FAQs
Do you photograph professionally on film in Chicago?
01
Yes. Only Human Media is a Chicago-based photography practice specializing in professional 35mm and 120 medium-format film photography. Digital commissions are also available throughout Chicago and for select travel projects.
What photography services do you offer?
02
Only Human Media photographs portraits, events, products, commercial and brand campaigns, editorial and fashion, architecture and interiors, and behind-the-scenes documentation. Each commission can be photographed on film, digital, or a hybrid of both depending on the project.
Do you shoot 35mm and medium format?
03
Yes. Film commissions are available on both 35mm and 120 medium-format film. The format and film stock are selected based on the visual character, pace, environment, and needs of the shoot.
What's the difference between film and digital photography?
04
Film emphasizes the texture, color, grain, and unpredictability of analog photography. Digital provides greater image volume, immediacy, and flexibility. Hybrid combines both approaches—using digital where coverage and consistency matter while incorporating film for its distinct material quality and character.
How much does a film photographer in Chicago cost?
05
Only Human Media rates reflect minimum project pricing, with final quotes based on the scope of each commission. Film portrait commissions currently begin at $650, events at $1,050, product photography at $1,000, commercial and brand photography at $1,800, editorial and fashion at $950, architecture and interiors at $1,000, and behind-the-scenes photography at $950.
Digital and hybrid options are also available. A custom quote is provided after an introductory call.
What is included in your film photography pricing?
06
Film pricing includes the photography commission, standard pre-production, film stock, professional development and scanning, lab coordination, image culling, color and tonal finishing, and delivery of a curated high-resolution digital gallery.
Project-specific production needs such as studio rental, assistants, styling, permits, travel, specialty film stocks, advanced retouching, or expanded commercial licensing may be quoted separately.
How many rolls of film are included?
07
Each film commission includes a standard film allocation based on the scope and coverage needs of the shoot. Because a portrait session and an eight-hour event require very different amounts of film, the included roll count is established during project scoping and reflected in the final quote. Additional film can be added as needed.
Can I book you for portraits?
08
Yes. Portrait commissions are available for individuals, artists, creatives, founders, professionals, teams, couples, and other subjects. The approach is natural and character-driven, balancing candid observation with intentional composition rather than relying exclusively on highly posed images. Portraits can be photographed on film, digital, or both.
Do you photograph events on film?
09
Yes. Only Human Media photographs gatherings, launches, performances, celebrations, dinners, openings, cultural events, and other live experiences on film.
The approach is primarily documentary and observational—capturing atmosphere, people, interactions, details, and the moments happening between the expected photographs. Digital and hybrid coverage are also available when an event requires greater image volume.
Do you shoot commercial and brand photography?
10
Yes. Commercial and brand commissions include campaign, lifestyle, hospitality, food, travel, cultural, and branded storytelling photography.
Projects are scoped individually based on production requirements and intended image usage. Standard commercial usage may be included in the project quote, while paid advertising, packaging, out-of-home, broadcast, exclusivity, perpetual usage, and expanded licensing may require additional fees.
Do you photograph products on film?
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Yes. Product photography is available on 35mm, medium format, digital, and hybrid. The approach emphasizes material, texture, detail, context, and the experience of the object, rather than treating every product as a conventional studio catalog image.
Both styled lifestyle imagery and more controlled product photography can be developed around the needs of the commission.
Do you shoot editorial and fashion photography?
12
Yes. Only Human Media photographs editorial and fashion commissions with a narrative-led, observational approach rooted in culture, environment, character, and visual storytelling.
Projects can range from portraits and fashion stories to artist features, independent publications, lookbooks, and commissioned editorial work.
Do you photograph architecture and interiors?
13
Yes. Architecture and interior commissions focus on light, material, atmosphere, composition, and how a space is experienced.
Photography is available for architects, interior designers, hospitality spaces, cultural spaces, retailers, residences, and other environments on film, digital, or a combination of both.
Do you offer behind-the-scenes photography?
14
Yes. Behind-the-scenes photography is available for film and video productions, photo shoots, rehearsals, performances, artists, designers, installations, events, and other creative processes.
The approach is unobtrusive and documentary-driven, capturing both the work being made and the people, interactions, details, and atmosphere surrounding the process.
How long does film processing and delivery take?
15
Film requires professional development and scanning before the final edit can be completed, so turnaround is longer than digital photography. A typical film or hybrid gallery should be expected within approximately 2–3 weeks, depending on the number of rolls, lab turnaround, project size, and any additional post-production requirements.
Film can also be delivered with the original frame borders visible upon request. Border scanning requires additional handling and processing, carries an additional fee, and typically adds a few extra days to the turnaround.
A specific delivery timeline is confirmed with each commission.
How do I book a shoot?
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Start by reaching out through the Only Human Media contact page with a little information about the project, including the type of photography, preferred format, location, timing, and what you're looking to create.
We'll follow up with an introductory conversation to define the scope and provide a custom quote. A 50% retainer is required to confirm the booking and reserve the shoot date.