Blog Feed: Wheaton, Naperville, and Chicago-land Wedding Photography | Todd James Photography

Kristin & Zach’s Engagement | Wheaton, IL | Wheaton & Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2012-05-21 14:41:34

This past weekend, I photographed my first Chicago wedding of the season. Even in spite of NATO essentially shutting down the city and heat that resembled what we typically encounter mid-summer, the day couldn’t have gone better. And while I can’t wait to share the images from that wedding, I’m equally excited to share Kristin [...] > read more

Amanda & Rich Engagement | Park Ridge, IL | Chicago Wedding Photographers

Published on 2012-05-11 12:18:52

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to photograph Amanda and Rich for their engagement session. I had such a great time getting to know the two of them, and was so grateful that the seemingly imminent rain held off for the entire time we were shooting. Amanda grew up in Park Ridge, so [...] > read more

Kelly & Brian’s Engagement | McClaughrey Springs Woods | Palos Heights Photographer

Published on 2012-05-03 12:49:55

Words are seeming to fall short in describing these last 3.5 months. “Amazing” doesn’t quite seem to do it justice. I’ve traveled 9200 miles in my car, been through 14 states, seen cornfields, mountains, canyons, deserts, beaches, and Redwoods. I’ve witnessed breathtaking sunsets, life-threatening storms, and awe-inspiring coastlines. I’ve reconnected with old friends and made [...] > read more

Beth & Isaac Engagement | Navy Pier | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2012-04-18 17:29:13

Words are seeming to fall short in describing these last 3.5 months. “Amazing” doesn’t quite seem to do it justice. I’ve traveled 9200 miles in my car, been through 9 states, seen cornfields, mountains, canyons, deserts, beaches, and Redwoods. I’ve witnessed breathtaking sunsets, life-threatening storms, and awe-inspiring coastlines. I’ve reconnected with old friends and made [...] > read more

Clare & Jon’s Engagement | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Todd James Photography

Published on 2012-03-15 19:32:44

This week’s weather attests to the looming shift in season. Despite the fact that this winter has been anything but typical for Chicago, I welcome the warmth with open arms! Along with this change in season comes the growing anticipation of the 2012 wedding season. The other day as I was taking a look at [...] > read more

David & Ashley’s Engagement | Glencoe Beach | Evanston & Chicago, IL

Published on 2012-02-01 19:04:03

2011 was a great year and I had the opportunity to document so many incredible days in the lives of numerous couples. In fact, if you would have told me all that would have happened in my life and the life of my business, I don’t know that I would have believed you. And though [...] > read more

Vanessa & Pete’s Engagement | Winter Chicago Engagement Photographer

Published on 2012-01-05 17:36:40

After a short holiday hiatus, I’m excited to get back in the swing of blogging. I can’t think of a better way to kick it off than Vanessa and Pete’s Chicago engagement session. In the process of editing their images, their engagement session has stood out as one of my favorite sessions of this last [...] > read more

Katie & Kurt’s Anniversary Shoot | North Avenue Beach | Chicago, IL

Published on 2011-12-06 14:22:38

I have a passion for documenting the authentic love between a couple and I strive to honor that love with images that truly capture it. This is accentuated when I know the couple personally. When I’ve witnessed that love between them first hand, my passion for documenting what I know to be true about their [...] > read more

April & Jeff’s Engagement | Winfield, IL | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-11-29 16:00:41

A few weeks back, when Fall was still alive and well, I had the opportunity to photograph April and Jeff’s engagement in Winfield, IL. April had initially contacted me about the possibility of photographing their wedding after I had photographed her sister’s last year in Quad Cities. I was so bummed to find that I [...] > read more

Allison & Mike’s Engagement | Wheaton, IL | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-11-22 13:49:12

When I first met with Allison and Mike to discuss the possibility of being their photographer, I knew it was going to be a great fit. They are just the type of couple that I love to work with. We had such an amazing time at their engagement session. They were so much fun and [...] > read more

Parker & Andrew’s Wedding | Kingsway Farm | Wheaton, IL | Chicago Wedding Photographers

Published on 2011-11-17 07:00:42

I had been looking forward to Parker and Andrew’s wedding ever since shooting their engagement session this past summer. If you had the chance to see their engagement session, you can understand why. They are so much fun together, incredibly photogenic, and the love between the two of them is so evident. With Fall weddings [...] > read more

Lauren & Tim’s Engagement | Glen Ellyn, IL | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-11-15 10:59:13

I love nature. I also love Chicago but there have been times in the past that I’ve craved living in a location that gives me more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. A few days in the mountains or on the beach does my soul some good. However, as I’ve scouted locations for shoots around the [...] > read more

