Check out the recent interview I did for the Green Wedding Alliance along with a few other Chicago Wedding Photographers.   I am so happy to be a part of such a great group of Chicago wedding vendors.  I hope you check out our show “Commited- An Avant Garde Wedding Event” at the end of February.

Enjoy this post!

1. Tell us a little bit about your history and how you got started.

I actually went to school for Architectural Design and worked as an interior designer for 4 years before doing photography full-time.  I took a few photography classes in college and it wasn’t until after school that I really took a stronger interest in becoming a professional photographer. After working a few years in the design field, I felt like my creativity was suffocated with hours upon hours of drafting cabinet details and arranging office spaces.  I found photography as creative outlet where I could convey to others how I viewed the world around myself.  I soon later moved to Chicago where I worked as a business partner for a small wedding photography studio and also worked under some of Chicago’s most reputable photographers.  In 2012, I once again started working under my own name and continue to book weddings in Chicago and other destinations.

2. What do you love about working with couples for their big day?

I love getting to meet new people all the time and being such an important part of their big day.

3. What makes your business unique?

Anymore there are so many wedding photographers to choose from and not too many of them really stand out.  There are a lot of people copying each other, doing the same poses, using the same backgrounds, and the same props.  I try my best to steer away from doing things that other people have done or are doing.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that every photo I take is completely original but I do my best not to get sucked into trends.  I want all my shoots to be unique and recognizable. I spend a lot of time location scouting.  I think this comes from my background in architecture and design.  I will let clients pick out locations if they like but I always make sure that we have one spot on the list that is completely my idea.  I think the locations I find are what makes a lot of my work unique.

4. What details should the couple have figured out before meeting with you?

Most important detail is a date! But I would encourage clients to figure out what they are looking for in regards to style.  If you like styled shoots with suitcases, crazy props and vintage coloring, I’m probably not your gal!  But budget is important too.  I don’t discourage people from meeting if my services are slightly out of their budget but I do not discount prime dates as I feel it is not fair to other clients.

5. What kind of questions should couples ask during their interview with you?

There are so many questions, its hard to narrow it down.  Make sure you ask questions about back up equipment, back up plans for illness, how they back up their files, and check reviews online. I always tell my clients to ask to see an entire delivered wedding from beginning to end.  I feel its important they see a specific example of what will be delivered to them.  Tons of photographers can take 20 great photos at a wedding but not many can take 1,000 great photos.  Make sure to ask them to talk about how they work from before the wedding to after.  Personality is super important.  An obnoxious wedding photographer can really put a damper on your big day!