Chicago area wedding photography by Rachel and Jeff Owen.

As we come to the close of another year I’m looking forward to all 2017 has yet to be accomplished. My goal is to blog weekly whether or not it’s the next start of an epic novel or thought provoking ideas that will change the world. Just get my thoughts out; get something written. So…

5 Tips To Really Enjoy Your Wedding Day Don’t Get Too Much Of A Plan In Your Head I couldn’t look at my wedding photos for six months after my wedding. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ve met me and seen my wedding photos; and they are beautiful! I realize that now, but for…

What he really wants There are two universal perfect presents for a man. The first is a remote-control helicopter. Seriously, there isn’t a man alive at any age that doesn’t want to play with a remote-control helicopter. The second is boudoir photography. If you’re getting married this is probably the more appropriate of the two.…

“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…

Too Nervous For A Boudoir Shoot? Then Glamour May Be Right For You What is a glamour shoot? Glamour is actually a very similar type of photo-shoot, just not in lingerie. The pose and expressions can still be sexy but in your favorite jeans or gorgeous gown. Often our clients opt for a glamour shoot…

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…

The 6 Greatest Piece of Advice You’ll Wish You’d Read Before the Wedding Your Groom May Give You Jewelry The Day of the Wedding This doesn’t sound like a big deal, until you realize is probably excited to see you to wear it down the aisle. Make sure your groom knows you’ve spent time selecting…

#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…

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…

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…

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…

So I just found this music video, and I now believe Trace Adkins is my spirit animal. Can you relate to the woman in this video? Hair and a bun with an oversized shirt and yoga pants every day? Her husband (and others who love her) still see a side of her she can’t see…

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…

Robbery in Lemont The Vault’ from Whitney Cinema on Vimeo.   The collaborative work of businesses located on Canal street in downtown Lemont Photography by Rachel. J.R. Owen & Co. Photography Video filmed and produced by Alan. Whitney Cinema Costumes and Styling provided by Paige. 1 Happy Girl Boutique Hair and Makeup provided by Katie. White Lotus Weddings Location and Libations provided…

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…

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…

   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…

  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…

How To Choose A Good Wedding Photographer Meet The Actual Photographer A good portion of your day will be spent taking photos; therefore, your photographer will be the vendor with the most direct impact on your day. It’s important to meet the actual person who will be capturing your memories. It’s the photographer, not the…