An August surf in Wisconsin.

While surfing is often associated with the sun-soaked coasts of California or Hawaii, it might surprise you to learn that you can catch some impressive waves on Lake Michigan. This Great Lake, known for its expansive waters and unpredictable weather, offers a unique surfing experience right in the heart of the Midwest.

When I am out photographing surfing, I am always asked by the surfers why I am not on a board. And while I can surf and do love it, I would always much rather be in the water with my camera in hand. Though, on glassy days when there are no waves you’ll more than likely find me out on my SUP (paddle board). When out in the waves I’m in full wetsuit, my camera is in a water housing, and (when I remember them) I usually wear fins to help moving around.

The photos here are from one exceptional day out on the water, this last Tuesday was a rare August swell with warm temps and great sun. I am just getting back in the water after having to take a break (hurt shoulder) so this was my first time out in the lineup with my camera this year, and what a day to get back to it. Swam around for about 2 hours and then capped it off with a long lens from the break wall.

The thing I love most about what I do as a photographer is meeting people. And in WI, it is common to be greeted with a friend wave in any setting.

Froedtert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin

WMSE Merch at X-Ray Arcade

So you’ve got a community driven local station, you play local music, your DJ’s and station staff are friends with the who’s who of local bands, you need models for some really cool rock ‘n roll t-shirts and hoodies… you can guess where I’m going with this. For this session, near the end but still in the the thick of COVID-19, we called on a local music venue and a few coincidentally also available musicians to (safely) hang out for a day. To keep things rolling I built two sets onsite. The first obviously I needed to use X-Ray Arcade’s stage. It was perfect with the programed red LED stage lights to match WMSE’s colors but that kick ass mural didn’t hurt either. For the second I setup a favorite way of doing a white seamless backdrop, utilizing negative fill to give some illusion of depth in roughly an 8ft box of space.

Before I end the post with a gallery of the images we created on our one day venue take over mini production, I want to make a list of links and shout outs. Please, click, follow, buy music, buy merch, support local, and be a fan of music and really any all types of art. Culture and history is defined by the art around us, keep it thriving.

• WMSE: Direct link to their merch store, but while you are there consider becoming a “Sound Citizen”

• Immortal Girlfriend - Milwaukee brothers, this electronic duo is one to watch. Plus they do some pretty entertaining food reviews on IG. Bandcamp and Instagram

• Amanda Huff - Multi talented gem of a human. Seriously, one of the most genuinely nice people in music. I think she’s in like 3 - 4 musical projects at any given moment too. Instagram

• Guerrilla Ghost - Milwaukee hip hop duo and just down to earth rad dudes. Not my first time photographing theses guys, won’t be my last. Bandcamp and Instagram

• Kyndal J - A front woman with an on cue stage presence. Even in an empty room, a bangles stage, she brought all the energy. Instagram (band)

• Devils Teeth - Just a couple of dirty surf rockers that wandered in at the end of the day, but they are pretty great. Instagram and Bandcamp

• Barry Paul Clark - Need a bass player? Barry’s your guy. I think he’s in like 5 bands right now, on top of sitting in with who ever needs a quality instrumentalist ace. Instagram (Barry)

• X-Ray Arcade - Last but not least, our host venue. If your in town stop in for a show and maybe play a few rounds of Ms. Pac-Man (because they legit have arcade games) - Website

WMSE 40th anniversary : The DJs

Community powered and member supported. Every major city has one, a local radio station staffed by a rag tag group of dedicated to the art and craft of audio concierge for the most discerning listener. In Milwaukee, that 91.7 WMSE. 2021 marks the 40th Anniversary for the station, and I was lucky enough to assist in providing a few image assets to aid in the celebration.

The series of images I was asked to create were foremost to enhance their merchandise store. As a truly community powered station, the majority of the people involve are volunteers but most notably the DJs. So, I wanted to include them in this project. Creating portraits of them behind the desk sporting some of the wares but also just of them in their environment.

Photographing Dj’s in the booth is tricky business. Timing is tight, because you’ve got to catches them at the shift change and you’ve gotta be quick because nothing ruins a broadcast like too many commercials… or worse, dead air. So I really only had about 5 min with each of these gents. Took a pause for station events, but excited to get back soon and document the rest of the crew asap.

Back to basics, navigating a new normal.

So things have been a little weird huh? The notion of ‘when things go back to normal’ is one that comes up multiple times in talking with clients and coworkers. There is so much beyond our control at play, but that doesn't mean it's all bad… and when things are different, strange, or down right difficult, I try to remember the things I know that are within my control, that I can rely on to get me through. 

Back to basics. 

