the details

why choose us?

Personality + Style + Quality

When choosing a photographer, it's important to know that the team capturing your special moments will have your back and a personality that will put you at ease. It's my job to pose you and make sure we capture your best angles. When we have a session together, all you have to do is show up- I will take care of the rest. My style is for the lovers of the light and airy, fine -art + film inspired high end format that you will cherish for generations to come. 

the process

from meeting to delivery

To start our work together, we will set up a client call where we will discuss what kind of session you are looking for. By the end of our call you will understand all of the logistics- time + location + investment. 

Leading up to the shoot together, I will provide styling guides and other helpful information so that you feel the most relaxed and ready to make some beautiful memories together!

After our session, there is typically about a two to four week turn around to receive your album of high resolution photos. 

FAMILIES

investment starts at $350

Packages available:

  • Family Mini Session: Starting at $350+
  • Family Full Session: Starting at $500+
  • Generational Fam Session Mini (5+ people): $450+
  • Generational Fam Session Full (8+ People): $700+
  • Events (Birthday Parties, Gender Reveals, Showers): $500/hr 

Note: All family sessions include complimentary style guide, online private password protected gallery delivered with minimum 10 images within 2-4 weeks post session.

Maternity + newborn

investment starts at $700

PACKAGES AVAILABLE:

MATERNITY + NEWBORN PHOTOS:
  • Maternity (Mini) + Classic Newborn: $850+
  • Maternity (Full) + Classic Newborn: $1,300+

ONLY MATERNITY PHOTOS:
  • Maternity Mini (30 min) Session: $450+
  • Classic Maternity Session (1 hr): $700+

ONLY NEWBORN PHOTOS:
  • Newborn Mini (30 min) Session: $450+
  • Fresh 48 Sessions (In Hospital): $1000
  • Classic Newborn (1.5 hr) Session: $850+

Weddings + Proposals

investment starts at $500

Packages available

  • Wedding Investment: Begins at $1,750+
  • Elopement Investment: $1,000+
  • Surprise Proposals (no set up): $500+
  • Proposal Experience with set up: $900+
  • Engagement Session (mini): $400+
  • Engagement Session (full): $600+
  • Travel Weddings / Elopements: Varies
  • Rehearsal Dinner + Showers: $200/hr
  • Second Shooters: $75/hr +

Please Inquire for pricing and a custom quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?

Lifestyle photography mainly aims to capture portraits of people in situations, real-life events or milestones in an artistic manner and the art of the everyday. The primary goal is to tell stories about people's lives or to inspire people in different times.
 
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

Coordinate, don't match, when you are deciding what to wear for photos. When photographing families, start with the youngest and pull colors from their outfit to dress and layer everyone else. Layering can make a huge difference in tying in all the colors. If you still need help, I will put together a fashion board of outfit examples and let them know where to find the items!

WHY DON’T YOU RELEASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE?

Simply put, you don't ask a professional photographer to give you their RAW photos because that would be giving you only half of an unfinished work of art. :)

DO YOU EDIT YOUR PHOTOS?
 
All delivered photos are edited in a tasteful way that follows my light + airy style. Editing is used to bring out life, color, contrast, and beauty in your images.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

Standard is about 2-4 week turn-around for family + couple sessions. About a 4- 8 week turn-around for weddings.


IS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY AVAILABLE?

While I mainly shoot in-home and outside locations, we can get as adventurous as you'd like with the location. Studio rental is available and can be arranged. I have two preferred studio locations in Chicago but open to your studio of choice.

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?

Captured By Sammi asks that you give 7 days minimum notice to reschedule your photoshoot. New time + date will be mutually agreed upon between photographer + client. 

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?

If you need to cancel, let Sammi know as soon as possible. The retainer fee is non-refundable. 

WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD WE SCHEDULE THE SHOOT?

Outdoor shoots are best taken just following the sunrise or slightly before the sunset- we call these times "blue hour" and "golden hour." Depending on children's schedules and other life circumstances, we know this is not always possible. When babies and children are involved, we would rather have happy faces and can work with the time of day that is best for your family. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LOCATIONS TO SHOOT?

Shoots along Chicago's lakefront have been magical locations. Other favorites include Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, Anywhere on the beach, Grant Park, Local Botanic Gardens, and so many more spots!  

Let's be social 

Let's work together! 

To inquire about booking Captured by Sammi for your next event or family session, please click the link below to fill out our inquiry form.

We will be in touch very soon!

Thank You!

You'll hear from me shortly.