Garbero Photography

Apparently I’m supposed to show you more behind-the-scenes content of me actually working… but when I’m photographing a wedding, I’m usually a little too busy photographing the wedding to remember to film myself working. 😂

So here’s today’s version instead: a quick wedding photographer fit check, my very appreciated vendor lunch, and one of my favorite photos from today. 🍂📸

Fall weddings in Chicago are officially here, and this is still one of my favorite times of year to photograph a wedding—the colors, the cooler weather, the light… all of it.

If you’re planning a 2027 Chicago wedding and you’re looking for a wedding photographer who loves real moments, beautiful portraits, and a little editorial drama, follow along and send me a message. My 2027 calendar is open. 🤍

I think some people hear “feed your wedding photographer” and picture us demanding a seat at the head table with the filet and champagne. 😂

That’s not what most wedding photographers are asking for.

Wedding photography is not a normal workday. There usually isn’t a neat little lunch break built into the timeline. We’re moving from getting-ready photos to the ceremony, family portraits, cocktail hour, reception details, speeches, first dances and everything in between — often on our feet for 8+ hours.

I do not need to be included in the $200-per-person wedding dinner.

But a vendor sandwich, a bag of chips and a soda? That goes a LONG way.

And tonight? The roasted vegetables and Italian sausage were genuinely the best thing on my plate. 😂

So to the couples who make sure their photographer, videographer and other wedding vendors get something to eat while you’re eating: thank you. It is sincerely appreciated.

If you’re planning a Chicago wedding, this is one of those tiny wedding-day details your vendor team will absolutely notice.

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I had this image in my head before I ever picked up the camera — the lighting, the color, the whole editorial portrait mood.

And I could NOT get it right in camera. Like… not even close. 😂

But I did get there in Lightroom.

So now I can’t decide if I should be impressed that I knew how to edit my way to the image I envisioned… or completely humbled because apparently I still have some work to do with studio lighting.

Probably both.

As a Chicago portrait photographer getting back into more studio and editorial portrait work, this is exactly the kind of experimenting I want to be doing. Testing light. Testing color. Figuring out what I want my portraits to feel like — and then learning how to create more of that look before I ever open Lightroom.

Because as much as I love editing, I would really prefer not to fight for my life in post every time. 😂

So I’m going to keep working until I can get much closer to the final image in camera.

Chicago photographers: impressed or humbled? Because I genuinely can’t decide.

Thanks to 𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞 ~ 𝐜hicago 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 for sitting for me.

PART 2: The lens drama has officially come to a happy ending. 😂📦📸

After all that worrying, stalking the UPS truck, and wondering what was actually going to show up in the box… the lens arrived and it is GORGEOUS.

Did this Chicago photographer absolutely need another lens?

Probably not.

Did I want it for weddings, portraits, and getting back into more editorial portrait photography in my Chicago studio?

Absolutely.

And if you’re also a photographer, you already understand.

If you know, you know. 😂

Huge thank you to my UPS driver Mark for being an absolute rock star and finally getting this package into my hands.

Now it’s time to put this Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM to work.

Chicago portrait sessions, editorial portraits, creative studio photography and wedding season… I’m ready.

POV: You order a new camera lens… and THEN decide to read the seller reviews. 😬📸

Apparently, I may be receiving:
✨ the lens I actually ordered
✨ a broken lens
✨ a completely different lens
✨ or perhaps a box full of hopes and dreams

UPS attempted delivery yesterday at 11:30, so naturally I am now sitting in my car watching for the UPS truck like I’m conducting surveillance.

I already saw him.

He turned.

The emotional damage. 😂

Anyway… when this package finally gets here, we are doing a FULL unboxing because after reading these reviews, I trust absolutely nothing.

Will I get my Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM?

Stay tuned. 😭📦📸

Apparently I can’t just show you my photography here on Instagram anymore. 😂 I also have to show you my face.

So… hi. I’m Gina. I’ve been a professional photographer since 2009, and after years behind the camera, I’m apparently becoming part of the content too.

Tonight I’m out photographing fall family portraits in Chicago, waiting for that beautiful evening light and doing what I’ve loved doing for years: creating portraits that feel like the people in them—not just another perfectly posed picture.

I’m a Chicago portrait photographer, Chicago family photographer and Chicago wedding photographer, and I’m getting back to sharing a LOT more of the work that has been sitting quietly on my hard drives.

Portraits. Weddings. Families. Editorial-inspired photography. And, apparently, occasionally my face. 📸

This is one shot I almost always try to get when the opportunity presents itself—because there’s just something so special about it.

The bride and her flower girl, tucked underneath the veil, telling secrets. 🤍

These are the moments I’m always watching for on a wedding day. The little interactions that can’t really be posed or recreated—they just happen.

I love movement in my photographs. A veil caught by the wind. A dress in motion. People laughing instead of holding a pose.

And I am absolutely a sucker for a proper sunset. Give me gorgeous light and a little wind, and I’m happy.

Because yes, we’ll make the beautiful portraits. But I’m also looking for the photographs that will remind you what your wedding day actually felt like.

Chicago wedding photographer specializing in timeless, editorial wedding photography with real moments, movement, and connection.