The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Smithshire, IL

Hey, I’m Dakota! I’m a photographer with a passion for capturing life’s most genuine, candid moments. Whether it’s a fleeting glance, a spontaneous laugh, or a quiet second of connection, I believe these are the memories that matter most. I’m here to tell your story through the lens, creating timeless images that you'll treasure forever. Let’s make memories together!

We offer a personalized experience backed up by more than 33+ years in business delivering high quality, creative photography and video on time and within your wedding budget. We are experts in photojournalism, offering couples an unmatched level of value for their wedding photography and video services.

You're not just hiring a photographer—you're gaining a creative partner who’s with you from “yes” to “I do.” I’m Pedro, Creative Director of Albany Capture, and for over 12 years I’ve been documenting love stories through a style that blends photojournalism with fine art. Weddings are more than just events—they're a celebration of connection, and I’m passionate about preserving the real, fleeting moments that make your day unforgettable. To ensure we provide dedicated time and personalized recommendations for your wedding photography and videography needs, we now offer in-depth consultations for a nominal fee of $50.

More than a decade ago, two sisters - knew there had to be a better way to allow talented photographers and videographers to focus on what they do best -- create gorgeous art -- while providing couples with better support in the planning process. Together, they created an all-inclusive, stress-free environment where couples can choose from talented local photographers and videographers and work with a small team of planning experts equipped and eager to make everything a success. With the pressure gone, you can truly enjoy your big day. Relax and rest assured that all the emotional and moments will be documented with unmatched quality.

VIDART's chief photographer studied at Columbia for film and U of I for foreign languages and philosophy, and went to Loyola for graduate studies. He worked at Lyric Opera of Chicago filming operas before joining VIDART. He is the author of the college textbook Cinematography 101, and has worked with John de Lancie (Q in Star Trek: TNG) on the science documentary The Reality of Time. Michael has also worked on the sets of over a dozen other feature films. He has handled the photography and videography for several thousand weddings and events, including work for clients such as Microsoft, Amazon, Macy’s, Sysco and more.



I present fun, elegant, and exciting Wedding Photography for my clients. My style is photojournalistic; I feel it's the most effective way to tell a story. After all, there is so much happening on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, dancing, and endless extravaganzas, the most memorable moments will naturally occur.  My goal is to capture the emotions and memories of your day through my lens. These recollections are your forever keepsakes, a chapter of your life's story. Every image accounts for those who were by your side, delighted for you, and the next step in your journey. I appreciate you for giving me a few moments of your time.t

My husband and I come as a photo team! We feel your day should be captured your way! So we tailor our style and editing to each unique couple! It’s not about us, it’s about you. We will help you document what is most important to you, the way you envision! Just like you, we have felt awkward in front of the camera. We’ve had photos taken of us that we didn’t like. We will make sure you not only feel comfortable, but that you look good! We give you prompts to keep you moving so you look and feel natural and comfortable.

The company has done over 400 weddings for the last 5 years, so we use these experiences to provide quality services. We also provide discount for Military/Veterans and teachers. For 2025, we have 140+ weddings booked in 37 different states. We offer both photo and video services. Quicker turnaround time compare to most companies. Our shooting style of is photojournalistic, natural & CINEMATIC. Our editing style is very easygoing & flexible. Our biggest markets are the following: FL, New England area, PA, IL, DMV area, Tri-State area, Southern CA, MI, OH, CO.

Hiii! I'm Heather Schoolcraft - owner & CEO! I'm a small town gal from WV who LOVES traveling and pops of color. I've designed my entire company around creating authentic + magical love stories. On your wedding day, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and to focus on the raw + real moments on your day. Don't settle for less because you have to; let ME help you get the photos + video that you've always dreamed of.

My name is Ali Cushing; a NY-based photographer working in a blended documentary and editorial approach, emphasized with a cinematic method, and a personalized, true to life editing style. I am honored to be entrusted with depicting genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizing precious memories. I see beauty in the subtle details as much as the wide, epic scene, while I see glory in the mundane in-between moments as much as the heart thudding highs. I am adamant that everyone, of all genders and orientations, any ethnicity, culture, or faith, all shapes, ages, and abilities, are welcome and I’d be delighted to work with you.

We’re Debra & Jeremy, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo capturing love stories with heart, intention, and a whole lot of soul. Our approach blends documentary moments with gentle guidance, so your photos feel natural, emotional, and unmistakably you. From quiet, intimate glances to joyful, unscripted laughter, we focus on the moments you’ll feel just as much years from now. If you value connection, authenticity, and images that tell a story—not just pose for one—we might be the perfect fit.

JZ Studio Photography is a wedding and Portrait photography company based in Chicago, that services Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and anywhere our couples may take us within US and Canada. At JZ Studio Photography, the team will create an amazing photographic experience for you on your wedding day, by capturing all of the most intimate and romantic moments through their camera lenses from beginning to end and compile the story for you.

Hey! I'm Piero, I've been a wedding photographer for 7 years now, I'll make sure that all your favorite moments throughout your wedding are captured, literally all. You'll see me moving around from side to side, capturing those good shots... from the getting ready shots to the moment you dropped the shoes to keep dancin'. We'll meet thru video or in person, and talk about those details. Chat soon!!

I’m Victor, a Chicago wedding photographer and filmmaker who understands how quickly the day moves. Having experienced weddings both behind the camera and as a groom, I guide couples with a calm, intentional approach so they can stay present and fully experience their day while their story is preserved authentically. I serve couples across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and destinations worldwide.

