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Photography by Fender and Donisch Reviews

Photography by Fender and Donisch

Photography by Fender and Donisch

Downers Grove, IL
4.6 out of 5 rating, 22 Reviews
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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 rating
4.6 out of 5 rating
22 Reviews
92% recommend it
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Awards

22
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
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    Ed Sent on 01/28/2014
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    Jim Fender of Fender and Donisch is an absolutely incredible photographer! He is a true professional with an incredible artistic vision. On top of his technical proficiency, he is very personable. We took countless pictures over the course of our wedding day; but it wasn't drudgery because Jim connected with the members of the bridal party and we all had fun with it. I've already had members of the bridal party inquiring about his services for family photos. Fender and Donisch may not be the cheapest photographers you can find, but, despite that, they are the best value! If an event is important enough to require a professional photographer, then why not hire the best? He couldn't be more highly recommended!
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    Melissa Sent on 10/29/2013
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    After a brutal search of photographers we finally found Fender and Donisch in our hometown. Through many internet searches and viewing many photos we decided to contact Fender and Donisch. From the beginning they were so easy to work with and talk to. Terry was our photographer for our wedding and he was just great to work with! He gives you a LOT of options and really takes his time explaining things so that you don't have to worry about any hidden costs. We planned our wedding in four months and Terry was great about fitting us in to his schedule when needed. Even though we didn't have much time we were able to get everything we needed and more from Terry. Every photograph has been exactly what I envisioned it to be. I'm a very picky person when it comes to photography so to find Fender and Donisch was great for me! The time and effort that is put into editing the photos is really great. Not to mention that Terry is very prompt at getting things back to you. We already have our proof book and it has not even been a month since the wedding! Terry received so many compliments from everyone at the wedding! He was a joy to work with and so much fun! I highly recommend Fender and Donisch! I love their work and their service!
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    Kaylie Sent on 10/26/2013
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    We recently had Terry as our wedding photographer for our September 2013 wedding at the Rialto theater. We can t even begin to say how happy we are with our choice! He was amazing from start to finish. We had seen his work at a bridal expo and after seeing how amazing and creative their work was we knew we wanted to go with Fender and Donisch. From day one Terry was a pleasure to work with. He really took the time to get to know us and how we are as a couple, to capture that in our photos. We had a great time during our engagement pictures and were so amazed after seeing those our excitement grew for the big day! We wanted our wedding pictures to be beautiful and they truly are! They are definitely not your standard cookie cutter wedding pictures, they are so much more. Terry is an amazing photographer and his artistic talent is awesome. Besides having such a great photographer we were so happy we had someone like Terry there with us through out the day. He was such a pleasure to have with us, everyone was raving about how fun it was taking pictures with him. I was even a little worried about a few of our groomsmen holding up a whole day of taking pictures and Terry s easy going personality really helped make it fun for them and that showed in our pictures! You can truly see the happiness, fun, and excitement that was felt by all in our pictures and a lot of that is from Terry setting that tone. I could not be happier with our choice and would make the same one over again! I have also had so many compliments from friends and family about Terry and the photographs! So happy!
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  • A
    Alaina Sent on 09/07/2013
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    Jim Fender is the most fun photographer I have ever encountered. I could not be happier or more appreciative with having him photograph for our wedding. Not only are the photographs unique, professional quality and beautifully done, but Fender was also an absolute blast to work with. We chose to have pictures shot prior to the ceremony, which I recommend doing, and everyone involved keeps talking about how much fun it was. Fender was interactive, kind as ever, and willing to work with us in creating nontraditional but still fantastic poses. (Yes, the cover of the movie Bridesmaids was recreated). I have been told by multiple people that the images are ones you'd see straight out of a wedding magazine.
    In short, if you are in need of professional photos, call Fender. His work is nothing short of amazing.
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    Alaina Sent on 09/07/2013
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    I was told the photographer can be a key component that makes or breaks the wedding; I can assure you that with this company they will enhance your entire experience. Jim Fender captured every aspect of our day in a way that recreates each moment in the images. I cannot speak highly enough about him and would recommend this company to anyone seeking professional photography. Not only are the photographs unique, professional quality and beautifully done, but Fender was also an absolute blast to work with. Everyone in my family/bridal party keeps talking about how much fun our pre-ceremony photo shoots were (which I recommend because then you aren't cramming pictures in between ceremony and reception) and when other events come up that require professional photography I guarantee that I will be calling Fender.
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    Jill Sent on 08/09/2013
