I’m Allie Osmar. I’m a Michigan native, now living in Chicago. I like cupcakes (Chicago is full of fabulous cupcakes), wine and a fresh cup of black coffee on the patio. I’m getting married this November in the Riviera Maya, and I find new inspiration for my own wedding at every wedding I photograph.
When I was a kid, I would hang sheets from my bunk bed to create a makeshift studio and pose my family on a small stool for portraits. In college, I bought my first “real” camera to prepare myself for a summer studying in Rome, Italy. In Chicago, I found the resources and leadership I needed to take my passion for photography to the next level.
Don’t expect me to force you into awkward poses like you did for your grade school yearbook photos. I’ll give you the direction you need to feel comfortable and look great, but I prefer to capture more natural interactions and personalities.
I adore the creativity and challenges I encounter with photography—it’s truly a blend of art and science. I owe a huge thank you to everyone who has allowed me to live out this passion.
I’d love to hear from you. Send me a line or find me on Twitter. You can also find Avei Photo on Facebook.
Equipment
I’ve had a lot of people ask what kind of equipment I’m using. Here’s a peek inside my bag:
Cameras
- Nikon D700 (main body)
- Nikon D90 (just in case)
Lenses
- Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 (first lens I ever bought—this is a great starting point if you’re just learning the art and science of photography)
- Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G Macro (favorite)
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8
- Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D
- All others are rented through Calumet here in Chicago
Lighting
- Variety of flashes and pocket wizards
- Sekonic Light Meter
- Gary Fong LightSphere Collapsible (for on-camera flash)
- Harbor Digital Design Bounce Diffuser (to replace the Gary Fong during weddings—it’s just not ok to have that thing falling off and rolling across the room during cocktail hour…and this one is lighter and less bulky
- 12 foot light stand/umbrella (don’t forget the hot shoe adapter)
- 42″ Zip Disk with reversible cover (translucent, silver and gold)
Extras