Barry Phipps Photography

In two words, Barry and Giselle are true professionals.
The quality of their work is flawless. The mission of their work is clear (if you are into portraiture, they are a top choice — seriously). They are highly communicative, extremely open about their process, and delightfully early to each appointment they make.
Barry and Giselle bring a love, creativity, curiosity, and ease to the process of being photographed that I think is a true testament to their passion for the work.
My husband and I don’t consider ourselves to be particularly photogenic, but honestly, Barry and Giselle made this thing we initially felt somewhat awkward about (having our pictures taken for hours on end) incredibly pleasant and fun. I’ve never felt so confident. Essentially, for a day, you are Barry and Giselle’s muses, and they make you feel amazing.
As far as post-​wedding processing, Barry was very timely in having our proofs up and has been communicative and helpful with any questions/​follow-​ups since. That is to say that your relationship isn’t over once the check has been delivered. Barry Phipps Photography cares about the product and about how happy you are with it.
And on another note: I found Barry’s pricing incredibly reasonable compared to other professional wedding photographers in Chicago of lesser quality/​care. Barry’s skill, love for the medium, philosophy, and work ethic should really entice you to make a call/​send an email and learn more.
It’ll be one of the best decisions you make for your wedding day.

I’ve DJ’d half a dozen events where Barry was taking pictures. I cannot stress enough the extent to which he outclasses the competition. Not only does he have an incredible eye and instinct for «getting the shot», he is also extemely unobtrusive, never in the way, and an absolute joy to coordinate with (it is not uncommon for DJs and photographers to assist each other in keeping the show on the road and making sure the left and right hand are operating in sync). I don’t know what he charges, but I can assure you he’s worth every dime. It’s always a joy and a relief when I see Barry walk into a venue during my setup.

I can’t believe there are so few reviews for Barry!
My husband and I hired him and his wife Giselle to photograph our wedding this September. We wanted to have a fairly small wedding, but after stumbling upon Barry’s portfolio online – and finding out that he was available on our wedding date – we decided that our one splurge would be the photography. Barry does film photography, and to say that he has a great eye for color and composition is an understatement.
Barry and Giselle were absolutely wonderful on our wedding day. They met us at our hotel for «getting ready» and group shots, then photographed our wedding and reception. They also set up a Polaroid photo booth that was a hit with our guests. They put us at ease instantly, and had creative ideas for posing us and our wedding party. After realizing that I wouldn’t stop grinning like a madwoman, they didn’t try to make us take any «serious» shots. Some of our favorite photos, though, are the candid ones – especially of the dance floor. Many of our guests commented that they didn’t even realize we had professional photographers at the reception, because they blended into our party so well.
Most importantly, though, they take beautiful photos. We couldn’t be happier with the results. If we are ever in need of a professional photographer again, we will definitely give Barry a call.

I stumbled upon Barry’s work online and really liked his candid images that seemed to capture special moments and people’s character. I then noticed he still uses film and knew he would be a great. He doesn’t treat his wedding work as a distraction or side job, but approaches it as his craft with plenty of care and concern for what we all hoped to accomplish. And despite the high quality of work and the expense of film, he was happy to work within a budget.
On the big day Barry and his assistant were easy going and fun to work with. We really appreciate all the work they did, and couldn’t be happier with the results.
I would recommend Barry to anyone looking to capture a special event and work with a pleasant, easygoing guy. He’s a craftsman you can trust, so keep things simple and let him do what he does best, and you’ll end up with great photos worth treasuring.