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    5 years ago Jim Fender from F& D photographed my brother’s wedding. After the images came back I said that I had to have him photograph my wedding if and when it ever happened. A few weeks ago I finally got to have it happen. The pictures are beautiful. I chose Cantigny Gardens for my images and reception and was extremely disappointed when it rained the entire day. Jim was very creative and I was able to get the pictures I dreamed of despite the dreary weather. He is always very professional yet laid back and comfortable to work with. He gives direction but is still flexible and open to other ideas/requests. This was truly an enjoyable experience for myself, my husband, bridal party and families. Most importantly, the images are amazing and I am more than thrilled with how they turned out. We have a variety of artistic posed shots along with candid photos and every moment is captured. I would absolutely recommend his work to anyone and will definitely use him again for future events. Very happy!
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    Gianna Sent on 08/11/2013
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    This past July my husband and I were fortunate enough to have Terry Donisch be the photographer for our wedding! From the time Terry arrived at my house he began to capture every memorable moment from our special day. Terry was truly passionate about his work and fully dedicated in making our day unforgettable. When the pictures began to arrive, we already had family members calling us and wondering who did our pictures for our wedding in hopes to use them for future photography sessions of their own! We would highly recommend photography by Fender and Donisch to anyone! Thanks for capturing all the special moments in our day!
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    Jessica Sent on 08/13/2013
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    Such a fabulous photographer. They are professional, they really listen to what you re asking for, and they deliver. My photos were absolutely gorgeous, and I had an insanely hard time picking between them for our album and for print orders. Our engagement session was so much fun, and we ended up with pictures of us that we will keep for a lifetime. I have a very large family, and at the wedding, they were able to take a picture of all 23 of us and make us all look good. That has never happened. Now, everyone is asking me for my photographer for their weddings. Absolutely awesome.
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    Megan Sent on 08/14/2013
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    Terry from Fender and Donisch photographed my June wedding at Danada House in Wheaton, and I thought he did a really great job. A few weeks before the wedding, Terry called me to discuss the plan for the wedding day. He was very concerned with making sure things went according to schedule, so we'd be able to get all of the pictures that I wanted. This made me feel good because I knew I didn't have to worry about things on the actual,wedding day since Terry would take care of it. On the actual wedding day, he managed to photograph myself and the bridesmaids in a cramped hotel room as we got ready. He was able to create great pictures in a less than ideal setting. After that, he was able to control our 17 person bridal party, so that we got great pictures throughout the day. Overall, Terry did a great job. He really cares about capturing quality photographs on a very special,day.
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    Sheila Sent on 08/10/2013
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    Phenomenal!! Jim Fender has done 2 of my sisters and my wedding and we could not be more impressed. He is so dedicated and fantastic to work with. He takes true pride in his work and he accommodates your every request!! He truly has a gift!!
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    Toni Sent on 08/14/2013
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    Planning a wedding means making an extreme amount of decisions. Choosing a photographer was the easiest one for me! Fender & Donisch photographed a multitude of family members & friends. Jim was the clear choice after seeing his work on all other weddings. His aesthetic & vision come through each photo taken down to the printing process. We couldn't be happier with the end result!
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    Lori Sent on 08/08/2013
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    After your wedding you have one thing that can help you relive the moments...your pictures! I am not a bride, I am a wedding planner with over 15 years experience, and I only refer Fender and Donisch. We have worked together with multiple weddings and every single client has been MORE than satisfied with the results. I think the secret as to why Fender and Donisch produce such great results are for a few reasons. First, they have great personalities (which is NOT common in the photography world). They have a real gift for making the bride and the groom very comfortable which in turn create REAL emotions that they then capture in their pictures. Second, you are dealing with your actual photographer along the way, they don't hire out random photographers...the work you see is the work your photographer took. Third, and most importantly...they have the talent to capture those shots often missed by other photographers. They also have an edgy,"arty" eye to capture pictures that are unique and absolutely STUNNING! I've come across MANY photographers in my 15 years of doing events, and there is only ONE call I will ever make...and that's to these guys. These captured moments will be with you for the rest of your life...this is not a time to pick the "cheapest" person...anyone can buy a fancy camera now, build a website and call themselves a photographer...very few have the actual talent to capture the memories in a creative, beautiful way. Take my advice, trust in Fender and Donisch to capture your special day in the absolutely PERFECT way!
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    Sara Sent on 01/09/2014
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    Wish I could give more than 5 stars because that is what they deserve -- no one compares!!

