and said he wanted me to have it,” Santelik said.
She most enjoys photographing dancers because they are “people who show emotion through their dancing.”
Last year, during the pandemic, Santelik launched her own studio dance model team.
The four local dancers selected had highly styled photo shoots at her studio and then each received her own private photo shoot.
The grand finale was a commercial for the studio shot in the Old Lake County Courthouse ballroom.
Santelik already has selected six more girls for the 2021-22 year, and the theme is all about fashion, Santelik said.
“Everything is about fashion now,” she said.
Santelik uses digital cameras these days to shoot portraits, but her finished product has minimal changes.
“The majority of my work is straight out of the camera,” Santelik said.
“There are a lot of photographers or artists who do great work and use Photoshop, but I’m the opposite. The posing, the lighting, the cropping and everything in the frame is done at the time I shot it. The magic is in the creation, and that was always the goal — to produce something so emotional and beautiful without all the editing available.”
She also believes in the power of print.
“(Customers) are leaving with a printed portrait,” Santelik said.
Creativity is at the focus of Santelik’s lifelong goal as a portrait photographer.
“This is what I want to do,” she said. “I have to do it.”
Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week
Crown Point Memorial Day parade and program

Crown Point High School Royal Regiment trumpeter Elizabeth Southerland plays taps Monday at Crown Point’s Memorial Day observance.
Crown Point Memorial Day parade and program

Crown Point Mayor David Uran speaks Monday at the city’s Memorial Day observance.
Crown Point Memorial Day parade and program

Five-year-old Leah Hill, of Crown Point, waves her flag Monday during Crown Point’s Memorial Day observance.
Crown Point Memorial Day parade and program

U.S. Navy Commander David Stanton (retired) chats with Crown Point Mayor David Uran Monday following Crown Point’s Memorial Day observance.
press conf: federal grant for Gary federal grant for airport infrastructure projects

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, left, sits with Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Tuesday at Gary Chicago International Airport as they announce a federal grant for the Airport to help with infrastructure projects.
press conf: federal grant for Gary federal grant for airport infrastructure projects

Airport personnel move a small plane Tuesday at Gary/Chicago International Airport as officials announce a federal grant for the airport to help with infrastructure projects.
press conf: federal grant for Gary federal grant for airport infrastructure projects

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince and Gary Airport Authority Chairman Timothy Fesko listen Tuesday during a news conference announcing a $3.5 million federal grant for the Gary airport.
Lake Central/Crown Point

Lake Central catcher Jordan August throws to second Tuesday to get out Crown Point’s Madi Elish on a steal attempt during Anna Holloway’s at-bat in the sixth inning during a Class 4A regional in St. John.
Lake Central/Crown Point

Crown Point’s Madi Elish is fired up after being safe at first in the fourth inning during a Class 4A regional Tuesday at Lake Central.
Lake Central/Crown Point

Crown Point’s Grace Lucka, with Emily Phillips, fields a bunt attempt in the sixth inning Tuesday during a Class 4A regional in St. John.
Lake Central-Crown Point

Lake Central players celebrate their 3-1 win over Crown Point for a Class 4A regional title Tuesday in St. John, Tuesday.
South Central/Westville

From left, (back) South Central’s Olivia Marks, Aubri Hiigli and Kate Welsh celebrate with Tennley Werner at home plate after her home run against Westville on Tuesday during a Class A regional final in Westville.
South Central/Westville

South Central fans cheer after a catcher Mackenzie Lenze caught a foul ball on Tuesday during a Class A regional final in Westville.
South Central/Westville

South Central’s Holly Noveroske, left, tossed three scoreless innings against Westville on Tuesday during a Class A regional final in Westville.
South Central/Westville

South Central’s Alyssa Welsh, left, can’t beat the throw to Westville’s Madison Shaw at second base on Tuesday during a Class A regional final in Westville.
Wheeler/Pioneer

Wheeler’s Faith Lewin winds to throw to first for an out in the first inning against Pioneer on Tuesday in a Class 2A regional.
Wheeler/Pioneer

Wheeler’s Sydney Ochall is safe at third after hitting a triple in the fifth inning as Pioneer’s Madison Blickenstaff takes the throw Tuesday in Class 2A regional.
Wheeler/Pioneer

Wheeler’s Haley Weiland dodges a pitch from Pioneer’s Hailey Gotshall in the third inning Tuesday in a Class 2A regional.
Wheeler/Pioneer

Pioneer’s Brokklyn Borges knocks down Wheeler’s first baseman, Sydney Ochall, on a foul ball in the seventh inning Tuesday in a Class 2A regional.
Kankakee Valley/Hanover Central

Kankakee Valley’s Elyse Starr is greeted at home plate following her first-inning home run Tuesday against Hanover Central in a Class 3A regional.
Kankakee Valley/Hanover Central

Hanover Central’s Allison Holtcamp fouls a bunt attempt Tuesday against Kankakee Valley.
Kankakee Valley/Hanover Central

Kankakee Valley’s Alexis Broyles catches the ball for an infield out Tuesday against Hanover Central.
Kankakee Valley/Hanover Central

