FAQs
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?
I studied fine art, but started photographing events when wedding photojournalism was en vogue. I came up as a documentarian, which is very hands off. But as I’ve evolved, I’ve learned that 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 ceremony and reception, I am very documentary, capturing everything as it unfolds. There are elements that need to be directed in order to tell that part of your story, and other elements that are free flowing and happening 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 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 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.
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!
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.
Have you shot at my venue before?
In all likelihood, yes. Photographing events for more than a decade has given me the opportunity 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 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 person 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 fire-proof 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 are my printing options? Can I buy prints from you?
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.
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.
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 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 weddings, to proposal & portrait sessions, to City Hall elopements.
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, 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 that 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! 😉🫶🏼
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 the past few years and I am here for it! I love my Canon A1 from 1978 and love 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 lets have fun!
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!!
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.
Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Absolutely! I am queer too and I am here for you! All of the colors of the rainbow and welcome and celebrated. I see you, I love you, and you are safe with me.
When and/or how soon should I book with you?
Ha ha ha, kidding, but not really.
The sooner you lock in a date with me, the sooner we can get the ball rolling on planning your session. Wedding dates tend to book further in advance, but I do plenty of last minute bookings for Engagement Proposals and City Hall elopements. It never hurts to start the planning process with me sooner though.
So let’s be silly, let’s have fun, and let’s make art!
Send me an email and lets do this!🫶🏼🫶🏼
Chicago Elopement Photographer: Rya Photographie – Every Couple Has A Story. Let’s Celebrate Yours!
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