Chicago Event Photography
Your event deserves to be remembered.
From black-tie galas at the Art Institute to product launches and corporate celebrations — I capture the transformation, the energy, and the people who make your events come alive.
✦ Corporate Events
✦ Product Launches
✦ Galas & Fundraisers
✦ Store Openings
✦ Chicago & Surrounding Areas
✦ Starting at $250/hr
What I Photograph
Every detail of your event, beautifully documented.
Venue & Setup
The transformation of a space is half the story. I arrive early to capture the before, the details, and the magic of a room coming to life — from florals to lighting to table design.
Speakers & Performers
Whether it’s a keynote address or a performer suspended from the rafters, I use the right lens and settings to capture the energy and emotion of the moment — sharp, dynamic, alive.
Guests & Candids
Real moments, real reactions. I move through the crowd to document the conversations, laughter, and connections — the things that prove your event was worth attending.
Why It Matters
The photos outlast the event.
There’s a LOT of planning and a little bit of magic that goes into creating an amazing event. A bank in NYC can close at 5 pm and by 7, have performers hanging upside down from aerial ropes in the atrium. I’ve watched the Modern Wing of the Art Institute clear its halls — only to fill them with elaborate centerpieces hours later.
If you’re the event planner or one of the vendors making it happen, capturing that transformation is next to impossible while you’re creating it. A professional event photographer takes that pressure off — and ensures you’ll have high-quality images to share with clients, board members, and future attendees.
From corporate events to store openings to product launches, let the photos do the storytelling for you.
What to Expect
How it works, from inquiry to gallery.
01
Reach Out
Tell me about your event — the type, size, venue, and what coverage you’re looking for. I’ll come back with a rate and availability.
02
Arrive Early
I always show up before the event starts. This lets me scout the space, map out the timeline, and be in position for every key moment.
03
Full Coverage
From setup details to speakers to candids and group shots — I move through the space with intention, capturing the full story of the evening.
04
Online Gallery
Within a few days, you’ll receive a shareable online gallery of edited images — ready for social media, your website, and marketing materials.
Common Questions
Questions, answered.
Everything you might want to know before hiring an event photographer.
Why hire a professional event photographer?
Cell phones have come a long way, but they still can’t match professional equipment in low-light settings, speaker coverage, or capturing the overall ambiance of a transformed space. A professional photographer also frees up you and your team to be present — not behind a camera.
How much does event photography cost?
My rates start at $250/hour. Most events are quoted as a package based on time and scope. Typically, event photography ranges from $500–$3,000 depending on coverage length and complexity. I’m happy to put together a custom quote for your specific needs.
What types of events do you photograph?
Corporate events, fundraising galas, product launches, store openings, brand activations, team celebrations, and more. If you’re hosting something that deserves to be documented, I’m interested.
What should I expect from you on event day?
I arrive early to survey the space and review the timeline. I’m professional with guests, unobtrusive during key moments, and intentional about coverage — from decor details and arriving guests to speakers, candids, and group shots.
How will I be able to use the photos?
However, you’d like. Most clients use event photos for social media, website portfolios, press coverage, email marketing, and internal communications. You’ll receive a high-resolution gallery with full usage rights.
Can you photograph creative or unconventional events?
Absolutely — those are some of my favorites. I love finding unexpected angles, using long exposures to convey movement, and working with off-camera lighting to elevate the look of your photos well beyond a standard flash-on-camera shot.
Venue Resources
Some of Chicago’s most stunning event spaces.
Large & Signature Venues
Why Rife Ponce
Event photography that feels different by design.
10+ Years of Experience
I’ve photographed events in Chicago and New York City for over a decade — from intimate brand dinners to multi-room galas spanning multiple floors of the Art Institute.
Creative Vantage Points
I look for angles others miss — wide low shots, balcony overheads, long exposures that show movement. Your photos should feel editorial, not just documentary.
Polished & Professional
I’m at ease with guests, comfortable with executives, and know how to blend into the background while still getting the shot. You won’t have to worry about me.
Images You’ll Actually Use
The photos end up on your website, in your marketing, on social. I shoot with that in mind — clean compositions, varied angles, and a gallery you’ll reach for again and again.
Let’s Connect
Planning an event? Let’s talk.
Use the link below to schedule a quick 15-minute call — or just send an email. Either works. No pressure, no long forms.
Or browse the full event gallery first — no pressure.