in the greater Chicagoland area specializing in photography and art direction. She has nine years of professional photography experience, with four years of business ownership under her belt pursuing photography full time.
SAMMY IS AN ARTIST
I believe life should be lived authentically and genuinely, and my goal is to bring about your truest self in each photo. That means doing everything possible to make you feel completely comfortable when we are together (because I sure will be).
I started my journey into photography through MySpace as a young teen. Yes, you read that correctly. Right when having a visual internet identity started becoming the norm, I picked up a camera to shoot the best profile picture and immediately became obsessed with the medium. That led to friends asking for “photo shoots” for their own photos, and from that point on I never stopped shooting.
While becoming a professional photographer always seemed a far-off dream, I took the leap in 2014 and left my job to pursue my own business full time. It's been the most amazing roller coaster ever since — I've learned about the craft of photography, about myself, and about life. There’s no better feeling than being able to put your heart and soul into every project.
MEET SAM
Real, raw, and rambunctious.
FUN
FACTS
I have a black cat named Valentine who is the biggest Queen and requires daily outside time to bake in the sun.
I even broke my elbow once as a kid doing so!
she is my whole world
I CAN DO A ONE HANDED CARTWHEEL
I have a sister named Taylor who is an amazing drummer.
I'M A FRATERNAL TWIN
There is a good chance I will be wearing purple lipstick when we meet!
Which means I come from a big family. I have more than 20 cousins on my Dad’s side. He was one of eleven children!
My partner and I have been together for over a decade. Must have something to do with both of us being artists.
Don't come at me, they're basically smashed french fries!
MY FAVORITE COLOR
IS PURPLE.
IF YOU COULDN'T
ALREADY GUESS, I AM IRISH.
DESPITE BEING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, I'M NOT MARRIED!
I EAT KETCHUP WITH MY MASHED POTATOES.
“This photographer is a total rockstar and kills it every time!”
NATALIE GOMEZTAGLE
On top of my second shooters are my two childhood best friends-turned-team members; Ashley Grace, who assists in consulting and project management, and Kristin DiMaggio, who writes website and social media copy. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
Two photographers are better than one. Meet my second shooters, Micki and Kate. I’ve worked with both of them at previous jobs and can trust that they see my vision. They have the same energy and passion for photography, and have both been by my side for countless weddings.
we work hard, have fun and we love what we do!
We're an extraordinary team —
MEET THE TEAM
Sam was wonderful! She's made me feel so comfortable and confident!!! She is so kind and we had a great time during our photo shoot. The quality of her work was on point. Definitely would recommend!
Jenan Mead
“Professional from the first email to the finished photos! Sam was amazing in communicating what we could expect and asking for information on every shot that we wanted to make our son's wedding unforgettable. On time, professional, and most importantly our photos turned out beautifully. From the formal shots to the candid photos, every single one of them is keepsake quality. Highly recommend”
Mary Webber O'Malley
“Sam is a rare find!! An absolute pleasure and delight to work with!! Great vision and a complete professional in her field.”
Frotara Cardena
“Sam is AMAZING. It takes talent to produce beautiful, high quality images, but it takes a professional to make their clients feel unstoppable before, during and after a photoshoot. Sam is without a doubt 100% professional and my go to for all future shoots!”
