Each month, we introduce our readers to individuals who help define our community. Sharing a person’s story so that it may inspire, validate, uplift, or relate to others is one of the greatest joys of my work. As someone who values connection and relatability, this month’s feature is especially meaningful to me because I have the honor of highlighting two gifted professionals who help define the look and feel of our magazine, and whom I’m not only proud to collaborate with but also have the privilege of calling my friends.
David Bradburn and Sharmila Taylor are creative artists whose dedication, vision, and creativity elevate our pages and help shape the heart of this publication–and they remind us that the best collaborations are built not only on talent, but on trust and shared passion.
David Bradburn, Fork the Man Productions
He walked into the room and I felt like we already knew each other. Not because we had met before, but because I immediately recognized him from photos in his brother’s Facebook posts. When I approached him and very matter of factly said, “I know you!”, he looked at me as though I was a stalker but respectfully let me drone on about how and why. Little did I know in that moment, we would go on to build a friendship that began as writing accountability partners and now includes seats on the Arts Commission as well as our roles with Crystal Lake City Lifestyle.
David is the friend that is comfortable in the passenger seat; the wind beneath your wings, holding you up when you don’t think you can stay afloat on your own. He is the friend who checks in just to let you know he sees you, reminding you that you are not alone. A confidante who knows how to hold space while you process. He is also a fierce advocate, not just for his friends, but for his community and for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves.
David is also a talented director and producer who has created a boutique film and content studio, Fork the Man Productions, specializing in emotionally grounded, cinematic storytelling that “bridges the worlds of commercial, branded, and narrative filmmaking.”
Growing up in Elgin, his deep sense of compassion began at home. His parents modeled service to David and his two brothers—opening their doors to women escaping domestic violence, welcoming refugees until they could stand on their own, and always extending a helping hand to those in need. At just ten years old, a viewing of the film Gandhi sparked something profound within him, igniting a lifelong calling to advocate for others.
That sense of purpose led him to study social work in college and later to Chicago, where he worked in the field, then went on to earn a master’s degree in education and devote two decades to teaching English and film production in the Chicago Public School system.
While spending 20 years inspiring students, he continued to weave together creativity, empathy, and mentorship in everything he did. Film production became a natural extension of the lessons he’d been teaching all along — about perspective, storytelling, and seeing beauty in the everyday. This transformed into a new chapter, one where his camera became both a tool for art and an instrument for advocacy. As David explains, he creates “work that’s visually elevated yet human, merging agency-level creativity with the agility and authenticity of an independent filmmaker.” His projects often blur the line between advertising and art–a commercial that feels like a short film, a testimonial that plays like a character portrait, or a tourism campaign that looks like a movie trailer.
With the tagline: Cinematic storytelling that moves people and brands, Fork the Man Productions’ ideal clients include healthcare brands wanting to humanize patient stories, a tourism board or city government looking for cinematic destination storytelling, or a university ready to transform recruitment films into emotional journeys. The favorite part about film production or drone work for David? “Getting to bring ideas to life and create content that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”
Sharmila Taylor, Sharmila Taylor Photograpy
Two years ago, as I searched for photos for our City Scene section, I was repeatedly drawn to social media posts tagging a local photographer. Each of the photos captured the moment as well as the emotion of the event and the people. I was moved to reach out to request permission to feature some in our magazine.
In the months to follow, I found myself drawn to the work of Sharmila Taylor Photography. Taking that as a sign, and wanting to add to our freelance photographer team, I scheduled a meeting with Sharmila. At that first meeting, I new we would be friends.
Sharmila is genuine and thoughtful. Honest and open. Her hugs have meaning. She looks you in the eye when she says “I am here for you, whatever you need!” And you believe her–because it is true. She knows how to show up, and she does. Maybe it is because she has had people show up for her or maybe it’s because she knows what it feels like to be alone. Either way, here she is, authentically Sharmila.
Just one photo shoot with Sharmila and I was convinced we would work together for a long time. Words are often not necessary for each to know what the other is thinking. The trust was there from the start. Often, long after a photo shoot has ended, you will find us lingering in the parking lot talking, not about layouts or editing, but rather contemplating life, sharing news or events, or bonding over the experience we just had with the people we are highlighting.
Along the way, Sharmila has continued to evolve her business, carving out a niche for herself. Sharmila Taylor Photography specializes in personal branding, passionate about helping people, business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, influencers, life coaches, and authors, stand out with purpose.
With roots in Hampstead, London UK, Sharmila’s career began in London’s busy beauty industry where she worked as a retail manager for iconic brands in major department stores. That experience sharpened her eye for detail, design, and human connection–attributes that define her work today.
After moving to the U.S. in 2006, she had a varied career, exploring everything from working as a realtor to serving as an accounting associate with an adult-day-care facility in Woodstock. Along the way she also ran an on-line vintage clothing store which reignited her passion for styling and visual storytelling. A creative spark that eventually led to her true calling: photography.
Sharmila’s genuine interest in people and their stories is what sets her apart from other photographers. She explains, “I love working with clients who are ready to invest in their brand story and visuals that communicate confidence, professionalism and authenticity.” An entrepreneur at heart, she is equally passionate about the business and marketing side as she is helping her clients attract their ideal audience, grow their visibility, and step into their confidence.
Both David Bradburn and Sharmila Taylor bring something special. They’re storytellers, artists, and community champions who see beauty where others might not. Every image or video they capture reveals the vibrancy, emotion, and authenticity that makes our community shine. Each have described a draw toward the creative challenge of translating a theme into visual form, and finding joy in connecting with the people behind each story.
Working alongside them has been more than a creative partnership—it’s been a friendship built on shared purpose and genuine respect. Their talents extend well beyond the pages of this magazine. Each runs a thriving business of their own, blending artistry with authenticity and capturing not just what something looks like, but what it feels like.
When reminiscing about how our creative paths cross here–within our pages–their gratitude for being part of this creative journey matches my own. We often talk about how much we value helping shape the magazine’s identity.
Working with David and Sharmila has been one of the most rewarding collaborations I’ve experienced. Together we share a passion for storytelling, community, and building connections that extend beyond the pages. I’m endlessly grateful for their friendship, creativity, passion, and partnership and the way they help bring our stories to life month after month.