I've been struggling with the idea of writing this review, but feel compelled to share our experience, as I am sure others may find themselves in the same situation. We first met Otto through a Craigslist advertisement, where he was searching for models to help him explore areas around his new neighborhood of Joliet, IL, to give him inspiration for future shoots there. As the newly-engaged fiancee to a photographer myself, I felt compelled to respond to the ad, and within a few days, we had met Otto in downtown Joliet. As far as Otto's technique and professionalism, I know that the dynamic between a couple and their photographer largely depends on the personalities of each person and the intention with which they approach the shoot, but my partner and I were a bit put off by the excess of light boxes and staged posing. Still, for couples who seek photographers with this style, I do think that Otto would be a great match. Otto is a very friendly and funny person, and we felt that he was respectful and supportive of our relationship, which I am sure is hugely important for any couple contracting someone to capture it on their wedding day! When we received the images from the shoot, we were happy with his work and very grateful that he shared these with us. It wasn't until recently that I began to feel a bit uncomfortable about having worked with Otto. I had stumbled across something he had published that hinted at an anti-gay mentality, and was surprised by this finding. I was initially hurt, but my partner pursued it further with him to allow him the opportunity to explain what he meant. We were met with a response that was offhand and flippant regarding our concern, and could not help but feel the sting of hypocrisy at its finest. This review is not meant to attack Otto on his stance on LGBT rights, as everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I think it is disheartening to work with someone who claims he is supportive of gay marriage when he is working with a gay couple (for monetary gain or otherwise), and who then turns his back on the issue when he is no longer under contract. This may not mean much to most people, as questions of their unions never surface, but I would be doing a disservice to myself and the LGBT community at large by not revealing our experience. read more

This review is LONG overdue as our wedding was May 2010. *gulp* I have known Otto for years. We went to school together. And although we worked together on many projects, photography was always his strongest love and passion. When we worked together, you could appreciate his sense of detail, his eye and ability to bring out the best in people by disarming the situation. It was a no-brainer when the time came to get married that Otto would be the one to do the photos. We didn't want the standard photos you see so often. We'd seen the work he's done for others and in his own home with his family. With only one request (big family photos), we left him alone to do his work: gave him free reign, full access. And with that, his thoughtful, photojournalistic style made our wedding as vivid in stills as it did in real life that day. In terms of logistics, our non-standard wedding (outdoors, in a public park) were no problem for Otto. He quick assessed the situation and delivered stunning photography that has been the rave of everyone who has seen them. He is strongly strongly recommended. And if you have any questions about his work, please feel free to DM me. read more

I have to say I am a very picky person when it comes to photography and photographers. With that note Otto Rascon Photography is the best photographer in the windy city. He took our family portrait and with toddlers around he was very patient, helpful and super cool. He took amazing photos and overall he was affordable. I recommend him to several of my friends who had weddings and he did just an amazing job. I recommend Otto Rascon for anyone who lives in IL and needs a great and fantastic photographer. read more

I had already booked a wedding photographer, but after my fiance and I got our engagement photos back, we knew we wanted to go in a different direction. In a desperate frenzy, I began to google image search "chicago wedding palm trees" and amongst the random results, a striking, colorfully vibrant photo stuck out. I clicked on it, and Otto's blog post came on my screen with such amazing angles and lighting. I was immediately hooked after looking at his other blog posts and photos in his online portfolio, so I contacted him through his website. Otto responded back within 48 hours (a somewhat rarity in my wedding planning experience) and named a price that was perfect for our budget. He wanted to meet in person at a coffee shop close to us (but far for him!) where we told him how we met and decided to get married and he described his philosophy about photography. Otto is so personable that after a few hours with him he feels like he should be in your wedding party as a friend, not as someone you're hiring! A few days after our coffee shop meeting, we received a letter from him explaining how nice it was to meet us. He included specific details about our story that he had liked; I felt so good choosing someone that wanted to get to know us as holistic people, not just as clients. We scheduled an engagement photo shoot, but the weather was so crummy and cold, that we kept postponing the date. I appreciated Otto's flexibility on this! (If I had gone through one of those huge wedding companies, I would have been charged for moving my date so much.) In the end, we were able to take pics on a glorious spring day. When we arrived, Otto and his assistant had already been there for a while checking out the site - they also brought all their equipment with them which made me feel like a model :) During the shoot, my fiance and I couldn't help noticing how excited Otto got about the various shots and techniques he was using. At one point, he was jumping around like a kid with a new toy - and because his passion for photography is contagious, we felt so at ease and confident in front of the camera. Wow - I will always treasure this day and it was just the engagement shoot! Otto put up our pics on his blog and all our friends commented on how beautiful the shots were. My fiance and I got pretty narcissistic staring at ourselves on the computer screen :) We didn't see Otto until the wedding day, but he was in contact with us about all the details and what kind of shots we wanted. On the actual day, Otto was present at every moment but not intrusive. He was great with our wedding party, bringing out our goofy personalities yet capturing serious and formal pics at the same time. I liked that in many shots, he wanted people in their natural state, not all posed and awkward. He also, of course, got along with everybody! My entire bridal party facebook friended him after the wedding because they loved him so much. He had a selection of wedding pictures set up AT THE RECEPTION on a monitor and again had all his equipment set up at the reception site. I couldn't believe how prepared and proactive he was. When we got our wedding pictures back, we were floored. First of all, there were hundreds of pictures - 800+ i think? The pictures seemed to capture all of our personalities (Otto's gift i think) and the emotions and energy of the day. I've told my now-husband this, but aside from getting married to him, the experience of working with Otto and now having these visual artifacts are my favorite things about the wedding! After the wedding, Otto wanted to meet with us personally to deliver the CD of digital proofs. Talk about customer service! He even gave us a gift. Seriously, I cannot think of anything I could have wanted more from a photographer. Otto FAR exceeded my expectations such that I will have to use him as a photographer for every major event in my future... Thank you OTTO!!!! read more

Otto rocks! I contracted him for my first and only family photo shoot. He is the ultimate professional, His work captured the true essence and joy of those moments that I hope my family will look back on long after I am gone. Isn't that what photography is all about? Thankyou, Otto! read more

Otto is very passionate about his work. He is very professional, friendly, and relaxed. I believe that it is very important when the photographer truly cares about capturing a memory for a person/couple/group as this will last forever. I would strongly encourage others to consider Otto when they want their important life moments captured. read more

From day one, Otto Rascon Photography was the choice for us to document our wedding day. Otto really listened to us and asked about us, rather than trying to sell us on what he could do or what he envisioned. Please, sit down and meet with him. You will understand why we chose him after meeting with him and then meeting with other photographers. Otto is a professional, but makes you feel like a friend rather than a client, which is what you need on your wedding day. He truly made us feel he was excited for us, excited to work with us, and excited for our wedding. At our request, Otto came to preview the venue, which he gladly obliged, and even stayed after to coordinate with the venue coordinator. Otto, at his own request, even attended the rehearsal dinner to meet our wedding party and family! Otto and the second photographer John were very patient with our large group, which was greatly appreciated. Then to top it all off, Otto breaks out a drone with a camera attached. This really wowed us and our guests! At the end of the night, Otto left us with 3 mini-Polaroid prints which was a treat! We have yet to see our finished product, but we felt we needed to write a review now. Honestly, if any brides miss the opportunity to work with Otto Rascon Photography, it would be their loss! Hopefully we can update the review after we receive our pictures! But we know they will be stunning! read more