Editorial portrait of Chicago wedding photographer Chandler Austin seated in bright, minimalist studio holding a digital camera with film cameras at her feet, creating timeless, documentary wedding photography in Chicago and destination weddings

I came to photography early — a high school photojournalism class first showed me how a photograph could hold the truth of a person, and I never quite got over it. Weddings became the natural place to land: what is a wedding, after all, if not the greatest human story happening in real time?

For years I balanced this work with a career as a private chef, but photography was always the dream, and in 2026 I made it my full-time work.

My approach hasn't changed since that first class. Intimate and unscripted, drawn not just to how a day looked, but to how it felt to be there. The quiet exchange of glances, the weight of a vow, the relief and joy of a room full of people who love you.

This is a privilege, not a routine. I show up fully present, fully invested — for a day that means everything to you.

@CHANDLERAUSTINPHOTOGRAPHY 
CHANDLER AUSTIN IS A CHICAGO BASED WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER DOCUMENTING CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE US AND ABROAD

  • "Chandler is one of the most easygoing photographers you’ll ever work with — she makes an instant connection, and within one conversation she truly understands your vision and executes it beautifully. My husband and I are so thankful to have had her capture not just our engagement photos, but our wedding day too. She has such a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera, even if you’re not confident or it’s your first time being photographed. Somehow she makes it feel like it’s just you and your partner, with no one else around — and that shows in the photos. They capture exactly what we feel for each other, not just how we look. Our photos are snapshots of our most special memories, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them to look back on. Chandler is passionate about both her craft and her clients — she becomes a lifelong friend who roots for your future without question. We’ll be using her for all our future photography needs. With Chandler, you will not be disappointed. Book her! Xoxoxo"

    — M + S

  • "I found Chandler after a photographer my fiancé booked for our engagement/proposal photos canceled last minute. He and I were both stressed and nervous going into the shoot, but Chandler made us feel SO at ease!! We ended up having so much fun, and our pics turned out better than I could’ve ever imagined. Cannot recommend her enough!"

    — K + T

  • "My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Chandler Austin Photography for our rehearsal dinner, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! From start to finish, Chandler was professional, personable, and incredibly talented. The moments captured were stunning—every candid laugh, heartfelt hug, and little detail we wanted to remember was beautifully documented. Chandler has a remarkable eye for lighting and composition, making each photo feel like a work of art. Beyond the photos, Chandler’s warm and easygoing personality helped put everyone at ease, allowing us to truly enjoy the evening without feeling overly posed or pressured. If you're looking for a photographer who is not only skilled but also a joy to work with, I highly recommend Chandler Austin Photography. Thank you, Chandler, for capturing such special memories we’ll cherish forever!"

    — S + S

  • "10 stars!! She's the best!! My husband and I had the absolute best experience working with Chandler for maternity photos and for family photos once our baby arrived. I was earlyish on in my pregnancy and feeling a little self conscious, but Chandler made me feel at ease and made the whole experience so enjoyable. Her personality is truly one of her superpowers when it comes to being a photographer. You can tell that she loves what she does and that makes everyone feel comfortable and makes the whole process so lovely. And the photos are absolutely stunning! I want to have prints for every room in my house! We used her photos for thank you cards and for holiday cards, and I might send out just because cards simply so I can choose more pictures to send to everyone. Her work speaks for itself, but she is truly a joy to work with which makes it even better."

    — N + S