You've got questions. Good.
Everything you actually want to know — no runaround, no vague "it depends." I'm Nicole Kilday, an Illinois Wedding Photographer & Family Photographer serving Northern Illinois, Chicago suburbs, Lake Geneva, Southern Wisconsin, and destinations everywhere. If your question isn't here, just ask.
Booking & Working Together
What does the payment structure look like?
A 40% non-refundable retainer is due at booking, alongside a signed contract. The remaining balance is split into two equal payments: one at the midpoint between your booking date and your event, and the final payment due one week prior to your date. For The First Year Collection, the remaining balance is split into three equal payments — one due one week before each of your three sessions.
How do I inquire about booking Nicole Kilday Photography?
Reach out through the contact form on this site. Tell me your date, location, and what you're looking for — and I'll get back to you within 48 business hours. If it's a "hell yes, it's you we want, Nicole" situation: a signed contract and 40% non-refundable retainer officially lock your date on my calendar.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings: as early as possible. Peak season weekends — especially May through October — book quickly. Couples typically reach out 12–18 months in advance, though I do take last-minute inquiries if the date is open. For portrait and family sessions: I'm generally booked out 4–8 weeks, but availability fluctuates by season. Fall books fastest — don't wait on it.
Will Nicole be the photographer at my wedding or session?
Yes — always. Nicole Kilday Photography is a solo brand. I am the photographer at every single wedding and session I book, from the first email to the final gallery delivery. A second photographer is available as an add-on, but they are there in support of me — not as a replacement.
What if Nicole has an emergency on my wedding day?
In nearly a decade of photographing weddings, I have never missed one — and I don't intend to start. I carry full insurance, redundant gear, and maintain a trusted network of photographers who could step in if a true emergency ever happened. You will not be left without a photographer on your wedding day.
Do you have a second photographer available?
Yes — as an add-on flat fee for the entire contracted time on a single event date. Most weddings are documented solo, which creates a more present, less scripted experience. A second photographer is a preference, not a requirement, and makes the most sense for larger days, split locations, or tighter timelines. Every second photographer I bring is hand-selected — trusted industry friends or photographers I've personally trained. You're not getting a stranger.
What are your office hours?
My dedicated office hours are Monday and Thursday from 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, when I'm fully focused on client communication, timeline planning, gallery delivery, and behind-the-scenes work.
Outside of those hours, you'll usually find me photographing weddings, documenting sessions, or spending time with my family. I still regularly respond to emails throughout the week, but replies may take a little longer depending on my photography schedule.
As a small business owner and mom of two, you may occasionally hear children, dogs, or real life happening in the background during calls scheduled outside of my regular office hours.
To maintain a healthy balance between my work and family life, I do not work on Sundays and reserve that day exclusively for my family. Any emails or inquiries received on Sundays will be responded to during my next available office hours.
Thank you for supporting a small, family-owned business and for embracing the beautifully imperfect reality of real life.
Wedding Photography
What is included in The Full Story wedding photography collection?
Every tier of The Full Story includes: all-day wedding photography coverage, a complimentary engagement session (Monday–Thursday only — Friday through Sunday are reserved for weddings) or a complimentary additional coverage hour — you choose at booking. Also included: sneak peeks within 7 days, full print release, Print Shop access, and full gallery delivery within 4–16 weeks. The complimentary engagement session must take place within 60 miles of Hebron, IL — travel beyond that radius is available with a travel fee.
How much does wedding photography cost with Nicole Kilday Photography?
Most of my couples invest around $6000-6500 for wedding photography. A signed contract and 40% non-refundable retainer officially reserve your wedding date, with the remaining balance split into two payments before your wedding.
Every wedding is different, so my collections are designed to be flexible. You can customize your coverage with additional hours, a second photographer, and welcome party or rehearsal dinner coverage. Travel is included throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and destinations within the continental United States. In the rare event that extraordinary travel expenses arise beyond what is reasonably anticipated (such as remote locations, peak travel pricing, extended lodging requirements, or other unusual circumstances), any additional costs will always be discussed and approved before booking. View my current Wedding Collections & Pricing →
How many hours of wedding photography coverage do I need?
