FreshLens Chicago Event Corp

A collage of four photos: top left shows two women looking at a camera, one in black and one in black with braids; top right depicts a group of women practicing yoga outdoors on a grassy field; bottom left features four women smiling in front of a festive backdrop with the text "Be a Part of the Light 2021"; bottom right shows a man kneeling and taking photos near a fountain.

About the Program

FreshLens Chicago is a tuition-free photography program for under-resourced high school students. Our Event Corp is comprised of a group of high school students and program alumni who have taken at least four 8-week classes in photography and built a portfolio. Aside from fundamental photography skills, FreshLens works to nurture the students' confidence, storytelling, composition in the field while building their professional and interpersonal skills.

Our students and alumni are not professional photographers and have varying skill levels. Based on the required skillset, if your event is appropriate for our students and we have availability, you will be assigned an Event Corp photographer. Otherwise, you will be referred to a professional or receive another appropriate recommendation.

Appropriate events include weekend daytime happenings such as birthday parties, family gatherings, student activities, athletic events, and collaborations with other non-profit organizations in the Chicago area.

Please note that our photographers do not photograph weddings, corporate holiday parties and not all events may be suitable due to their age and experience.

Rates & Booking:

Based on the event and the student skillset required, we have a sliding rate card up to $150 an hour. A $75 management fee is included in every project. A deposit is required to hold the date and facilitate a photographer for your event. Full payment is due upon the day of the event.

What You’ll Get:

  • Photographer: Pending age & experience, you will be assigned a photographer or photographer with a supervisor for the duration of your photography coverage.

  • Event Coverage: The photographer will cover your event for the agreed upon timeframe.

  • Post-Processing: The photographer will work to edit* your images following your event.

  • Digital Gallery: You will receive a Google Drive link where you can download your photos within two weeks from the day of the event.

*Note the students do not have retouching experience and an additional charge may be incurred with requests.

How It Works:

Need a photographer for an upcoming event? Please use the form below to book your event.

Please review the following criteria before you submit below:

  1. Is your event 10 business days out? Due to resources, the age of our students and schedules, we cannot accommodate bookings inside of two weeks.

  2. Does your event include alcohol? You will be assigned an older and more experienced photographer or a supervisor included with your booking.

  3. Is your event in a hotel or private residence? Please review the information below, we may not be able to accommodate your booking.

If you have additional questions, please contact Christiana Basso at christiana@freshlenschicago.org.

All applicants are required to attend a Zoom call before we make our student selection for your event.