Driftless Ridge

Ten days ago I made my way down into the nearby park. I usually test shoot my gear just before entering. I use a farm on the next ridge over as my focal point. That day there was a really nice contrast when sunlight broke through the clouds behind me.

#stewartlake #stewartcountypark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #redditig

Out There

Here's another photo from my session covering the equestrian trails in Donald County Park. This particular assignment came at a very critical time. On the day before I took this photo I had been at the gym when I I got the call to do the shoot. It was a beautifully sunny week. I really loved the vivid colors of fall that all around our town. I felt like I needed to be doing some sort of promotional shot for the for the local Chamber of Commerce. Not ten minutes later they called me to set up this local travel shot. And then the shoot turned out to be an amazing experience. I got to know a couple of interesting people who were very welcoming to me as well a finally "discover" just how amazing the trails in this park actually are. It has also brought home to me that I really never go into the park directly beside my house. A place I'd once spent so many hours. Hmmmm...

#donaldcountypark #donaldpark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #redditig #horse #horses #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #equine #horseriding #horsestagram #horselove

Genuine Mirth

As the Bride recites her wedding vows she mentions something of a personal, humorous nature that causes her Groom to react. It's these honest interactions that I enjoy capturing the most. There's no set up. No staging. Just two people who know how to laugh together.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #weddingday #weddingdress #groom #kilt #kilts #Scottish

Painting with Light

After a lovely ceremony at the always beautiful Olbrich Gardens it was time for the portrait session. This particular couple hired me specifically for this part of the photographic journey that is taking wedding photos. They patiently waited while I set up my flash systems. I believe I used six Canon Speedlite 600EX II‑RT controlled by a shoe mounted Canon St‑e3‑rt Speedlite. I love this system. I can carefully control the light output of each of the units until I get the exact look I want. It can take a few minutes to get everything just right but it's well worth it for the couple if they want a nicely designed portrait. Once I have everything set I just tell them to be themselves and the love naturally seems to come through.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #weddingday #weddingdress #groom #olbrichgardens

White Collar Boxing

I have finally completed processing the photos from the White Collar Boxing event. I shot around 7,000 photos over the course of ten bouts. It took a while to sort through them all, let me tell you. The galleries can be accessed via the Featured Content section on my Homepage which linked on my profile. To any of the fighters who want to purchase copies, if you want more than just a few prints please contact me directly. I can create a custom ordering package to save you some money. I am sharing a percentage of my profits with the Bob Lynch Boxing Foundation. Their aim is to promote amateur boxing here in the Madison area through training.

#boblynchboxingfoundation #boxing #boxer #boxingheads #boxingfans #boxingday #boxingnews #boxinghype #boxinglife #boxinggym #boxingtraining #boxingislife #boxingworkout #boxingjunky #boxingfanatik #boxingtalk #boxingmatch #boxingfit #boxinglove #boxingteam #boxingworld #boxingmemes #boxingnight #boxingcoach #fighter #redditphotography #redditig #stayfocused #stayhumble #stayhungry

The First Kiss

It was perfect lakeside wedding ceremony on a brilliantly sunny day. As the officiant prepared to say, "You may now kiss the Bride." I quickly and unobtrusively knelt down in the aisle. Little did I know this wasn't going to be just any kiss but a grand gesture of romance and adoration. I love how happy she looks!

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #appleblossoms #springwedding #bride #weddingday #weddingdress #groom #firstkiss

Spring Blossoms

This awesome couple happened to have their nuptials on a day the apple blossoms where in full bloom. It was an early spring time wedding and the weather had become warmer a little earlier than expected. The lovely pastoral scene was the perfect setting for capturing their happiness.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #appleblossoms #springwedding #bride #weddingday #weddingdress #groom #theknotweddings

Wedding at St. Bernard

While I adore all the barn, and quaint little country church weddings I have to admit sometimes it's nice to photograph in a grand church. This is a ceremony I captured at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, PA. It's an absolutely stunning building!