BEAUTIFUL pictures… that was all I wanted and we got that and a lot more.
My now husband had only one request and it was that the photographer not be intrusive and in everyone else’s shot. He didn’t get to make the request because before he got to ask, Barry volunteered that he makes every effort not to get in the way during the vital parts of the ceremony and reception (and he didn’t).
Barry and his team — which includes his lovely wife — were great. He was extremely prompt, professional, and when the 40 degree weather warranted — fast. They used everything from the most expensive professional cameras to new iphone apps, and all yielded great shots!
You can see from the pictures that they are a artists first and wedding photographers second. The process seemed natural and relaxed and sincere somehow. The pictures are really pretty and elegant, the colors pop and the editing brings out all the right details.
Also, as far as I saw, their fee is extremely reasonable and you’re not obligated to purchase any albums. So not only will you get great photography, it’s also a bargain.
As a disclaimer, I don’t always or even often give rave reviews, these guys were really that great.
We couldn’t be happier or recommend them any more highly!

We hired Barry for our 11×11×11 wedding, and we could not be more thrilled with the results. If you’re looking for amazing, very professional, blog-​ready shots, Barry is your guy!
Being designers, we were very picky with how we wanted our wedding photos to look. We envisioned our big day as a stylish event, more than a traditional wedding. Barry surpassed our expectations, and produced the most chic and glamorous shots. His black and white photos, along with the polaroids are just stunning, we’re talking magazine shots here.
Barry is very laid back, wears cool glasses, as has the most fabulous wife as an assistant. Our only regret is that we don’t have anything coming up soon that he can shoot! We can’t wait to use him again~ highly recommended!!*:.

Barry was simply amazing. He was everything we dreamed of in a wedding photographer and more.
Not only was his work beautiful, reasonably price, and exactly what we expected, but our guests adored he and his wife. Barry even managed to handle our most «needy» guest with courtesy and charm.
I would recommend Barry to everyone I know or run into on the street; not only for weddings, but for any occasion.
Oh, and he can DJ too.

Wow! That was my first reaction when I saw the photographs that Barry and Giselle (his wife and second shooter, who is not only very talented but also seems like an awesome person) took of our wedding. I don’t consider myself photogenic, and although it was clear from Barry’s blog that he has an artistic eye and shoots beautiful photographs that resonate with me, I wasn’t sure that I would feel the same about our own. My husband (yay!) and I don’t long to be the center of attention and aren’t good at striking a pose for the camera. But, no need to worry about that with Barry and Giselle! They made us feel totally comfortable; we took photos before the ceremony, and hanging out with them during that time was so much fun and kept us relaxed. During the ceremony and reception, you almost forget they are taking photos because they blend in so well while capturing the moments of the evening.
And the photos? They are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I could not be happier with them.
I am so glad that Barry mentioned his photography services while corresponded about DJ services through Beep Media because I hadn’t stumbled across his work in the 5 months of wedding-​blog-​reading and searching, and — after seeing it – his work was by far at the top of my list. On top of that, we got married at a newly opened space (the 2^nd floor space of Revolution Brewing Company, where we had our [vegan] wedding), and Barry and Giselle stopped by to check out the space before the wedding day. Barry recommended we change the spot we had planned to get married (we got married in the reception space) based on the lighting, and I am so glad we did. He really cares about his work, goes above and beyond, and has great attention to detail, which means you can rest easy knowing you are in expert hands.
I can’t recommend Barry and Giselle highly enough!
If you are looking for a DJ, we had a great experience with Beep Media, too.