Looking for top-level budget friendly local photographer? We proudly hold a 100% 5-star rating from over 17,000 weddings nationwide, making us a trusted choice for capturing your special moments. Why spend thousands when you can get exceptional quality for much less? Our wedding photography begins at $499. We specialize in natural-color photography and provide a custom online album to easily share your memories with family and friends, and we offer wholesale prices on professional prints as well! . We also provide local DJs and video services with budget-friendly packages to complete your celebration.

Hi! My name is Mae, and I live in Brooklyn with my girlfriend, our two dogs Apollo and Bia, her cat Gigi and my lizard, Basil! I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments as authentically and magically as possible, and as i’ve settled more into this career path, I love that i’ve landed in a place where I have the privilege to capture and preserve people’s love stories. Weddings and elopements are so distinctly and uniquely human, and it’s truly the biggest honor to be trusted to document them.

Hi! I'm Brayley, owner of Focused On Life Photography LLC, a Full-Time, Published, Destination Wedding + Lifestyle Photography business, & I would LOVE to be your wedding photographer! Since 2023, we at FLP LLC have been focused on capturing all of life's precious milestones in a natural, earthy, classic & candid style. From your first inquiry, to your wedding day, & to hopefully many more milestones in the future, we are here to make your photography dream a reality in a way that feels authentic to you. With us, you don't need to worry about things like how to pose -- all you need to do on your day is smile & relax! We'll take it from there.

Pluvia Studios is a wedding photography and videography company that is passionate about strong story-telling. We extract the best elements for our couples and curate an unforgettable viewing experience. Contact us directly to customize your desired wedding photo and/or video package.

Capturing weddings as they unfold rather than directing how they should feel. My approach is quiet and observant — present enough to anticipate moments, but never interrupt them. The day moves naturally, and the images follow.

Hi! My name is Steve. I do visual storytelling. I’m married with three kids and in my spare time I record music and build things. I've been filming and photographing weddings since 2009. I love travel and getting to know unique couples.

I am a professional wedding photographer, dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day. I offer a variety of packages to fit any budget, and work closely with couples to understand their unique vision. I use a blend of film and digital photography for a timeless and romantic look. I understand that every wedding is unique and that each couple has their own personal style. That's why I take the time to get to know you and your partner. I am passionate about my work and committed to providing the highest level of service. Contact me for a consultation and let's create beautiful memories together.

I captured my first wedding in August of 2018, it was the day I fell head over heels in love with wedding photography. It's all about capturing the love story for me..the feels from beginning to end. When you book with AGS, you're signing on for an adventure. Your engagement session is a celebration full of us getting to know one another, lots of laughter, and having fun! As your wedding nears closer AGS will help with your timeline, connect with your vendors ( or introduce you to some of the best) and help plan out the perfect photo locations, along with any other needs to create the perfect day.

I'm an award winning wedding photojournalist from Chicago, Illinois. I was raised in the Chicago suburbs but now call Lincoln Square home with my husband and our two Golden Retrievers, Missy and Felony. When the dogs aren't keeping me busy I love traveling all over the world, cooking amazing meals, jumping on my Peloton and eating Thai food while binging Netflix.

At 52 Eighty Weddings, we believe every love story is special and deserves to be told with authenticity and artistry. We specialize in creating breathtaking wedding films that capture the magic of your day.

Hello, friends! I'm a wife, momma, & self proclaimed adventurer. I live with my husband, Ryan, in Central Missouri, but spend a lot of time on the road traveling! From Colorado & the PNW to Germany & New Zealand, I'm a fan of world travels...and I'm more than willing to go just about anywhere for YOU! I'm here to capture ALL of life's adventures for you.

I have 12 years of photography experience, 9 years in the industry and have shot more than 200 weddings. Safe to say, this IS my passion. Couples and wedding photography can be SO stressful--the pressure to look and be a certain way or follow trends is INTENSE. Wedding stress is real and I am anti it all the way. For my couples, they're job is just to show up and have fun. I will do ALL the rest!

Hi! I'm Sherry, the owner of 83 Weddings, and I’ll be your direct point of contact from your very first inquiry all the way through final delivery. My background is a little unique—I previously worked as a field photographer for the FBI while capturing weddings in my spare time. Over the years, my passion for weddings grew, and today it has become my full-time focus. Along the way, I’ve built an incredible team of talented photographers and videographers, allowing 83 Weddings to serve couples across the country.

Abigail Kesecker is a documentary style wedding photographer with a love for capturing the candid, unscripted moments on your most important day. Sit back, relax, and let me create dreamy, magical photos from days you want to remember forever.

I spent 10 years as a photojournalist covering news, sports, and political campaigns, and for the past 25 years I’ve photographed weddings with the same calm, observant approach. That experience taught me how to anticipate moments, work quickly in changing light, and capture genuine emotion without getting in the way. I focus on the natural moments as they unfold, keep portraits relaxed with gentle direction, and make family photos organized and efficient so they do not take you away from your wedding for long.

As a documentary-style photographer, I truly believe that the essence of life is captured in the unscripted, candid moments that often go unnoticed-- Each click of my camera is more than just a snapshot; it’s an opportunity to freeze time and preserve the love, joy, and uniqueness of your moments for generations to come.