10 Best Chicago Event Photographers (2025 Guide)
Chicago has a huge event scene, so you have plenty of photographers to choose from. Each one brings a different style and pace, and the right choice depends on the type of event you’re hosting. In this guide, we’ve gathered a list of Chicago event photographers that handle corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and large productions with steady, reliable work, so it’s easier for you to make a decision.
Overview of the Top Picks
| Photographer / Studio | Primary Focus | Event Types | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Pod | Automated portraits | Corporate events, trade shows, brand activations | Self-service portraits, instant delivery, branded overlays |
| Tori Soper Photography | Corporate event coverage | Conferences, panels, networking, award shows | Event photography, headshot lounge, team headshots |
| Eva Ho Photography | Documentary and lifestyle | Special events, weddings, family gatherings, portraits | Event coverage, family sessions, weddings, corporate portraits |
| Chicago Corporate Photography & Video | Corporate visual production | Meetings, conferences, trade shows | Event photography, headshots, branding, video production |
| MK Event Photo | Energetic events + photo booths | Weddings, parties, festivals, corporate events | Event photography, photo booths, on-site portraits |
| The JV Studio | Event photography + full production | Corporate events, brand activations, trade shows | Event recap photos, videos, headshots, commercial photography |
| Gold Grid Studios | Branding-focused corporate work | Conferences, executive events, internal programs | Event photography, headshots, team portraits |
| Alan Luntz Photography | Lifestyle and milestone events | Weddings, proposals, family celebrations | Event photography, portraits, engagements |
| Edward Fox Photography & Video | Classic corporate and wedding coverage | Weddings, corporate events, formal programs | Event photography, portraits, video production |
| Riverview Photography | Large corporate events | Conferences, trade shows, meetings, ceremonies | Event photography, on-site print |
1. Studio Pod
Studio Pod gives your guests a simple way to take clean, professional portraits during your event. They step inside, follow short on-screen cues, and walk out with polished photos they can use right away. It runs on its own, so you never need a photographer or attendant to keep it going.
Event Types:
Studio Pod works well for corporate events, trade shows, conferences, award nights, and any gathering where guests want a quick, high-quality portrait. Many planners also use it during brand activations or private parties where people want something they can share instantly.
Style Notes:
The pod uses bright, even lighting and automatic adjustments that keep every portrait consistent. You get a crisp, studio-style look without any setup time or guesswork. Guests receive their photos instantly, and you can add event branding if you want a unified look.
Services:
Automated portrait sessions
High-volume guest portraits
Instant digital delivery
Branding overlays for events
Self-service headshot station
2. Tori Soper Photography
Tori Soper Photography focuses on corporate work and produces steady, clean coverage for events of all sizes. Her team moves quickly, stays organized, and documents key moments without interrupting the flow. You get images that feel natural and clear, which helps you use them across brand, marketing, and internal channels.
Event Types:
Tori Soper handles corporate events, multi-day conferences, panels, award shows, networking sessions, and large-scale trade shows. Her team also manages headshot lounges, team portraits, and corporate lifestyle shoots when companies need consistent branding across all images.
Style Notes:
Her work uses simple lighting, natural color, and sharp framing that keeps the focus on people and interactions. She tracks speakers, crowd reactions, and small details that help you show the full story of your event. Her process is structured, so you receive organized galleries and fast delivery.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Conference coverage
Headshot lounge for events
Team headshots
Corporate lifestyle sessions
3. Eva Ho Photography
Eva Ho brings a calm, documentary style to every session. She focuses on real moments and keeps the process simple, which helps people relax in front of the camera. Her background outside photography gives her a grounded, human approach that shows up in her work.
Event Types:
Eva covers special events, weddings, and family-focused gatherings. She also takes on corporate headshots and environmental portraits for businesses that want images with a natural, approachable tone.
Style Notes:
Her images lean toward soft color, natural light, and quiet expressions. She avoids heavy posing and keeps sessions easy, which creates photos that feel warm and true to the moment. She chooses locations with her clients and aims for sessions that feel comfortable from start to finish.
Services:
Special event coverage
Wedding photography
Family portraits
Corporate headshots
Environmental portraits
4. Chicago Corporate Photography & Video
Chicago Corporate Photography & Video handles a wide range of business events and brand projects. Their team has more than two decades of experience, and they move well in large rooms with fast schedules and big attendance.
Event Types
They cover corporate events, meetings, conventions, and trade shows. They also work with teams on executive portraits, headshots, and company branding shoots. Their video group produces highlight reels and promotional videos.
Style Notes
Their work uses clean framing, bright lighting, and simple editing that keeps the focus on people and presentations. The team follows structured workflows and delivers consistent galleries across both photo and video.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Executive portraits
Headshots
Branding sessions
Video production
Event highlight videos
5. MK Event Photo
MK Event Photo focuses on energetic event coverage and high-volume guest engagement. Their team brings a mix of photo booths and traditional photography, so you get both candid moments and fun, interactive shots. They work fast and keep the process easy, which helps events run smoothly.
Event Types:
They cover weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, festivals, and private celebrations. Their team also travels for national and international events when clients need support outside Chicago.
Style Notes:
Their photography leans toward bright color, clear lighting, and simple posing. The photo booth setups include backdrops and props that fit casual or playful events. Their approach works well when you want a mix of structured photos and spontaneous guest interactions.
Services:
Event photography
Photo booth rentals
Edited event galleries
On-site guest portraits
Portable backdrops and props
6. The JV Studio
The JV Studio is a full-service production team that covers events, photography, and brand storytelling. They handle creative work from planning to delivery, which helps companies keep everything under one roof. Their team works fast and stays flexible, so they can adapt when an event shifts or grows.