Kim & Ryan’s Hyde Park Engagement | Chicago Wedding Photographers

Published on 2011-10-28 14:56:35

As I’ve mentioned in past posts, this Fall has been packed with so many amazing engagement shoots with some awesome couples. And despite countless days of rain here in October, every day that I’ve had a shoot scheduled with a couple has turned out to be incredibly beautiful. This was the case for Kim and [...] > read more

Kristin & Andy’s Wedding | Stonebridge Country Club | Aurora Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-10-19 19:24:53

It’s been a few weeks of anticipation for me as I looked forward to when I’d get to post Kristin and Andy’s wedding from Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora, IL. Kristin and Andy are such a quality and fun couple and everything about their wedding day was so incredibly beautiful. Kristin and her bridesmaids got [...] > read more

Tracy & Mark’s Lincoln Park Engagement | Chicago Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Published on 2011-10-13 15:01:54

As the pictures below attest to, Tracy, Mark, and I had such a fun time on their engagement shoot a couple of weeks back. Tracy and Mark had flown in from New York, and we consequently, had little margin for error weather-wise. But we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to explore the [...] > read more

Chicago Engagement Photographer | Clarence & Elaine | Old Town & Belmont Harbor

Published on 2011-06-29 14:39:19

The longer I’ve lived in Chicago the more I’ve fallen in love with this city. The months of cold, wind, snow, and traffic culminate in a three month period where the city comes alive in a way that make the 9 other months of enduring the e > read more

Protected: Chicago Wedding Photographer | Mike & Jackie Wedding | Palatine, IL

Published on 2011-06-21 11:25:38

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Houses of Hope Orphan Homes | South Africa

Published on 2011-06-08 16:20:16

I’ve been wanting to share my experience and photos from South Africa for a while now and though I’ve sat down numerous times to write this post I’ve never finished. I’m not entirely sure why that is. I know there’s a pa > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Taryne & Erik | Danada House | St. Charles & Wheaton, IL

Published on 2011-05-25 15:23:37

This last weekend kicked off the wedding season for me and it couldn’t have began any better than with Taryne and Erik’s Danada House wedding. You may have seen my post from about month back of Taryne and Erik’s styled engagement se > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Bob & Dawn Davis Workshop | Schaumburg, IL

Published on 2011-05-20 16:17:02

Two days ago I had the opportunity to help out at Bob & Dawn Davis’ photographer workshop at the Schaumburg Regional Airport outside of Chicago. Being at a Davis workshop again triggered some strong feelings of nostalgia for me. Nearly two > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Taryne & Erik Engagement | St. Charles, IL

Published on 2011-04-29 14:34:17

Earlier this week, I posted a “behind the scenes” video of a styled engagement shoot I had done with Taryne and Erik the week before. Taryne and Erik had such a great vision for the shoot, wanting to incorporate elements that reflected th > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Taryne & Erik’s Engagement | Behind the Scenes Video

Published on 2011-04-26 01:55:27

Last week, I gave a sneak peak of a styled engagement session that I had the opportunity to photograph in St. Charles, IL of Taryne and Erik. Taryne and Erik are an amazing couple whose wedding day I have the honor of capturing in just over a month. > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Styled Engagement Shoot Sneak Peak | St. Charles, IL

Published on 2011-04-18 15:45:10

A few weeks back, one of my wedding couples informed me that they would like to plan a styled shoot for their engagement session. Anytime a couple wants to do a styled shoot, I get excited. Not only do styled shoots give a perfect excuse to push your > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Cruise Photoshoot | Emily & Hank

Published on 2011-04-15 16:06:30

My previous post described the incredible cruise I had the opportunity to go on with 25 other photographers a few weeks back. While on the trip we met these two amazing college couples who were also on the cruise for their Spring Break. They willingl > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Photogretreat 2011 | Cabo San Lucas & Puerto Vallerta

Published on 2011-04-13 16:08:33

My jaw dropped as I read the email. Quickly I re-read it to make sure I wasn’t missing something. “CONGRATULATIONS! You won the GRAND PRIZE for the FREE spot on 2011 Photog Retreat Cruise!” It seemed legit. No catch. No gimmick. No > read more

Chicago Wedding Photographer | WPPI 2011 | Vegas Desert Shoot

Published on 2011-04-11 18:20:40

Every Spring thousands of photographers from all over the world descend upon Las Vegas for a five day conference and convention on the new happenings in the photography world. I was thankful to have the opportunity to go for the second straight year. > read more