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #chapel #church #catholic #stbernard

Stage Fright

The Ring Bearer decided that he just did NOT want to walk down that isle. No amount of coaxing could convince him. It's the laughs and simple, shared human moments like these that add so much to a ceremony.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #ringbearer #rings #weddingrings

Hyde Chapel

One of my favorite weddings that I've ever photographed was at this quaint little countryside chapel. Built in 1861 Hyde Chapel was a "Congregationalist" church where people of various Christian faiths would gather to worship. It's a perfect setting for a small, intimate ceremony. While it lacks in modern amenities such as AC it provides a touch of old fashioned charm and romance. I snapped this on my way to go meet with the Bride & Groom on their big day. It was late in September and I happened to pass the Chapel, which is just north of Ridgeway, Wisconsin. I'm glad I stopped for a quick photo too as it soon became overcast rainy.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #lovemadisonweddings #hydechapel #chapel #church #countrychurch #Congregationalists

Barn Weddings

Wisconsin loves barn weddings! So many venues are all around me that had once been farms. I find it fascinating when I am booked to cover a ceremony and reception at a barn venue. Some are super simple in their set up while others are very elaborately designed facilities. Either way it's the couple themselves that make these ceremonies so special.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #groom #barnwedding

Natural Poses

There are times as a wedding photographer that you simply have things fall into place naturally. As the Bride & Groom walked to their reception at a local winery they paused to take in the setting sun. All I had to do was pay attention. Sometimes it's nice to just know where to stand.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #groom #weddingportrait #naturallight

The Shared Love

I shot this photo at a small wedding ceremony that was held in the living room of a modest but comfortable home. Surrounded by their friends and family this couple had a very intimate vows renewal ceremony. How loving they were to each other and how close knit their family seemed was very inspirational. They didn't need a big venue, or an elaborately decorated reception hall (not there's anything wrong with those). All they needed was to express their love for each other. I found it very touching.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #nuptials #ceremony #weddingrings #vows

Time to Let Go & Have Fun

This morning I was reading on an online forum for wedding photographers. There was a discussion about how much they all hated covering the reception. They're tired and just want to go home. I was stunned. I am usually really disappointed when I am released soon after the toasts or whatever and don't get to cover the fun! I love seeing folks cut loose and enjoy themselves with their friends and family. Fast paced dancing in dim halls with crazy lighting is no barrier for capturing images. In fact I once had a string of four weddings all related to one another. It was due to a large group of friends who all loved dancing so much. They liked the way I shot the first couple's reception, especially the dancing and being alive!

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #weddinggown #weddingreception #weddingdance #party #reception

First Kiss at the Pfister Hotel

One of my favorite moments to photograph during a wedding ceremony is the First Kiss. Usually by this point in the proceedings I've been around the bridal couple for hours. I watch them as they nervously anticipate this moment. They may not be actively thinking about that first kiss but it's when I usually see a lot tension released as the big moment happens. After all the planning, and then negotiating all the little things that can make a wedding day fly by they have this clear moment in time. They've done it!

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #lovemadisonweddings #bride #weddinggown #firstkiss

A Mother's Tears of Joy

The mother mother of the bride reacts as they repair her clothing. It had torn in all the hugging after having seen the Bride in her gown for the first time. This is a perfect example of the moments I try to capture. The personal interplay of emotions during a wedding can be so powerful. While I admit there are times that photos do need some good staging generally there are so many emotions flying around, especially in close knit families, all I need do is be present in the moment. Honestly, there's nothing more rewarding than being trusted to photograph these intimate moments.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #theknot #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #bride #weddinggown #bridetobe #motherofthebride #candid #candidphotography #candidshot

Hope

This morning a local artist posted some new content to their social media. It was photos of some freshly created prints. I met them this year while photographing The Spring Art Tour here in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. I spent extra time at the artist's studio so I could literally bask in the creative energy. It was as if there were unseen ribbons of "something" boiling around the property like the super heated waters found around deep sea volcanic vents. As I looked at the new pieces of art this morning I remembered my family & I had also gone to a picnic there. It was late summer. While my wife & daughter ran around the property I just relaxed, taking it all in. I'd brought some camera gear but only took a few photos. Seeing those images today I realized I still hadn't shared one of them. Hopefully I'll get to do some creative work there again? Here's hoping so.