While I cannot wait to be back on a true ‘set’ and working with or as part of a full crew, the reality is it’s going to be awhile. Not because we don’t have safety protocols, or because we aren’t ready to step up to the task, but rather the projects aren’t ready for us yet. Client budgets are tighter than usual, people are worried about their health, and, to be blunt, there is so much uncertainty caused by opinions of what’s fact or fiction.

But all that doesn’t have to diminish the artist. In fact, setbacks often empower us. It might be crazy to admit, but in the last 3 months I’ve been more productive than ever and discovered so many silver linings working though and adapting to the seemingly daily change. It’s by relying on the basics that I’ve stayed productive, did a little good, and reminded myself about why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Is there a way to continue to produce photoshoots? Yes. Have I been actively doing them? You betcha.

A behind the scenes and the result of a short assignment for Feeding America. See the rest (here)

How many cooks in the kitchen? 

Just because someone is not on set does not mean they are not a part of the process. One client simply stated “we can only allow you to enter” citing their social distancing rules for the building they occupy. With that out of my control I tap into a run and gun style editorial shoot, and we make it work. It’s a revisit to my process. Can I do this solo? Do I need an extra assistant, if so how do I limit their contact with the subject or others on site? All things considered both on the day of and before the session. 

Result and behind the scenes for an assignment for the Milwaukee Downtown BID featuring a wonderful bus driver name Willie. (more images in the BID’s blog)

Practice Particular Planning.

I have a bit of organization obsession. It’s a surprising thing to a few because of how free flowing things can get on set, but a well organized tool kit is really important to me. Light A goes into slot one in the case, batteries are marked like this, stands are assembled ‘this way.’ 

It’s a process, it’s practical, it’s a protocol for success. This orderliness allows things to be free flowing because when things are in their place there is a clear view of the space between to move within. Simple things like assignments of who can move what equipment, extra time for hair/makeup/wardrobe, or delegation of cleaning on site can go a long way toward organizing the chaos. Each photo shoot is different, so there is no universal solution. However, communication and planning make it all second nature. 

Is it possible to do a 3/4 and full length portrait in a parking garage during a thunderstorm? Yes. Should you? Still up for debate. (more here)

Collaboration and comradery.

Safety and comfort of anyone I have the privilege to work with is a huge sticking point for me. Ask any athlete I’ve photographed, I try to stay conscious of the amount of reps, I’ll ask about their routine, and even ask them to coach me through the peak moment to make sure I know exactly what not to ask for because I dread the idea of even a minor injury as the result of a photograph. But during a worldwide pandemic what does safety look like? At first pass, limiting the points of contact are good first steps. But with open lines of communication and the willingness to understand and adapt to the changing landscape we can continue successfully creating together. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for safety, but if me wearing a mask makes the subject feel safe, that's worth it everytime. 

A few portraits from my Curbside Portrait Series. When the pandemic hit WI in full swing I wanted for find a way to volunteer with business adapting to carryout and curbside offerings.

Image selection.

One of the most exciting things for me is that “wow” moment when someone sees the images we create together. In practice I am a ‘get it right in camera’ type of photographer, sort of goes hand in hand with planning so intently, so when tethered to the computer and the base color treatment applied you are seeing a fairly accurate representation of the final product. 

Here’s the thing though, that computer becomes a hover zone where 3-4 people congregate shoulder to shoulder. One of the wonderful things about 2020 is we have no shortage of new technologies at our disposal to encourage distancing on set. From Zoom meeting that replaced our in-person creative brainstorms, applications that allow me to share screens to multiple ipads on set, live streaming the shoot back to art directors that opted to work from home, to well organized platforms for collaborative image culling after the session there are solutions that still allow me to experience that “wow” along the way while making sure everyone is still engaged in the collective process without knowing what each other at for breakfast. 

In the end, together we rise.

Yeah, things are a little strange right now. It’s going to be an adjustment, there will be a few hiccups along the way, but the world keeps turning and as long as we move forward perhaps a new normal will be better for everyone. I learn best through practice and repetition, and while I am excitedly waiting for things to pick back up I’ll continue to create and hoan in on new processes and techniques, because to me that is my normal.

Wisconsin Humane Society

It’s no secret that I love animals. I have two dogs, and honestly if I could I’d have 40. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing I dove into different personal projects and investigation. Wisconsin Humane Society has always had a special place in my heart (where I got my pibble buddy) and when they posted a call for donations I inquired on ways I could be of service. I started with a fun video featuring one of my boys, posted on Facebook if you are curious, but I truly wanted to find a way to document any of a number of programs they provide even with everything going on.

On different 3 days I joined a few of the dedicated people as they helped area pets. From affordable community services at the Spay & Neuter Clinic, food distribution to homes in need thanks to many generous donations, to documenting a foster pup getting a last vet visit before getting picked up for their forever home I got to follow along and witness true kindness during a strange and uncertain time.

