Our Studio
Rick Aguilar Studios is about making photographs – the photographs to display on the wall, in an album, or on the tabletop. We treat your signature image like a framed work of art. Our Chicago photography studio creates wedding albums that tell a story. And most importantly, we use our expertise to elevate your photographs beyond a snapshot.
Rick Aguilar
Owner & Lead Photographer
The roots of Rick’s passion for photography stem from his love of people and the ability to preserve intimate moments on camera forever. The first event Rick photographed was in high school. He was working at a local convenience store and the owner asked Rick to be his wedding photographer. Excited for the challenge, he borrowed his teacher’s 35mm camera and captured the event. These humble beginnings directed Rick toward a photography career which eventually led to his own photography studio.
Rick’s pictures combine the elegance and creativity of fashion and fine art photography. His candid and romantic images illuminate the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. Rick has a tremendous eye for capturing the moment, aided by his sense of playfulness. His signature, graceful style is reflected in the detailed and timeless moments captured through his lens.
The personal connections that made his first photography job possible continuously reinforce Rick’s photography philosophy. Prior to each event, Rick collaborates with clients to fully understand their expectations. Personalized service is a hallmark of his business. Getting to know his clients on a personal level is invaluable to capturing their personalities and unique expressions. Rick is an expert at relaxing subjects of all ages and keeping the process fun. His easy-going yet professional demeanor extends to family and friends at the event.
Aside from the bride, Rick’s favorite people to photograph at weddings are the grandparents. Grandparents are the living, breathing history of a family’s foundation. Photographs taken of them at celebratory events often make the highlight reel for future generations looking back at “old family photographs.” Rick ensures that in the years to come his photographs will make your memories brighter, lovelier and happier.
Rick is a member of the prestigious Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and Photographers of America (PPA).
Eliisa Quinn
Studio Manager
Eliisa has been managing Rick Aguilar Studios for more than 17 years and enjoys taking part in every aspect of the studio. From day one, you have one-on-one contact with Eliisa. She will help answer your questions about packages, she maintains the Instant Party Photo Booth, she edits and culls weddings, and retouches print orders.
For your wedding, count on Eliisa to produce the best proofs from Rick’s beautiful photos. After the big day, you meet with her to begin your wedding album. You will dive into your photos and talk in depth about our custom designs and album styles. Don’t be intimidated by all of the album options the studio offers. Eliisa is here to help.
Did we mention that Eliisa is also a seasoned photographer with a degree in Photojournalism? Add that to her list of very important jobs here at Rick Aguilar Studios and you get the idea – no two days are the same for her, just as every wedding is unique.
Clare Britt
Associate Photographer
From pre-wedding photographs to the throwing of the bouquet, Clare emphasizes the relationships and interactions of the bride and groom with their family and guests in her photographs. She utilizes a journalistic approach that captures the heart of the celebration and effortlessly directs and manages the family for formal portraits. She believes the photographic experience should add to the festivity of your wedding day without pulling people out of the moment.
Clare is flexible, able to help out in a pinch, and has even sewed buttons on wedding dresses during day-of wardrobe emergencies. She will traverse your wedding day with ease and minimum disruption in order to capture pictures that will last a lifetime. Clare Britt’s photographs tell a story, one that you will share with family and friends for generations to come.
Billie
C. M. O.
If you have visited the studio, you have met Billie. Her duties include greeting guests, entertaining with tricks, and motivating the team with love and loyalty. She’s always ready when asked to pose for a lighting test in the studio, but prefers the action of a location shoot. When an artistic breakthrough is needed, Billie is quick to recommend a brisk walk around the block to help generate creativity. Her portfolio includes studio marketing materials, pet portraits and her image was even once featured on the WGN-TV News weather report.
