Chicago wedding photographer.
Lake County,IL family photographer, maternity, newborn, children, and labor and delivery photography

As a wedding and family photographer, my work primarily revolves around capturing precious moments and emotions in the lives of my clients. Here's an overview of what my job entails based on a typical experience:

  1. Client Consultation: It usually starts with a consultation meeting with the clients. During this meeting, I discuss their vision, requirements, and preferences for the photoshoot. Understanding their expectations and building a rapport is crucial.
  2. Planning and Preparation: Once I have a clear understanding of their needs, I plan the photoshoot. This may involve selecting locations, arranging props, and coordinating schedules.
  3. Equipment Setup: On the day of the shoot, I arrive early to set up my equipment. This includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and any other accessories I need. Ensuring that everything is in working order is essential to avoid any hiccups during the shoot.
  4. Directing and Posing: During a wedding, I often need to take charge and direct the couple, bridal party, and guests. I guide them through poses and candid moments to create visually appealing and emotionally resonant photographs. For family sessions, I work with children, adults, and even pets to capture the essence of the family bond.
  5. Adaptability: Weddings and family photoshoots are dynamic and unpredictable. I need to be adaptable, quickly adjusting to changing lighting conditions, weather, and unexpected events.
  6. Attention to Detail: The little details matter in these types of photography. Capturing the ring exchange, a tearful moment, or a genuine smile requires a keen eye for detail.
  7. Post-Production: After the shoot, I spend a significant amount of time in post-production. This includes sorting through hundreds or even thousands of photos, selecting the best ones, and editing them to perfection. This can involve color correction, retouching, and applying filters to achieve the desired look.
  8. Client Communication: I maintain good communication with my clients throughout the process, keeping them updated on progress, delivery timelines, and addressing any concerns or additional requests.
  9. Album Design and Delivery: For weddings, I may be responsible for designing and delivering physical or digital photo albums. These albums serve as cherished keepsakes for the couple and their families.
  10. Business Operations: Beyond the photography itself, I handle the business side of my work, including marketing, client bookings, invoicing, and managing my portfolio.
  11. Client Satisfaction: Ultimately, my goal is to deliver a set of photographs that capture the essence of the event or family in a way that brings joy and lasting memories to my clients.

A successful wedding and family photographer needs a combination of technical skills, creativity, patience, and interpersonal skills. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to different situations is crucial in this profession, as I play a vital role in preserving some of life's most significant moments.

Read my blog where I share my experiences and insights about being a photographer.