A Little Time and a Keyboard: Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery Invites Exploration of Creativity Both by Admiring Art and Inspiring Your Own

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery Invites Exploration of Creativity Both by Admiring Art and Inspiring Your Own

Thursday, December 2, 2021



A Morning Celebrating Art at Woodland Grove Gallery

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery in Mundelein, Illinois, invites the community to admire photographic art by local photographers while presenting a new space for all of us to cultivate our own creativity. Owner and photographer Tobin Fraley as well as expert framer Nancy Fitzsimmons recently welcomed me to Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery, so that I can share this new creative venue with you.

Meeting Photographer Tobin Fraley and Framer Nancy Fitzsimmons at Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery.
Meeting Photographer Tobin Fraley and Framer Nancy Fitzsimmons at Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery.

Creativity and inspiration will grow in a variety of ways at Woodland Grove. Visitors can peruse changing exhibitions as well as purchase high-quality, professional photographs. Additionally, the venue offers a fine art photography studio ideal for your portraiture needs. Tobin Fraley can accommodate portraiture in other locations as well.

Stepping into the Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery beckons you to pause and admire the world in a different light.
Stepping into the Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery beckons you to pause and admire the world in a different light.

I asked Tobin a little about the spark that guided him towards photography. He initially became curious upon discovering his father's photography and darkroom equipment.  He began with learning about printing, enlarging, and developing. Living in Berkeley during the late 1960's, he benefitted from quite a fascinating time to take photos. Fraley took his one and only photography class at The New School in New York City on architectural photography. Architectural photography represents one of Fraley's talents and passions to this day.

In 2003, Tobin completed the Reed-Turner project featuring nature at Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center as the star. Fraley's ability to display to intricacies of nature and elements we overlook is remarkable. Several of the large-scale pieces from this study are currently on display. This winter, Woodland Grove would be a fantastic spot to visit and savor a burst of the beauty of nature in all seasons on days that may not be so fun to go out!

"Frozen Water" by Tobin Fraley highlights the intricacy of winter.
"Frozen Water" by Tobin Fraley highlights the intricacy of winter.

Classes at Woodland Grove

Tobin teaches photography classes and will be starting iPhone photography classes this coming winter.  He has taught iPhone photography classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I loved learning about some of his teaching methods and we share such an amazing appreciation of the little wonders that can be found in nature -- treasures that so many people easily pass over. The power of the iPhone in photography is so incredible! Fraley's classes will help unfold new worlds and perspectives with something we all carry with us every day!

The studio includes the perfect setup for professional portraiture.
The studio includes the perfect setup for professional portraiture.


Learning About the Importance of Framing

Nancy Fitzsimmons is an expert framer. Finding the proper frame is a delicate balance because you want a frame that enhances your piece without overwhelming it. Framing can be quite intimidating and Nancy would like to help us navigate the process. She has been framing for more than 30 years and can help guide you through the process. Talking to Nancy, I learned that she has framed a Picasso -- incredible! She also has framed headstones. Pretty interesting! 

I talked to Nancy about old family photographs that I have in my possession and need to frame. It is really important to have someone like Nancy to help take care of something so precious. I am looking forward to talking with her in the future and work on preserving these photos for future generations.


Historic photography artifacts added charm.
Historic photography artifacts added charm.

My morning at Woodland Grove opened my creative side in new ways. Taking time to appreciate different perspectives through photography really opens up new avenues of inspiration. I love that Woodland Grove is a multifaceted creative space including art to admire, art to purchase, art instruction and an art studio for portraits. 

"New Orleans Window" by Tobin Fraley.
"New Orleans Window" by Tobin Fraley.


Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery is a bit tucked away in the Mundelein complex that includes Tighthead Brewery. You will find the studio on the other side of the building from Tighthead. As you step down and enter, you will enter an airy and inviting studio! The adventure to the studio is quite worth it!

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery offers a new venue for the community to enjoy photographic art and explore new perspectives through creativity. The studio will welcome visitors not only to appreciate art but also to take photography classes, partake in special shows and sit for professional portraiture. Additionally, if you are looking for high-quality images for your home or office, Woodland Grove definitely should be on your radar! Woodland Grove is a welcome addition to the Chicago suburban community and I hope you visit this creative space soon.










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