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Top 10 Outdoor Photo Locations in Chicagoland for 2020
Gia reviewed over 15 locations - see her insight
SERVICES
Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories
Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories
Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories
Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories
Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories
Looking for the perfect engagement photos?
From a quality point of view, I feel it's very important to set up an engagement session before the wedding. You get to know me and vice versa, so by the time the session is finished, you know exactly the way I work, and the quality of work you can expect from me. Normally at an engagement session the photographs are even more photojournalistic then at the wedding due to the fact that there is more time alone and free to be as creative as we want to be.
WORK PROCESS
Capturing Unforgettable Moments that Last a Lifetime.
1. Preparation
From the moment a contract is signed, I start the preparations for the wedding, as we all know, preparation is key in every project.
A few months before the wedding, I get in touch with the bride and groom to set up the engagement session. We need to get that finished in order to have photos for save the date, invitations or anything else needed.
A couple of weeks before the wedding I double check the information for times and locations for ceremony, reception and wedding party photos.
I time the driving distances between home and locations for the wedding and make sure I allow myself more than needed time between each venue.
My style of Photography is mixed between photojournalistic and traditional. I know most couples these day like the "reportage" Photography, however family and friends are more used to the traditional, posed type. Because of this I do both and everyone is content.
Ceremony will be covered from every possible angle, covering bride being walked down the aisle and groom waiting for her, along with the rituals of the ceremony. From there we go to the wedding party locations, that have been previously chosen by the couple and all permits have been taken care of. Throughout the reception, I always make sure that there is at least one photo of every couple there, and photos of the bride and groom interacting with their guests and dancing.
I personally believe that every photo I deliver to my client has to be the absolute best. I use only digital cameras and equipment, all Canon, always having back-ups in case of emergency, therefore the post-production has to be done accordingly.
Once I get all images in my computer, I go through all of them and edit them for best printing quality, working on contract, luminosity and color.
The files that the couple gets, just a few weeks after the wedding, are always digital and in high resolution, on a DVD along with the copyrights.
Want to see more works?
Why Choose Us?
We're Professional
We take pride in the professionalism we have and like to provide to all of our clients. We give free consultaions and take into account everyone's ideas and thoughts.
We're Punctual
As a professor of mine once said "if you can't be on time, be early." I try to live by that rule in professional and personal life. The last thing a couple needs on their wedding day is for vendors to run late or not show up. I get to every photo-shoot early and make sure everyone involved is calm and relaxed.
We're Flexible
Considering that we live in the Chicagoland area where the weather is very spontaneous, it's only natural to reschedule and postpone photo-shoots. Also, I always have a couple of indoor locations that can be used in case of sudden weather change. There are no extra charges for rescheduling, regardless of the reason.
We Love Your Input
I don't believe that there is such a thing as a bridezilla. Only women/couples who know exactly what they want from their wedding or engagement photos. And because it is your wedding day, not mine, I like to hear what you want and any ideas and thoughs for photos are welcome.
We’re Creative
Most photos are done with a photojounalistic point of view, however, for weddings I also like to have the traditional, staged family photos. You do have a final say in what kind of style photography you like. I do like to have most candid and artistic styles, but it's your wedding and we'd like your input.
We Care
Having been a bride myself, I know the importance of the wedding day and everything leading up to it. I want to be certain that you get everything you wanted for that day.
ABOUT GIAPHOTOS
Originally from Romania, I grew up and studied Photography in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I currently live in Chicago with my husband, and my puppy Rocky, who is the subject of my many pet photos. Most recently, my work has been officially recompensed with the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Best of Chicago Wedding Photographers Award by the US Commerce Association (USCA).
For me, Photography is more than a job; it is my passion, my career, and my life. As I think my images show, I love to photograph most of all happy people in exquisite settings. I take most of my photos in a photojournalistic way and my approach as a Chicago wedding photographer is that of a narrator, and my style is a mix of photojournalism and creative portraiture. To that end, I'm more interested in capturing the moment, rather than a fake smile, and so, after many years of experience, I know when to capture life as it happens without restraints.