6–10 hours covers the range of most weddings. For intimate settings and micro-weddings, 6 hours is solid. For a larger gathering in one location, 8 hours is the standard. For church ceremonies, multiple getting-ready locations, or weddings spanning different venues, 10 hours is often the better fit. I recommend starting with less and building from there — we'll put together your photography timeline together, and we can always add time as the day takes shape.
What is Nicole Kilday's wedding photography style?
Documentary. Candid. Editorial — and whatever a specific moment needs. The through-line is "paying attention." Each scene gets a unique perspective to tell a true story. Editing style is vibrant, true-to-life, film-adjacent, and nostalgic — deep hues consistent with the reality of a scene, slightly punchy. I edit for the emotion of an image overall, not just what looks polished on a screen. View my portfolio & full galleries here.
Are engagement sessions included in wedding packages?
Yes — a complimentary engagement session or a complimentary additional hour of wedding day coverage is included with every wedding collection. You choose which at booking. Engagement sessions take place Monday–Thursday only — Friday through Sunday are reserved for weddings. The session must take place within 60 miles of Hebron, IL — if you'd like it outside that radius, travel is available with a travel fee. Standalone engagement sessions for non-wedding clients book as The Warm-Up, starting at $725/hour (Monday–Thursday only).
Do you photograph destination weddings?
Yes — easy answer. The Full Story collection travels. I've photographed all over the Midwest and beyond — Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, the East Coast, Martha's Vineyard, out West, and Mexico. If you're dreaming of it, we can talk about it.
Travel is included throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and destinations within the continental United States. In the rare event that extraordinary travel expenses arise beyond what is reasonably anticipated (such as remote locations, peak travel pricing, extended lodging requirements, or other unusual circumstances), any additional costs will always be discussed and approved before booking.
Do you photograph courthouse weddings and elopements?
Yes — my elopement collection is specifically designed for weekday courthouse weddings and elopements. It's available Monday–Thursday in a 60 mile radius from Hebron, IL, starts at $1,450 for 2 hours of coverage, and is fully customizable. I also happen to be ordained, which means I can sign your marriage license. You mail it — the rest is handled.
What is your travel radius for wedding photography?
Travel is included throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and destinations within the continental United States. In the rare event that extraordinary travel expenses arise beyond what is reasonably anticipated (such as remote locations, peak travel pricing, extended lodging requirements, or other unusual circumstances), any additional costs will always be discussed and approved before booking. My art is available worldwide.
How many photos will we receive from our wedding gallery?
A rough rule of thumb is around 50 edited images per hour of coverage. An 8-hour wedding typically comes back with 400–800+ final images. I don't cap deliverables — every wedding is different, and I don't cut images to hit a number. If it's worth keeping, it's in your gallery.
Do we receive RAW files from our wedding?
RAW files aren't included. If you'd like every image from your day in unedited form, you can purchase a full JPG vault for 20% of your total contracted price.
How do you handle challenging lighting at weddings?
I'm lighting-agnostic. Harsh midday sun, pitch-black reception halls, deep backlit shadows — none of that is a problem. It's just a different puzzle to solve. Praise the highlights. Utilize the shadows.
Do you offer film photography?
Not as an official offering. I'm a stickler for the safety of your images, and film doesn't give me the same peace of mind my digital setup does. That said — I do bring my grandpa's 35mm point-and-shoot to every wedding, for my own sake. A little piece of the man who started this whole thing with me. If I take any film photos on your day, I'll share them with you.
My partner and I are camera-shy—what kind of wedding photographer should we hire if we don't want awkward posing?
The short answer: a documentary or candid wedding photographer. But here's why that actually matters.
