the details
why choose me?
Personality + Style + Quality
When choosing a photographer, it's important to know that the person capturing your special moments will have a personality that will put you at ease. It's my job to pose you and make you feel your most beautiful! 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, delivered in a high quality format that you will keep for years 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 a two week turn around to receive your album of high resolution photos.
FAMILIES
investment starts at $350
Packages available:
- Family Mini Session: $350
- Family Full Session: $500
- Generational Fam Session Mini (5+ people): $450+
- Generational Fam Session Full (8+ People): $700+
- Events (Birthday Parties, Gender Reveals, Showers): $250/hr
Maternity + newborn
investment starts at $700
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
- Classic Newborn (1.5 hr) Session: $850
marriage + 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.
Note: Couples who book Captured by Sammi as their wedding photographer may also receive a complimentary engagement session *terms & conditions do apply*
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?
2 week turn-around for family + couple sessions. 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, North Ave. Beach, Garfield Park Conservatory, and some favorite local parks!
book a session
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.
