Wedding Photographer in Chicago

I was the Wedding Photographer in Chicago for Rachel, Tony on August 21st. What more can a photographer ask for than great weather and plenty of time to cruise around town for some creative portraits. From the beginning, the bride knew she wanted to spend the earlier part of the day shooting at some of the amazing settings the city has to offer. We began at the Crowne Plaza where both the bride and groom were getting ready. From there, we headed to the Skybridge building at Halsted and Washington where they shared a private moment. Other photo locations included the Kinzie St. Bridge, Wacker Dr. and a roof top in West Town. The all in one wedding took place in the evening at Carnival Chicago on Fulton St., a truly vibrant setting. Near the end of the evening, we strayed out to the I 94 bridge for a night cap photo.

Wedding Photographers Chicago

Wedding Photojournalist Chicago

Also see Chicago Wedding Photographers and Wedding Photographers in Chicago

Wedding Photojournalist Chicago

Creative Photography Tips

If you're an old school Chicago wedding photographer like me, you probably still use many of the techniques learned on your way up the professional photography ladder. Digital cameras and computer software definitely have some great advantages over 35 mm SLRs when it comes to special effects. Now days though, many photographers use special effect filters to make ordinary photos look interesting. You can, however, still create great images using basic tools such as a tripod, strobe and shutter release cable.

If I'm photographing a client and can only take pictures in the evening or low light situations, I'll always be ready to get creative portraits. First, I'll find a nice location and good composition consisting of low or ambient light. Moving object such as cars or people can add to these photos and create a nice blur in the background so keep that in mind when setting up your shot. Once you've decided on a good location, put your camera on the tripod and connect your shutter cable. You should use a TTL or sync cord so the strobe is off camera and won't give your subject that dreaded red eye. The important ingredient here is a slow shutter speed so set your ISO and aperture to balance with your shutter. Under exposing your subject is necessary because you will be lighting them so be sure to bracket. Also, if your camera has a rear sync shutter, turn that on too. This will allow the flash to fire at the end of the shutter's exposure and moving objects will appear to move in their true direction.

Let's say we are using a street corner as the backdrop for our portrait. Pose the subjects and tell them to stand still, very still. Wait for some cars to pass by in the background and then pop the shutter. Light from the cars will give you some nice streaks through the frame's background and your off camera strobe will light up your subjects, free of red eye. Shutter speeds between 1/10 and 1 full second can give you some great effects and ambient light. Slower shutter speeds may create ghost images through your subject. This technique comes in handy when I'm creating a portrait or working as a wedding photographer in Chicago and want to shoot at night.

Steve Matteo also works as a Corporate Photographer in Chicago.

Soldier Field Chicago

The Chicago Bears kickoff the season at Soldier Field against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 12th. I actually shot this image while covering a soccer game between Bayern Munich and Manchester United . A fisheye lens helped me capture the entire stadium profile from in front of the gate.

Sports Photographer Steve Matteo also works as a Wedding Photographer in Chicago.

On the comeback trail

Former heavyweight contender and Chicago resident Michael Grant, returns to the ring on August 21 to face Tomasz Adamek. Grant has won his last 8 fights and will look for one more title shot if he beats Adamek.
These images were taken back in 1999 when I was working as a fight photographer for various clients. Grant fought and won 3 times that year to set up a shot at the title. In April of 2000, he fought champion Lennox Lewis but was KO'd in the second round. I worked directly with Michael while shooting for HBO in 2000 and he was great guy. It will be an exciting fight and I wish him well.








Also see Sports Photographer, Boxing Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Wedding Photography Chicago and Wedding Photos Chicago

LIghting Stike

I'm not sure what was on the end of this lightning strike, but I'm glad I was far away. I took this photo from my hotel room in Boca Raton, FL while vacationing with my family. We were on the 24th floor and had an un-obsructed view of the stormy horizon.


Steve Matteo Photography, Wedding Photography Chicago, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photography

Running of the Bulls, Pamplona

Today marked the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain, better known as the Running of the Bulls. Back in 2006, I traveled to Spain to both run and to photograph some of the San Fermin events. As a participant, you weren't suppose to run with anything, including camera or video equipment or backpacks of any kind. When I ran, I bought along a small 35 mm film camera and squeezed off a few shots. There was quite a bit of panic on the faces of runners behind me and that's when I knew it was time to run for my life. Fortunately, the bulls passed on a long and straight part of the route so I avoided the dangerous turns where most of the injuries occur. In 2006, there was one fatality, an American man, and several injuries.

I finished the entire route and ended up inside the Plaza de Toros (bullring) where I dodged a few bulls before calling it quits. This is where things get pretty wild and many runners get injured.





On the second day, I was in the Plaza as a photojournalist, shooting the action and some of my favorite images to date.





The day I ran, most of the other daredevils were American, British and European men, along with a few American women.





If you are going to run, get there early and scope out the route, you may need to make a quick exit. If you are an observer, don't where open toed shoes, there's tons of glass, alcohol and other unpleasant things to step in and injure your feet.









Running with the bulls was a wild experience and while do not recommend it, everyone should try to get to Pamplona for the festival. The party atmosphere could be second to none so be ready to celebrate.



Steve Matteo Photography, a Photojournalist Chicago, Wedding Photographers Chicago, Wedding Photography Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks, Stanley Cup Victory Parade

To loyal Chicago Blackhawk fans, a Stanley Cup victory was never in doubt. But when photographing a victory celebration, there's always the unexpected. What was supposed to be a crowd of 250,00 people quickly turned into a massive 2 million fan rally.









Once I arrived in the loop and saw the overwhelming crowd, my plans for photographing the event went out the window. I had originally though of shooting from two vantage points, one up in an office building and then from the street near the Cultural Center. I immediately abandoned the building view and proceeded to Washington Street. My contacts from working as a Chicago photojournalist for many years helped me get a great spot on the street. I would shoot from, inside the barricades and along the buses carrying the players right down Michigan to the rally point at Wacker.


























When the bus carrying Patrick Kane and Jonathan Towes, along with the Stanley Cup, arrived, a massive swarm of people followed. As thousands stampeded towards me, I tried to get as many shots as I could of the cup. In an instant, I was surrounded by thousands of fans with more flooding the street. Things got a bit ugly when a young woman fell to the ground and was trampled by at least a half dozen others. She sprang back to her feet and continued towards the players.
My plan to follow the parade to the rally came to a screeching halt. I feel fortunate to have escaped with my health, equipment and some nice shots of the players and the big prize, the Stanley Cup.


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In addition to my coverage of the victory parade, I've added some photos from around the city, showcasing Chicago's Blackhawk spirit. Some of the memorable sights include Buckingham Fountain and the CNA Building.







As a fan and Chicago sports photographer, seeing the Blackhawks beat the Flyers was an awesome sight. Being a part of the victory celebration was an incredible experience, one that I'll never forget.