Jim's interest in photography started in the early 1980's when he almost went into the business full time, but decided against it when kids started coming along and the need for medical insurance was more important than doing what he loved. After drifting away from photography for a few years, he was introduced to the world of the new, auto-focus Nikon digital SLR camera and pursued it with more passion than before. He now owns eight digital SLR bodies and he still has his old film camera as well. Finally in 2003, and after finishing his studies at the New York Institute of Photography, with the support of family and friends, he was convinced to follow his dream and that is how Jim Shields Photography was started.

Jim has a relaxed approach that captures the events of the day uninterrupted. He usually starts at the bride's home and goes from there to catch those candid shots of preparation with the special people around you. All scheduling is discussed in advance so everyone knows where he will be, and when. We believe that every part of your wedding day should be memorable; the family and formal pictures are short, fun and creative so you spend as little time away from the celebration as possible.

During the years of being in the corporate world Jim had the pleasure to travel extensively to places like Russia, China, Japan, Germany, France, Hong Kong and many other locations on this great planet. With all of that travel he now prefers to stay close to home and do what he loves to do, take pictures. However, he is available to travel for destination weddings if requested.

If not shooting weddings Jim also does corporate photography, children, and seniors. He has had the opportunity to photograph many people of interest, including the likes of, Rick Springfield, Adam West, Robert Ficano and has been published in "Lawyers Weekly" and "Michigan In Touch". He also does quite a lot of charity work for St. John Lutheran Church, in Fraser, MI, as well as photography for an organization called "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep", which offers free photography services for families who have suffered the loss of an infant.

Previously, his wife Debbie & him have been wedding coordinators at their church in Fraser, Michigan, for many years. From that perspective, he has observed many photographers and their styles - which range from professional to downright awful. Jim often reminds his wife of one photographer who used his assistant to continually wipe the sweat off his brow with a Kleenex. Debbie isn't going for it, and he's not pushing.

Jim and Debbie's son is an assistant photographer in the business. An architect by day, his attention to aesthetic detail helps to capture some of the most stunning shots.

By keeping it all in the family, and by treating every client as such, your session with Jim Shields Photography will provide you with timeless images that will be treasured forever. Jim also limits the number of weddings done each year to be sure he has time for all his clients needs.