Close Up By Christina

I’m Christina Brown — a dual California and Chicago-based film wedding photographer specializing in documentary-style wedding photography. Like the people I photograph, I move through many roles: mother, wife, sister, daughter, enthusiastic host, dog mom, lifelong student of analog photography, and a natural people person. While I value each of these identities, the foundation of my work is a deep curiosity for perspective — how lived experience shapes the way we see, feel, and remember. I’m drawn to real moments and quiet in-betweens, documenting weddings with an observational, storytelling approach that prioritizes connection over performance. That philosophy, paired with my passion for film photography, began in my early twenties when I picked up my mother’s Canon AE-1 and has been refined through years of intentional practice. This path ultimately led to Close Up by Christina, a wedding photography studio rooted in authentic storytelling, editorial sensibility, and timeless imagery captured on both film and digital. My work blends fine art film photography with a documentary wedding photography approach, allowing couples to be fully present while their day unfolds naturally. Every wedding is documented with care, nuance, and respect — honoring all people, all roles, and all stories as they truly are. Now that you know a bit about me, I’d love to learn more about you.