Photographer And Videographer Jobs In Chicago, IL

Candid Studios is hiring 1099 contractor wedding and event photographers and videographers in Chicago. We book weddings and events in the Chicago area, and we want photographers and videographers who live in or near Chicago.

Candid Studios is a nationwide photography and videography company (3,000+ events), with photographers and videographers in 14 metros across 6 states.

Lead pay: $250 (1st hr) · $100 (2nd) · $80/hr after · 8 hr ≈ $830

Associate pay: $400/full day · $250/half day (≤5 hr) · path to lead tier

1099 independent contractor · not W-2 · no guaranteed hours

Apply in Chicago

Open Roles In Chicago

You supply your own professional gear. Lead photographers need two camera bodies, backup media and off-camera flash; lead videographers need at least two 4K-capable bodies, professional audio and backup media. Associate roles have a lower gear bar and are a paid apprenticeship under a lead, with a path to the lead tier after approximately 4 successful scored second-shoots and review. Field roles need US work authorization and reliable transportation. Each role page lists what you must have to apply and what is only preferred. Editing is remote and open wherever you live: Wedding & Event Photo Editor, Wedding & Event Video Editor, Wedding & Event Photo/Video Editor (Hybrid).

How Lead Pay Works

Examples: 6 hr = $670 · 8 hr = $830 · 10 hr = $990

Mileage: $0.70/mile round trip when confirmed on your Assignment Confirmation.

Payment is typically after successful file upload (contract allows up to net-30). W-9 required before first payment.

Field assignment standards may require professional social BTS (photos and short videos) from the day. Missing required social deliverables can reduce final pay for that assignment by 10% under the contractor agreement - we disclose this up front.

Training reimbursement and a career ladder come after you are hired. Destination work is available for contractors who want it.

The Work In Chicago

The work is weddings, engagement sessions and events across Chicago and the Chicago area. Chicago weddings happen at venues such as Salvage One in West Town, Loft on Lake in Fulton Market and the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. We have not worked at these yet; they are examples of the city's venues.

Fall, especially September and October, is Chicago's peak wedding season, with mild temperatures and fall color. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters are cold with snow, which makes outdoor ceremonies impractical.

Travel within the region is expected. Candid Studios handles client booking, coordination, and editing delivery.

To see what couples are offered, look at Candid Studios wedding photography and videography in Chicago.

How Hiring Works

Submit a private application for a lead or associate role. Requirements are labeled as mandatory or preferred before you start.
Open your status link and complete short video answers. That link is issued after you start the application.
Ryan Mayiras, CEO, reviews your application, typically within about two weeks.
Decision: approve and offer, associate offer, deny with feedback, or keep on file.
After an offer: the independent contractor agreement and onboarding. Education and full portal tools unlock after hire.

A bio, headshot and gallery are a separate public-profile draft; nothing goes live unless you join the team and staff approve publication. Read the full hiring process.

Apply in Chicago