Troy Carter Photography

Kennedy Carter's finally here!

2010-01-17T15:54:00.004-06:00

Yes, that's right, my wife Joanne and I have a new daughter, Kennedy Rhae brought to us just this last week. Born at 8lbs, 11oz and 22.5" long both Kennedy and Mom are home and doing very well. Cash, Kennedy's 3yr old brother is also super excited to finally have her home and he's been unbelievably great with his little sister so far. So, here are a couple pictures taken at the hospital of our new addition. I'm sure that when things settle down I'll be taking more official shots so stay tuned for more to come.

Who is Troy Carter?

2009-12-10T16:51:00.004-06:00

Who am I?

I am a 30 something year old photographer with a background as a design engineer. My wife and I have one Son and a soon to be here daughter. I am always outgoing and fit in well at parties, which works out well for weddings. Some people think I'm a techie but I think I've only really got one foot in that hole with the other foot stuck in a pile of fun.

Why me over the other guys?

Simple, I strive to provide outstanding photography with unbeatable customer relationships. I’m dedicated to you and your needs no matter what they may be and work with you in order to achieve your goals. I like to form relationships with my clients that allow my work and what I supply to you to be as good as it gets and to fit with exactly what you have envisioned. I deal directly and honestly with Clients from the very beginning and I am available to support my work and products at all stages of our working relationship.

What about my work?

Did I mention that I like to have fun? Well, I also like to have fun when taking pictures so I try to keep things upbeat and fun when I'm working and I like to show that with some of my work. I prefer vivid photographs that draw you into the subject but I don't claim to have a single specific style, instead I shoot with various styles depending on the mood of the event. I love, love, love outdoor shoots just about anywhere with some of my favorite photographs being taken at some of the most unlikely locations.

My favorite tools:

>Canon Professional Digital Cameras
>Imagination
>Fun

Hey, look it's me creating some photographs.

Look what happens when you hand a guest your camera! That's me on the right with my second shooter Marty receiving the tongue lashing. I'm certain he'll really love to see this shot up here on the blog;-)

Melissa and Christian Tie the Knot with Cubbies Flare!

2009-10-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

“Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living.”
- Alvin Dark

Maybe it wasn't a full season but for one fleeting moment Melissa and Christian had the privilege of playing at Wrigley Field. Six years to the day after the Cubs clinch the National League Central division title their wedding was hosted at The Friendly Confines on Chicago's north side where the Cubs have played ball since 1916. On this day there were no bleacher bums throwing balls back onto the field but all of the greats were there in spirit and the place was truly alive for Melissa and Chris's day.

My Take - Photobooth

2009-10-11T11:25:00.002-05:00

Some call it a backdrop area, portrait station, crazy booth, or photo station but I call it the Photobooth and put a slightly different spin on how it works. Most photobooth rentals are just that, a photobooth like you would find in any mall that spits out a tiny little strip of pictures that are virtually useless for anything more than a quick giggle and a trash can. The booths are small fitting 1-2 people and really limit the fun to be had with groups and props.

So what's the solution to this?

Enter a proper Photobooth! A cross between the classic mall photostation and a traditional wedding portrait backdrop area where you get rewarded with instant hard copy prints and the help of a dedicated photographer. This is entertainment! No more confusion on when the picture is going to be taken, or what you do with a miniature 1-1/2" picture but instead you get a professional photographer working with you to produce fun, useful 4x6 or 5x7 pictures for your guests to take home with them. Each complete set of photobooth pictures is also included with your photography package and available for online viewing and printing just like all the rest of the images from your wedding.

Kelly and Matt Begin Their Life Together!

2009-10-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

Kelly and Matt held their nuptials at the wonderful Christ Lutheran Church in Orland Park followed by a blow out bash at Galic Park in Oak Forest. From start to finish this was a wonderful day for everyone involved! Congratulations to both of you!

