FAQ
What is your photography style?
We offer a refined photography style, blending moment-driven candid documentary and editorial portraiture with a classical, fine art aesthetic—a perfect balance between fly-on-the-wall photojournalism and guided direction as or when needed.
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
I photographed my first wedding in 2007, shortly after finishing my fine art degree. I honestly had no idea what I was doing! In the days before we all had high-quality cameras in our pockets, I carried an SLR camera with me everywhere I went. I started practicing at friends’ weddings. I built up a body of candid, moment-driven work that caught the eye of a fashion-influenced wedding photographer, and he took me under his wing. I started photographing events as his secondary, eventually working my way into a senior associate role, where they booked me as the lead photographer for high-end weddings around Chicagoland. And the rest, as they say, is history. Some 18 or so years later, I still love capturing those magical moments that drew me into this industry in the first place.
What is it like to work with you?
If being in front of the camera terrifies you, I promise you aren’t alone! I don’t love being in front of the camera myself. I know that awkward feeling of not knowing how to stand or what to do with my hands. Or if a hair, a necklace, or a pocket is out of place.
Rest assured, you are in good hands.
I started photographing events when wedding photojournalism was en vogue. I came up in the industry as a documentarian, a quiet introvert with a unique ability to fade into the background and capture the fleeting moments that connect with a viewer on a deeper emotional level. As wedding photography has evolved, I evolved as well, learning to balance the candid approach with the need to direct and pose couples in order create portraiture with an equal emotional resonance.
Every client and every session is a little different. There are times when I need to be very hands-on, to direct groups, place couples in specific locations, and give them instructions on how to pose, what to do with their bodies, their hands, etc. I am typically hands-on during portrait sessions and group/family photos, and very hands-off for the rest of the day. I want you to be able to enjoy your whole day, especially the moments when we are making portraits, and when it comes to the ceremony and reception, I am very documentary, capturing everything as it unfolds. Some elements need to be directed to tell that part of your story, and other elements that are free-flowing and happen naturally. I am here to guide you when necessary, to lend my knowledge and expertise, and to creatively problem-solve where needed. And when not, stand back, fade into the background, and be the fly-on-the-wall documentarian that captures your joy, your emotion, and your celebration.
Making you feel comfortable during a photography session is just as important to me as the results. If you enjoy your experience, you will most certainly like your photos all the more. My job as a Chicago Elopement Photographer is to create images, but it is also to give you direction in order to create those images. I will place you in the best lighting, in front of the best backdrop, and tell you what to do with your body and hands so you are properly posed. I will also be your biggest hype person and your biggest cheerleader, and a total silly goof if that is what it takes to make you feel relaxed. It also makes me feel relaxed and helps the creative energy flow naturally. I am here to guide you when necessary, to lend my knowledge and expertise, and to creatively problem-solve where needed. And when not, stand back, fade into the background, and be the fly-on-the-wall documentarian that captures your joy, your emotion, and your celebration.
What is your approach to wedding & event photography?
On the biggest day of your life, on the day you are celebrating the best and most important connections of all, you want to entrust the capturing of those moments and memories to someone who not only shares your vision and your vibe. But also someone who knows when and where and how to give direction, someone who blends seamlessly into your entourage and sees the most important moments unfolding before they happen. Someone with all of the artistry and skill required to capture every smile, every tear, and every moment of joy. So that the biggest and most important day of your life is preserved, to cherish and relive for all of your days to come.
When you work with me, you will get an artist whose style perfectly blends moment-driven documentary storytelling and couples portraiture with a sophisticated, fine art aesthetic. Who will be your biggest cheerleader, your biggest hype girl, and who will swoon unapologetically at how incredible you will look, but will also give space for you to be present and be who you are. And help create the best photography experience possible on the biggest day of your life!
Do you provide videography services?
No, I do not. Video is another art form altogether, and though I have dabbled, I leave the moving images to those with the proper skill set and training.
Do you offer any custom engagement/wedding options?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to wedding photography or photography packages. I have a standard set of deliverables that I include with every booking, and every package offering builds on that. Every booking has some level of custom coverage aimed to best suit my client’s needs. I am always happy to chat about your needs and how I might tailor my coverage to fit you!
Have you shot at my venue before?
In all likelihood, yes. Photographing events for more than a decade has allowed me to work at most of the top venues around Chicagoland, and many of the most popular. If by chance I have not, trust that I will either scout the location in person, if possible, or I will do thorough research online to ensure that I am familiar with your venue and know what to expect when I walk in the door.
My venue is very dark. How do you handle challenging lighting situations?
