your photographer, historian, + hype woman
Meet Victoria
Hello friends! My name is Victoria (she/her)- it's so nice to meet you! According to my enneagram chart, I am a type one, and October Libra with endless ambitions. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but Chicago is my current home. While I'm located in Illinois, I am always willing to travel for my awesome clients!
Growing up, I have always had an interest in photography. I'd like to say I was born with a camera in my hands. I'd use up countless disposable cameras as a child taking photos of anything that was in my line of vision. Flash forward (no pun intended), I was gifted my first Canon DSLR camera at sixteen and the rest is history.
In 2022, I graduated from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA with a degree in History, a minor in English, and by summer 2023- a master's degree in Education. This summer I began my career in higher education as an Admissions Counselor. While I love helping students figure out their dreams, I am still working towards my dream of growing my photography business.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, listening to a lot of Taylor Swift, and spending time with my cat, Nova. Some other interesting facts about me are that I've been teaching myself French over the last two years, flamingos are my favorite animal, and my favorite food is Sushi.
Photography is my passion and I believe I was born to be a photographer. There's nothing I love more than spending my time falling more in life with the life beyond my camera lens. I can't wait to get to know you and cheer you on from behind my camera.
PHOTOGRAPHY + ME
When Did You Get Into Photography?
As a child, I would use up a ton of my parents' disposable cameras; taking pictures of anything and everything. Then, on my 16th birthday, my parents gifted me a Canon Rebel T5i, and the rest is history! Since then, I have dedicated a huge portion of my life to photography as a loyal canon gal!
​
What makes your work stand out from other photographers?
I always try to put a unique twist on my work, whether through framing or playing around with the sun. My goal is to find ways to make my clients' personalities shine through in any way possible. I incorporate both factors into my work by establishing a relationship with my clients to ensure they are comfortable with me and in front of the camera. I am a professional historian and I have the rare ability to see photography from two distant perspectives. As a historian, I know how crucial it is to capture life's moments with respect and the knowledge that these photographs will be a part of one's life story for many generations to come. Images serve a purpose to tell a unique story in someone's life. As a photographer, I have the skills to successfully preserve your moments and ensure that you will have them for years to come.
​
What is your favorite thing to shoot?
As a hopeless romantic, I would be biased to say weddings and couples. However, each type of portrait I specialize in is special in its way. Whether I am shooting my hundredth graduation cap toss or a married couple’s first kiss, I am honored to know that I got to play a role in capturing and preserving one's memories.
​
What is the best part about being a photographer?
Aside from meeting and working with some of the nicest people in the world, my favorite thing about being a photographer is getting to witness some of life's most beautiful moments through my viewfinder and taking unforgettable images that my clients will love and cherish for many years. Truthfully, I have the coolest job in the world and I would not trade my camera or the relationships I build with my clients for anything.
MY
FAVORITE
THINGS
01. My go-to cocktail will always be
Margaritas or Mules!
02. My favorite season is Summer
03. My favorite Taylor Swift Era is Speak Now.
04. I am always in the mood for Thai Food
05. Growing my vinyl record
collection is my third full-time job.
-
Should we make a shot list?Yes! I am all for shot lists. I know I work best with lists and visuals and if it makes you feel at ease- then go for it! The only "formal" shot list I require for weddings are the list of names and combinations for family formals. I have some examples that I can happily send your way to make that task a little easier for you and your future spouse! I tend to create a general shot list with every couple, but if you have any ideas or suggestions you know you would like photos of or with- then by all means let me know! I know I am a sucker for Pinterest and Tiktok and if you are too and something catches your eye I will happily work with you to ensure that I get everything you and your significant other want!
-
Are you insured?Simply, yes! Me and my gear are fully insured. I am insured to show venues when needed, and all of my gear is too in the instance something were to happen to any of my things.
-
Am I a LGBTQIA + and BIPOC friendly vendor?Yes! I am proud to say that I am a LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC friendly photographer and ally. It is my priority to create a welcoming space for all of my clients, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. My goal is to make sure that each and every person feels comfortable and respected during our photography sessions.
-
How does payment work?When it comes to payment, I require a 10% down-payment of your chosen package, and then I am paid the other 90% by the wedding/session date. I accept payments via cash, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, + Credit via Pixieset. Any additional financial questions or concerns can be discussed during our consultation chat!
-
We feel awkward in front of the camera! What do we do?No sweat! It’s my goal to make my sessions feel as natural and relaxed as possible. My solution is to make sure my clients are comfortable with me first. During the session, I will provide plenty of direction to ensure you are comfortable and almost always moving around!
-
Do you have a studio?At this time, I am mainly an on-location photographer; however, I would be more than willing to look and research into renting studio space for your needs! - Additional fees may apply