Not for the Traditional Bride - Trashing the Dress

2009-07-07T15:44:00.009-05:00

Did you ever imagine that you would see a Bride doing unthinkable things while wearing her dress? A few years ago I didn't either but more and more Brides are breaking the mold taking part in trash the dress photo sessions and I'm super excited to be a part of them. The TTD photo shoots are fun, spontaneous and best of all they don't have any rules, like keeping the dress clean so any hooligan thoughts that you may have can come to life. Some recent divorced women are even dawning their wedding dress one last time in a symbolic display as they ruin what they once cherished doing unthinkable things and I say to them, go for it! In fact, let’s trash the dress together! If you happen to see a bride running through a fountain in Chicago with a photographer close behind you may have just found me.

Yes, that is a burning wedding dress. No Photoshop required, just a match and some gasoline!

Leticia and Jim Tie the Knot

2009-06-08T23:43:00.006-05:00

Who: Leticia and Jim
What: Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Where: Blue Island, St. Donatus-Hickory Hills, Sabre Room

When: June 6th 2009

Why: Love

Everyone meet Stephen. Stephen meet Everyone.

2009-05-13T22:39:00.005-05:00

Who: Stephen (plus Mom and Dad)
What: Maternity
Where: Chicago Illinois
When: May 10th 2009
Why: Because we can.

Spring, finally!

2009-05-05T04:23:00.006-05:00

Is that spring I smell in the air? I think it is!

I can't wait to get outside and shoot after what seems like the eternal winter here in Chicago and with this weeks warm weather and budding trees I'm bound to find somewhere to go. So while I prepare for a couple portrait sessions and bridal shoots that I have coming up shortly I'm going to post a few shots taken over the winter when outdoor portraits were not really something anyone was willing to attempt.

And as a reminder I'm available for all of your photography needs; Weddings in Chicago and abroad, portraits sessions, newborn photographs, engagement sessions, boudoir, and I cover corporate and private events of all types.

A few from a trip to Washington state's Palouse Falls shortly after a winter thaw.

Easter Egg hunting anyone?

The edge of a frozen river.

Meredith and Mike Out and About

2009-02-13T22:18:00.003-06:00

As winter in Chicago drags it's way through February I find myself really, really wishing for spring and I'm certain that I am not the only one who feels this way. Earlier this week we had a couple teaser days of warmth that served as reminders of just how great spring and fall weather in the midwest really is. As much as I wish that I could bring those days back at my beckoning will, the reality is that I simply cannot, but I can bring a touch of warmth to my little corner of the world wide web by sharing a few portraits taken back when warm weather was the norm. So for now, until spring, enjoy and stay warm.

P.S. Don't forget to schedule your portrait session soon!

Let's just call it the Party of the Year!

2008-11-28T16:23:00.003-06:00

Jaclyn and Tim threw themselves a whooping party to celebrate their marriage that included all their family and good friends. What a great couple, a great night and a great union! I was honored to attend their wedding at Christ the King in Chicago followed by a wonderful evening and party at The Belvedere Chateau in Palos Hills Illinois. This was one of those evenings that nobody wanted to end. Congratulations to Jackie and Tim, we wish you all the best! Click here to view the full gallery of pictures online.

I'd also like to thank both Shannon from A Sweet Touch Photography and Marty from MSR Photography for both coming along to photograph this wedding with me and allowing everything to go perfectly smooth all evening.

Christy and Mike's Wedding Day.

2008-11-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

Christy and Mike decided to be wed in the fall this year and put together a wonderful wedding day followed by a seriously rockin' party at the reception. The Wayside Chapel was a gorgeous location in Palos Park Illinois for the ceremony and the reception was held at Orland Chateau. Christy, Mike and all their family and friends were a real treat to work for and I wish them the best with all their adventures in life. My thanks go out to Shannon from A Sweet Touch Photography for helping out at the reception on short notice and doing a wonderful job. The full set of images can be found in the gallery.

Joannie and Jimmy, what a great couple

2008-11-04T22:23:00.008-06:00

I recently met with Joannie and Jim for a quick late afternoon session and walked away with some of the most memorable moments I've had in a long time. Northern Illinois weather cooperated just long enough for use to have a great time without freezing solid, which is a serious fear this time of year in Chicago. Photographing this couple was truly enjoyable, like the pressure free atmosphere of a good friends company. I'm thinking that we'll have to meet for some Chicago style hot dogs in the future, but for now enjoy this sampling of the portraits made of them.