Event Types:
They cover corporate events, conferences, brand activations, trade shows, and marketing-focused gatherings. Their team also handles commercial shoots, headshots, and product photography for companies that need ongoing brand content.
Style Notes:
Their work leans toward sharp lighting, clean edits, and steady coverage that highlights people and movement. They use a structured workflow that keeps projects on schedule, and they blend candid event shots with simple posed images based on what the client needs.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Event recap videos
Brand activation coverage
Corporate headshots
Commercial and product photography
Full video production
7. Gold Grid Studios
Gold Grid Studios focuses on commercial and corporate photography with a strong emphasis on branding. Their team takes time to learn how each company works, which helps them create images that feel consistent with a client’s story. They move quietly through events and office spaces, keeping people comfortable while still capturing the moments you need.
Event Types:
They cover corporate events, multi-day conferences, executive dinners, and internal company programs. They also photograph professional headshots, team portraits, and branding-focused sessions for companies that want long-term visual consistency.
Style Notes:
Their work uses natural expressions, clean lighting, and simple composition. They blend into busy rooms and provide quick preview images when clients need something fast. Their editing style stays true to brand colors and creates a polished, professional look.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Professional headshots
Team portraits
Brand-focused commercial photography
On-site office photography
8. Alan Luntz Photography
Alan Luntz focuses on warm, personal photography that highlights real connection and everyday milestones. His sessions feel relaxed, and he guides people gently so they look natural in front of the camera. He works well with families, couples, and anyone who wants images that feel personal and honest.
Event Types:
He covers weddings, proposals, family celebrations, birthdays, and small events across Chicago and the suburbs. He also photographs portraits, headshots, and lifestyle sessions for people who want something simple and easy.
Style Notes:
His work uses bright color, natural expressions, and soft direction that keeps the session calm. He stays patient during shoots and adjusts as things evolve, which helps clients see their real personality in the final gallery. Sessions often include a mix of candid movement and light posing.
Services:
Event photography
Portraits and headshots
Engagement and proposal sessions
Kids and family photography
Weddings and elopements
9. Edward Fox Photography & Video
Edward Fox Photography & Video brings a long history of event coverage, with more than a century of experience behind their work. Their team handles large events with steady coordination and keeps the process simple from start to finish. They focus on clear, dependable coverage that fits both personal and corporate needs.
Event Types:
They cover weddings, corporate events, business programs, and formal gatherings across Chicago. They also photograph portraits and company-related sessions when clients need consistent images for branding or internal use.
Style Notes:
Their work leans toward classic framing, balanced lighting, and clean edits. They follow a traditional approach that highlights key moments, group portraits, and formal scenes while still capturing natural movement throughout the event.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Wedding photography
Portraits and headshots
Video production
Legacy and archival event coverage
10. Riverview Photography
Riverview Photography has more than 25 years of experience covering large corporate events and multi-day programs. Their team focuses on clear, steady coverage and keeps the process simple for planners who need organized images delivered on time. They move well in busy spaces and understand how to document events for marketing and PR.
Event Types:
They cover conventions, conferences, trade shows, meetings, award ceremonies, banquets, receptions, and private events. They also support companies that need photo stations or recap images during high-traffic corporate gatherings.
Style Notes:
Their images use bright color, sharp detail, and clean framing. They follow a polished event style that works well for business audiences. They also offer on-site printing for guests who want physical photos and provide retouching when clients need refined edits.
Services:
Corporate event photography
Conference and trade show coverage
On-site photo printing
Retouching and image enhancement
Branded photo stations
How to Choose the Right Photographer in Chicago
Browsing portfolios isn’t enough to pick the right photographer. You’re looking for someone whose personality, workflow, and experience match your event’s pace and style. Here’s a couple of steps you can follow to decide who is going to be photographing your next event.
1. Review their portfolio.
Look for variety with both candid and posed shots. Ensure they’ve covered events similar to yours.
2. Read reviews.
Check Google, Yelp, and PartySlate for client experiences and delivery reliability.
3. Discuss the venue.
Photographers familiar with popular spaces like Morgan’s on Fulton, The Geraghty, or Loft on Lake will already know the lighting and layout.
4. Confirm deliverables.
Ask about editing style, turnaround time, and licensing rights.
5. Ask about gear and backup.
Make sure they carry backup cameras, batteries, and lighting equipment.
Final Thoughts
Chicago has a wide range of photographers who can document conferences, galas, trade shows, and private celebrations with steady, clear results. Each studio brings a different pace and style, so the best choice depends on what kind of experience you want your guests to have. If you need a modern add-on or a simple way to give guests professional portraits during your event, Studio Pod is a strong fit. You can book your Studio Pod session now and have it working alongside photographers on your next event.
FAQs
How much do event photographers charge in Chicago?
Most photographers charge between $150 and $300 per hour, depending on the event, experience level, and editing needs.
How many photos do I get per hour?
You usually receive 70 to 100 edited photos per hour, though some deliver more for large events or multi-camera work.
Do photographers charge extra for corporate events?
Some do. You may see higher pricing when you need fast delivery, licensing for marketing, or multi-day coverage.
How far in advance should I book a Chicago event photographer?
Most professionals book out two to six months ahead, especially for conferences and annual events.
Can Studio Pod replace a photographer at an event?
Studio Pod doesn’t replace event coverage. It works alongside your photographer by giving guests fast, polished portraits without interrupting the event schedule.
More Chicago Guides:
Joseph West
Photographer, CEO of Studio Pod
Joseph is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and creativity. He has initiated and expanded multiple ventures, leveraging AI for multiple photography applications.