#marketweightpress #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #thedriftless #driftlessart #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #madison #madisonwi #danecounty #mounthoreb #wisconsinartist #contemporaryart #artsy #instaartist #fineart #redditig #redditphotography #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside

Right Cross!

Jerusha "Honeybee" Hassell lands a right cross on Maria "The Problem" Loy during the 2nd annual White Collar Boxing event. Organized by the Bob Lynch Boxing Foundation with an aim towards raising funds for training Olympian & Golden Gloves boxers. The fighters were well paired resulting in some very entertaining clashes. The action was fast paced. The fighters were mainly all local folks so the crowd was full of friends and family that came to cheer them to victory. As for me, I had an AWESOME time covering this. I decided earlier to really focus on the actual boxing. I picked what I thought was the best vantage point and worked it. I used tandem cameras hung from a Black Rapid double strap. Keeping my lens trained on the action the whole time, using my thumb to control the focus, and trying to time busts of RAW data writing to the buffer was really fun! Now I have almost 7000 photos to sort through, most of which are going to be garbage. Taking photos is fun. Sorting them not so much...

#boblynchboxingfoundation #boxing #boxer #boxingheads #boxingfans #boxingday #boxingnews #boxinghype #boxinglife #boxinggym #boxingtraining #boxingislife #boxingworkout #boxingjunky #boxingfanatik #boxingtalk #boxingmatch #boxingfit #boxinglove #boxingteam #boxingworld #boxingmemes #boxingnight #boxingcoach #fighter #redditphotography #redditig #stayfocused #stayhumble #stayhungry

Life Modeling

For the past few years I've done a bit of art modeling for the UW art department. I try to do as dynamic posing as possible while tying to stay perfectly motionless. It's not easy. I begin with a series of 30 second quick poses in which I try to convey action. By the end I'm holding motionless for up to 30 minutes. This particular sketch was done while I was holding a 20 minute pose while standing. I take these frozen moments to really practice my meditation and mental focus. For instance during a 30 minute pose last night I began to play around with how I perceived the very space around me. While keeping my eyes locked on a specific spot I began to pay attention to all the dark areas in my peripheral vision. Once I have them defined I began to focus on all the lightest areas while holding onto the dark patterns. Then I began to reverse the light & dark. I'd then let it all go back to shadows being dark but now all the mid tones would be more evident. Everything within the direction I was facing then would snap into a hyper 3D awareness, including the subtle motions of the artists drawing me. I'd then return to "normal" vision. Once that returned I'd begin the process all over. Each time it became easier and easier to control my brain processing how I viewed my surroundings. It felt as if I was literally training my mind just the same as when I lift weights to train my physique. I became so engrossed at times that I'd forget about even having a body!

#art #draw #drawing #sketch #lifedrawing #figure #figuredrawing #figurativedrawing #figurativeart #figurestudy #figuremodel #pencildrawing #pencilonpaper #model #artmodel #artmodeling #artistmodel #nudeartmodel #nudeart #lifemodel #lifemodelling #bodylanguage #nudedrawing #contemporaryart #postcontemporaryart #artistsoninstagram #artcollector #art_spotlight #artoftheday #contemporaryartist

Monstrous and abominable eyes they were...

