Peter Pawinski

Contact Peter Pawinski

I am a photojournalist with over 12 years experience (200+ weddings), and now I nearly exclusively work on weddings because I love the work and my clients. It is an honor and privilege to memorialize the events of a couple's most important day.

I am a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in English literature, but have been working in journalism since my freshman year on the copy desk at the Daily Northwestern. By sophomore year, I took to photography, and a new passion was born, leading me to work with Agence-France Presse in Chicago during my college years and as chief photographer at the Budapest Business Journal in Hungary immediately after graduation. I made Budapest my home from 1998-2003 before returning to the US in late fall '03 to pursue wedding photojournalism.

My journalism work has appeared in many major publications (New York Times, Business Week, Chicago Tribune, Maxim, Car and Driver, etc.), and I have won several awards for my wedding photography from the Wedding Photojournalism Association, including placing in the Top 20 for 2007 Photographer of the Year.

Where are you located? Do you charge a travel fee for weddings not in your location?

I am located in Chicago. I do not charge travel for anything within a 100 mile radius of the city.

How long have you been in business? How many weddings have you photographed as the main photographer?

I have been photographing weddings since 2004, and as part of my own business since 2005. In this time, I have photographed approximately 300 weddings, including about 50 South Asian ceremonies.

Describe your "style" of wedding photography.

My background is editorial photography and that informs my visual style. About 85% of my photo coverage is pure documentary, with a directorial approach to portraits.

What's the typical wedding coverage package that you offer? What is the price?

The most typical one is either my standard package that includes a 40-page album (usually around 80 photos). That includes an engagement session and is priced at $3700 plus tax where applicable.

Do you have a studio where we can meet in-person?

I have a meeting space that I use near Wrigley Field, but I am also happy to come visit clients in a location that is convenient to them.

What are your professional degrees, credentials, affiliations? Have you taken any recent educational workshops or classes?

I have a B.A. from Northwestern University in English literature, with a concentration in journalism, having picked up photojournalism through my 4 1/2 years working at the Daily Northwestern, and then for AFP (Agence-France Presse) and the Budapest Business Journal. I have freelanced for many publications, with credits in the New York Times, USA Today, Business Week, Car and Driver, and the Chicago Tribune. In addition to Fearless Photographers, I belong to WPJA (Wedding Photojournalism Association) and ISPWP (International Societry of Professional Wedding Photographers.)

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