Yes, I'm available for worldwide travel! I love to explore and photograph new places and would love to photograph your destination wedding or family outside of Chicagoland. And to let you in on a little secret, I would just LOVE to travel to Colombia (again!), Jamaica (again!), Yellowstone, Utah, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Mexico (again!), Europe, Florida, Texas (again!), and the Grand Canyon (again!) - among some on my bucket list - for wedding days and family sessions. Looking for photos outside of Chicagoland? Let's chat!
DO YOU TRAVEL?
It’s my goal to provide not only wedding photography but an unmatched wedding experience for each and every couple. I’m not that photographer that just shows up on your wedding day, delivers your photos a few months later, and never talks to you again. When you book wedding photography with Kara Evans Photographer, you’re getting so much more than a wedding photographer… You’re getting a wedding cheerleader, bonus wedding party member, timeline extraordinaire, professional dress fluffer, bouquet carrier, friend, and so much more!
LET’S TALK INVESTMENT. YOU CAN SEE THAT I’M NOT THE CHEAPEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER in wedding industry… WANT TO KNOW WHY?
Yes, a million times yes! Wedding photography turnaround is up to 8 weeks post-wedding. It's my commitment to you to deliver your wedding photos and video in a timely manner. Friend, you’re gonna have those memories in your hands in no time!
IS IT REALISTIC TO SAY THAT I’LL HAVE WEDDING PHOTOS and VIDEO IN MY HANDS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS POST-WEDDING?
I love shooting in the warm, golden, and glowing light of a summer sunset. There is something about the gorgeous sunset light that makes me feel so fulfilled and faithful in creating. But don't get me wrong, I LOVE a natural light studio session, a snowy session, capturing the first blooming colors of spring, and the warm oranges and reds of fall. Truthfully, each season brings me joy as another season to photograph.
WHEN IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH?
Hands down, my 50mm f/1.4 wins! I reach for this lens pretty much 75% of the time, and I've been hooked ever since I photographed with it for the first time. It allows such a beautiful perspective. A few years ago, my answer would have been my 85mm f/1.4 as it used to be my go-to lens, but that all changed when I met the dreamy 50mm art lens. My second favorite? The 35mm f/1.4 is an absolute dream, too. And yes, I'm a prime lens kinda gal!
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO LENS?
For the most part, yes! I first started taking photos in 2010 and photographed my first wedding in 2011. I completed two college classes and have attended many photography conferences, but I continually learn from the photography and creative community around me – reading (lots of reading!), observing, watching videos, and shooting. Photographing couples and families pushes me to learn more each and every time I pick up my camera. Outside of photography, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies and a minor in Art from Illinois College.
ARE YOU A SELF-TAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHER?
Weddings are booked on a first come, first served basis, and we take a limited number of weddings each year. I’m sure you’re learning that dates book quickly in the wedding world! To secure your date and reserve it on my calendar, I require a signed contract and $750 nonrefundable retainer. And speaking of booking… All booking takes place online, yay!
WILL YOU HOLD MY DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR?
frequently asked questions
Wedding Photography
LET'S CONNECT!
Please fill out my contact form or email me at hello@karaevansphotographer.com, and I will be in touch soon to chat about session details and to schedule your family session.
I’M READY TO BOOK A SESSION, WHAT’S NEXT?
Sessions typically book 2-3 months in advance. I recommend booking your family session as soon as you can – when you start thinking about it, go ahead and contact me to start talking details. Booking early and in advance is best!
HOW FAR OUT DO SESSIONS BOOK?
Approximately two weeks after your session, the edited photos will be uploaded to a private online gallery (just like your wedding gallery if we photographed your big day!) where you can download the high resolution digital images. You will also have the option to purchase prints and products through the gallery.
WHEN WILL OUR GALLERY BE READY?
You betcha! I deliver a mix of color and black & white photos in your online gallery.
DO YOU DELIVER PHOTOS IN COLOR + BLACK & WHITE?
I love to help with outfits and each session includes access to my online outfit styling tool! My best advice when it comes to outfits? Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals – they always photograph wonderfully in the studio, in-home, and outdoors. Follow me on Pinterest and keep an eye on my Studio Outfit Inspo and What to Wear boards, too.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR FOR PHOTOS?
I recommend bringing along a favorite blanket or quilt and some of your kiddo’s favorite toys. Bringing along snacks can also super helpful at sessions – just keep in mind that you’re still taking photos, so try to choose less messy snacks if possible.
SHOULD WE BRING ANYTHING TO THE SESSION?
Sessions take place at our natural light studio in Kankakee or in the Kankakee area. For outdoor sessions, I have many favorite locations in the Kankakee area that I’d be happy to share with you! If you’re not local to the Kankakee area, full sessions include up to 50 roundtrip miles of travel from Kankakee and anything beyond that requires an additional travel fee. In terms of timing, sessions are scheduled on Tuesday-Thursdays during daylight hours at the studio or approximately one hour prior to sunset.
WHERE AND WHAT TIME DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
It’s absolutely part of my job to help your kiddo feel comfortable and have fun! We all have days where we’re feeling a little off, right? In all my years of family photography, I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a kid that wouldn’t come around eventually, in some way. It’s all about patience, incorporating fun & play, taking breaks if needed, and sometimes letting the kiddos take the lead for the session. Just try to stay calm and upbeat along the way because kids will be kids, and it’s always my goal to make photo magic!
WHAT IF MY KIDDO IS IN A BAD MOOD ON THE DAY OF OUR family SESSION?
First year milestones are so important to documenting the growth in your little one’s first year of life! I recommend two options – newborn, 4-month, 8-month, and 12-month milestone sessions or newborn, 6-month, and 12-month milestone sessions. Newborn photos require a full session, but mini sessions are perfect for documenting the other first year milestones. Some families prefer a mini session for the 12-month milestone as well, but I recommend choosing a full session for the 12-month milestone session so that you can incorporate multiple outfits and a cake smash for a little extra fun & celebration!
WHAT FIRST YEAR MILESTONES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
My approach to newborn photos is lifestyle-focused. Newborn photos can take place at the studio or in your home. These sessions are all about the connection and love that your family has for your new addition. During your session, I’ll take photos of the entire family along with each family member and the baby. If siblings or pets are involved, we take those photos first so that they can relax for the rest of the session. There will also be time for photos of the baby alone when they are the sleepiest with a full belly. I love to take photos of the baby swaddled or wearing a knotted gown and pose them in the ways you’d find them naturally.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO NEWBORN PHOTOS?
My family sessions focus on connection and letting your family be you! I love to incorporate traditional posing along with incorporating playful, movement-focused prompts. It’s my hope that you’ll look back on these photos years from now and be taken back to that season of your family’s life together and legacy.
WHAT IS A FAMILY SESSION WITH KARA EVANS PHOTOGRAPHER LIKE?
frequently asked questions
Family Photography
Mini sessions are great for anniversaries, first-year milestones, and getting a few quick, updated photos as kiddos grow. Full sessions are great for having more time to get comfortable in front of the camera, getting a bigger variety of family photos and individual kiddo photos, and for the option of having a second outfit (especially for kids!) at a specific milestone. Many that want to do a cake smash for first birthday photos opt for a full session so that we have time to do it all!
should I choose a full session or mini session?
In the days leading up to your scheduled session, I’ll be keeping an eye on the weather! If it looks like rain, we can either move your session to the studio or reschedule the session to another date. No worries about weather, we will adjust and pivot if needed!