I'd again like to thank Marty for assiting and coming up with some great ideas at this photo shoot as well as Shannon from A Sweet Touch Photography who has some shots of her own from this couple that you can find on her site.

Some People are Just Plain Lucky!

2008-10-14T19:30:00.002-05:00

And today that person is myself! WOW, today I met up with a great couple, Kelly and Matt for an engadgment photo session on a day that turned out to be as wonderful as the company I was with. A good friend of mine, Marty, came out to help with this shoot which I very well appreciated. Thanks Marty! Kelly and Matt were also a pleasure to photograph, speak to and hang out with all evening and I can't wait to work with them again in the future.

Portrait Session for Save the Date and Engagements, Family, High School Seniors, Lifestyle, Newborns and All Special Occasions

2008-10-03T14:02:00.009-05:00

Portrait sessions are available for save the date and engagements, family portraiture, high school senior portraits, lifestyle portraits, newborn and children's portraits and all other special occasions including boudoir. We specialize in location and in home portrait sessions for family and child portraits. Large group shots and reunion pictures are also a favorite of ours.

- $250 sitting fee includes the first two hours
- $50 per additional hour
- No travel fees in the Chicagoland area

For most in home family and children's sessions the first two hours is generally enough time however locational sessions and senior portraits may require extra time.

All sessions include a CD with the final color corrected and adjusted images. Professional prints, gift items and greeting cards are also available.

Online Dating Portrait Session Special Offer - $100

This offer is specifically for individuals looking to show themselves off in their online dating profiles with attractive, professional pictures. Show yourself off, go ahead, you deserve it! Match.com, eHarmony.com, Chemistry.com, use them anywhere you like to get the hookups you desire. Get rid of the myspace style self portraits and highlight yourself to others. Online singles dating portrait sessions are available at your location of choice and only take about an hour.

Contact us now for more details.

The Wedding of Kelly and Ken

2008-10-01T09:03:00.005-05:00

Weddings are full of surprises and delights. Kelly and Ken's wedding day was filled with wonderful moments and great surprises that all came together to form what may be the most perfect day in their lives. With splendid weather all day, wonder family and friends surrounding them and an immense party in the evening this is a day I'll remember for a long time. So, with that I'm pleased to present to the world Kelly and Ken's wedding, frozen in photographic bliss, simply click here and enjoy the pictures.

Jenalyn and Alan Celebrate on a Wonderful Day

2008-08-25T12:43:00.006-05:00

Jenalyn and Alan picked a great day to have an outdoor wedding, from sunrise to sunset everything went perfectly from the weather to the days events, what a great day! Set at The Wayside Chapel in Palos Park Illinois, their wedding ceremony was elegant, simple and beautiful followed by a pristine day of eating, drinking and dancing with family and friends. I wish Jenalyn and Alan all the best in their journey together and thank them for the opportunity to work with such great people. The rumor is that this was only one, of two wedding planned for this couple with the second to be held in the Philippines were I hope everything is as perfect as it turned out to be here. But for now, enjoy these pictures and feel free to visit their gallery to see all of the wedding photographs.

Rachel and Brian marry at Bird Haven Greenhouse!

2008-07-29T16:33:00.009-05:00

July 20th 2008, a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine, the day Rachel and Brian choose as their wedding day turned out to be a spectacular for everyone there. Bird Haven Greenhouse in nearby Joliet Illinois was a wonderful setting and the weather could not have been better given that rain showers were expected. I thank both of them for allowing me the pleasure of photographing their wedding day and hope that it is 100 times as memorable to them as it is to myself. Congratulations to both of you! The full gallery of wedding pictures from their wedding day can be viewed here but until then here's a sneak peak at some photos.

2008-07-01T21:45:00.008-05:00

Hey everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Jacklyn and Tim, a great couple that are set to read their vows this fall. I'd like to thank them for meeting me in Chicago to have a short get to know each other photo session which turned out to be a wonderful night with great company. I can't wait to photograph this vibrant couples wedding later this year! See you two then...