Lighting spaces is one of my favorite aspects of event photography. I have honed my lighting craft to be able to walk into any space and be able to light it in a flattering manner to best exemplify the ambiance of the space while adding adequate light to capture what needs to be captured. I have photographed in some of the most challenging spaces in the city, and there isn’t a space I have encountered that I wouldn’t be able to light.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes. Most venues require a photographer to have Liability Insurance, and often request a Certificate of Liability in order to photograph in their space. If your venue has such a requirement, I am happy to forward a COI to them directly.
Do you deliver every image you shoot?
No, I do not. Culling the hundreds and sometimes thousands of images I photograph during your session not only removes the test shots and blinks, but also allows me to deliver the best of the best. I would never want to overwhelm a client with thousands of redundant photographs. I overshoot everything for my own peace of mind, but the editing process is what makes your session photos really shine.
Do you edit/touch up all of the images you deliver?
Yes. Every image I deliver is edited for color, contrast, exposure, and perspective, so that your final images meet the aesthetic my work is known for, and achieve the level of perfection I demand from myself. I will never send RAW or unedited files to my clients, and I will always deliver images that are ready to print and ready to show off to family and friends.
Can I see a full event or session gallery from start to finish?
Of course! The galleries on my website are curated to show my best work, but I am happy to share full event galleries, ranging from a 16-hour South Asian wedding, to proposal & portrait sessions to City Hall elopements.
Do you back up our images? How can we ensure that our images won’t be lost?
I learned very early in my digital photography days the value of backing up files and making multiple copies. Thankfully, this was before I was shooting professionally, and I only lost personal files and nothing for a client. The thought of losing even a single image from your event is simply unacceptable for me. All of my camera bodies use two media cards, and I always record files to both. Additionally, I always download images from a session or an event the moment I get home, make multiple copies to four different hard drives, start a file upload to a cloud server, and store the original media cards in a fireproof safe until the files are backed up offsite. I have never lost a client’s files, and I am to keep it that way!
Do you provide the digital negatives after the shoot?
Yes. All of my packages include high-resolution image downloads.
What if I lose my images?
You have unlimited access to download your files from my gallery host for 6 months following your event. Download requests after 6 months are subject to a $100 replacement charge once the event has been archived. I strongly suggest making at least one copy of your downloaded files after you receive them.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
No one likes a cancellation, but life happens, as they say. For sessions and proposals, I will work with you if we need to shift to a different time of day or another date in close proximity, depending on my availability. Any indefinite postponement is seen as a cancellation, and any deposit is still a loss of service availability on my end; therefore, the non-refundable deposit policy applies.
In the unfortunate event that a wedding or elopement is cancelled on the client’s end, the same non-refundable policy applies except for the most extenuating of circumstances.
Are deposits refundable?
In most cases, no. The deposit retainer secures my services, and in doing so, I reserve your date/session time on my calendar and do not take any other booking in that window, meaning I turn down work and turn away inquiries for that same time. Therefore, all deposits are non-refundable for any cancellation by the client. Any cancellation/rescheduling on the client’s side risks forfeiture of any deposit monies paid.
For sessions and proposals, I will work with you if we need to shift to a different time of day or another date in close proximity, depending on my availability. However, any indefinite postponement is still a loss of service availability on my end, and therefore, the same deposit policy applies.
If, for any reason, I need to cancel or am unable to find a replacement photographer/unable to render services, all monies paid shall be refunded.
Do I get the copyright/ownership of my photos?
Short answer, no. As the creator of the imagery, I retain all copyright ownership in full. Your contract with me grants virtually unlimited personal usage and reproduction rights. These usage rights only apply to personal use, and any submission to outside publications, organizations, or vendors must receive written permission from the copyright owner.
How long until I can see my images? I’m so excited!
I typically have a small sampling (8-10) of edited highlights delivered within a week, but I do my best to deliver highlights within 72 hours. Full gallery delivery depends on the type and length of your booking. Proposals and couples’ sessions being the fastest, within 1-2 weeks, and elopements & micro-weddings typically within 6-8 weeks, depending on the time of year and current workload. Images will be delivered in a private, password-protected online gallery.
How many images will we receive?
For weddings, elopements, & events, I aim to deliver approximately 100 edited images for every hour of coverage.
Every wedding and session is different, but I will deliver a wide range of thoughtfully curated moments, as many images as are needed, to tell your unique story to its fullest-the big, the small, and everything in between, meticulously edited in my signature style.
Do you offer albums or prints?
Yes! When I deliver your finished gallery, you will see a print store tab near the top of the page, as well as print options on individual images. You also have the option to download all of your files and print them anywhere of your choosing. Album options will also be available in your online gallery.
Can we request certain shots?
