Drew Pertl Photography

Drew Pertl Photography My photography focuses on capturing extraordinary images of the Fox Valley.
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Whether by drone or on foot, I seek out those moments when life imitates art, revealing familiar places in ways they’ve never been seen before.

🎆 A beautiful night in St. Charles! 🇺🇸A few of my favorite moments from this year’s St. Charles fireworks show. There’s ...
09/04/2026

🎆 A beautiful night in St. Charles! 🇺🇸

A few of my favorite moments from this year’s St. Charles fireworks show. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sky light up over our community and capturing the color, energy, and excitement of the evening.

I was honored to work with the City of St. Charles and the St. Charles Park District to photograph this year’s festivities. It’s always a privilege to help document the events that bring our community together.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the evening possible and I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite shots from the show!

📍 St. Charles, Illinois
📸 Drew Pertl Photography

After a day of changing skies, the evening light put on quite a show behind one of St. Charles’ most recognizable landma...
09/01/2026

After a day of changing skies, the evening light put on quite a show behind one of St. Charles’ most recognizable landmarks.

The historic stone architecture of Baker Memorial Church paired with the dramatic clouds and warm glow of sunset made this a scene worth stopping for.

Another beautiful evening in St. Charles, Illinois.

After a full day of rain, the clouds finally began to break just in time for sunset over St. Charles.The clearing skies ...
08/25/2026

After a full day of rain, the clouds finally began to break just in time for sunset over St. Charles.

The clearing skies brought some beautiful color and dramatic clouds over downtown and the Fox River. A great ending to an otherwise gray and rainy day.

📍 St. Charles, IL.

There's nothing quite like watching the day come to a close over Elburn, Illinois.As the sun settles over the countrysid...
08/03/2026

There's nothing quite like watching the day come to a close over Elburn, Illinois.

As the sun settles over the countryside, the warm golden light brings out the character of this growing community—from its historic downtown and welcoming neighborhoods to the farmland that has shaped the village for generations. It's a reminder that some of Illinois' most beautiful communities are found where suburban life meets the countryside.

📍 Elburn, Illinois

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There's something special about seeing Batavia, Illinois from above.From this perspective, the Fox River reveals just ho...
07/17/2026

There's something special about seeing Batavia, Illinois from above.

From this perspective, the Fox River reveals just how much it shapes the character of the city. Winding through downtown, it's more than just a scenic backdrop. It's the thread that connects historic architecture, local businesses, parks, and gathering places into one beautiful landscape.

Golden hour has a way of transforming familiar places. As the evening light reflects off the river and illuminates downtown, it's easy to appreciate the charm, history, and energy that make Batavia such a memorable destination.

Every community has a story, and from the air, Batavia tells its story beautifully.

📍 Downtown Batavia, Illinois

City of Batavia, Illinois - Government Offices
Batavia Chamber of Commerce
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The Fox River has always been the heart of St. Charles.It has shaped our community for generations, serving as a place w...
07/14/2026

The Fox River has always been the heart of St. Charles.

It has shaped our community for generations, serving as a place where people gather, celebrate, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're strolling across the Main Street Bridge, dining along the riverfront, or simply taking in the view, the river is a constant reminder of what makes this city such a special place to call home.

The colorful flower baskets, the American flag, and the river flowing through the center of downtown all come together to create a scene that reflects the beauty, pride, and character of St. Charles.

As a lifelong resident, I'm always grateful for opportunities to capture moments like these and share the community that has given me so much.

📍 Main Street Bridge • St. Charles, Illinois



City of St. Charles, Illinois Government
Travel St. Charles, IL
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A summer tradition from a whole new perspective. 🎆It was a beautiful evening over Elburn, Illinois as the community gath...
07/13/2026

A summer tradition from a whole new perspective. 🎆

It was a beautiful evening over Elburn, Illinois as the community gathered to celebrate with an incredible fireworks display this past weekend. From hundreds of feet above, it's amazing to see not only the colorful bursts lighting up the night sky, but also the town itself. Streets filled with people, local businesses glowing, and a community coming together to enjoy one of summer's favorite traditions.

Capturing moments like these is a reminder that photography isn't just about the fireworks, it's about preserving the memories, the places, and the people that make our local communities so special.

I hope you enjoy this aerial view of Elburn's celebration!

📍 Elburn, Illinois
🚁 Captured under FAA Part 107 by Drew Pertl Photography

As Independence Day approaches, I had the opportunity to photograph the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore, Illinois, ...
07/04/2026

As Independence Day approaches, I had the opportunity to photograph the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore, Illinois, beautifully adorned with American flags in celebration of the Fourth of July.

Completed in 1905, this Beaux-Arts courthouse has served as the center of county government for more than a century. Its grand Corinthian columns, intricate stonework, and commanding presence make it one of Illinois' most impressive historic courthouses. The surrounding courthouse square, complete with the Civil War memorial and patriotic display, created a fitting tribute to both our nation's history and the enduring role of local government.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been discovering the unique history and character each Illinois courthouse brings to its community. Every stop offers a new perspective on the people, architecture, and traditions that have shaped our state for generations.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Fourth of July as we celebrate the ideals that these historic buildings have helped uphold for generations.

Discover Sycamore Tourism
City of Sycamore, Illinois
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Last night's storms put on an unforgettable show over Sycamore, Illinois.As towering thunderheads rolled across the hori...
07/03/2026

Last night's storms put on an unforgettable show over Sycamore, Illinois.

As towering thunderheads rolled across the horizon, brilliant lightning illuminated the sky while a powerful rain shaft swept across the countryside. For just a few moments, the evening light broke through the storm, creating an incredible contrast between the warm glow of sunset and the raw power of nature.

Scenes like this are a reminder of just how quickly the Midwest sky can transform—and why storm chasing from a safe distance is one of my favorite types of photography.

Nature always has the final word.

📍 Sycamore, Illinois

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I had the opportunity to spend some time inside the Old Illinois State Capitol while in Springfield for an Illinois Stat...
06/03/2026

I had the opportunity to spend some time inside the Old Illinois State Capitol while in Springfield for an Illinois State Bar Association event, and I was fortunate to receive permission to photograph areas of the building that are rarely experienced through a camera lens—including the historic Senate Chambers, the Law Library, and many of the beautifully preserved interior spaces.

Walking these halls is a reminder of just how much Illinois history unfolded within these walls. The Old State Capitol served as the seat of Illinois government from 1839 to 1876 and played a central role in the state's political development. Among those who served here was Abraham Lincoln, who represented Sangamon County in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1834 to 1842 and later delivered his famous "House Divided" speech in the building.

From the grand staircases and towering columns to the worn law books and legislative chambers, every room tells a story. As both a photographer and someone who appreciates Illinois history, it was an honor to document this remarkable landmark and preserve a small piece of its legacy through my lens.

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1352 Madison Avenue
Saint Charles, IL
60174

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