Both styles work the same way — instead of placing you somewhere unfamiliar and telling you how to stand, a good documentary or candid photographer puts you back in your element. They get to know who you are as a couple. They find the balance between comfort and guidance that's specific to you — not a generic posing formula that works for nobody.
Camera-shy doesn't mean unphotographable. It usually just means nobody's created the right environment yet.
I've spent ten years professionally learning how to anticipate moments before they happen — and if I'm being honest, my attention to detail has been wired that way since 1992. I'm always reading a room, feeling the shift in energy, chasing the light. You'll never have to wonder what to do with your hands, because I'm already paying attention before you have to ask. A wedding day brings a lot of chaos and I genuinely thrive in it. That's not a marketing line — it's just how I'm built.
The couples I work best with aren't looking to perform or create content for the sake of content. This is about the marriage & how it felt They want to play tag barefoot, steal a squeeze mid-kiss, shake their ass to their favorite song with a third wheel. It all comes back to trust — real trust. The kind that lets you set the hustle down for a few hours and just exist with your favorite person.
There's a lot less pressure in being encouraged to play than in being told how to stand.
If you're a camera-shy couple looking for a Chicago suburbs wedding photographer who will meet you exactly where you are — the messy, emotional, loud, quiet, imperfect stuff is welcome here.
Gallery Delivery & Image Rights
Do we have the rights to print and share our wedding photos?
Yes — full print release is included with every wedding and portrait collection. You can print, share, and use your images freely for personal use. What's not included is commercial licensing or the right to sell the images.
How long does it take to receive our wedding photos?
Sneak peeks arrive within the first week after your wedding. Full gallery delivery is within 4–16 weeks depending on the season — my average turnaround runs around 6–8 weeks. You'll never be left wondering where your photos are.
How do you back up and protect our wedding photos?
Your images are backed up from the moment they're created. I shoot with cameras that utilize dual card slots — every image is saved to two memory cards simultaneously as I take it. Once home, images are backed up again in redundant storage systems. I also carry multiple camera bodies, lenses, and emergency backup gear to every wedding. Your memories are safe.
Family, Maternity & Newborn Photography
What is included in The Good Stuff family photo session?
The Good Stuff includes 1 hour of unscripted coverage, thoughtfully edited images, pre-session planning, gentle storytelling direction, a private online gallery (accessible for 6 months), full print rights, 4–6 week turnaround time, and travel within 60 miles of Hebron, IL.
How much does a family photo session cost with Nicole Kilday Photography?
The Good Stuff family session starts at $725 for 1 hour of coverage. Additional hours are $365/hour. Studio sessions at The Ellery in Crystal Lake, IL are available as an add-on at $400/hour. The First Year Collection — which includes maternity, newborn, and a milestone session — starts at $1,999 (a savings of over $1,200 compared to booking separately). View family photography collections here.
What is The First Year Collection?
The First Year Collection documents the fleeting seasons of early parenthood — all three of them. It includes a maternity session, a Fresh 48 or in-home newborn session, and a milestone session (6 months or first birthday). Starting at $1,999 for all three. Sessions can take place at home, outdoors, or at The Ellery studio in Crystal Lake, IL. The First Year is available Monday–Thursday only.
A note on Fresh 48 sessions: These are naturally more unpredictable — baby's arrival timing, hospital policies, and my existing schedule all factor in. I always do my best to accommodate. If timing or hospital restrictions prevent a Fresh 48 from taking place, the session converts to an in-home newborn session instead.
When should I schedule maternity and newborn photos?
For maternity: I recommend 6.5–7.5 months. The bump is bumpin', most moms still feel comfortable moving around, and the light works with you. For newborns: we run entirely on baby's schedule. I dedicate my full day to newborn sessions — feedings, diaper changes, fussiness, all of it is expected and built into the time. There is no rush.
Are family portrait sessions available on weekends?
