Hi, I’m Lisa
Let me guide you through your day
I’m a multi-location destination film photographer frequenting Chicago and Washington DC. Using medium format cameras, I bring a unique style to wedding photography and provide a level of sophistication that puts you at ease in front of the camera.
From Washington DC to Chicago
After 16 years of shooting weddings, my passion for natural light, emotion, and pretty little details keeps me searching for the perfect shot.
I love that weddings encompass all aspects of photography: portraits, action, and detail. It’s what keeps me enthralled with capturing the precious moments and connection that fill couples’ special days.
With two degrees in photography as well as having shot over 200 weddings in my 15 years in the industry, I have the experience and eye that you need to capture your most precious memories!
Incorporating southern charm and urban sophistication in timeless and telling images is what I do best! My fun, playful, laid back personality helps you relax and simply enjoy your day.
I have lived a little all over the South and East Coast and currently travel back and forth from Chicago to Washington, DC for work. I recently moved to the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago with my husband, Matt, our toddler, Charlie, and cockapoo, Jolene. When I'm not documenting precious memories, you can find me at a concert at the 9:30 club/ Metro, enjoying a drink in Blagden Alley/ Logan Square, bopping around to all the fitness studios, or taking in the newest exhibition at Longview Gallery/ MCA+.
My Favorites
honeysuckle
Pinot Noir
Live Music
Music festivals: SXSW, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Riot Fest, & Jazz Fest in New Orleans
bold patterns
Insecure, 90 Day Fiance, & Bachelor in Paradise
Gucci
Indie Rock: The Regrettes, Kate Nash, Car Seat Headrest, Parquet Courts, The Aquuadolls, Beach Bunny, Sunflower Bean, Courtney Barnett, & Cat Power
sailcloth tent weddings!
Rome
Magnolia Trees
Superman Ice Cream from Michigan!
Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, & Panang curry
long walks in any city
Cult Gaia, Aritzia, Reformation, & Madewell
Small concert venues
Kacey Musgraves, No Doubt, Weezer, Beck, Phoenix, Alt-J, Reba, Busta Rhymes, Justin Bieber, Jack White, Miley, Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Miranda Lambert, & Dave Matthews
Savannah + Charleston
Fine Art
“Lisa’s technical knowledge and training sets her a part from other photographers. Her education, combined with skill and eye results in beautiful imagery that’s both effortless and timeless. Added bonus - she’s a joy to be around and truly cares about the couple and vendor team.”
— Karson Butler Events
Chic, timeless, & fun
I bring an artist’s eye to all aspects of our time working together
The Engagement
My process takes a unique approach. I've been told that I make a great third wheel. Engagement sessions are basically like a fun date with a little photography involved. I spend a good amount of time researching and planning your engagement session. We start by picking a location and season. I of course have plenty of locations that I can recommend but am always open to your suggestions. Choosing the right outfits is also a very important part of the planning process. I want everything to look cohesive with your style and aesthetic. The engagement session serves as a great way to get to know each other before the wedding day. After all, I will be by your side throughout the entire wedding day and want you to feel completely at ease with me.
The Wedding Day
When your wedding day comes, I show up a couple of hours early and introduce myself to your family and friends. I make sure to scout out the perfect spots for portraits and double check the lighting. I make sure the getting ready rooms are tidy for photographing and start the day off by styling and creating unique images with your details. My assistant comes alongside me to change out my film and help keep track of all my equipment. She also serves as an additional set of eyes to make sure everything in the frame is perfect. My second shooter photographs independently of me and on opposite sides of the room from me.
The Process
Before the wedding day, I work with your wedding planner to plan the best schedule that allows the most wonderful photos. I bring along styling items that accentuate the beauty of your day. I make sure the lighting is optimal for each image I capture, adjusting settings as needed and guiding you and your party seamlessly through the process. Photographing with both film and digital cameras provides you with an eclectic mix of photographs that will elegantly capture your day with a timeless look and feel.
The Approach
I approach your day with confidence in our plan to conquer it all! I put my clients at ease by communicating throughout the planning process to make sure we have a great game plan in tact before the big wedding day.
My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues My Favorite Venues
Washington, DC
The Goodstone Inn
Meridian House
Inn at Perry Cabin
Anderson House
The LINE Hotel DC
DAR
The Hay Adams Hotel
Anderson House
DAR
Gibson Island Club
Sagamore Pendry Hotel
Longview Gallery
Pippin Hill
Chicago
Chicago Illuminating Company
MAE District
Shore Acres, Lake Bluff
Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest
Chicago Botanic Garden
Armour House
The American Club Resort, WI
The Ivy Room, Chicago
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
The Blackstone Hotel
Chicago History Museum
The Dalcy Chicago
my ultimate focus
my ultimate focus
“She is genuinely kind and dedicated to her clients, she goes above and beyond to capture the smallest moments that create the most meaningful memories.”
— Sara Reddick Weddings
Creating treasures
To capture your romance and love in a beautiful light and truly create those photographs that you will treasure for a lifetime....and that your grandchildren will hold close to their hearts, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you travel for weddings & shoots?
Yes, my bags are always packed. I love traveling for my work!
2. What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings?
I absolutely love sharing in my client’s special memories. I feel so lucky to be a small part of each one of my client’s wedding experiences.
3. Do you prefer to shoot with film or digital?
It depends on the light setting. I prefer to shoot with film during the daytime and in natural lighting. I prefer to use digital in darker spaces like churches and ballrooms without windows.
4. Do you recommend doing a first look?
Yes, I always recommend doing a first look. You will have more time to relax and enjoy your friends and family during cocktail hour if you’ve already taken all your portraits before the ceremony. This will also allow us the time to really get some great portraits of you two without being rushed. Also I still think that the moment you walk down the aisle and see each other is still very special even after the first look. But of course if you love the idea of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony, that’s great too!
5. Do you prefer a city wedding or country wedding?
Both! I love living in the city and bopping around town. Every city has its own special energy and I love being a part of that. With that being said, I grew up in Alabama and truly feel at home when I’m able to enjoy wide open spaces. So whether it’s a downtown city chic wedding or a tented wedding out in a field, I’m the photographer for you!
6. Do your packages come with an album?
Yes, some of my packages include albums. The albums are all handmade. I print and matte the photos myself! You are only required to pick your top 130 images and I’ll try to make sure that every one of them is included in the album. I create a digital draft of the album and we will go back and forth via email until you give me the final approval for printing.
7. Do you have vendors that you can recommend to me?
Of course, I have lots of friends and colleagues that I LOVE working with and would love to connect y’all.
8. Do you recommend working with a wedding planner?
ABSOLUTELY. When I’m able to work with a great wedding planner, I’m able to completely focus on my job, which is to be creative and get all the shots my clients will love! If you need recommendations on a great wedding planner, I am happy to share them with you!
9. When you shoot film, can I still post those photos on Instagram and share them online?
Yes! I send my film off to my trusty lab, Indie Film Lab. They develop the film and then scan the images really BIG. Then I’m able to download the images online and edit them alongside the digital shots. So at the end of the day those film shots become digital but still have the film softness and romantic look.
10. What is the most important thing to look for in hiring a wedding photographer?
First you should love their photographs and second you should enjoy their personality and feel comfortable around them! Your photographer is the person you’ll be spending the most time with on your wedding day besides your partner.
