Chicago Engagement Photography

Most engagement sessions run between 60 and 90 minutes. That's usually enough time to work through two or three distinct spots within a single neighborhood — say, the North Pond area and a stretch of the lakefront path in Lincoln Park — without feeling rushed. If you're planning to visit multiple neighborhoods or want to include a wardrobe change, we can discuss extending the session when we talk through your vision.

That really depends on the story you want to tell. Couples who love Chicago's urban energy often gravitate toward the West Loop, River North, or Wicker Park for their architectural backdrops and street-level character. Those who want something greener and more romantic tend to favor Lincoln Park, Jackson Park, or the lakefront near Montrose or Olive Park. If you have a neighborhood that's personally meaningful to your relationship — maybe where you had your first date or where one of you lives — that's always worth considering too. We'll talk through all of your options and give you an honest read on which locations will photograph best given your timing and the season.

We'll send you a full wardrobe guide when you book, but the short version is: wear something that reflects how you actually dress when you're together, and make sure it's comfortable enough to move in. In Chicago, you'll also want to think seasonally — lightweight layers in spring and summer, and genuinely warm outerwear in fall and winter if we're shooting outdoors. Coordinating doesn't mean matching; complementary colors and textures tend to read much better in photos than identical outfits. We recommend avoiding large logos or very busy patterns, and always bringing a backup option in case something doesn't feel right once you're in front of the camera.

Absolutely — we love it when couples include their pets. Chicago is a very dog-friendly city, and many of the locations we shoot in, including most lakefront paths, the 606 Trail, and Lincoln Park's exterior grounds, are welcoming to leashed dogs. Just plan to have a third person along who can hold the leash and wrangle your pup during the frames where you want it to be just the two of you. Let us know ahead of time that you're bringing a dog so we can factor that into our timing and location planning.

Chicago weather is famously unpredictable, and we take that seriously. If there's severe weather — heavy rain, lightning, or extreme cold that would make outdoor shooting impractical — we'll work with you to reschedule at no additional cost. Light overcast conditions are actually quite flattering for portraits, so a cloudy Chicago day isn't necessarily a reason to postpone. If you're open to an indoor alternative, locations like the Chicago Cultural Center or select gallery spaces can work beautifully depending on the time of year. We'll always communicate with you in advance and make the call together.