Collin Pierson Photography

Collin is an international-award winning wedding bridal fashion & editorial photographer and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. Combining his unique past in photojournalism, sports, and fashion photography, he created a style that is both candid and dramatic. Collin is dedicated to a personalized approach with all of his clients; reflected in the images he captures of their life-defining moments. When he is not shooting, he is an educator to other photographers at workshops, conventions and conferences around the world. A little about my style: I like to combine the beautiful editorial images that you love seeing in the pages of a magazine, with the photojournalistic moments you don't always see happening. Gorgeous editorial inspired by the pages of Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair meets classic photojournalistic emotional moments. I was lucky to learn photography from an award winning photographer-mentor, on film, so nailing an image right in the camera separates me from the pack. I know there are no second chances during your wedding, and I intend to get the shot the first time, leaving you to be present in the moment. How I photograph: Every wedding day is different! My job is to capture beautiful candid moments, and gorgeous images, no matter the conditions. I want you to be assured on your wedding day that no matter the conditions, we are going to make something AMAZING! My philosophy is that even if it is raining, snowing, or cold, these are not challenges, they are opportunities. Making beautiful images despite these conditions maximizes your investment, and creates something that is completely unique to your wedding. The many years of experience I have shooting in challenging situations allows my clients to breath, relax, and enjoy their special day. It is just like the phrase; "I've got this!" I love to combine both candid photojournalism with editorial because it creates the story of your wedding. This story isn't just for you as a couple, but for those who weren't present, both now and for future generations. Your wedding is the start of your family, and I hold that notion in the highest regard. Candid images allow you to see people and emotions that maybe were happening the other direction from your view. They are packed full of emotion, raw, and powerful. Editorial-style images give you the images that you really want to put on your wall. Gorgeous photos of your day, incorporating the location, the architecture, the moment. Posing is always incredibly important to me for these images. I have found that the best posed images don't actually look posed, and I always strive for that! A little about me: I have been a professional photographer for 15 years, starting out in my hometown of Kansas City, MO (home of the best BBQ in the USA!) before moving on to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and finally Chicago, IL. After a time as a fashion and commercial photographer, I progressed in to the world of weddings. I am so lucky to be married to an amazing wedding and event planner, Michelle Durpetti. We got married in January of 2018, and I've been lucky to become "dad" to our two dogs Felix and Gigi (she is a 3.5 lb. Chihuahua!) and her 3 amazing horses. Michelle has been an amateur equestrian for most of her life, so when I'm not shooting, we are hanging with the 4 legged giants at horse shows around the country. I travel about 100,000 miles per year for photoshoots, teaching, and horse show photography (check out Fine Art Horses!) love to cook, and discover new and unique wines.