Feeding America Wisconsin

Back at the beginning of April (roughly week 2 of the Wisconsin “Safer at Home”) while beginning my “curbside portrait” series I was given an opportunity to document portraits of volunteers at the local Feeding America food bank. Introduction made by the producers of the local PBS show WI Foodie, I practiced safe distanced, mask on, gloves worn, portraits in a quick and tidy editorial production format.

These volunteers, like so many, are stepping up daily to ensure people in need are given that chance to thrive. It truly was an honor to briefly meet and talk to each of them. So many affected by the Covid-19 pandemic on so many levels, but often over looked that something as simple as a meal can make all the difference in someone’s life.

Nurse Appreciation During Covid-19

There are photos that I want to take, and there are photos that I have to take. These were the latter. These photos exist as a reminder of the humanity behind the crisis. We can debate all day about what we can or should do. But those on the frontline are living in and with the reality of our actions

These are real nurses who work in a real ICU at a real hospital. This is their reality.

Zach Pietrini - an American Troubadour

Zach Pietrini is one of those songwriters that truly embodies that “Americana” vibe the instantly takes you back to a memory of a road trip or just grabbing a beer with an old friend. Though our session was only about an hour, most of that was spent catching up on the happenings since the last time we worked together, it was a joy to have him back in front of my lens.

Below are a selection of my favorite shots from the session. We did a few different setups, one of which was actually a test run for a concept I am working on (more on that later), but all of them keeping in mind that magazine cover photo look for when Zach gets that Gibson Guitar endorsement (hint, hint, how bout it?)

Hatched

What’s better than a slice of pie? How about scratch made pie using local ingredients based on old family recipes? Well, that’s exactly how Hatched does it. I’ve been lucky to be photographing Allison and her delicious creations for a little over a year. Besides portraits and lifestyle photos of her working in the kitchen, we’ve created a library of images, a couple stop motion videos, and GIFs to showcase her sweet and savory creations. The results have been publish in Edible Milwaukee, Shepherd Express and Taste of Home as well as a near constant stream hosted on Hatched’s instagram and website. Working with small business like hers are some of my favorite projects because they combine portraits of talented people tied together with food & product photography showcasing the things they pour their hearts into…. plus, eating the props is definitely a perk.

Great Lake Surfing Halloween 2019

While most folks were gearing up for trick-or-treating this Halloween a few were hunkered down preparing for snow…. and a smaller group was even more excited than kid getting free candy because when there is a snow storm in Wisconsin there are waves. I was lucky enough to have the day open to chase a few local surfers to 2 different spots. I am always grateful for any day photographing, but capturing someone truly passionate about something is one of my greatest joys. When the air is colder than the water, you’ve got to be passionate to climb in.

Lake Michigan treated everyone to a fantastic surf, and in my book that’s way better than a bag of fun sized candy. Huge shout out to Lake Effect Surf Shop for getting me set up with a wetsuit to get me as close as possible. I can’t wait for the next one…

Jake Bresette, owner of Lake Effect Surf Shop….. he is the one that invites me out and he posed for this shot as he spotted me getting soaked on the rocks.

Look familiar? Apparently when USA Olympic Speed Skater Brian Hansen is not on the ice he hits the water. Thankfully, surfing in WI is also a winter sport.

Bayview Printing Co

Bayview Printing Co is a cool shop on Howell Ave. that offers the most unique stationary in Milwaukee. If you're not familiar with what letterpress is, you've got to check out the shop, but basically you set your letters (individually!) into a frame, roll on some ink, and press it on your paper. One at a time. Over and over. Definitely triple check your spelling before you start ;) Sure, you could easily have someone create a digital version of the look and hit 'print', but nothing compares to the 'feel' of something truly handmade. 

Ashley, the owner, is all about community. She is the 3rd owner of the shop that has existed in someway for over 100years. The ink they use, its made right here in Bristol, Wisconsin. Paper? Locally sourced from all over the state. But best of all, they offer workshops and printing parties to the public. 

It was a pleasure to photograph the shop and staff for their new website and social media. We also created a couple fun short videos that can be seen below. Headshots and editorial styled portraits are fun, but spending a few hours learning about this gem in the heart of Bayview was just as awesome.

SUP training in Costa Rica with Tortuga Surf Camp

I recently got back from another incredible trip to Costa Rica. Though I was primarily there to photograph the High Energy Fusion Yoga teacher training (which was absolutely an amazing experience), I also took time go surfing and eat a ton of fantastic sea food. During my lessons with Tortuga Surf Camp I learned that the owner Mike was training to compete for a spot on the Costa Rican national SUP team.

Standup Paddle Board (or SUP) is a sport that I am learning more and more about. Like surfing, boards come in all shapes and sizes, all designed to accomplish different things. Mike was testing out a brand new board by Banzaii Surfing during my stay and I decided to follow him and one of his instructors to a sunset training session.