Kankakee Valley celebrates winning a Class 3A softball regional on Tuesday.
Ribbon-cutting marks end of a sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, left; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District Deputy District Engineer Lt. Col. Matthew Broderick, center; and Crown Point Mayor David Uran, right, cut the ribbon at a Wednesday ceremony that marks end of a sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project in Crown Point.
Ribbon-cutting marks end of a sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project

Crown Point Mayor David Uran speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks end of the 101st Avenue sewer replacement project.
Ribbon-cutting marks end of a sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District Deputy District Engineer Lt. Col. Matthew Broderick speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks end of a Crown Point sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project.
Ribbon-cutting marks end of a sanitary sewer infrastructure improvement project

U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, makes comments at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks end of the 101st Avenue sewer replacement project in Crown Point.
TF South

TF South’s Taryn Wilson placed fourth in the shot put Wednesday at the Class 3A Minooka Sectional.
TF South

TF South’s Shanera Cambric serves as her team’s anchor in the 400-meter relay Wednesday at the Class 3A Minooka Sectional.
TF South

TF South’s Shanera Cambric broke her own program record and qualified for state in the long jump Wednesday at the Class 3A Minooka Sectional.
TF South

TF South’s Shanera Cambric, center, and Jasony Starkley, right, keep up with Homewood-Flossmoor’s Alexandria Edison in the 100 meters Wednesday at the Class 3A Minooka Sectional.
Crown Point car cruise

In the shadow of the Old Lake County Courthouse, custom, antique and some newer cars line West Street by Bulldog Park for the Thursday car cruise in Crown Point.
Crown Point car cruise

Custom, antique and some newer cars line West Street by Bulldog Park for the Thursday car cruise in Crown Point.
Crown Point car cruise

Custom, antique and some newer cars fill the pavilion at the Thursday car cruise in Crown Point.
Crown Point car cruise

Brett Clemens, left, of Beverly Hills, Florida and Carl Kohler of Valparaiso admire this 1923 Ford Model T “T-Bucket” hot rod at the car cruise at the Bulldog Park pavilion in Crown Point. The car is owned by Winfield resident Ken Bogucki.
NorthShore Health Center, Hammond

Congressman Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, left, talks with NorthShore Health Centers CEO David Hall Thursday during a private networking grand opening event for the new Hammond health center location at 1828 165th St. Mrvan toured the new facility and is working together to ensure there will be adequate healthcare available in Hammond with Franciscan Health Hammond downsizing.
NorthShore Health Center, Hammond

Congressman Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, holds a ribbon while NorthShore Health Centers CEO David Hall cuts it during a private networking grand opening event Thursday for the new clinic in Hammond.
Crown Point High School commencement

Anthony Sainato waits in the school gym with his fellow classmates Thursday at the 139th Annual Crown Point High School Commencement.
Crown Point High School commencement

Two students pose for a selfie with a faculty member Thursday at the 139th Annual Crown Point High School Commencement.
Crown Point High School commencement

Connor McCloskey delivers his address Thursday at the 139th Annual Crown Point High School Commencement.
Crown Point High School commencement

Anaiyah Butler is congratulated Thursday at Crown Point High School’s graduation ceremony.
Graduation ceremony for Hammond Area Career Center students.

Katie Gonzalez hugs her father, Lupa, and mother, Delfina, after graduation Thursday at the Hammond Area Career Center.
Graduation ceremony for Hammond Area Career Center students.

Students listen to speakers Thursday during graduation at Hammond Area Career Center.
Graduation ceremony for Hammond Area Career Center students.

Students move the tassels on their caps at the close of graduation Thursday at the Hammond Area Career Center.
Graduation ceremony for Hammond Area Career Center students.

Students line up outside the auditorium in preparation for the procession during Graduation Recognition Ceremony Thursday at the Hammond Area Career Center University.
Restaurants struggling to find workers despite raising wages, offering bonuses

Server Stephen Augustine, left, checks the day’s reservations while general manager Kate Witte takes a carryout order at Asparagus in Merrillville.
Restaurants struggling to find workers despite raising wages, offering bonuses

General manager Kate Witte takes a carryout order at Asparagus in Merrillville.
Restaurants struggling to find workers despite raising wages, offering bonuses

General manager Kate Witte chats with regular patron Greg Chip at Asparagus in Merrillville. Chip is the owner of Southlake Auto in Merrillville.
Highland/Connor Robb

Highland’s Connor Rabb chips onto the green Friday during the Lake Central Sectional at Palmira Golf and Country Club.
Mark Sebben/Andrean

Andrean’s Mark Sebben chips onto the green Friday during the Lake Central Sectional at Palmira Golf and Country Club.
Lake Central Boys Golf Sectional

Spectators watch as golfers from Highland, Munster and Hanover Central putt Friday during the Lake Central Boys Golf Sectional at Palmira Golf and Country Club.
Connor Rabb/Highland

Highland’s Connor Rabb tees off Friday during the Lake Central Sectional at Palmira Golf and Country Club.
Andrean High School graduation