"But still, she was there, who was there before Sauron, and before the first stone of Barad-dûr; and she served none but herself, drinking the blood of Elves and Men, bloated and grown fat with endless brooding on her feasts, weaving webs of shadow; for all living things were her food, and her vomit darkness."
—The Two Towers

This is an old photo I captured in 2009. Canon EOS 10D + Ef 100mm f/2.8 Macro (the OLD model)

#shelob #thetwotowers #tolkien #lotr #spider #spiders #spiderweb #arachnid #spidersofinstagram #web #arachnids #macro #macrophotography #macro_perfection #macro_captures #macroworld_tr #macroclique #macro_vision #macro_freaks #macromood #macros #top_macro #macro_brilliance #bns_macro #igbest_macros #macroworld #macro_highlight #macro_secrets #macro_spotlight #macro_holic

Ready for the Ring

A hobbyist fighter at Ford's Gym in Madison, Wisconsin runs drills on the heavy bag. he's training for the upcoming White Collar Boxing event at the Red Mouse. It's a charity event aimed at raising funds for the Bob Lynch Boxing Foundation in support of training Golden Gloves & Olympic contenders. There will be 9 fights in all. Everyone a match up between people who've chosen to train hard to learn the technical skills of a boxer. As amateurs they're turning up at the gym after leaving work. It's a time most folks are ready to eat a pizza and relax.They work hard too. I was very impressed watching them train. I'm really looking forward to covering this event this upcoming Saturday!

#boblynchboxingfoundation #boxing #boxer #boxingheads #boxingfans #boxingday #boxingnews #boxinghype #boxinglife #boxinggym #boxingtraining #boxingislife #boxingworkout #boxingjunky #boxingfanatik #boxingtalk #boxingmatch #boxingfit #boxinglove #boxingteam #boxingworld #boxingmemes #boxingnight #boxingcoach #fighter #redditphotography #redditig #stayfocused #stayhumble #stayhungry

Lamia [Left to herself]

Left to herself, the serpent now beganLamia
To change; her elfin blood in madness ran,
Her mouth foam’d, and the grass, therewith besprent,
Wither’d at dew so sweet and virulent;
Her eyes in torture fix’d, and anguish drear,
Hot, glaz’d, and wide, with lid-lashes all sear,
Flash’d phosphor and sharp sparks, without one cooling tear.
The colours all inflam’d throughout her train,
She writh’d about, convuls’d with scarlet pain:
A deep volcanian yellow took the place
Of all her milder-mooned body’s grace;
And, as the lava ravishes the mead,
Spoilt all her silver mail, and golden brede;
Made gloom of all her frecklings, streaks and bars,
Eclips’d her crescents, and lick’d up her stars:
So that, in moments few, she was undrest
Of all her sapphires, greens, and amethyst,
And rubious-argent: of all these bereft,
Nothing but pain and ugliness were left.

John Keats, 1795 - 1821

#keats #johnkeats #lamia #vampire #vampiress #vampires #vamp #seductress #vampyre #Nosferatu #Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #vlads #vladspleasurepavilion

A Passion for Punching

This is athletic trainer and former pro boxer Andrea Nelson working with a fighter at Ford's Gym in Madison, Wisconsin. She's been training amateur fighters who'll be in the upcoming White Collar Boxing event at the Red Mouse. It's a charity event aimed at raising funds for the Bob Lynch Boxing Foundation in support of training Golden Gloves & Olympic contenders. There will be 9 fights in all. Everyone a match up between people who've chosen to train hard to learn the technical skills of a boxer. As amateurs they're turning up at the gym after leaving work. It's a time most folks are ready to eat a pizza and relax.They work hard too. I was very impressed watching them train last night. A I photographed Andrea at work I could see a person totally in her element. The passion for what she's doing as well as the solid technical advice is very apparent. She's doing what she loves and isn't taking it for granted. Her students' skill progression and zeal for this sport are evidence to this fact.

#boblynchboxingfoundation #boxing #boxer #boxingheads #boxingfans #boxingday #boxingnews #boxinghype #boxinglife #boxinggym #boxingtraining #boxingislife #boxingworkout #boxingjunky #boxingfanatik #boxingtalk #boxingmatch #boxingfit #boxinglove #boxingteam #boxingworld #boxingmemes #boxingnight #boxingcoach #fighter #redditphotography #redditig #stayfocused #stayhumble #stayhungry

Connecting to the Land

Here's another photo from my session covering the equestrian trails in Donald County Park. This particular assignment came at a very critical time. On the day before I took this photo I had been at the gym when I I got the call to do the shoot. It was a beautifully sunny week. I really loved the vivid colors of fall that all around our town. I felt like I needed to be doing some sort of promotional shot for the for the local Chamber of Commerce. Not ten minutes later they called me to set up this local travel shot. And then the shoot turned out to be an amazing experience. I got to know a couple of interesting people who were very welcoming to me as well a finally "discover" just how amazing the trails in this park actually are. It has also brought home to me that I really never go into the park directly beside my house. A place I'd once spent so many hours. Hmmmm...