Prepare yourselves for a lengthy review :)
My husband and my wedding was in Galena, Il, at Oak Hill Weddings… an awesome venue for anyone who would love to have their wedding/​reception in one location with a wide variety of options for entertainment and scenery (ie. horses/​stables, barn house, general store, tents, extensive grounds, pond…).
To start… I think this rating should have multiple opportunities to give stars, so I’ll make them up!!!
1. Communication and Planning— 5 stars
Barry was great in the initial stages coordinating with us a day of schedule for pictures and working with our desires. We planned with him from the get go, and focused in on all of the events for the ceremony and reception.
2. Photography at the Ceremony and Reception– 4 ½−5 stars
Overall, on the actual day of I felt that Barry and his wife did a great job working with us, capturing amazing moments and were such personable, fun people to work with. Love them!!!
Where I think I have dropped half a star has to do with the following:
Barry is a great, laid back guy. We were looking for a photographer and a photography style that was laid back, relaxed, not cheesy, not staged/posed…The issue that came up for us, was that when some of the more «formal, staged» wedding photo ops came up, we needed a little more leadership from Barry. Now… this is probably where I should drop a half star for MYSELF, not Barry… I never knew that in those «family portrait, multiple opinions being expressed moments» our desire for laid back, non0staged pictures would change a little… Neither did Barry… so basically, none of us were prepared for that to happen. In sum, I’m sure Barry and his wife would do a great job if you requested for them to be leaders, take the reigns and tell you where to stand and how… we did not want that type of style, so Barry knew he didn’t need to give it to us… nevertheless, the family pictures all tuned out great…
3. Photographs– 5 stars
Overall, The pictures turned out marvelously. Beautiful visions, beautiful feelings captured on film, great natural moments… grrrrreat. The day was beautiful and Barry captured it all so well in Black and whites and colors… we were truly truly happy with all of our couples pictures as well. He caught us in naturally staged moments… ha…and was so supportive and chill.
One recommendation– be sure you know what Barry’s style is before you work with him. Look through the albums he has on his website in great detail. Some of Barry’s photos look washed out, over-​exposed, or grainy… we enjoyed that intentional style/​feeling he created and made sure we were all on the same page beforehand.
Would definitely recommend Barry to others with the same style!!!

Barry is simply the best. I feel lucky to have found him to photograph our wedding. I am a photographer and artist myself. It was important to me to have a photographer who is talented. I recieved the type of service that after wards I felt as though I owed him. The photographs he took were beautiful. Barry was very easy to work with. He is a professional in every sense of the word. My sister met Barry at my wedding, and after seeing the photos, she booked him for her upcoming wedding. I truly can’t say enough other than I feel blessed that I found him.

I’ve been lucky enough to have used Barry’s services for many years. as a DJ, as a musician, and now as a photographer. He is accomplished in each and excels beyond expectations. He has obvious knowledge and mastery of his beautiful Leica cameras and shoots beautiful pictures. We had him do a family portrait which we love. He has also done some really nice event photos that we love and display in our home. No question we will be using Barry’s services again and again.

Barry came to the salon when both the bride and groom were getting their hair done for their wedding day. When I saw the photographs posted on Barry’s site I was blown away! I see a lot of wedding photography (working in a salon and all) and I must say Barry’s eye for ‘that special shot’ is remarkable. His photos are stylish and while maintaining a classic edge which I feel is a rather hard balance to achieve. Great skilled photographer and friendly to boot!
oh, and he uses actual FILM which is refreshing to see.

Barry normally photographs weddings, but I asked him if he would photograph an exhibition I developed for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. He did a fabulous job photographing the show. He took his time with the lighting and consulted me on every shot. When he finished shooting the exhibit, he sat down with me and reviewed each photo. We then, together, selected the best shots, and he touch-​up a few in Photoshop. It was a very collaborative process, and I am very happy with the results.

We just had our wedding on November 20^th so we won’t have our photos back for a few weeks but I am confident that they will be amazing! A few months after we hired him, Barry and his wife came to our neighborhood in October and took some engagement/​lifestyle shots of us in order for us to be comfortable working with him before the wedding. The photos he took were so wonderful– we used many of them on our guest book pages at the wedding. We felt so comfortable with him very quickly. I should mention I am an artist and photographer so choosing a photographer to hire for our wedding was difficult. Once we found Barry’s website and learned more about his philosophy, it was an easy decision hiring him! He uses wonderful vintage cameras and film which give his photos such a timeless, beautiful quality that is hard to get with digital. He then scans in the negatives and gives you a digital file so you can easily get prints made– the best of both worlds! He was also one of the most affordable options. The day of the wedding, Barry and his wife came early to get as many shots during daylight as possible. Once again we both felt really comfortable in front of the camera with him and we can’t wait to see what the photos look like! Highly recommended!