captured by sammi | Chicago based editorial & documentary style photography & Videography
Chicago, IL | Studio &
On location
Captured by sammi
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most personal decisions you will make, and it should feel like choosing a friend. From the moment we start chatting, my job is to make you feel completely at ease, completely seen and completely taken care of. You never have to worry about what to do with your hands, where to look or how to pose. That is entirely on me. All you have to do is show up, I will handle absolutely everything else.
My style is light, airy and timeless, fine art and film inspired imagery that feels elevated, intentional and genuinely beautiful. The kind of photographs that do not just capture how you looked, but how you felt. The kind you will frame on your walls, pass down to your children and still love decades from now.
Rooted in Authenticity & Kindness
The captured by sammi experience
The Experience
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 a sneak peek and then a two week turn around to receive your album of high resolution photos.
FAMILIES
investment starts at $450
Packages available:
- Family Mini Session: Starting at $450
- Family Classic Session: Starting at $600+
- Generational Fam Session Mini (5+ people): $450+
- Generational Fam Session Full (25+ People): $1,200+
- Events (Birthday Parties, Gender Reveals, Showers): $500/hr
Maternity + newborn
investment starts at $450
PACKAGES AVAILABLE:
- 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
- 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 $4,500
- Elopement Investment: Begins at $2,500 +
- Wedding Videography: Begins at $3,000 +
- 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: $250/hr
Please Inquire for pricing and a custom quote.
Boudoir
investment starts at $500/hr
Packages available:
- The Mini Boudoir Experience (1 hr studio) — Starting at $500
- The Classic Boudoir Experience (2 hr studio) — Starting at $900
- The Full Boudoir Experience (3 hr studio) — Starting at $1,200
- Location Mini (1 hr on location) — Starting at $600
- Location Full (2 hr on location) — Starting at $1,100
- Hotel & Suite Experience (2 hr) — Starting at $1,200
- Bridal Boudoir Mini (studio or location, 1 hr) — Starting at $600
- Bridal Boudoir Full (studio or location, 2 hr) — Starting at $1,000
- Maternity Boudoir Mini (studio or location, 1 hr) — Starting at $550
- Maternity Boudoir Full (studio or location, 2 hr) — Starting at $950
- Hair & Makeup — Starting at $150
- Additional Hour — Starting at $300
- Rush Gallery Delivery (within 1 week) — Starting at $150
- Print Collection — Starting at $200
- Album Design — Starting at $350
brands & headshots
investment starts at $700
PACKAGES AVAILABLE:
- Headshot Mini (30 min, studio or location, 1 look) — Starting at $350
- Headshot Classic (1 hr, studio or location, 2 looks) — Starting at $600
- Corporate Headshot Day (half day, studio or location, team of up to 10) — Starting at $1,500
- Corporate Headshot Day (full day, studio or location, team of 10+) — Starting at $2,500
PERSONAL BRAND SESSIONS
- The Brand Starter (1 hr, studio or location, 1 look) — Starting at $700
- The Brand Classic (2 hr, studio or location, 2–3 looks) — Starting at $1,100
- The Brand Full Experience (3 hr, studio or location, 3–4 looks) — Starting at $1,500
- The Brand Story (half day, studio or location, 4+ looks) — Starting at $2,200
CONTENT CREATION DAYS
- Content Mini (2 hr, studio or location) — Starting at $800
- Content Half Day (4 hr, studio or location) — Starting at $1,500
- Content Full Day (8 hr, studio or location) — Starting at $2,800
- Monthly Content Retainer (1 session/month) — Starting at $1,000/mo
- Hair & Makeup — Starting at $150
- Additional Look / Outfit Change — Starting at $75
- Additional Hour — Starting at $250
- Rush Gallery Delivery (within 1 week) — Starting at $150
- Social Media Sizing & Formatting — Starting at $100
- Video Reels Add-On (short form content) — Starting at $300
Every brand and headshot session includes a pre-session strategy consultation, a style and wardrobe guide, fully edited digital images with commercial usage rights and a private online gallery delivered within 2 weeks. Studio and on-location sessions available across Chicago, IL and surrounding areas.
events & Celebrations
investment starts at $500
Packages available
- Bridal Shower Coverage — Starting at $500
- Baby Shower Coverage — Starting at $500
- Engagement Party Coverage — Starting at $500
- Gender Reveal Coverage — Starting at $500
- Birthday Party Coverage (kids & adults) — Starting at $500
- The Full Event Experience (photo + video combined, any event) — Starting at $1,200
Videography packages
investment starts at $500
Packages available
- The Elopement Film (up to 4 hrs coverage) — Starting at $2,500
- The Wedding Highlight Film (cinematic highlight, up to 8 hrs) — Starting at $3,000
- The Wedding Full Experience (highlight film + full length ceremony & reception, up to 10 hrs) — Starting at $4,500
- Surprise Proposal Film (no set up) — Starting at $500
- The Proposal Experience (full set up, styled & cinematic) — Starting at $900
- Engagement Mini Film (30 min, highlight reel) — Starting at $400
- Engagement Full Film (1 hr, cinematic highlight) — Starting at $600
- Brand Story Mini (1–2 min highlight film) — Starting at $800
- Brand Story Full (2–4 min cinematic brand film) — Starting at $1,500
- Social Media Reels (short form, 3 reels) — Starting at $500
- Commercial Video (custom production) — Inquire for custom pricing
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?
Yes! Our studio is located at the Mana Contemporary Arts building in Chicago. 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 also have other preferred studio locations in Chicago but open to your studio of choice that best suits your vision.
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!
GET IN TOUCH
I’d love to hear all about your vision, whether it’s a wedding, family session, branding shoot, or a milestone you're celebrating. Fill out the form below, and let’s start planning your dream session :)
Have questions? Don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.
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