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Chicago Wedding Photographers Guide

Get the Perfect Wedding Pictures in Chicago

Hiring your Chicago photographer will be one of your first big steps in your wedding planning. You want to book them about eight months before your big day; if your wedding is low-key and pictures are not a top priority, you can wait a little longer, but there is always the risk of the best photographers becoming unavailable. Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a photographer in Chicago.

Like all big cities, Chicago is chockfull of wedding photographers. The advantage is that you have tons of people to choose from, and tons of options. The drawback is that, if you’re not careful, you might hire a photography company that doesn’t have a personal touch. Make sure when interviewing that the photographer you hire is the one who will show up on your wedding day -- large companies sometimes send an assistant out for the actual wedding. Hiring a photographer who knows your wedding and reception sites helps a lot -- they’ll understand lighting requirements, best places to shoot, etc. Otherwise, have them tour your sites ahead of time. Always ask your friends and other vendors for recommendations.

The photographer is a “guest” at your wedding, so make sure you get along with them. They’re going to be in your face (literally) all day, and you have to get a good vibe to feel comfortable. Like other vendors, they should be offered a meal.

When you’re ready to start talking with Chicago wedding photographers, visit the OurWeddingDay.com Chicago Local Vendor section for a great list of top Southwestern Illinois wedding photographers.

Chicago’s massive skyscrapers make for terrific black-and-white shots, while its beachfront settings are great for color. What you choose is up to you, so find a photographer who is comfortable and willing to take the kind of pictures you want. When interviewing, make sure to see a whole book, not just a “best of” collection. You need to see the photographer’s style from start to finish. Photojournalism shots are very popular, and are the camera’s way of documenting the day. Go over “must-have” shots (the cake, the kiss, your grandmother), and make sure they’re willing and able to play by your rules.

Today, it’s become common in to take posed wedding photos before the ceremony. The advantage is that everyone in the party is just dressed and still spiffy; naysayers object because the groom will see the bride in her dress before the ceremony. Ask the photographer what he thinks is best. If the reception is near—or at—the wedding site, he may be able to take them immediately after the “I Do’s.” Don’t go this route if it means your guests will be waiting at the reception site too long. They are your guests, and should not be kept waiting longer than an hour.

Finally, figure out how many photographs you want. Chicago wedding photographers usually charge by the hour or the roll. Don’t go overboard with black and white photos if neither of you like them, but do remember that, when in doubt, get more pictures. The biggest photography complaint from wedded couples is that they would have loved to have more wedding photos. Keep that in mind and you’ll be smiling forever.

-David Toussaint

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