Steve & Janel | Anniversary Shoot | Napa, California | Todd James Photographer

Published on 2011-03-24 16:25:43

Last week I posted a video highlighting some of the “behind-the-scenes” action during a shoot with my friends Steve and Janel out in vineyards of Napa, Ca. If you missed it, you can check it out here. I’m excited to now feature some > read more

Vendors I Love | Traveling Photo Booth | Referral Code | Chicago, IL

Published on 2011-03-22 17:02:20

One of the biggest trends in weddings that I’m extremely excited about is the use of old fashioned photo booths at receptions. This has been a huge hit with guests and bridal parties at every wedding that I’ve attended and you can’t > read more

Steve & Janel | Anniversary Photography | Behind the Scenes Video | Napa, California

Published on 2011-03-12 12:45:51

Over the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the state of California.  While the trip was filled with many highlights, one of the few that stands out is a day trip and photo shoot that was able to do with m > read more

Elizabeth & Dan’s Engagement | Herrick Lake | Wheaton, IL | Wheaton Engagement Photographer

Published on 2011-02-16 16:38:42

If the the ability to persevere through an engagement photo session on a frigid Chicago winter day is any indication of a couple’s future ability to persevere through difficult times together, I’d say that Elizabeth and Dan are going to h > read more

Jeff & Sarah’s Wedding | Black & White | Hotel Allegro | Chicago

Published on 2011-02-02 13:46:25

I’m typically a big fan of color – whether it be a faded antique tone or a vibrant image with the whole spectrum of color.  And this is generally reflected in the type of images I share on my blog and website.  However, as I was editing > read more

Vendors I love | Delack Media Group | Cinematic Videographer | Chicago, IL

Published on 2011-01-27 17:14:48

As a wedding photographer, couples often ask me for recommendations for other Chicago based vendors in the wedding industry.  Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some amazing people and always love sending new clients the > read more

Sarah & Jeff Wedding | Hotel Allegro | St. Stanislaus Kostka Church | Chicago

Published on 2011-01-25 18:18:35

You may remember Jeff & Sarah from a few months back when I posted their engagement session on the blog. I had been anxiously awaiting the day I got to photograph wedding ever since and when the day actually came it did not disappoint. In their e > read more

The Todd James Photography Make Over | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-01-20 22:32:16

As I mentioned in my previous post, Todd James Photography is going through a series of changes. I’ve been putting it off for a while now, knowing how big of a project it was. But with a little lull wedding-wise here in the winter, I’ve g > read more

The Todd James Photography Make Over | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Published on 2011-01-20 22:32:16

As I mentioned in my previous post, Todd James Photography is going through a series of changes. My blog and website have been in need of a makeover for a while now and I’ve been continually putting it off knowing how big of a project it was. B > read more

2010 in Review | Forks in the Road | Todd James Photography

Published on 2011-01-18 18:15:14

The start of the new year causes us to pause and reflect on the year that has passed. As I’ve looked back on my 2010, I’ve realized how big of a year it was for me. It was a year of much transition, a year of loads of travel and amazing > read more

A Night For Hope Benefit Concert | The Anchor | Nashville, TN

Published on 2010-12-20 17:01:24

This past August, I had the incredible opportunity to visit South Africa for the first time with my friends Kate, Jill, Meghan, and Bill.  Bill (Kate’s dad) had started an organization called African Leadership Development, and through that or > read more

Jessica & Michael Engagement | Lincoln Park & Millennium Park | Chicago

Published on 2010-12-09 13:11:41

The holidays and the end of the wedding season have led to major blog neglect but I’m looking forward to catching up in the coming weeks!  I’m excited to be kicking it off with Jessica and Michael’s Chicago engagement shoot.  As a > read more

Sara & Wes | Cantigny & Eagle Brook Country Club | Geneva, IL Photographer

Published on 2010-11-15 20:47:52

It’s been a busy Fall with several family lifestyle sessions, senior portraits, and corporate events, which have unfortunately hindered my blogging time.  In the midst of all the busyness though, the highlights had to have been three amazing w > read more

Leah & Stephen’s Wedding | Ed Bryant Reservation | Mauston, WI

Published on 2010-10-11 14:16:26

I love outdoor weddings.  There’s something about the natural and organic aura of it all that just feels right for a wedding.  I had met Leah and Stephen through a mutual friend and was absolutely thrilled when they asked me to be the photogr > read more

Kevin & Ami Wedding | Augustana College | Quad Cities | Moline, IL

Published on 2010-10-04 14:22:48

Ever since I photographed their engagement session several months back, I’ve been waiting in anticipation for Kevin and Ami’s Wedding in Moline, IL.  Not only are Kevin and Ami both amazing people and have undiscovered careers in modelin > read more