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.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Wedding Photographer Chicago

When I'm working as a wedding photographer in Chicago, 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. Window light is very directional too so your exposure will vary several stops in different parts of the same room.


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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 will be completely washed out. Window light can be very soft and flattering for facial features. Many stylists actually face the bride towards the window when applying make up so your job will be easier.

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.

Chicago wedding photographer

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 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.
Chicago wedding photographer


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. Also keep in mind that as the day goes on, the light gets weaker. 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 Chicago 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!

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Wedding Photographer in Chicago

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