The family of Gianna Wick make sure everyone knows who they are proud of Friday at the Andrean High School graduation ceremony.
Andrean High School graduation

Charles Russell III points to the sky after getting his diploma Friday at the Andrean High School graduation ceremony.
Andrean High School graduation

Principal Jaycob Knazur poses with seniors Friday at the Andrean High School graduation ceremony.
Andrean High School graduation

Graduates toss their hats Friday at the Andrean High School graduation ceremony.
4A softball semistate semifinal – Lake Central vs. Columbia City

Lake Central’s Katie O’Drobinak puts down a sacrifice bunt on Saturday during a 4A semistate semifinal at Harrison High School in West Lafayette.
4A softball semistate semifinal – Lake Central vs. Columbia City

Lake Central fans use umbrellas to try and get some shade on Saturday during a 4A semistate semifinal at Harrison High School in West Lafayette.
4A softball semistate semifinal – Lake Central vs. Columbia City

Lake Central players celebrate with teammate Mikayla Creasbaum (23) after her solo home run against Columbia City on Saturday during a 4A semistate semifinal at Harrison High School in West Lafayette.
4A softball semistate semifinal – Lake Central vs. Columbia City

Lake Central’s Sydney Doloszycki pockets the last out against Columbia City on Saturday during a 4A semistate semifinal at Harrison High School in West Lafayette.
Seven Deacons Ordained

Parishioners recite the Litany of Saint as seven deacons lie prostrate during their Ordination Mass presided by Bishop Robert McClory on Saturday at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary.
Seven Deacons Ordained

Seven deacons are ordained by Bishop Robert McClory on Saturday at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary.
Seven Deacons Ordained

Seven deacons lie prostrate on the floor in front of the altar Saturday at Holy Angels Cathedral during their ordination. This shows that they are humbly giving themselves to God, completely and freely.
Seven Deacons Ordained

Bishop Robert McClory, left, lays hands on Deacon Mikinson Henry and six additional deacons Saturday during their Ordination Mass at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary.
Hanover Central baseball

Hanover Central’s Blaze Cano has his helmet knocked off as he was hit by a pitch in the first inning during a Class 3A regional at Griffith on Saturday.
Hanover Central baseball

Hanover Central’s Bret Matthys catches South Bend St. Joseph’s Collin Suth back at first base in a run down Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
Hanover Central baseball

South Bend St. Joseph’s Jayce Lee collides with Hanover Central’s Aidan Beilke at first base after Beilke caught the throw for the out Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
Hanover Central baseball

Hanover Central’s Stanley Galbreath tries to tag out South Bend St. Joseph’s Gabe Yonto at home Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
Griffith baseball

Griffith’s Ian Clark pitches in the third inning against Northwestern during a Class 3A regional Saturday at Griffith.
Griffith baseball

Griffith’s Ian Clark is tagged out at home by Northwestern’s Lincoln Cardwell in the fifth inning Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
Griffith baseball

Griffith head coach Brian Jenning talks with Tyler Wolfe during a break in his at-bat in the forth inning Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
Griffith baseball

Northwestern’s Isaac Guffey leads off first base with Griffith’s Chad Muller covering in the second inning Saturday during a Class 3A regional at Griffith.
East Chicago Central High School commencement

Several East Chicago Central High School graduates listen to speakers inside the school’s John A. Baratto Gymnasium during their commencement celebration on Saturday.
East Chicago Central High School commencement

Co-salutatorian Leslie Lopez, middle, speaks to classmates and guests from the podium during Saturday’s commencement celebration at East Chicago Central High School.
East Chicago Central High School commencement

Friends and family cheer on East Chicago Central High School graduates from the stands inside John A. Baratto Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
East Chicago Central High School commencement

Filled with emotion, East Chicago Central graduates receive their diplomas Saturday.
Lake Central softball

Lake Central assistant coach Russ Serrato calls from the team dugout on Saturday during a Class 4A semistate final at Harrison in West Lafayette.
Lake Central softball

Lake Central’s Sydney Doloszycki, right, reacts after tagging out Noblesville’s Reis Sjoholm at second base on Saturday during a Class 4A semistate final at Harrison in West Lafayette.
Lake Central softball

Lake Central’s Sydney Doloszycki, right, reacts after scoring a run against Noblesville on an RBI on Saturday during a Class 4A semistate final at Harrison in West Lafayette.
4A softball semistate final – Lake Central vs. Noblesville

From left, Lake Central’s Kiley Conner, Katie O’Drobinak and Bree Mitchell react at home plate after being brought in on an RBI on Saturday during a 4A semistate final at Harrison High School in West Lafayette.
Munster baseball

Munster’s Benjamin Greiner dives into third to beat a tag by Adams’ Nathan Bolin.
Munster baseball

Brady Ginaven pitched a winning game for Munster.
Munster baseball

Munster’s Bryce Schaum is jubilant following his home run Saturday night.
Munster baseball

Munster’s Ben Greiner hugs the Class 4A LaPorte Regional trophy after the Mustangs defeated South Bend Adams.
Published at Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000