Community Corner

Palos PI Turns to Photo Biz After Meeting the Munchkins of 'Wizard of Oz'

Business owners in the Palos area tell Patch what they're best known for and when they got started.

Tinseltown Photo, an event and photography service, is based in Palos Heights. 

  • Business: Tinseltown Photo
  • Located in: Palos Heights
  • Phone Number: 630-234-3557
  • Submitted by: Thom Kramer, photographer
Learn more on the Tinseltown Photo website, and like the business on Facebook for updates. 

When and how did your business get started?


In 2009 I was on my way to work on a Friday. I took the same route every day. It was 7:15 a.m. and I was traveling down 75th Street in Woodridge, Illinois. Sitting in a strip mall parking lot was a giant, green, hot air balloon. The balloon said "Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz."

Being that my sister is a huge fan, I decided to stop and get some shots of the balloon. I always keep my camera with me. After I pulled into the empty parking lot, I noticed WGN News was out covering some type of story. As I got closer, I noticed three “little people” standing off to the side. As I zoomed in with my camera, I noticed they looked kind of familiar.

A few moments later, I noticed a young lady walking by who had been talking with them. I rolled down my window and sheepishly asked if they were “Munchkins.” She said yes, they were, and that they were there to promote the HD release of the film and that the film was screening there tonight. At that point, I realized I was in the parking lot of Hollywood Blvd. Cinema. She said Hollywood Blvd Cinema had hosted an annual Wizard of Oz Festival for many years and, as part of those festivities, they always had the surviving actors from the movie host the screenings and meet the public.

She then asked if I wanted to meet them….. How could I resist? As we were walking over to them, I introduced myself to her and Angelique, the public relations guru, explained that these were three of the last five remaining munchkins. She also told me of how the theater's owner, Ted Bulthup, was very close to them and was responsible for getting the Munchkins their star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

Angelique said, “Thom this is Karl Slover. Karl played the First Trumpeter, Munchkin soldier and one of the singers who led Judy Garland to 'Follow the Yellow Brick Road.' This is Margaret Pellegrini. Margaret played the Sleepy Head in the bird's nest, and was also one of the gals who wore a flower pot hat. This is Jerry Maren. Jerry was a member of the Lollipop Guild trio, who will always be remembered as the munchkin who presented the enormous lollipop to Judy Garland as she was welcomed to Munchkinland.”

I could not believe they were standing in front of me. The only thing I could think of was that my sister was going to freak. We took a few photos and made a little small talk and I was then on my way.

While I continued to work, I was still trying to process what had just happened. I just met the Munchkins here, in Woodridge? Later on that day, I emailed one of my photos to the local newspaper that ultimately ended up using it for their story.

A few days later, I contacted Angelique and sent her a link to the newspaper. She appreciated me going out of my way to get some extra press for the theater. During our conversation, I asked if they had a photographer to cover their events. She said, “No we don’t. We did try at one point, but it never seemed to work out.” I told her that if they had any events coming up, I would love a chance to show them what I could do. She said “Let me see, maybe there is something we could do in the future.”

In a million years, I never would have dreamed where this would lead.

What is your business best known for?

Event photography of all types, green screen magic, celebrity events, photo restoration and manipulation. All types of photography. We are also know for our Tinseltown Photo mobile studio. If you see it once you won't forget it.

Why did you choose the town you did to open your business? 

This is the town in which I reside, I am a home based business.

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?

Owner Thom Kramer has been a private detective for 25-years specializing in insurance fraud and surveillance. For a small photography business we have had the pleasure of working with many stars from Hollywood. From the golden era to today's newest celebrities. 

Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses. If you're a local business, share your information in this form. We also write features about local businesses. To send your ideas, email editor Michael Sewall at michael.sewall@patch.com. Businesses can also blog on Patch or share events in our calendar.


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