Bonphotage Photography aka Lumiere and Grain aka Simply Contract in Chicago, IL

Website: https://www.bonphotage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonphotage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serena.bonphotage.photo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonphotage.associates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonphotage_petit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplycontract/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumiereandgrain/
Facebook:

I’m having flashbacks to Lisa Saad from what I’ve been doing over the previous 48 hours to determine the whole lot that’s happening with this photographer.

About 2 days in the past I used to be despatched a publish on reddit a couple of photographer in Chicago that was known as out for posting photos of the Chicago Cultural Center that have been doubtless AI. One of the pictures had an uncanny resemblance to a different picture taken by a distinct photographer.

The feedback have been stuffed with tales about Bonphotage Photography – planners who had labored weddings the place the proprietor Lynzie had backed out final minute sending in an affiliate who was booked months prior, purchasers who have been upset on the AI edits to their pictures however couldn’t write critiques as a result of their contract had a non disparagement clause stopping something however a glowing 5 star overview, fellow photographers who had labored for Lynzie as an affiliate and never been paid, and one photographer who had proof Lynzie used a picture of hers in 2017.

I began to dig.

The wormhole opened. Videos the place the purchasers had uncanny resemblances to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and Olivia Wilde. Photos that didn’t match the blogged video of the identical occasion. Photos the place the backgrounds identically match up with one other photographer’s however have a distinct couple posing. It goes on and on and on.

As I used to be documenting and researching Bonphotage was busy sending out C&D’s and blocking photographers from her Instagram.

There’s so many prongs to this story however I’m going to begin with the unique photograph theft from 2017 (blaming an intern, BINGO!) after which the AI copies and transfer from there.

If you assume your picture could have been copied please attain out.

Also of observe, it’s alleged that Lynzie’s different firm is Lumiere and Grain which additionally has apparent AI edits posted to their feed (i.e. the Chicago Cultural Center doesn’t have marble flooring).

Update 4/20/2026 — As I used to be writing the latest replace Bonphotage despatched me a C&D and left feedback on the Instagram. I requested for Lynzie to point out me her RAW photograph proving the picture is only a coincidence however I’ve not heard again.

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Stolen Photo

In 2017 a bride inquired with Bonphotage and was despatched a hyperlink of Indian weddings they claimed to have photographed.

In the gallery there was a picture that was not photographed for or by Bonphotage however by Ashley Hamm Photography (original source here)

Ashley was alerted to the theft and contacted Lynzie by Facebook.

Lynzie blamed an intern for together with the picture after she had downloaded a bunch of pictures as inspiration for a styled session.

This allegedly wasn’t the one picture within the gallery that wasn’t Lynzie’s however I’m nonetheless digging on that.

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Possible AI Edits

I don’t even know what to name this part however there are a number of Bonphotage pictures which have uncanny similarities to a different photographer’s authentic picture or are doubtless AI photos with out one other photograph used because the leaping level.

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The first set of photos to be known as out have been posted and alleged to be taken on the Chicago Cultural Center.

This is the original photo captured by Sally O’Donnell Photography in 2024.

This is the photograph posted by Bonphotage.

There can also be a second photograph that’s nearer up.

There’s so much to speak about right here however I’ll attempt to preserve it transient. Enjoy this comically pathetic try at a facet by facet the place I need to name issues out with a star.

There is probably going greater than this however observe that the sunshine stands are in the identical place, the arch is precisely the identical, There is a random floating candle that merges right into a goblet (that are each the identical), the room has a marble ground which it doesn’t have in actual life, and there’s a bizarre floating chair.

There is one other picture between these of a bride beneath the rotunda.

While there doesn’t look like any copies of the setup of this picture, I’ve been informed by these aware of the house that this doesn’t align with the Chicago Cultural Center in seems.

The CCC has a carpeted ground, in entrance of the arches there’s not a brick planter field, the lights beneath the dome prolong out, the mosaics are incorrect together with the sample on the dome itself.

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This picture doesn’t match the chapel of Madonna Della Strada in any respect in Chicago which is tagged as the placement. AI detections pinged it as AI. A reverse picture search thought the placement was St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC which it does bear a placing resemblance to. The blurry congregation is bizarre. I’m additionally informed that even when this *was* Madonna Della Strada it must be AI because the chapel doesn’t permit floral preparations like this within the aisle.

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The subsequent picture is of a bride and her father about to stroll into the ceremony on the honeycomb pavilion in Chicago. Note, she calls this couple “Emily and Mark” in her publish. However the picture strains up precisely with one other photographer’s picture all the way down to the weeds, highlights, shadows and potential petal within the grass.

The authentic photograph is by Ashlyn Henry Photography posted on April 5th of this year.

The picture by Bonphotage was posted on April ninth of this 12 months.

