The Artful Photographer

Business Description

THE ARTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER covers Chicago area weddings & events big and small. We can chronicle your wedding day or capture conferences, receptions, parties, religious events, fundraisers and other important occasions; we also do studio portraits, model shots, headshots and even pet shots! Downtown Engagement Portrait Sessions are one of our specialties!

WEDDINGS
Let THE ARTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER chronicle your wedding! We will capture the key moments before the wedding itself as well as the ceremony and reception, providing you with an unforgettable record of your special day, including candids, posed shots of individuals and traditional groupings, as well as ?creative shots? of bride and groom.

Whether you choose a photojournalistic style or a more traditional approach, THE ARTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER can create your very own ?Wedding Story Book?; if you prefer, you can simply order individual prints or else pay a flat fee for the wedding CD (without re-touching). It is your wedding ? you get to choose!

THE ARTFUL PHOTOGRAPHER offers:
*British professionalism & creative artistry
*quality and affordability
*free initial consultation at the studio or over the phone
*image selection on computer right after the photo session
*digital re-touching of images
*quick turn-around of orders (3-5 business days)
*high quality prints and high resolution CD
*online proofing
*wedding and event albums of varying sizes, prices and layouts
and more!

HAPPY CLIENTS MAKE OUR DAY! WE WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, BUT WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO BE AVAILABLE WHEN YOU NEED US!
Member of Professional Photographers of America.Insured & Bonded.

Insurance/Bonding Information

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you have a customer satisfaction or refund policy?
  Yes, we aim to please. Should there ever be a case where there are problems with the photography, we would either re-shoot or refund; but if you decide you don't like your outfit, then that is non-refundable! We have insurance and indemnification through PPA.
• What are your qualifications? Have you been professionally trained or certified?
  Started out in Travel/Nature photography and then worked with Master Photographer Alvin Gates for about 7 years. Member of Professional Photographers of America. My work speaks for itself.
• What packages do you offer? What are your rates?
  Tell us what you want and we'll provide a quote!Prices depend upon location(s), hours, size of wedding, and end product -- albums, prints, digital images etc. Our most popular wedding package is $1400 and includes: 6 hrs' photography; 150 digital images; an 8 1/2 x 11 Album; 2 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 parent albums ;online proofing on a secure site.
• Do you require a deposit?
  Yes. A fee of $400 is required at the time of booking to hold the date; this is non refundable in the case of cancellation or postponement. The balance is due one month before the wedding.
• How many pictures do you take?
  Depends on the length of the wedding -- at least 50 per hour, often more.
• Can I keep the negatives?
  Our DVD package weddings where you pay an hourly rate of $200 give you 50 high res copyright free images on a DVD per every hour booked. 150 images are automatically included in my $1400 package; all images are included in weddings over $2500.00. You can also purchase additional images at $20 per image or buy a DVD of 50 images for $450.
• How many weddings have you photographed?
  Too many to count -- sorry!
• What is your photographic style?
  Both photojournalistic and traditional. I love candids but also know that formal poses make for great photos, too -- especially for framing or as gifts!
• Do you provide black and white photography?
  Yes.
• Do you use digital or film?
  Digital.
• Can I see examples of your work?
  You can visit www.artfulphotographer.com or make an appointment to meet us at our downtown studio where we can show you additional work, as well as albums.
• How far are you willing to travel?
  About 25 miles in each direction.
• How quickly will I receive my prints?
  1-2 weeks.
• What makes you different from other photographers?
  British professionalism and creative artistry! I love what I do and delight in capturing every detail of each wedding. I'm a poet who happens to carry a camera and this means I have a poet's eye for nostalgic moments, whimsy and high drama!
• What are your rates?
  All pricing is negotiable and depends upon the number of hours booked, the nature of the assignment; the end product desired and the number of photographers needed. Small family events can begin at $75 per hr for a minimum of 3 hours; corporate events range from $170-200 per hour, with day rates and half day rates available. LET US KNOW YOUR BUDGET AND WE'LL PROVIDE A COMPETITIVE QUOTE!
• Do you require a deposit?
  Yes. Half the agreed upon price is required to book the date; of this, half is non refundable in the event of cancellation or postponement.
• Can I keep the negatives?
  If we build this into the contract, you keep the digital images. Corporate events typically retain all rights to the images, hence the higher hourly rates; family events require negotiation.
• What is your photographic style?
  Both traditional and photojournalistic.
• How many pictures do you take?
  Depends upon whether this is a party or involves the formal posing of speakers at a conference or other event. Quick candids can result in 50-75 images in an hour but posed shots take more time.
• Do you provide black and white photography?
  Yes.
• How long does it take you to develop photos?
  We can provide corporate images for immediate download, if needed. Turn around time for other events is 1-2 weeks.
• Do you use digital or film?
  Digital.
• Can I see examples of your work?
  www.artfulphotographer.com
• How far are you willing to travel?
  Typically 25 miles from downtown Chicago but we do go further afield, if asked!
• What services do you offer?
  Weddings, Events, Headshots, Fine Portraiture, School Photography,etc. Photo-retouching; in-house creation of albums; creation of collages, museum quality restoration (though www.AlvinGates.com ). We can print 4x6's on the spot at your event!
• What is your photographic style?
  Both traditional and photojournalistic.
• What format do you provide your photography in (print, electronic, etc.)?
  Depends what the client wants -- high res or low res copyright free digital images on a DVD; prints of all dimensions, wallet-30x40; albums with photos printed directly on the pages etc.
• Can I keep the negatives?
  Corporate events typically retain all rights to the images, hence the higher hourly rates; family events require negotiation.
• What are your qualifications? Have you been professionally trained or certified?
  Started out in Travel/Nature photography and then worked with Master Photographer Alvin Gates for about 7 years. Member of Professional Photographers of America. My work speaks for itself.
• Why should I use your services for my photography needs?
  British professionalism and creative artistry. I not only take great photos but also know how to conduct myself in any social setting, from prestigious Award Ceremonies to Gothic Weddings!

Work Samples