#donaldcountypark #donaldpark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #nature #horse #horses #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #equine #horseriding #horsestagram #horselove

Boxing Night!

I'm really getting excited to be photographing the upcoming boxing event at the Red Mouse. There are going to be 9 boughts in all. This is a very lively amateur sporting event that's a lot of fun to watch. These folks have worked and trained hard for this and the energy in the ring is electric. I really enjoyed photographing this last year, which is where this photo was taken. This "White Collar Boxing" event is hosted at the Red Mouse, just west of Madison. It's organized by the Bob Lynch Boxing Foundation, a local nonprofit group aimed at raising funds for training Olympians and Golden Glove prospects. If you come and see me there be sure to say, "hello!"

#boblynch #boblynchboxingfoundation #boxing #boxer #boxingheads #boxingfans #boxingday #boxingnews #boxinghype #boxinglife #boxinggym #boxingtraining #boxingislife #boxingworkout #boxingjunky #boxingfanatik #boxingtalk #boxingmatch #boxingfit #boxinglove #boxingteam #boxingworld #boxingmemes #boxingnight #boxingcoach #fighter #fight #stayfocused #stayhumble #stayhungry

Donald Park Horse Trails

One of the striking things about the equestrian trails in Donald Park is that they are really wide. You can ride side by side. The people who maintain this park have done a truly amazing job.

#donaldcountypark #donaldpark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #nature #horse #horses #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #equine #horseriding #horsestagram #horselove

Horse Trails

Today had an interesting photo session. I was hired to take photos of the local horse trails. I met up with an awesome pair of siblings and their horses. We did a 3 mile walk along the equestrian trails in nearby Donal County Park. I can't think of a more easy going photo shoot. Even though lugged along all my camera gear in my cargo stroller I never broke any of it out. Instead I just took photos on the fly as things caught my eye. There are days I love my job. I just wish they were more frequent.

#donaldcountypark #donaldpark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #nature #horse #horses #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #equine #horseriding #horsestagram #horselove

Passion makes the old medicine new

Passion lops off the bough of weariness.
Passion is the elixir that renews:
how can there be weariness
when passion is present?
Oh, don't sigh heavily from fatigue:
seek passion, seek passion, seek passion!
~Rumi

#milkyway #astrophotography #milkywaychasers #stars #natgeospace #nightsky #milkywaygalaxy #nightscaper #nightphotography #ig_astrophotography #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #thedriftless #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #wisco #wisconsinphotographer #explorewisconsin #midwestmoment #conquer_wi #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover

On the Right Path

As we made our way back from our elopement eleven years ago we took a very meandering route. I can't recall the name of every location we stopped to explore. What I do know is that when we found that old Indian trail marker it couldn't have been more prophetic. It's been an amazing journey with you since we've met. I don't even want to think what life would be like without you by my side as we blaze out way through life.

#naturalpennsylvania #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #theoutbound #ventureout #in2nature #thegreatoutdoors #naturewalk #getoutdoors #fall #autumn #leaves #october #elope

I Now Pronounce You

The Mayor of Mansfield met us at a small gazebo just outside of town. I'd set up a tripod with a timed interval release on my camera. The only witnesses where two bald eagles that were circling overhead. As he pronounced us man & wife they began to cry out on the October air. As we then traveled up and down the valleys to stop to take our wedding photos they would appear.

Happy anniversary wife!

The Day We Found Our Wedding Rings

I died in 2006 and a Valkyrie flew down to take me to Fólkvangr. I stand ready.

