Kane County Magazine gets into the finer details of wedding photography with St. Charles-based Gilbert Reyes

Gilbert Reyes is in the business of capturing moments.

A look of adoration between a couple in love, laughter among a group of close friends, the soulful stares of two people as each vows lifelong devotion to the other—Reyes and his camera have been there for it all.

As owner and lead photographer of Greyes Photography in St. Charles, Reyes has spent 13 years working with couples seeking to immortalize their moments, both big and small.

Here he talks with Kane County Magazine about how couples embarking on their own next chapters can find the right photographer for them.

KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: How do you approach a consultation with a couple interested in either an engagement session or photography for their wedding?

GILBERT REYES: When I meet with a couple, I focus on getting to know them, details like how they met, their wedding vision and what kind of photos they’re drawn to. It’s all about making sure we’re a good fit and that I understand their style.

For engagement sessions, I offer advice on locations and outfits to make sure they feel comfortable and confident. The goal is to build trust, so they feel relaxed and know I’m there to capture their unique story.

KC: What advice can you give to a couple as they begin their search for a wedding photographer?

GR: My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you connect with your photographer, someone whose style aligns with your vision and makes you feel comfortable. Also, always ask to see a full gallery of a wedding they’ve shot. It gives you a better idea of their consistency and how they capture the entire day.

KC: Any common pitfalls to avoid?

GR: Don’t focus too much on price over quality. Your wedding photos are lasting memories, so make sure you’re investing in someone you trust. And be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They might come with hidden costs or limits.

KC: How do you feel your photography sets you apart from others in the industry?

GR: What sets my photography apart is my ability to capture natural-looking images that don’t feel overly posed, even though I do guide my clients. I focus on creating moments that feel genuine while still maintaining an artistic touch.

I’m also drawn to dramatic, moody photos, but that’s something I incorporate only when the opportunity arises. I love playing with light, treating it as my brush and shadow as my canvas, which helps add depth and emotion to the shots where I can really experiment.

KC: Are there certain poses or ideas that you feel are particularly appealing when taking photos of a couple during an engagement or wedding shoot?

GR: I love capturing natural, intimate moments during engagement and wedding shoots. For engagements, I suggest poses where the couple can interact—laughing together or sharing a quiet moment. It’s about highlighting their connection in a relaxed way.

For weddings, I like to use the environment to create romantic, timeless shots. Simple poses like a gentle dip or a glance over the shoulder can really add to the feel. Of course, I also make sure to capture the traditional posed shots where the couple is looking at the camera, since those are often favorites for the parents. The goal is always to reflect who they are as a couple in an authentic, relaxed way.

KC: Is there anything you’d advise couples against when it comes to photos taken on the big day?

GR: My advice is not to over-schedule the day or focus too much on fitting in every specific shot. Some of the best moments are unplanned and real, like a laugh or a tear. Also, don’t stress about perfection—embrace the genuine moments, and trust your photographer to capture them. Enjoy the day instead of worrying about every detail.

KC: Can you share some of the moments you feel the most proud to have captured?

GR: What I’m really proud of is being able to capture the weddings of several members in the same family or multiple weddings from the same group of friends. It’s not just about a specific moment, but about being part of the chain of memories in their lives.

I’m especially proud that, even after more than a decade in the business, I still shoot weddings connected to couples I worked with more than 10 years ago. It’s amazing to see their journey continue and to be able to document these important milestones for them and their families.