Frequently asked questions
An FAQ for anyone considering to work with Artistrie Co. as their wedding photographer.
For boudoir inquiries, please visit the Boudoir FAQ.
Who do you like to work with?
Couples who are deeply in love and are planning a celebration, big or small, that’s a unique reflection of them.
I love working with people who make it a priority to be truly present and in-the-moment on their wedding day. To them, the day is not about a long checklist of photos; it's about enjoying every single second with the people they love most in the world. It helps if they're just as excited about the photos as I am, too!
My photography services are safe and inclusive for people of all backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, religions and identities.
How did you become a photographer?
My hobby turned into a profession while I was getting my BA in business from Augustana College. I worked as a photographer throughout college and booked my own very first wedding in 2008.
While I dabbled in all sorts of photography genres, I found myself most drawn to weddings and portraiture. I thrive in anticipating moments, delicately blending into my surroundings, capturing raw emotions, finding unique perspectives and angles and making personable connections with my couples. It's been an honor of a lifetime.
Who will photograph our wedding?
That would be me! Hi, I’m Ashley, the owner of Artistrie Co. and I’m the lead photographer for every wedding I book. A long time ago, I did business under my name, Ashley Biess Photography, but let’s face it — no one knew how to say my last name (it’s pronounced “bice”) and Ashleys are a dime a dozen (just kidding). I rebranded into Artistrie Co. back in 2012.
All of my wedding collections include coverage by myself and a second photographer so we can make the most of every single moment. I’m lucky to work with an incredibly talented team of women, all whom I consider to be close friends.
How soon should I book with you?
To give my clients the best experience possible, I limit my bookings to no more than 10 weddings per year.
If you feel like I'm the perfect photographer for your wedding day, I'd recommend booking as soon as you are able.
Due to the number of inquiries I receive on a weekly basis, I cannot hold dates without a signed letter of agreement and deposit.
Do you travel?
Yes, I’m available (and eager!) to travel for weddings and engagement sessions. While the majority of my work is done in the Chicagoland area, I frequently visit Northern Michigan and Arizona and would love to do more work in those regions especially. I’ve traveled to England, Scotland, Italy, Belgium, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Mexico, Nicaragua and all over the United States. I enjoy exploring the world.
How do we work with you?
It’s all about having a great connection. I value building relationships with each of my clients so we’ll start things off with a phone call to get to know each other and see if we’d be a good fit to work together on your wedding day. If the answer is “yes!”, I’ll draft a custom Photography Proposal for you with 2-3 package options to select from. To book your date, I require a 40% retainer and a signed letter of agreement.
What is your pricing?
I realize this may seem counterintuitive because it’s the most common message I receive, but I don't email pricing. Instead, I share a typical investment range (currently $8,000-$10,000) and then invite couples to schedule a call. This allows us to build a relationship and understand what you want and need which, believe it or not, a lot of couples don't fully know until they talk it through.
If we agree we're a mutually good fit, I'll craft a custom proposal with my recommended amount of coverage to capture every moment and experience you've been dreaming about.
Yes, you may have a dollar amount written down in a spreadsheet, but the value of photography is based entirely on your connection to it. Photography can be worth everything and nothing.
My goal as a photographer is to create the best work I can for the people who feel most inspired by it, while living a balanced, well rounded life in the process.
What services do you offer?
I enjoy immersing myself and capturing the entirety of a celebration, regardless if that's one day or an entire weekend. My packages are customized to each client to offer them the photography experience of their dreams.
Common provided services include: wedding day and weekend coverage, engagement sessions, custom wedding album design, fine art photo printing and custom framing, in-home wall art consultations (to expertly help you display your favorite memories), boudoir, travel (for weddings and engagement sessions), welcome dinner coverage, bridal and couple showers, family photos, interior design photography and beyond.
I do not offer videography services at this time.
How do we contact you?
If you’d prefer to email me directly, please send inquiries to ashley@artistrieco.com and send the following information:
- Your First & Last Names
- Wedding Date
- Ceremony & Reception Location
- Any Details You’d Like to Share!
Please note that phone calls are scheduled by appointment only.
I typically reply to all emails within 48 hours, Mondays through Thursdays, unless otherwise posted.
Ashley’s thoughtful, creative, and able to capture the humanity of the people in her photos.
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Margaret
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Margaret
If you have a question about working together, please complete my contact form or email me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
Have a question?
Artistrie Co. is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer serving Chicago, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona and beyond.