Lupe and Ryan's Wedding

2008-06-19T11:28:00.002-05:00

What could be better than a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the sun shining down on you? How about a wedding on that day at the Blue Jacket Memorial Chapel within the Great Lakes Naval Station, wouldn’t that be great! Well, it was great and I’m glad to say that I had a great time there with Lupe, Ryan and all the guests. OK, so it rained for a short time after the wonderful ceremony but that couldn’t dampen the spirits of anyone who was attending this great day. Their wedding album has been uploaded for viewing at http://galleries.troycarterphotography.com/p876307151/ for the interested parties. Enjoy!

Lori and Rich's Wedding

2008-05-22T22:56:00.003-05:00

WOW, What a great couple Lori and Rich are and what a great wedding they had! Their wedding day was a mixed bag of weather with heavy winds and periods of rain but that didn't stop anyone there from having a great time. There was rain showers and rainbows, big smiles and tears of joy. I am just now putting the finishing touches on their wedding pictures and should have them posted shortly but until then...

What a great day for a photo session in Chicago!

2008-04-23T22:52:00.003-05:00

Sunday April 20th I met up with Kelly and Ken for an informal photo session and to get some save the date shots for their September wedding. I really enjoyed their company and hope that I can provide them with everything they are looking for. We met downtown at the "bean" in Millennium Park and just casually strolled around the area stopping along the way for some photographs.

I am working on the shots from this session now and should have them ready to send over shortly so if you two are reading this...it'll just be a short time before you have some great photos.

Well, Spring is finally here and the wedding season is getting under way!!!

2008-04-22T13:01:00.001-05:00

After a long winter in Chicago Spring is finally starting to bloom and the wedding season is just beginning. With spring also comes the start of my blogging days which can be read and followed here through the year and into the future so keep reading and check back often for updates.

The first news for this season is Lori and Rich's approaching wedding which is set for May 2nd 2008 at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Il. This should turn out to be a wonderful day at an extremely nice setting and I can't wait to post some shots from their big day.

Troy Carter Photography's Wedding Packages

2008-01-01T22:13:00.025-06:00

Please note that all pricing shown is to be used as a guideline and that all packages may be customized to fit your needs and desires. Contact us for an appointment to discuss your needs.

Are you outside Chicago? Wisconsin, Indiana or abroad we're happy to travel to where you need us, just ask.

The Standard - $1700
• Up to 8 hours of event coverage
• Online viewing and ordering of prints
• Printed proof book – no print sales required, you keep the proof book!
• Hardcover photo book (20 pages, 30-40 pictures)
• High resolution disk with all images for any use, web, email, prints etc.
• No travel fees within the Chicago area
• Any number of locations

The Primo- $2400
• Complimentary Engagement photo shoot
• Up to 10 hours of event coverage
• Online viewing and ordering of prints
• Printed proof book – no print sales required, you keep the proof book!
• 12 x 12 Leather bound album (20 pages, 30-50 prints of your choice) These albums ROCK!
• High resolution disk with all images for any use, web, email, prints etc.
• No travel fees within the Chicago area
• Any number of locations

The Everything - $3500
• Complimentary Engagement photo shoot
• Up to 12 hours of event coverage
• Two photographers all day
• Portrait booth at reception with onsite printing
• Online viewing and ordering of prints
• Printed proof book – no print sales required, you keep the proof book!
• 12 x 12 Leather bound album (20 pages, 30-50 prints of your choice) These albums ROCK!
• Two gift albums (duplicates of large album)
• High resolution disk with all images for any use, web, email, prints etc.
• No travel fees within the Chicagoland area
• Any number of locations

The Options

• Second Photographer for full event- $600
• Portrait booth with onsite printing (Includes second photographer at reception) - $700
• 10x13 Hardcover photo book – Starting at $300
• 7x7 Hard cover gift albums – Starting at $150 each
• 12" x 12" Leather bound albums – Starting at $850 each
• Gift duplicates of the Leather album (4"x4") - from $60 each.
• Printed Proof book – ($.45 per image)

The FAQ's, PDQ's and XYZ's

2007-12-31T23:46:00.006-06:00

Q: Do you shoot film or digital?
A: Digital for all wedding and portrait photography but I do still on occasion use my 35mm film gear for recreation. Digital has come a long way in the past decade with the currently available professional digital cameras having several advantages over shooting on film. Don't get me wrong, I still love film but digital offers less down time, endless number of pictures, more capture and editing options and a more direct connection to each image for the photographer which is why I chose to shoot purely digital.

