Jason Kaczorowski took his first paid photography job in 1995 and has run his studio in Chicago since 2007. He no longer shoots every proposal himself. A team of seven photographers covers the dates, so ask who will be behind the camera on yours. Jason still plans each proposal with you and edits the pictures, and the studio handles the park permit where a location needs one.
The studio's FAQ describes three ways to stage it. In the candid version the photographer pretends to shoot the skyline and swings round at the last second. The other two put the photographer in plain view with lights, either asking the two of you to stand in for a quick lighting test or offering to take a proper version of the selfie you've stopped for. A thumbs-up or a thank-you is your cue. Most of their clients pick one of those two, which makes sense. The photographer has the spot to themselves before you get there, and nobody wanders into the background of your pictures. They arrive at least fifteen minutes early and will wait fifteen minutes past the agreed time if you're running late.
For a December proposal, one client wanted somewhere indoors, since it would be cold and already dark, and Jason suggested the Rookery, the 1888 Burnham and Root building whose Light Court Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned in 1905. The cover story was a private architecture tour, with a violinist playing as they walked in. The bride-to-be had been on Love Is Blind, and People Magazine ran the photos.
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