In case there’s any doubt I made a rudimentary overlay displaying how comparable they’re.

When Bonphotage began arguing within the feedback on the publish I made with the montage above she claims that this couple is now Ana and Sam.

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The picture posted by Bonphotage of Villa Balbiano seems to be a drone picture captured throughout a colourful smoke explosion throughout a marriage ceremony.

The authentic picture by Nick Zharkov is featured on his website and the footage from the drone seems in a reel on Instagram.

The picture posted by Bonphotage bears a placing resemblance. Similar angle, the folks in the back of the aisle appear to be became a random railing, comparable setup on the steps. Windows are randomly lacking the grids and different odd AI tells just like the pool on the left altering form (which is seen within the reel) and the pavement altering positions.

This picture additionally seems on the slideshow of the house web page of the web site.

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Then there’s a set of photos posted by Bonphotage that have been allegedly taken at Beverly Hills City Hall and round Beverly Hills.

Two of the pictures look like initially sourced from Hanna Walkowaik. Note that the groom Bonphotage posted may be very comparable in seems and outfit to the unique groom in Hanna’s pictures.

The first picture Hanna posted here of the couple in entrance of metropolis corridor.

Bonphotage’s model has the identical actual placement of the palm bushes all the way down to the leaves, the groom’s hand in his pocket additionally is identical together with the palms which are being held in a really comparable place.

Yet one other try at overlaying the 2. Since there was a change in sizing I didn’t get it actual however I feel my level is made.

The different picture from this set that bears a placing similarity to this picture which is from the identical couple however a different post of Hanna’s.

Bonphotage’s model has the identical avenue, similar angle, similar hydrant, similar palm bushes, comparable groom sporting the identical sun shades and the couple is sporting an identical expression.

Yet one other fancy AF overlay video!

The subsequent photograph from this grouping that Bonphotage posted is a pair of Prada mules that aren’t worn by the bride in any of the pictures posted.

I initially wasn’t going to hassle looking out them however then I did and naturally the supply picture popped on Pinterest. I can’t be sure who the unique photographer is.

The photograph posted by Bonphotage is identical base photograph earlier than having the overlay added. The wrinkles are the identical, the place of the footwear are the identical, the shadows are the identical.

Montage time!

The subsequent picture on this assortment I wished to level out is that this one which doesn’t seem to hyperlink again to Hanna like the opposite two however the palms simply look… bizarre… which is usually an AI inform.

ENHANCE!

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The subsequent photos I investigated on Bonphotage’s Instagram feed was a group allegedly from The Resort at Pelican Hill.

I instantly clocked that the rotunda was not appropriate. The one at The Resort at Pelican Hill has a design beneath the rotunda which is lacking right here. So I’d wager this has AI parts if it isn’t all AI created.

The photos with the couple are odd and the bride’s hair modifications kinds inside what appears to be moments as the sunshine doesn’t change however the fashion goes from bun to being down and again as much as the bun all at sundown. The video additionally does some bizarre glitches with the brides palms as she walks in the direction of the groom.

Finally I used to be creeped out so that you now get to be too by this unusual hand behind the groom (?) and grandma on the dance ground. Try and transfer your ring finger again like that is with out your different fingers transferring. It’s bodily not possible.

Another picture from the identical wedding ceremony and at sundown instantly the groom goes from a tie (prime picture)…

…to a bowtie, the bride’s hair (once more) goes to a bun, they’re standing in entrance of a fence that allegedly doesn’t exist in accordance with a number of folks, and the groom’s plaid sample dissolves into nothing.

Enhance!

The bride’s palms additionally disappear weirdly within the video the place the rotunda nonetheless doesn’t match the precise venue’s.

Oh and PS: The Resort at Pelican Hill agrees that is AI. They confirmed this wedding ceremony didn’t happen at their resort and in addition said the panorama doesn’t match theirs.

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There was one other assortment of photos posted of this couple on day one in all their wedding ceremony festivities and it appeared to be an odd rehearsal/engagement session with a full blown film set for his or her pictures on the seashore within the video. I don’t shoot excessive finish weddings so perhaps I simply don’t know what they’re like? However, on condition that the venue already confirmed this occasion didn’t happen at their resort it’s a good guess that this “Day 1” didn’t both.

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The subsequent photograph from Bonphotage is allegedly taken at Filoli Mansion and Gardens however they don’t seem to have a staircase that matches the picture. The girl in white bears an uncanny resemblance to Florence Hunt who performs Hyacinth in Bridgerton although.

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Speaking of likenesses there are different well-known actresses which have appeared in Bonphotage’s portfolio.

The first is Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, who made a cameo in a video posted (and now deleted) by Bonphotage of “Tori and Ray” on April 2nd of this 12 months.

“Tori” modified appearances a couple of occasions within the video, and earrings. But not costume?

But wait, there’s extra!

