About Us

At Lumen Photography Studios, we believe photography is ultimately about light, connection, and the stories people carry with them.

We are Emma Vitallo and Drew Dzurko – photographers, artists, and educators based in the suburbs of Chicago. With backgrounds in fine art photography and years of experience behind the camera, we bring a thoughtful and creative approach to documenting people, celebrations, and creative work.

Whether we’re documenting a wedding day, creating a portrait for a graduating senior, or photographing an artist’s exhibition, our goal is the same: to create images the feel honest, beautifully composed, and timeless.

Meet the Photographers

Emma Vitallo

Emma is a photographic artist and educator with an MFA in Photography from Northern Illinois University.

Emma brings a thoughtful, story-driven approach to every session, focusing on natural moments, genuine connection, and the quiet details that make an image memorable.

Photographer & Co-Founder
The Heart

Drew is a photographic artist and educator with an MFA in Photography from Northern Illinois University.

Drew leads the Art Documentation work and supports wedding & portrait sessions while bringing a careful eye for light, composition, and atmosphere.

Photographer & Co-Founder
The Brain

Drew Dzurko

  • At Lumen Photography Studios, we approach photography as both artists and collaborators. With backgrounds in fine art photography and experience teaching at the university level, we bring a thoughtful eye for light, composition, and storytelling to every project we take on.

    While weddings and engagements are a large part of our work, we also photograph portraits, events, proposals, and artwork. Each project is different, but our goal remains the same: to create images that feel genuine and timeless.

    Some moments benefit from gentle direction, while others unfold best when simply observed. Our approach blends documentary storytelling with guided portraiture, helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera while allowing genuine moments to happen naturally.

    Above all, we want the experience of being photographed to feel relaxed, collaborative, and enjoyable.

  • Photography is ultimately about people, and we believe the process should feel welcoming and supportive for everyone involved.

    At Lumen Photography Studios, we value:

    Connection
    The best photographs come from genuine moments. We take the time to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable being themselves.

    Collaboration
    Whether we’re documenting a wedding, photographing a portrait session, or working with an artist to document an exhibition, we see photography as a collaborative process.

    Thoughtful craftsmanship
    As photographers with MFA degrees who teach photography, we bring a careful attention to light, composition, and storytelling to every image we create.

    Inclusivity
    We believe photography should be a welcoming experience for everyone. Lumen Photography Studios is an LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive team, and we are honored to photograph people and families of all identities and backgrounds.

  • Pardon our dust as we work on Our Story.

Meet Lumen

The Mascot

Lumen, our grey and white cat, is the namesake behind Lumen Photography Studios. He prefers interrupting editing sessions by walking across keyboards and making himself known in whatever space we’re trying to work in.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!