A Scenic Setting for an Elopement

Eleven years ago today we woke on a beautiful October morning in Tioga County. We'd eloped to this very scenic region. The fall colors were all vibrant, the air clear and crisp. As we passed down gravel roads we'd stop to pick wildflowers for her bouquet. I don't think we could have had a better wedding weekend!

#coltonpointstatepark #pinecreekgorge #naturalpennsylvania #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #theoutbound #ventureout #in2nature #thegreatoutdoors #naturewalk #getoutdoors #fall #autumn #leaves #october #elope

Biking Into the Sunset

Has it been that long since I followed you down this sunset trail? The cold October wind lifted your hair as it caught the waning rays of the sun. I passed close to you while you dressed for the day today, eleven years later. You smell of ferns & hemlock to me. It's a scent only I can smell in your hair. It's the very smell of that wind from that day. I love you.

Brotherhood

One of the most striking things about the SCA to me is their sense of "Brotherhood." These men and women from all walks of life, with a myriad of different "real world" experiences, are all drawn together by a sense of mutual respect and admiration. Being "Knighted" in this organization is a culmination of many years of social interaction. A building of trust and respect by ones peers. It's sometimes a certification of one's leaving behind self destructive behavior. The Gold Chain of a Knight in the SCA is not just a decoration. It's the acknowledgment of Brotherhood into a league of peers whose respect you've earned.

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #pennsiciscoming #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #knight #knights #knighting #medievaltimes

Bhāvanā

I've been sitting on this photos since I took it over two months ago. I thought I'd keep it until I had something to really "say" about my life up to this point. Well, two months later and I just turned 50 years old and I still don't have anything to really "say." I've been an artist all my life but will never be known as one. After years of experimenting and working in a variety of mediums I eventually choose photography as my means of expressing myself. Unfortunately this coincides with a time when being a photographer is greatly devalued. This has resulted in my never having become rich or famous (which was never a goal to begin with). It has also caused moments of self doubt and feelings of worthlessness at times. Being an artist still has power over my identity. It's changed over the past ten years from being what medium I working in to how I live my life on a daily basis. It's no longer so much about the method of how I create something but about experiencing life as it unfolds and trying to really appreciate what is happening around me. Life seems to keep placing me in the exact right places at the exact right times. I don't take any of it for granted. I'm a very fortunate man indeed, even though I am not wealthy or popular. My barometer is my family, especially my daughter. I'm also constantly amazed at how my timing seems to just "work out." Take this photo for instance. I've come to this dock at night for many years just to think. I ended up here randomly after a night in self reflection, listening to the drums of the Tuchux as I sat nearby their encampment. I happened to have my camera and tripod and decided to take a self portrait. By the time I took this shot, holding still as I meditated, the moon had risen above me. I left feeling resolved to continue trying to be the best father & husband I could be. It's how I stand against the darkness in the world.

#morainestatepark #lakearthur #artist #artistsofinstagram #art #selfportrait #artistlife #artwork #nightscape #fs_longexpo #nightshooters #nightimages #longexposure #longexposures #longexposureshots #nightsky #nightphotography #longexposure_shots #buddhist #buddhism #learningthedharma #meditation #spiritual #spirituality #mindfulness #pennsic #pennsicwar #tuchux #worldprime #earth_shotz

Stavkirke

"A stave church is a medieval wooden Christian church building once common in north-western Europe. The name derives from the buildings' structure of post and lintel construction, a type of timber framing where the load-bearing ore-pine posts are called stafr in Old Norse (stav in modern Norwegian). Two related church building types also named for their structural elements, the post church and palisade church, are often also called 'stave churches'." ~ Wikipedia

#Stavkirke #midwestliving #wi #travelwi #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #onwisconsin #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #explorewisconsin #midwestmoment #conquer_wi #nordic #norse #nordiclife #viking #vikings #doorcounty #washingtonisland #norwegian #stavchurch #kirke #medieval #christian #christians