    Ever since I've been a little girl there has been no doubt in my mind who I wanted to do my wedding. Jim Fender did all the photography for my wedding. I also added a photo journalist to my package to capture some of the little things that I wanted to remember in the day. I received my proof book in no time and my breath was taken away - these are not pictures - these are works of art!

    I am so very happy with how they turned out and can not wait to see the final album complete!! I would 100% recommend Fender and Donisch for anyone looking for truly unbelievable images that take you back to the moment every time you look at them!

    Thank you Jim!
  • User1296383 Sent on 08/21/2013
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    Jim Fender was our photographer for our wedding. He had the best ideas for pictures. I have had a TON of compliments on my album. The best part if working with Jim Fender was he was so much fun to work with. He was also my sisters's photographer 10 years ago and was amazing then. There was no doubt in our minds that we would use Fender & Donisch. I have recommended them to many friends, and will continue to do so! Just amazing!! Alisson & Aaron Lang
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    Alissson Sent on 08/26/2013
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    Jim Fender was our photographer and was absolutely amazing. His eye for a backdrop is nothing i have ever seen. For example we took pictures behind an old brick building and alley way, I didn't even question it because I have 100% confidence in Jim and his work. Those alley pictures turned out the best and they are the pictures I get most compliments on. My sister used Jim Fender for her wedding 10 years ago and had the the same experience I did-wonderful!! I have recommended them to friends and will continue to do so. Jim was a blast to work with, but I have to say anyone in their office was extremely nice, professional, and a pleasure to work with! Alisson & Aaron
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    Nicole Sent on 08/14/2013
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    I absolutely love my wedding photos from Fender & Donisch! Everyone who has seen them says that they are the most beautiful pictures they've ever seen! Terry made the process of taking photos so easy on the day of the wedding. He was relaxed, yet precise in all of the shots he chose for us. Along with all the traditional shots with the wedding party and family, he allowed us to take some fun shots that we wanted from the choir loft and outside in front of the church. Choosing which photos to put in our album was so hard, since I wanted them all, but getting the proof book to keep for ourselves is such a treasure! I would definitely recommend Fender & Donisch for capturing the beauty of our wedding day and their professionalism.
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    Ann Sent on 08/08/2013
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    I used Photography by Fender and Donisch (specifically Terry Donisch) as our wedding photographer for our wedding at the Hyatt Regency. We were very pleased with both the quality of the pictures and the thought that went into taking them. He did a nice job of taking into account the photos that we requested be taken as well as give professional advice on locations/poses that would turn out most beautiful in photographs. We have gotten many compliments from friends and family on our pictures and know 3 friends now who have also used Terry for their weddings with great results.
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    Sue Sent on 12/06/2010
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    We had so much fun working with Fender and Donisch on our wedding day, as did our families and brial party. When I saw the pictures for the first time they absolutely took my breath away. I have had more compliments on our photos and photographer than you would believe. They captured our day in every ounce of its beauty and have provided us with a treasure that we will cherish for a lifetime. Their talent and vision is unlike anything that I have ever seen!
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    Ali Sent on 03/31/2012
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    Terry Donisch did our wedding this past weekend at Hotel Baker and he was absolutely wonderful to work with! He got many different varieties of shots and kept things moving along nicely throughout the day. We have already received a sneak peak of our wedding pictures from their website and could not be more pleased. Terry has an incredible eye for artistic photography, which initially drew us in and will definitely be true of our wedding photos. It was a bit expensive but definitely well worth spending more to get beautiful wedding photos that will last a lifetime. We were very happy we chose to have Terry do our wedding photos!
  • User1840808 Sent on 10/01/2014
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    We used Terry for our September wedding. He was so nice and kind throughout the whole process. I feel that he went above and beyond in 2 ways...one was that unfortunately it rained on our wedding day. We planned on outdoor photography at the venue, so I was very upset that this could not happen. Terry helped relieve some stress when he said he and the 2nd photographer spent an hour before the wedding scouting out locations that he could use outside that had an overhang or some sort of protection from the rain. I haven't gotten my photos yet, but the preview of some of the outdoor ones you could not even tell it was a rainy day. The second incident came when the DJ was trying to tell me that we had to wait to do the first dance. He knew the photographer's time was about up, so he was going to tell everyone to take pictures with their phones of the first dance. Terry went to bat for me and told him that we could do the first dance and he would stay extra to get the pictures because he felt it was important. He could have easily said ok and left. He was more than willing to stay to get the shots. I thought that was great.
    When you book a wedding with fender and donisch you also get a free engagement session, which I highly suggest taking advantage of. Not only will you get some great pictures but it is excellent practice for the day of photos. You will kind of know how to pose and what to expect, and also what you like and don't like with the photographs. Terry really listened to me when I said what I liked and didn't like about how I looked in some of the engagement photos and applied that to the wedding photos. Plus the engagement session was a lot of fun and the pics turned out great. I'm sure the wedding ones will turn out just as great.
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    Maggie Sent on 09/04/2013
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    Terry Donisch photographed my wedding in August 2012 at the Morton Arboretum. Having him as my photographer was the one bad part of my otherwise wonderful wedding. But I can really only blame myself because I got a bad feeling from him during our initial consultation but hired him anyway. He is a talented "old school" photographer, but he is ALL about the money, he is bitter about how the industry has changed since he started, and he is not fun or pleasurable to work with at all. Above all else I was looking for someone very familiar with Morton Arboretum to photograph the wedding because we chose it based on its beautiful setting. He told me at the initial consultation that he was very familiar with it and photographs weddings there all the time. Then the day of the wedding he said he hadn't been there in years. The pricing for the average quality photos from our engagement session were absolutely outlandish. He was rude and acted like every photo idea I had was weird, too much trouble for him, or just a stupid idea. He was in such a hurry to leave the wedding that we had to rush it along to get photos of the first dance before he left. He took photos of the reception details before things were even set up. He took almost no candid picture- only a handful of bad ones during the cocktail hour and absolutely none during dinner, and we asked specifically for those. And most disturbingly, nearly all our photos are taken at this weird drastic diagonal angle. When my husband questioned him about that after we received the photos he said "it's artistic". He treated me so rudely all along because I didn't want to purchase one of his seriously overpriced albums. I'm giving two stars because there are some nice photos, but working with him was basically a nightmare. If you're considering Fender and Donisch, be prepared to seriously overpay and for how you're treated to relate directly to how much you're paying

