Welcome to the “About The Photographer” section of our website! You clicked through into this link because you want to know what a real photographer is like. Every wonder what photographers do when they are not working? They find creative ways to express themselves to their loyal fans and future clients. As always, comments are welcome! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Plum Tree Studio we like to allow our clients to get to know us before they meet us.  Many of our clients ask us about the photographers at the studio. Who are we? What are we like? Are we fun? Do we laugh? Are we just technical and photography expert? Do we bring a personal flair to our work? Do we have the people skills required to be successful the wedding photography business?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We always recommend that clients get to know us by spending some time on the website and reviewing our galleries, reading our blog, and viewing our recent event. Our blog is always written by the owner and our site is maintained by our in house staff.  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without further delay, on this web page we are showcasing images of our lead photographer and studio owner and also images of (one of our four) second photographers. Our in studio portraits and boudoir photography sessions are always done by our owner and lead photographer, while our photojournalists are trained in wedding photography. The remainder of this article will deal with their specific roles, and the photos, well they speak for themselves! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

A lead photographer is someone who is in charge of the wedding photos. This is the person who the bride and groom and photojournalists look to for direction. The primary photographer is the painters of the story! He or she will pose the family into the traditional and formal family portraits, will maintain contact with the other vendors (including wedding coordinators and DJ’s) to ensure that everyone is on the same and schedule, and the person responsible for the majority of the days photos. This person, working with people on such an intimate event, is skilled with the technical know how of photography, trained in the art of controlling and making light, and is also versed with understanding people and judging their next actions before they happen. Sometimes they even have to be mind readers… or at least we try!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

A second photographers is sometimes referred to as a "photojournalist" as this persons job through the day is to capture the behind the scenes activities like moms tears, gentle hugs, shoes left behind, children falling asleep and other details so critical to the day, yet so difficult to capture with only one photographer. As the primary wedding photographer is focused on the main event, the photojournalist can focus his or her efforts on the story being told more quietly, including all of those decorations you spent days making! For a short wedding, the photojournalist is often tasked with capturing the details of the church and reception hall, while the lead photographer spending time with the bride and groom capturing those romantic breathtaking photos. For longer wedding the photojournalist is also the second photographer, posing the groom and groomsmen at the same time that the lead is with the bride and the groom. The photojournalist allows the couple to have dual photography at the exact same moment. Finally, if the couple chooses to purchase a backdrop and lighting set up for the wedding reception the photojournalist can remain on the dance floor capturing images of dancing and fun while the portrait photographer remains at the studio area in the reception hall posing family and friends into formal portraiture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

The other advantage to having to photographers is that the team is able to capturing emotions and events from opposite sides of the room or church. You have heard the stories of the lead photographer hurdling church pews to get that one special photo of that amazing moment. With a second photographer, there is no need to risk life and limb (and cause a scene in the church) since the team can be spread out across the room to capture the same events from different vantage points. One photographer captures the bride coming down the aisle with her dad, while the other photographer can capture that “I love her so much” look that comes across every grooms face the moment he sees the love of his life walk down the aisle. Nothing can replace that moment and with two photographers at the wedding there is 100% more coverage of every special moment.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting in 2007, we decided to start this photo “self biography” of our photographers. At each wedding, events and portrait session since, we captured photographs of our “imagery athletes” (also known as photographers) in action. Whether it be running through the rain to get a photo of the brides coming out of the limousine, spending a 10 hour day in the blazing 100 degree Chicago summer sun, meowing at the puppies to get that cute head turn, or jiggling sparkly things to get baby to smile… we are ready for it and will show you ourselves in the gallery below. Updated yearly, the images will reflect us and our passion in photography!    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is on rare occasion that a guest may actually capture the photo of the photographer! Below are the live action shots taken from a recent wedding either by our own staff or by a friend of the bride and groom. If you were a guest at the wedding we may have photographed, and are willing to share your photo... please do let us know. We'd love to post your work here!

Polish Speaking Photographer Mowimy Po Polsku

 

Some of our clients prefer having a photographer who speaks in their native language (Polish). Our lead photographer is fluent in written and spoken Polish. This allows for us to more freely converse with the grandparents and parents. There is no additional charge for this service.

 

 

In addition we have years of experience photographing polish weddings both here in the Unites States of America as well as in Poland. Our photography coverage is primarily in Lake County Illinois and we do weddings throughout the Midwest.

 

Finally, we do accept destination weddings outside of the Midwest US for an additional fee. Please inquire with our lead photographer about the prices and details.

 

Thank you for asking!