Portrait and family sessions are available Monday–Thursday. This structure allows me to give wedding clients the full weekend attention they deserve while keeping portrait sessions thoughtful and unhurried. If you're flexible on weekdays, you'll typically find better availability and more natural light conditions anyway.
What should we wear to our family photo session?
Something that feels like you. Coordinated doesn't mean matching — it means cohesive enough that nobody's outfit is stealing focus from the actual humans in the photo. Comfort matters more than polish. And if your kid has a favorite costume or a stuffed animal they take everywhere, bring it. That stuff is the whole point.
What if we need to reschedule our family session due to weather?
Portrait sessions are much easier to move than weddings — just give me as much notice as possible. During unpredictable seasons, I'll often set a backup rain date at booking so there's already a plan in place if the forecast goes sideways. Weather happens. We'll figure it out.
How many photos will we receive from a family session?
A rough rule of thumb is around 50 edited images per hour of coverage. A 1-hour session typically comes back with 50–80+ final images. I don't cap deliverables — every session is different.
Is there a studio option for family and newborn sessions?
Yes — The Ellery in Crystal Lake, IL is available as a studio add-on for family, engagement, and First Year Collection sessions at $400/hour. It's a great fit for newborns, multi-generational portraits, and anyone who wants a clean, controlled environment with beautiful light.
Investment, Policies & What-Ifs
What is included in the full print release?
Every collection includes a full personal print release. You can print your images at any lab, share them online, post them on social media, and use them freely for personal purposes. Commercial licensing is not included. If you have a specific use case in mind, reach out and we'll talk through it.
What is the cancellation policy?
The 40% retainer paid at booking is non-refundable — it holds your date on my calendar and is released from availability for all other clients. If you need to cancel, the retainer is not returned. If you need to reschedule, we'll work together to find a new date based on my availability. Full details are outlined in your contract.
Do you offer payment plans for wedding photography?
The standard payment structure is built in three parts: 40% non-refundable retainer at booking, then two equal split payments — one at the midpoint between your booking date and event, and one due one week prior. This spreads the investment across your planning timeline without requiring full payment up front. If your situation is unique, reach out and we can talk through it.
Do you shoot with backup equipment?
Always. I carry multiple camera bodies, multiple lenses, and full backup gear to every wedding and session. My cameras use dual card slots, meaning every image is written to two memory cards simultaneously the moment I take it. Redundancy isn't optional — it's built into every single job.
Are you insured?
Yes — fully insured with professional liability coverage. Many venues require proof of photographer insurance; I can provide that documentation as needed.
Nicole Kilday Photography History
What was My Whole Heart Collective?
My Whole Heart Collective was a wedding photography partnership between Nicole Kilday and Ashley Bowling from 2022–2025. Following the unprecedented wedding boom after the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole envisioned a collaborative approach that would allow more couples to be served while maintaining the relationship-driven experience and storytelling style that had become the foundation of Nicole Kilday Photography. Together, Nicole and Ashley documented weddings throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, creating meaningful experiences and timeless imagery for the couples they served.
Following the partnership's conclusion in 2025, Nicole continues serving couples through Nicole Kilday Photography while Ashley continues through Ashley Bowling Photography. Many weddings photographed during the My Whole Heart Collective years remain part of Nicole's portfolio and reflect the same approach to storytelling, connection, and client experience that continues today.
Still have questions?
If something wasn't covered here, I'm a 20-questions type of person - just ask. Reach out through the contact form or send me an email at [email protected] and I'll get back to you within 48 business hours.
Nicole Kilday Photography is an Illinois Wedding Photographer & Family Photographer based in Hebron, IL, serving Northern Illinois, Chicago and suburbs, Lake Geneva, Southern Wisconsin, and destinations worldwide. Wedding photography starting at $6000. Family sessions starting at $650. Available for weddings, elopements, courthouse ceremonies, maternity, newborn, and family lifestyle sessions within a 60-mile radius of Hebron, IL and beyond.
