Expert Tips for Picking the Right Chicago Wedding Photographer
There are many great wedding photographers in Chicago today, and it’s truly difficult to choose the right one for your event. They have different styles, different editing techniques, and use various equipment. Here, I want to help you make the right choice for you. Here’s your guide to finding a Chicago wedding photographer.
Start by searching for photographers on Google
Start by reviewing portfolios. If photography is important to you, check out multiple photographers. A better photographer will have more galleries on their website. Look through several different galleries in their portfolio. When you see multiple galleries, you’ll get a better idea of their style and quality.
Many photographers don’t have galleries from a single wedding on their website but instead showcase a general portfolio with photos from multiple weddings. Try to avoid such photographers, as there are many inexperienced ones who are just starting out and using various tactics to attract clients.Try searching for terms like “Chicago wedding photographer “.
Use their Instagram profiles to see more photos, as most photographers typically have an Instagram account.
Research photographers who have already worked at the venue
Chicago offers a wide variety of venues, and one of the most important factors when choosing a photographer is their ability to adapt to each space. Many venues are very challenging to photograph. Search for photographers who have worked at such places—locations that are dark, industrial, with candlelight, or very little natural light. Your venue might be one of these.
Places like The University Club of Chicago, The Bridgeport Art Center, and The Field Museum require excellent photographers who are skilled with lighting and techniques in such conditions. This should be one of the key factors in your search.
client review and testimonials
When looking for a wedding photographer, one of the important things to do is check reviews on Google, Yelp, and professional wedding directories like The Knot, or look at their work and any awards they may have received from professional organizations such as WPJA, ISPWP, or MyWed. Recognized photographers often have their photos published in photography magazines or wedding photography publications.
Reviews can give you insight into how photographers work, whether they’ve managed to capture important moments, and how creative they are. Reviews with client photos are especially valuable because that’s the real feedback you want to read and see.
Look at Their Photo Editing Style
One of the important things to consider is the photographer’s editing style and whether you like it. Some photographers have bright photos, while others use a darker editing style. They may use different approaches to colors, shadows, with some opting for muted tones, while others apply a specific tone across all their images. In addition to liking the photos themselves, you should also like their editing style.
What is important to ask the photographer?
When you decide to contact a photographer, one of the most important things is to ask them to send you, if they haven’t already, a full gallery from a wedding, or several weddings. The photos on their website are always the best ones. To get a realistic idea of the quality of their work, the best way to assess it is by viewing a full gallery.
Do you have backup gear?
This is very important, as equipment can fail at a wedding, and the photographer must have backup gear. This is a question you should ask. If you want more questions, you can find additional information on our website.
Set your budget and choose the perfect package
If you’ve chosen your photographer, the first thing to discuss during your consultation is determining how many hours of coverage you actually need. Sometimes you might think you need 10 hours, but you may need less; other times, you might believe 8 hours is enough, but you may need more.
Your wedding day should feel effortless, and nothing should cause you stress—not even worrying about whether you have enough hours with your photographer. I always recommend starting with fewer hours because you can usually add an hour or two later or adjust your package if needed
Budget is always a tricky topic. If you’ve chosen your photographer and they’re not within your price range, always try to have a conversation with them about the cost. Maybe you don’t need as many hours as you think, perhaps something can be removed from the package, or maybe you don’t need a second photographer.
We offer many options, such as printing photos or creating albums, which you can order later—it’s not mandatory to include them right away.
Do I need a second photographer since many packages include one?
Many photographers include a second photographer in their packages, while others don’t. Those who don’t usually have at least an assistant. We’ve been in this business for a long time, and we know that the best photographers typically have a second photographer or an assistant.
Why is this important? A wedding is a unique event, and unexpected things can always happen, both during the wedding and with the photographer. For example, if the photographer gets injured, the second photographer is there to step in. You also get higher-quality photos and two different perspectives.
The most important aspect is during the getting ready part of the day when everything happens simultaneously. A single photographer can’t be in two places at once—at the bride’s and the groom’s preparations. Without assistance, the photographer is often rushed and under pressure.
Another key point is the photographer’s equipment. There’s a lot of gear to manage, and someone needs to take care of it.
Our recommendation is that if you have a large wedding with over 150 guests, always ensure you have a second photographer or at least an assistant.
You can read more about this on our website.
trust your photographer
You’ve chosen your photographer—that’s an important milestone in your wedding planning journey. Take the time to consult with them about your ideas for photos, preferred styles, and any specific locations that hold special meaning to you. Whether it’s a scenic outdoor spot, a cozy indoor venue, or a place that tells your unique story, sharing your vision helps create meaningful memories.
Trust their expertise, creativity, and artistic eye. Experienced photographers have a knack for understanding what couples want, managing timelines efficiently, and ensuring every moment is captured effortlessly. They’ll guide you through the process, suggest poses, and make sure you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.
Building a connection with your photographer is key. The more relaxed and confident you are with them, the more authentic and beautiful your photos will be. So stay present, enjoy every moment, and let your photographer handle the rest. After all, your wedding day is about celebrating love, joy, and the start of a new chapter—let the photos tell that story beautifully.
Here you can view some of our best galleries, such as Lacuna Loft or Bridgeport Art Center wedding, and judge for yourself what is truly high-quality.
