Barlow Media Group

Alec Barlow, Owner of Barlow Media Group.  Photo Courtesy of Barlow Media Group

 

Helping Clients Tell their Stories through Digital Media

From the time Alec Barlow first held a video camera 10 years ago, it has been his passion to help tell the stories of his clients using video as his medium.

His first taste of videography came when he joined a special high school academy for digital media offered at South Elgin High School.  His experience led to internship opportunities and videography jobs broadcasting high school basketball games and professional softball games.

Alec quickly moved into creating video ads for local businesses and growing his skills and experience.  He began focusing on filming weddings, creating business to business projects for companies and doing product photo shoots and creating brand films.

“I dove right into this business,” he said.

Educational Background

Alec continued his education earning a Bachelor’s degree in film and TV production from DePaul University.  Rather than go into the television or film industries, Barlow said he preferred to follow his family’s tradition of owning his own business.

“I always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  The last couple generations of my family have been business owners,” he said.

A Business is Born

Alec started Barlow Media Group in September of 2021 with video editor Peter Fossa.  His cousin, Dylan Barlow, recently joined the company as sound engineer.

 

Sound Engineer, Dylan Barlow.  Photo courtesy of Barlow Media Group

 

From the start, Alec knew his company would provide a variety of services including: personal photography/videography services and business or brand photography and videography. They also offer mixing and mastering services for podcasts.

As part of the personal services line, the team takes clients who are interested in photo shoots, engagement photography, professional headshots and wedding videos. The team will travel for weddings in northern Illinois, northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin.

In the business services line, the company works with small to medium sized businesses who are looking to showcase what they do in a cinematic and artistic way, beyond the light, self-published, marketing videos often posted on social media.

“A brand film is basically an ad that sells the company itself to customers.  We show who they are and what the company does as a whole,” he said.

Barlow Media Group’s brand photography is high quality, professional photography that can be used on a company’s website or run on television or as magazine ads.  An example of this would be photography work Barlow did for a downtown Chicago company called Daniel George Custom Clothier who makes suits for men.

Other Projects

Barlow said he is now working on a long-term project creating a documentary for the Illinois Railway Museum.   He said the year-long project will include extensive filming of interviews, footage of trains, and weaving together archival photos to share the story of the museum’s past and the people and trains that have shaped the organization.

Barlow said he enjoys storyboarding projects with clients to make sure everyone is on the same page.  For weddings, he notes that different couples have different wants and needs, and he works to make sure the final images reflect their individual styles.

“At the end of the day, it is a form of art, and every artist is different,” Alec said. Having those discussions are super important to start off a project with.”

 

Rates

Barlow Media Group offers flat rates for weddings and tries to be affordable compared to competitors.

For larger projects, Barlow offers hourly rates for film work plus hourly rates for editing.  The company offers estimates before work is begun.

 

Additional Services

With new forms of media taking center stage and social media influencers and business thought leaders seeking a professional quality end product for their material, Alec Barlow said he is investing money and resources into growing the company’s podcast production, mixing and mastering services.

To discuss an upcoming photography or videography project, contact Barlow Media Group at (224) 231-9572 during normal business hours.

 

About This Business: 

Name:  Barlow Media Group

Owner:  Alec Barlow

Employees:  3

Contact Information:  224-231-9572

Website:  www.BarlowMediaGroup.com

Studio Location:  Rented Creative Spaces or on Location