Yes! I always welcome any must-have moments. I will send a questionnaire in the weeks/months ahead of your date.
Do you shoot film?
Film photography is the basis of my fine-art aesthetic. I studied photography in the film days, spending hours on end honing my craft in the darkroom. Film has been slowly making a comeback in the past few years, and I am here for it! I love my Canon A1 from 1978 and love it when I am able to incorporate film into a session. For me, it is returning to my roots.
If film is your jam, I’m happy to add a roll or two to your coverage/deliverables. I also love playing with my Polaroid camera, so let’s have fun!
I feel weird in front of the camera-help!
Want to hear a little secret? I feel weird in front of the camera, too. Even after photographing couples for over a decade, I still don’t particularly like to have my picture taken. My #1 priority during a session is to make you feel like a million bucks! I am a socially awkward introvert in real life, and I totally understand. Trust me, I truly do.
I promise to make you feel at ease during our session, to be your biggest hype-person, and to be a silly goof to take the pressure off. There will also be swooning and silly squeaks of joy coming from my end, and no, I don’t apologize!
I will place you in the best lighting, in front of the best backdrop, and tell you what to do with your body (what do I do with my hands?!🤗) to make you feel relaxed so you can enjoy every moment of your photo session. If you love your client experience, you will love your images all the more.
I am here for you!
Can you make me look skinny? I’m really body-conscious!
I am all about body-positivity! Loving my own body has been a lifelong journey. Trust me, I feel you! Love yourself, and it will shine through on camera, I promise!
But also, you ARE beautiful. Even if you struggle to see it. I know your partner sees it, and sees you. I have photographed people of all shapes and sizes, and I will do absolutely everything in my power to make you look your best through my lens.
You already look fab, and all I’m gonna have to do is click the shutter! 😉🫶🏼
Are you pet-friendly? Can I include my kitty or my doggo?
Ok, don’t hate me, but pets don’t love me. I am a total cat person, but sadly, I am very allergic to furry animals. That said, I am totally happy to incorporate your furry friends into a session to the best of my abilities!!
Do you travel for weddings & elopements?
My work usually keeps me local, as Chicago has so many wonderful venues to choose from, and I know the city intimately. If my style and personality resonate with you, I am happy to discuss the necessary travel arrangements to photograph in your location. How long until I can see my images? I’m so excited!
What do we do in the case of rain or inclement weather?
I’ll help you create a plan B that still feels like you. We have a number of great covered spots to use in case of inclement weather.
Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Absolutely! I am queer too, and I am here for you! All of the colors of the rainbow are welcome and celebrated. I see you, I love you, and you are safe with me.
How do we book with you?
To begin, please fill out the inquiry form with your desired date and a description of your vision. I will respond as soon as possible with availability, package details, and the next steps. If we feel like a good fit, all that’s needed to secure your date is a signed contract and a 50% retainer.
What can we expect when booking a session?
Chances are, you’ve never planned an elopement/wedding or an engagement proposal before, and you’ve probably never booked a professional photography session before either. I am here to be your guide!
Whether you are still in the information-gathering stage or you have pursued my portfolio and feel good about moving forward, I invite you to fill out my contact form and send me your info. Whatever you need, I want to know your vibe and ensure that I am the perfect fit.
When you hit send, I aim to respond within 24 hours. No matter how busy or hectic my schedule is, I want to acknowledge you and to show appreciation for the time you took out of your busy planning process to send an info inquiry. Even if it is a quick response to say hello. You are seen, and you are appreciated.
I will likely inquire about specific details or for clarity, or about cultural elements or simple logistical info, and if my availability and our vibes align, we usually set up a time to chat via phone, Zoom, Facetime etc, and go from there. I genuinely want to form a real connection with every couple I work with. I invite you to share your story with me, and we can collaborate on how to best create images that are true representations of your vision for your special occasion.
When is the best time to book?
Ha ha ha, kidding, but not really.
The sooner you secure your date with me, the sooner we can begin planning your session. Wedding dates tend to fill up well in advance, but I also accommodate last-minute bookings for engagement proposals and City Hall elopements. However, starting the planning process with me as early as possible is always beneficial.
For weddings and elopements, I recommend booking at least 6 to 12 months ahead of time, especially for peak dates. For couples sessions, booking 2 to 3 months in advance is ideal, but feel free to reach out earlier if you already have a specific date in mind.
Are you ready to do this?
Let’s be silly, let’s have fun, and let’s make art!
What do you say?
Send me an email and let’s do this thing!🫶🏼🫶🏼
Chicago Elopement Photographer: Rya Photographie – Every Couple Has A Story. Let’s Celebrate Yours!
