This has been an exciting year for Todd Burleson Photography!  I have had the chance to meet many new families and had the opportunity to explore some new outlets for my photography. 

              I am thrilled to have a new addition to my site.  This link gives me the chance to back up all my work and provide me a place to highlight all of my photographic adventures.   Please visit:

MY GALLERIES

             Early this year, I had the chance to work with The Swain Music Studio in Winnetka, IL.  Alan Swain is a world reknown jazz pianist who has been playing, teaching and writing for over thirty years.  He is developing a website for his studio and I had the good fortune of working with him and his staff.  As that site develops, I’ll post some links so you can see some of that work.  For now, here is a link to some of Alan’s books on Amazon.com   Books

 Just this spring, I had the good fortune of having one of my images chosen for the cover of a fantastic new

children's novel called, The Vonnesta Project. This book was written by David J. Wartik, an excellent teacher, author and colleague. If you have not had a chance to check out the book, please visit his site.You can also purchase this book through Amazon.com as well.

      I had a chance to work with an up and coming Indie Band called Maya Vada .  This band from Chicago who plays a unique blend of Progressive Jazz Rock. I’m excited to watch them as they enter the larger scene.  Their website is in development, but check in for updates @ MayaVada.com

Here is an image I made with them at an early shoot this year:

Another new venture for me was working with Brooke Kelly Designs in Winnetka, IL.  Brooke, designed and built her home and is in the process of renewing her portfolio for an eventual web site to showcase her work. 

As you can see from the images, her designs are diverse and distinctive.  I particularly loved her parlor with its beautiful built in bookcases and leather chairs.  As a photographer, I also found her use of natural light to be refreshing.  Brooke was easy to work with, both as a designer and a subject!  I’ll post a link as soon as her site is developed.  She can be reached @ BMKdesign@sbcglobal.net

      I have been honored to be able to donate my photographic services toward several excellent organizations.  Most recently, I participated in the Kenosha Artisan Auction for the Shalom Center in Kenosha, WI.  The Shalom Center's mission is to collaboratively serve our community by providing emergency food, shelter, housing and support in ways that meet immediate needs and respect human dignity.  Their website is:  Shalom Center

      Both the Hubbard Woods PTO and the Skokie/Washburne Benefit silent auctioned sessions with me.  As always, I am so glad to give back to these excellent organizations.

      I've spent as much time as possible behind the camera this year, but have also found the time share and learn my craft.  I've attended several classes put on by NAPP (The National Association of Photoshop Professionals) and have worked with other nationally known professionals to help me continue to grow.  I recently studied lighting in a course taught by Christopher Grey, at Shoot Smarter University in Aurora, IL.  This was an enriching and challenging experience that will continue to impact my work.  The best part of the course, for me, was that I was able to work with nine other excellent photographers for four days.  We were all able to glean from one another's work and I know I have grown.  Chris' guidance and the challenge of photographing the same models and sets with other photographers gave me the chance to truly see 'different' angles and compositions.  It was awesome! I look forward to attending many more classes there.