Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Brown.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been a wedding photographer for 10 years. I originally started my career in Indianapolis before moving to Chicago 6 years ago. I have always been drawn to photographing people and there is no better place to capture people’s joy and emotions than a wedding day!
In 2014, I launched a second business called Elope to Chicago that focuses on intimate weddings and elopements. I built a team of amazing local vendors to provide couples with everything they need to create their dream wedding day on a smaller scale. Currently we have photography (me), a florist, hair &makeup, two officiants and videography.
Although I still do a select number of large weddings a year, my true passion is intimate weddings and elopements. I love getting to know everyone at the wedding and having a real connection with my couples and their families and guests.
Please tell us about your art.
For me photographing weddings and elopements is less about taking a pretty picture and more about capturing something that people are going to remember for generations to come. It’s about the feeling and joy and emotions of the day. I want my couples to look back at their photos and be able to transport themselves back to that day anytime they want.
My goal as a photographer is to inspire couples to be themselves when it comes to their wedding day. Don’t be afraid to branch out from the “traditional” wedding and do something that represents the two of you as a couple. By creating our elopement packages we encourage couples to do something different. We’ve had couples get married at the Skydeck, say I do in heart of downtown with their only “guests” being those passing by who stopped to give them a cheer, and even get married in matching Mr. & Mrs. Blackhawks jerseys and take their guests to a game as the reception! Don’t want to wear a white dress? No problem! Want to get married on your anniversary, but it’s a Tuesday? No problem! Want to work in a Stars Wars quote to your ceremony? We can do that!
From my personal artistic standpoint. I always want my photography to stand the test of time. I prefer vibrant, true to color images vs. the new trends in photography and editing that come and go. Living in Chicago I love the all that the city has to offer. I always want to capture the energy and spirit of the city with some gorgeous portraits for my couples.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
For me wedding photography has always been about capturing the love between a couple. Sometimes is just the two of them, but often it’s also about the connection between families. Wedding are about surrounding yourself with people you love. I think now, more than ever that is so very important.
In both of my businesses I have strongly supported marriage equality and are open and welcoming to couples of all kinds. I don’t want to do cookie cutter weddings. I’ve been blessed to work with couples from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. And I always want to embrace and encourage everyone on their wedding day to incorporate the things, people and traditions that have shaped their lives.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
All of my work can be found online:
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beckybrownphotography.com
- Phone: 773-609-5778
- Email: becky@beckybrownphotography.com
- Instagram: @beckybrownphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/beckybrownphotography
Image Credit:
Personal photo of me by Carrie Holbo Photography
All other images by me – Becky Brown Photography
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