    Photography by Fender and Donisch's reply:

    I love what I do and my favorite compliment is when a couple tells me how much fun they had so reading your review is really disturbing. I feel I need to address many of your comments because there are too many misunderstandings, exaggerations and untruths. You stated that I am "old school" and "bitter" if that means I have to always create a wedding album that's really not the case. I appreciate the business no matter what the final result is because I love being at weddings, it's the most joyful day in most people's lives and it's a pleasure to be a part of it. You misunderstood about me not being at your wedding location in years as our studio is a preferred vendor of the arboretum and we are there many times a year. Your requests to photograph in certain areas at the arboretum was only a concern to me because of poor lighting conditions or unphotogenic backgrounds not that I thought your ideas were "weird" or "stupid". Many times our Brides have great ideas that I welcome if I can produce the level of quality images that you would expect. You mentioned there were specific images you requested that I didn't take. I always ask for shot sheets or special requests and I am very concerned about accommodating these requests so if I missed anything I sincerely apologize. You stated that "nearly all" of the images were at an angle when actually about 25% were angled to give a more creative "caught on the fly" photo-journalistic feel like we show in our samples at our studio. Your comment about me rushing you through your dances is simply untrue. You contracted me for 6 hours of photography and with about 20 minutes left I thought I was doing you a favor by mentioning that you intended to be photographed danceing within that time frame. I invite all that are interested to read other reviews about our level of service or visit our testimonial section at http://www.fenderanddonisch.com/ and I believe you'll find a completely different perspective.

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    Sage Sent on 06/29/2012
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    The quantity and quality of the photos for the cost is outlandish. I would not reccomend them to anyone. Definitely look at all the reviews out there for these photographers they are not worth it. I must say weddings are things to remember but not with these photos. There were barely any shots from the reception very small amount of family shots and no candid photos. Even at the church ceremony they had pictures of the coordinator in every shot of the bridal party walking down the aisle. just terrible photos definitely the worst part of the wedding, luckily I have family who were able to take better shots. Not recomended
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