Whirling Through Time

Whirling Through Time. Life's been somewhat chaotic. My time skips by like a whirling, flat stone on water. Every time I smack down I am focused on something. Each contact is different than the last, I have a brief period for me to focus, resolve, plan, and then it's time to fly off the next splash. I know it's like this for everyone though, so I don't feel concerned. I actually have been relishing the little splashes. Some are a brief period of creative formulation. My approach to shooting is becoming more precise in how I want to render a scene. With each session I feel the whirl of the stone as it skims across the water, the front lifting up to catch air as it sails once more into the sky! Winter will be fun once I am trapped in my office with all these photos to process! Until then I like to just take morale breaks and process a photo, just for the heck of it. Today I really need one.

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #bellydancesuperstars #the_bellydancer #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #vladspleasurepavilion #bellydance #bellydancer #scadance #middleeasterndance #dancephotography #italianvilla #casabardicci #veildance #lovebellydance #love_bellydance #bellydancing #dance #dancing #dancer #oriental #orientaldance #perfomance #passion #bellydancestars

A Late Summer Ride

"One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." ~ Henry Miller

#henrymiller #yamaha #bikelife #streetbike #instamotor #instamotorcycle #motorcyclelover #rideordie #motorsport #roadracing #motorcycleporn #bikers #motorcyclelife #cruising #yamaha #2wheels_9 #r6 #2wheelslovers #Motorcycle #instamotogallery #moto #motogp #sportbike #superbike #instamoto #pistonaddictz #bikeswithoutlimits #sportsbikelife #bikenight #rideout

Blue Mound State Park Mountain Biking

While photographing the mother & daughter on the nicely graded Military Ridge Trail the day before I learned her husband was very involved with a nearby mount bike trail. Located in Blue Mound State Park is a biking trail rated for advanced riders. He and I met in the park and I sort of jogged along behind him carrying my gear on my back and holding a C-Stand. We didn't have to go too far though. He's involved with Capital Off Road PathFinders, a local chapter of the IMBA, who maintain this trail, so he knew of a certain rock formation that would be perfect as a setting. I had to agree and we quickly got "the shot" of what biking along this trail can be like. I'm hoping they'll need some fall colors as well and I'll get to redo this series in more depth.

#driftlessregion #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #getoutdoors #biking #cycling #mountainbiking #mountainbike #bikeporn #mtb #mtbporn #mtblife #bikelife #freeride #bikepark #instabike #bike #bikestagram #biking #cycling #cyclinglife #cycle

Cycling on Military Ridge Trail

This week I was assigned the task of capturing "summery" looking photos of people riding along Military Ridge Trail, and biking in general. It's very late summer here in Wisconsin. Even though we're experiencing a very unseasonably period of summer like warmth the trees are already turning golden and the walnuts are shedding their leaves. I asked a local mother and daughter to model for me and we rode a good 4 miles along the trail until we found an area that still looked "green" enough to look like summer time. All in all it was a lot of fun and makes me think I really need to go biking more often. I'm STILL riding the same bicycle I bought in 1991!

#driftlessregion #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #getoutdoors #biking #cycling #mountainbiking #mountainbike #bikeporn #mtb #mtbporn #mtblife #bikelife #freeride #bikepark #instabike #bike #bikestagram #biking #cycling #cyclinglife #cycle

15 Years & Still Thirsty!

This year's Thirsty Troll Brew Fest was really a lot of fun.I was hired to go take a few promotional shots. There were a lot of awesome folks in Dirndl Dresses and Lederhosen who made my job very, very easy. The weather was also perfect! I did get to sample some of the amazing beers from a few of the brewers. This year's lineup was really good.

2017 Brewer Line-Up: 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Ale Asylum, Alt Brew, Bullquarian Brewhouse LLC, Capital Brewery, Corner Pub Brewery, Dead Bird, Esser’s Cross Plains Brewery, Funk Factory Geuzeria, Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, Hop Haus Brewing, Indeed Brewing Company, Karben4 Brewing, Lake Louie Brewing LLC, The Lone Girl, Leinekugels, Next Door Brewing, New Glarus Brewing, One Barrel Brewing Company, Potosi Brewing, Revolution Brewing, Rhinelander Brewing, Rock County Brewing, Second Salem Viking Brew Pub, Vintage Brewing Company, Wisconsin Brewing Company. Other tastings The Cider Farm and Bos Meadery.