The Tori session was presumably impressed by this photograph/session of an actual Torie posted here by Clary Pfeiffer on Instagram and featured here on Style Me Pretty. You can see how AI botched the stonework above within the fake Tori video.

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There is one other eliminated video that was posted by Bonphotage that confirmed an individual with an uncanny likeness to actress Olivia Wilde.

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Moving on to a different picture posted by Bonphotage and at the moment pinned to the highest of their feed.

While this wedding ceremony was photographed by a confirmed affiliate photographer for Bonphotage, the colorful smoke explosion didn’t happen and the colourful smoke was doubtless added in publish.

The authentic rainbow smoke formation seems to be taken from this wedding photographed by another photographer. The coloration patterns match up. I can’t determine who posted this picture that’s in all places from this wedding ceremony.

There’s one other model of the deleted instagram photograph on the Bonphotage web site however from a decrease angle. Note that the colours change on this picture from the one above. Again, her personal video from this scene exhibits that the unique was gray smoke and never coloured.

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Next there’s this picture posted by bonphotage which is comically AI. The fingernails are on prime of the gloves.

Enhance!

I’m drained and I’ve been engaged on this for 2 days so I’m stopping there however could proceed tomorrow as extra photographers clock photos that look eerily acquainted to their very own.

Ha, nevermind, what’s sleep.

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This collection of photos posted by Bonphotage is allegedly captured at Chicago Botanic Garden however in accordance with a number of sources that venue seems nothing like this.

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The subsequent picture by Bonphotage is a straightforward photograph that I didn’t even assume to look nearer at, somebody despatched it to me fortunately.

The authentic picture was captured by Sarah Tonkin Photography in Mallorca and the publish on Instagram seems like how we count on to see weddings and periods which are part of a collaborative occasion, with credit for all of the distributors within the caption and never a bizarre pile of tags.

Here is the same picture posted by Bonphotage. Note the same posing, and the very same location used all the way down to the place of the couple on the wall the place the cracks and ground tiles align precisely .

Missing is any distributors being tagged apart from Rodarte, which is what I usually have seen, solely the costume and typically venue being tagged.

Cue the montage!

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Over on Lumiere and Grain (which a number of planners have said is one other department of Lynzie’s pictures empire) there’s a photograph posted of a veil and footwear caught into shrubbery.

The first photograph posted by the venue The Merri Bee in October 2025 on Instagram and credited to Ashleigh Haase Photography and seems to be photographed throughout a styled session.

The picture posted by Lumiere and Grain has the identical footwear however the veil has been modified barely. They have modified the placement to the Union League Club of Chicago.

Another montage the place you possibly can see the footwear are the identical and the branches are the identical.

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There is a photograph posted on Lumiere and Grain that’s tagged as The Rookery, I’m informed that this isn’t that venue. No venues match this picture from what I can discover.

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This photograph is allegedly at The Drake Hotel however I’m informed that there are not any doorways on the property that match this door. Note that Simply Contract can also be allegedly a enterprise that Lynzie owns.

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In this picture posted by Lumiere and Grain somebody known as out the AI and so they acknowledged it and mentioned they edited the ‘horrible carpet’ out for the purchasers. Note there’s additionally not pillars right here both like the opposite commenter identified and the lights are lacking from the bottom of the rotunda which are proven on the prime of this publish.

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This picture by Lumiere and Grain is allegedly at The Ritz Carlton in Chicago and has been said that this picture doesn’t precisely painting the house, which is true.

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Canceling

There have been many feedback and messages despatched to me that allege that Lynzie has messaged the shopper and/or planner from a pair weeks to the evening earlier than a marriage alleging numerous illnesses, usually COVID, and causes she won’t be the lead photographer for the marriage when she was anticipated to be and might be sending in an affiliate.

I can’t confirm something however I wished to make a remark of it because it has come up in dialog a number of occasions when Bonphotage is introduced up.

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Associate Photographers

Many affiliate photographers weighed in on the Reddit thread and others which have popped up in its wake to allege that they’ve labored for Bonage and have been solely paid $50/hr as a lead photographer.

Many associates have alleged that they turned over their very own SD playing cards to Lynzie and by no means obtained them again. They additionally allege that if the ideas weren’t given to them straight that Lynzie wouldn’t flip them over to them claiming they have been wanted for administrative charges.

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Client Complaints

Lynzie has a non disparagement clause in her shopper contract which is why her critiques are principally all 5 stars. Note this isn’t legally enforceable so overview away (and in Illinois they only apply to employment).

There is one overview on The Knot from a pal that was posted although. In the overview the pal mentions the AI edits which have additionally been a grievance among the many feedback from previous purchasers and their buddies on-line.

It additionally appears to be a typical thread that purchasers are sad with the AI enhancing achieved to the pictures.

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