Chicago area wedding photography by Rachel and Jeff Owen.

When Disaster Strikes Although this title might be a little dramatic it’s likely that your wedding day won’t go 100% to plan no matter how hard you work at it. In our years of wedding photography we’ve seen: hotel shuttle took the out of town guests (most of the guest list) to the wrong reception…

Unique Reception Ideas Dueling Pianos Bands and Djs are great, but if you want to wow your guests think outside the box. Dueling Pianos are interactive and a sure way to get everyone up and having a good time. http://www.felixandfingers.com/ Aerial Champagne Chandelier If you’re going to pour champagne why not pour it from the…

Eight Things You Should Look For When Selecting A Boudoir Photographer You don’t want to be photographed by some creepy guy in his basement. 1. Know the location.  It’s safest to choose a studio with a storefront location. Boudoir photo-shoots in a home or hotel can be shady unless you personally know the photographer. 2. Choose…

TRUE BEAUTY Lately I’ve been having this conversation about self-esteem with many women. Why as women are we so fixated on our appearance? If I had to take a guess, I would say it’s probably because men are such visual creatures. It is said that when a woman walks into a room, she will judge…

  What To Expect At Your Glamour/Boudoir Shoot Start To Finish So here’s the breakdown: 1. We’ll do a pre-shoot consultation either in-studio or over the phone. This gives us a chance to talk about outfits, the overall styling, and preparation for your shoot. You’ll also get to see the studio, props/backgrounds, meet me and…

Six Things You Can Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Vendors If you’re going to tip, tip early.  It’s standard to tip someone at the end of the job based on how well they did, but if you want the most from your wedding vendors then tip early in the day. Tips…

How It All Started This was the photoshoot that changed my life. I had a makeup artist ask if I would be willing to shoot a makeup portfolio of her work. The idea was she would bring me ten clients and do the makeup for free while I would photograph; then they would have the…

Sweaty Boobs The sweat glistened on every guest as they waited for the ceremony to start. It was the kind of day where you weren’t sure if you were outside or in a steam-bath. The groom had already changed shirts twice, and I was contemplating how much sweat I would have to photoshop if he…

   As women, we tend to fixate on our imperfections and miss the good stuff.  With a photoshoot at J.R. Owen & Co. I will find your true beauty and show it back to you in photographs that will someday become one of the most priceless things you own.     This beautiful mama-to-be came…

#1 Wedding Regret It’s hard to know what areas of your wedding you want to go all out with and what things you can do without. There is one thing brides regret not getting for the wedding above all else: not hiring a videographer. When you see your dad cry and tell you how much…

10 tips for picking a photographer 1.) Pick a Photographer You Like A good portion of your day is dedicated to taking photos.  You photographer will either add to your great wedding experience or make it a nightmare. 2.) You Don’t Always Have To Look At The Camera Candid moments are a huge part of…

Limited Time Offer! We are offering a free digital video player (also plays digital photos) for the next 10 weddings booked! Request Pricing Share our page on facebook Ask us Questions We’d love to hear from you! Use the form to the left or click button for more options. Contact Us Today

Professional vs Hobbyist There are two things I hear from couples that make me cringe–two choices I know the couple will, without a doubt, regret after the wedding. The first is, “Our friend is a DJ.” A DJ is the single factor that will make or break your reception. Have a bad or inexperienced DJ…

When gearing up for print competition   midnight the day before submissions are due   When you’re up to your neck in competition edits and the deadline is approaching When the perfect ideas comes to you out of nowhere When you find the perfect model for your vision When your vision just isn’t coming together…

Ten Reasons You Should Have A Photoshoot Now Reasons You Should Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone and JUST DO IT.  You’ll be really glad you did. You’re not getting any younger.  I have women age 50+ come in all the time and tell me they wish they would have done this when they were younger…

Unique Reception Ideas Dueling Pianos Bands and Djs are great, but if you want to wow your guests think outside the box. Dueling Pianos are interactive and a sure way to get everyone up and having a good time. Click here   Aerial Champagne Chandelier If you’re going to pour champagne why not poor it…

“I’m totally freaking out!” said nearly every woman I’ve ever photographed. It’s ok; you’re normal. Unless you’re a professional model, you probably have a little apprehension about having a boudoir shoot and for most women that’s an understatement. You might be surprised to hear there is no such thing as a photogenic person. Being “photogenic”…

I’m Going To Do A Boudoir Shoot, But I Need To Lose 20lbs First Here are 5 reasons not to wait for your goal weight: I can take off 20lbs just in the way I pose you. Let’s face it, you’ll probably just lose it in your boobs anyway. The hour glass ratio is soooo…

Jeff and I were lucky enough to photograph Dimitrius’s epic proposal to his new fianceè Tyler.  He teamed up with the amazing team at Creative Ice Theatre to pull it off.  See the whole story below. Tyler is in the middle; she thinks she’s having a group skating lesson. Ralph is in the blue sweater.  She’s…