After checking out several photographers, the decision was simple as soon as we met Steve and Kelly. They made us feel so comfortable and made the sometimes tedious task of posing for pictures an absolute blast! We like them so much they have become family friends. We will see them next weekend at our BBQ - that is how friendly they are! 20/10 would use again!

We don’t even know where to start with this amazing team of people. The day we went in for our sit down with Steve we walked out knowing we wanted to book with him. We wanted to work with Steve and thought having a second photographer would be awesome so we went with the Gold Coast package! It has everything you would want and more. We also had the pleasure of working with Brian as our videographer! Even though these were the people we worked with on our wedding day, I feel like we got to know a lot of the team throughout the process. Kelly (his assistant) is amazing as well! Very personable and also quick to answer back. We also had the pleasure of working with her during our engagement session. Steve and his team are the people you want! Steve makes you feel super comfortable with every step from booking to your wedding day. He truly goes above and beyond for the people he works with! We will be going with Steve for any and all of our photography needs! You need to talk with him! We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Valen studios is truly incredible. Steve made my wedding a fairy tail. There customer service is out of this world just like the photos they take. If you are looking for a photographer look no further. The passion that exudes from Steve is nothing more the awe inspiring. Thank you for making my day so special.

Steve was great! We loved him from the minute we met him, it's easy to see his talent in his work but he is awesome person to boot! We love that he insists on doing engagement photos as well in order to get to know the couple before the wedding and we had a blast at that shoot too! On our wedding day, he was just awesome, the moment he arrived everyone was at ease and taking pictures was just so fun (and most of my bridal party HATES having their pictures taken). He made sure we got all of the important shots that I had on my list, got creative with how to shoot most of them and even got a shot of my first promotion in Brazilian jiu jitsu which was an awesome suprise added for the day and meant a lot to my husband and I (and I'm sure my BJJ coach). I could go on and on about how great and fun it is to work with Steve, but I'm just going to recommend he shoots your wedding instead, he's awesome.

We had the great joy of using Steve eight years ago for our wedding, and I found myself returning to him for professional headshot pictures. When I found out that I needed professonal headshot photos, it was a natural decision to work with Steve again! He cares about getting the best pictures and making the process very laidback and easy! Both eight years ago and now...the pictures are beautiful! He has a gift, and I am so grateful to have crossed paths with him and his studio!

Steve is the absolute BEST! I picked Steve and Valen Studios because I was worried that my fiancé and his buds wouldn't want to take a bunch of photos and would get grumpy quickly. I was looking for someone who had an infectious personality that could take charge of our bridal party without feeling like a drill sergeant, thus allowing us to get the photos I desperately wanted without upsetting the bridal party too much. Steve not only is an incredibly talented photographer (his portfolio can speak to that) but his personality makes him ideal to work with bridal parties. Steve is prompt, responsive, fun, and beyond talented. I loved all aspects of my wedding but Steve and Dean truly made the day over the top amazing, only photographers I will use from here on out! Thank you so incredibly much, I am extremely grateful!!

Steve was able to see us on VERY short notice and produce so many amazing pictures of my daughter we had a difficult time selecting the best - so we didn't! We picked four! He has a personality that puts children and their moms at ease. My daughter enjoyed the experience so much, she came home and taught my husband how to pose for a headshot ;) . We will definitely come back for more pictures. And you can't beat the convenient downtown Grayslake location.

Work is absolutely perfect and flawless. Attention to the smallest details combined with caring, friendly and easygoing personality.

Exceptional service, quality and product!! You will not be disappointed!!!

Steve and Kelly were amazing!!!! Worth every single penny!!! I love them and I recommend them to anyone looking for a photographer! They created amazing photos and fit right in as if they were part of the wedding party!!!! I love them and have ZERO regrets!! Thank you so much for everything!!!