"It's all about the 'wow moment' as I like to call it. I really get a thrill from having wedding clients and their families in for the viewing session after the wedding and seeing and hearing their reactions.  It's a wonderful thing to be able to provide these memories.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to make these photographs that will last a lifetime" - Steve Vansak, professional wedding photographer.

Getting to know and trust your wedding photographer is critical.  Once you are comfortable with the person behind the lens and are confident in their abilities to capture your special day, amazing images will come forth.  Please take a few moments to learn about Northwest Indiana wedding photographer Steve Vansak of SBV Photography, the exclusive photographer for Region Weddings.  

He started out in photo restoration, taking decades old images and giving them new life.  Soon clients began asking for memory books of old images restored next to current ones that Vansak began taking in his residential studio.  

As a member of The National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Vansak is able to deliver professional retouching to each image along with knowledge of his camera gear to produce images of great color, tone and sharpness.  He is an experienced wedding photographer and is insured by the Professional Photographers of America.

Each image is taken into the digital darkroom and developed from a Digital Negative for maximum quality.

Add to this technical knowledge a great sense of fun and joy in photography.  He has photographed everything from newborns in the studio to high school seniors at the beach to ballroom events to high school plays.  He also has photographed those funny looking people who wear veils and black tuxedoes, but were not sure what that is all about!!

Q.  What makes you different?

A. I love to go for that "magazine style" look with the subject in the foreground and a nice dramatic sky as a backdrop.  I incorporate that fashion photography style quite often.   Candid, photojournalistic wedding photography is another style I employ.  I want unique photos for my clients.  I'll do whatever i have to do to get them.  The way I showcase color in my images has been a big draw for clients too.  They tell me that all of the time.  Providing All Day Coverage in every package has given my clients piece of mind that I will be there to tell the story of the entire day.  That has worked out well.

I'm also very proud of the skills I've learned in the digital darkroom.  My books and montages are custom designed and not cookie cutter product.

Q. Do you do more traditional, posed wedding photography or more reportage style?

A. I think it's important to do both.  The key to great wedding photography is capturing emotion and telling the story and what better way to do so than capturing that as a photo journalist.  At the same time, Grandma may want a simple posed portrait of herself, her daughter and the bride standing together in a nice setting.  There is nothing wrong with that either.  I listen to my clients and craft my vision with theirs.

Q. What type of gear do you bring to a typical wedding shoot?

A. First on my checklist are two camera bodies for convenience in not having to change lenses so much, but also as insurance in case one camera malfunctions.  I bring many light modifiers, backdrops if needed and studio lights if the couple would like the portraits at the reception add on.  I walways have a female assistant to tend to the needs of the bride and to help me with lighting a scene.

Q. Tell us more about portraits at the reception hall.

A. The guests love it!!  There is no sitting fee and they get to have studio quality shots with family members they may never get the opportunity to pose with.  I have an upcoming client with family coming from Minnesota.  Imagine how nice it will be for them to have portraits done with people they may not get to see again for years.  It's a very classy gift from the bride and groom to all of their guests.  Sometimes you have to stop so as not to miss something important like a bouquet toss, but people understand.

Q. What is the concept behind The Chicago Sessions?

A. Well, black and white is timeless and romantic to my eyes.  I also love the look of old film and street photography from the 1960's.  I love doing this because I get to spend the day with the couple in the great city of Chicago getting to know them and vise versa.  They get to be celebrities for the day and I'm the paparazzi, just not as annoying!!  We end up with some very cinematic images and it comes with a custom coffee table book, a wall print and a fun time is had by all.  By the time the wedding comes, we are all very comfortable with each other and it shows in the photographs.

Q. How does a client go about booking you for their wedding or engagement?

A. The first step is to fill out the form on the contact page of Region Weddings or call 219-779-7137.  I can then send you a direct email to answer questions or give you a call if you leave a number.  Clients may pay a deposit via credit card, cash or check.  I usually meet with the couple so they can get to know me a little and of course show off my work in person.  After we book the date, I immediately start scouting locations, planning specialty shots they ask for, etc.  I usually meet a few more times with them before the wedding to go over things and tell them my ideas, etc.  It really becomes a partnership.  It's a great way to make new friends too.

Q. Other than weddings and engagements, what are your other favorite types of sessions?

A. High school seniors are great because they are so into it.  I like to have fun and that is what they are looking for so it's a good match.  They always tell me they had a blast.  Kids keep me on my toes and I don't mind running after them to get the shot.  It's good exercise!!  It's very rewarding when we get something good and mom gets that proud look at the viewing of the images.  No matter what it is, I like getting those 'oh wow' reactions. 

Q. Tell us about your studio.  What can one expect should they book this session?

A. It's a "residential studio", meaning it's at my home.  The benefit is that there is no waiting room of customers so we can take our time. I can also pass the savings in overhead costs of renting a place to the client.  You get the same quality as that of a store front studio.  I do many engagement sessions in Chicago and other locations, but the studio is always an option as well.

Q. Any advice for those budding photographers on the bride and groom's guest list?

A. Don't forget to take the lens cap off!!  Just kidding.  Sort of.  :)