Steve Matteo Photography


%wedding photographers chicago
Candid, original wedding photography and portraiture that captures the emotions of your distinctive story. Let Steve Matteo Photography make your wedding memories come to life.



As a wedding photographer, I'm strictly an observer but I also bring years of experience attending weddings to the table. I bring that insight to your ceremony and reception, and if you need support or a calming presence, I'm prepared to help you cope with the situations that will ultimately make your wedding unique. When you work with me, everything I shoot for you – whether I'm documenting your ceremony and reception or creating a portrait in which your personality shines through – I'm also shooting for myself as a photographer. And my standards of quality are exceedingly high. I bring my unique style of photojournalism to your wedding or portrait session, and together we can create beautiful images using natural light, creative settings, and non-traditional techniques. New environments and circumstances are invigorating, and I consider it part of my job to make the most of challenging situation so I can make your memories come to life.
Please visit stevematteophotography.com, call 312-719-3939 or contact me here!. I'd love to help make your wedding day a great success.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Wedding Photographers Chicago

The light from this window is defused by the thin shears.

As a wedding photographer Chicago couples refer, I usually begin working with the bride hours before the ceremony starts. Most brides will be getting ready at a nearby hotel or family member's home, large enough to accommodate all the bridesmaids. Since most weddings take place during the day, there should be plenty of available light in the room to work with. Natural light will always be stronger as you get closer to the window. You'll need to evaluate light from this window or windows in different parts of the room. We know that digital photography doesn't allow for over exposing the shadows so you'll need to blend the light with a proper exposure.

The bridesmaids are silhouetted by the window light.

Window light is very directional too so your exposure will vary several stops in different parts of the same room.

One thing to keep in mind is to avoid having the window as the background, unless you are creating a silhouetted image or can use a reflector, which I'll address a bit later. If you shoot towards the window, you may get a proper exposure of the subject but the background can get washed out. Window light can be very soft and flattering for facial features. Many stylists actually face the bride towards the window when applying makeup so your job will be easier.

Here I'm shooting through the window, capturing a reflection of trees as the stylist tends to the bride.

Shooting with a long 2.8 lens will allow you to sit in the background and capture the day's events. The long lens will help eliminate some of the busyness of the background too. Hotels are famous for warm lamps, busy patterns and artwork. Zoom in a bit tighter on your subject and the soft light coating them. Don't be afraid to use a monopod, that way you can get the slowest shutter speed needed and stay mobile while your subjects are moving around the room.

When the bride is dressed and ready, window light will help you create a nicely lit portrait.

Light from the window and mirrors on both ends of the room help create a great composition.

The light from this window helps create a classic portrait.

With the bride facing the window and mirror for this classic pose, I used her reflection for a natural light portrait..

Once again, I'm shooting the bride from outside the window as passers-by look on.

Natural light creates flattering images.

A reflector or bounce card is a good thing to carry for just such an occasion. While you can use these for gathering the candid moments, it defeats the purpose since you will be shining light on your subject and possibly distracting them. Try having your bride stand near the window and gage the light and composition. If the light is too harsh back up, metering only the wedding dress and skin tones. Direct sunlight will be difficult to work with since it creates heavy shadows on the face and will cause the subject to squint. Avoid direct sunlight by closing the window shears that will diffuse the light and make it more even.

To avoid having a harsh shadow/highlight situation, use the reflector or bounce card to fill in the shadows. You can also use it as a kicker light by positioning it behind the subject. Harsh shadows and highlights can make some images look interesting but you'll want nicely lit and balance portraits too. Keep in mind that as the day goes on, light gets weaker.

Metering the bride will ensure a good exposure.

It may not be shining through the same window by the time your subject is dressed and ready. It would be nice to have as much time as you need but that's usually not the case. A good wedding photojournalist will scope out other rooms and window lighting and plan ahead. Once you find the right combination of window light, reflector and background, get to work. And don't forget to bracket!

Wedding Photographer in Chicago

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