Festival Photographer in Chicago, IL

MacroSnaps in Chicago

Festivals & Community Events in Chicago: photography & video

Festivals and community events are large, busy and spread out, and the organizers who run them need photos for sponsors, grant reports, press and next year's promotion. MacroSnaps photographers and videographers cover cultural festivals, Diwali and Eid celebrations, Lunar New Year events, heritage parades, street fairs, charity walks and races, working to your shot list across stages, vendors and crowds.

Chicago is one of the largest cities in North America, home to roughly 2.7 million people. We cover festival or community event events at public spaces and event venues across the area, from The Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago and Chicago Cultural Center to private homes, restaurants and community halls.

Community events often bring together many traditions in one place. We are respectful of religious and cultural practices, ask before photographing prayers or ceremonies, and follow guidance from organizers about where photography is welcome. For parades and races, we plan positions along the route in advance, covering the start, key points and the finish line, so every part of the event is represented.

For a typical festival or community event, clients in Chicago book about 5 hours of photography ($650) and 4 hours of videography ($900). Photography is $250 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour; videography is $300 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour, with a 2-hour minimum. The first-hour price includes travel, so Chicago costs the same as anywhere else we work, and there are no quotes to wait for.