Q: What camera do you use and what happens if it breaks during the wedding?
A: I shoot with Canon Professional cameras with an assortment of lenses from the ultra wide thru telephoto, zoom lenses and primes, so that I can capture every important detail of your day. I carry several cameras and backup lenses so there will never be a problem with defective non-working equipment. There are no re-do's in weddings so preparation and backup is essential.

Q: I see that some of your packages offer a high resolution disc with all the pictures on them. Are these pictures the digital negatives straight from the camera?
A: No, they are BETTER! The pictures included on the disc are enhanced or edited versions that have been color and exposure corrected and are ready to be printed.

Q: OK, but what if I want professional print, do you offer these and how would I order them?
A: Yes, your pictures will be available for viewing and print ordering online and will be shipped directly to you. Printed proof books are also included in most packages and orders can be placed directly with us.

Q: How long will a digital print last?
A: We print only on professional Kodak photographic paper from a professional print house that can last a lifetime. Our prints are exactly as they would have been from film with the same longevity, color, and feel. Kodak Endura paper is generally recognized as the best portraiture printing paper in the business and is the only paper we offer, outside of canvas.

Q: How many pictures do you take?
A: At an average 150-200 guest wedding we will typically deliver 400-600 pictures to you. From the originals we edit out the duplicate shots and pictures where the subjects don't look their best leaving in the end the best pictures from the entire collection of images.

Q: What about table shots? Do you always take them?
A: This is up to the Bride and Groom. If you want them then I'll be glad to take them for you but some couples find that table shots are either not required or interruptive to diner and ask that they not be taken.

Q: Can I keep my proofs?
A: Absolutely! Proofs are included in most of the wedding photography packages and are yours to keep. You don't need to sell any prints to your family and friends to keep them.

Q: Are we expected to have a plate for you to eat?
A: Yes, for both myself and any assistant or second photographer that I have with me. Most wedding days are 8-16 hour days for the photographer and at some point a meal will be required during that time. I generally either fit myself in at a table with open seats and mingle during diner or will eat in the bar/lounge area so there is not need to reserve a seat for me in most cases.

Q: Do you always bring an assistant?
A: Not always but very often I will have someone there for at least a portion of the day to assist with moving gear and lighting equipment. For larger events I strongly suggest opting for a second photographer with your photography package to help cover the days events. A second photographer can easily capture candid shots, detail shots, overall venue pictures and creative shots that the lead photographer often can not because the lead photographer is generally focusing all attention to the Bride and Groom. The option for a second shooter may seem expensive up front but is always appreciated later. Additionally a second photographer is required when a portrait backdrop area is requested in order to allow the lead photographer to continuously cover the evenings events.

Q: What if I want something that I don't see listed on your website?
A: Just ask and I'll be glad to work with you to find exactly what you are looking for. Remember, my packages and options are a typical guideline but can be customized in any way you would like.

Q: Do you offer engagement photo sessions?
A: Yes, in fact they are offered free with many packages! The engagement session photographs are posted online for anyone to see or order prints from and high resolution digital copies are given to the Bride and Groom. You can use these for save the date cards, to make scrapbooks, email to family and friends or whatever you would like. I find that engagement sessions help to allow the couple and myself to get to know each other, they prepare you for life in front of a camera for your wedding day making you more comfortable on the big day, and they are almost always fun. Engagement or save the date sessions are available starting at $150 à la carte.

Q: What happens if you are sick or injured and cannot make it to our wedding?
A: I would make every possible effort to arrange for a suitable photographer to fill in for my in the unlikely and unfortunate event that I could not make it to your wedding. If I can not find a replacement photographer I will refund any and all funds that I have received for photographing your special day. However, I have never had this situation arise and I hope that it never will, but I cannot exclude the unforeseen from occurring.

Q: Where are you located and what areas to you cover?
A: Troy Carter Photography is located in Lockport Illinois and covers the Chicago and suburban areas without any travel fees. We are available to travel to any location and often travel to the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.