#thirstytrollbrewfest #craftbeer #beerfest #beerfestival #beer #beerlife #beerporn #beersofinstagram #lager #ilovebeer #beerbeerbeer #beerme #beergeek #drinklocal #beerstagram #beerlover #beerbabes #beerbreak #beertography #craftnotcrap #drinkcraft #drindl #bierbierbier #lederhosen #oktoberfest #partytime #bullquarianbrewhouse #cornerpubbrewery #essersbest #rhinelanderbrewery

Fresh Bloody Mary Morning

After having Teri away from the house for while due to her job I thought it'd be nice to just have some homemade Bloody Maries. Using a variety of cherry tomatoes from a local farmer I followed Alton Brown's recipe with only a few personal taste adjustments. We also like to pile a variety of pickled veggies, a little cheese and of course celery hearts onto a platter. I like to dip my celery into my drink, and then sprinkle of the creole seasoning that's in the little jar. It also makes a sort of "sauce" on the plate to dip the cheese in. Very tasty stuff! #bloodymary #altonbrown #weekend

And We Have Lift Off

Freja & Teri launch a sky lantern during a nice big picnic gathering we attended. Basically a local artist hosts something called the Biennial Handmade Party 2017. They had games, lots of food and plenty of space to just spread out. The location is on their farm which is on a ridge that overlooks a lovely section of the Driftless Area. The evening was capped off by the launching of many, many sky lanterns. We'd watch them fly for miles over the rolling ridges.

#driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #thedriftless #driftlessart #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #skylanterns #skylantern #Kongming #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #getoutdoors #marketweightpress

A Game of Throws

Relaxing while being thrown. It's an art in and of itself.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #judo #judoka #judolife #judomotivation

Summer's End

So even though I was happy to see the kid get on the bus for her first day of Fourth Grade I can't help but also feel a little melancholy. She's growing up so quickly. I know she'll be an adult with her own life in what'll seem like a blink of the eye. This past summer though, she was still my "kid." While her sense of self and her humor are maturing, she was still young enough to think she could chase down fish and catch them with her bare hands.

Last Few Days of Summer

With the kid's summer vacation winding down to it's last couple of days I wanted to make today special. It'd been a rainy start to our week but today the sun came out! After lunch we loaded up the Jeep and went to Governor Dodge State Park. We took the back roads all the way there, so we had time to just talk and have fun. We canoed to a small beach where she ran around with a big group of children for a while, and then the two of us played. canoeing back we did some bird watching, drifting up very close to a Great Blue Heron. We capped the day off with takeout lo mein and a samurai movie. Tomorrow is the very LAST day of summer! Thankfully my wife will also be coming home at the end of the day as she's been in Canada for a while.

#driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinparks #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #thedriftless #driftlessart #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #canoe #canoeing #radissoncanoe #Sportspal #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #getoutdoors

Warmup Throws

Here's another photo from this past Sunday of my BJJ instructor Thales Blaso warming up for sparring with his Judo partner Jeff Lee. After an hour of watching them I had to head home. My kid was with me and she'd spent the night at a friend's so was very tired and hungry. As I went to leave I mentioned to them that I'd really like to learn Judo. Jeff then invited me to come out on the mats, with me in my street clothes, and he'd begin right then. So on one hand I had a hungry kid ready to go home, on the other a chance to learn from an expert. (In other words; a chance to get tossed around while wearing jeans.) As I stepped onto the mat I was still trying to decide if this was a "good idea." Thankfully Thales kept me on track and pointed out I had to leave and there'd be another time for me to get slammed around.The next time I go photograph him training I'm leaving the kid at home and taking my gi!

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #judo #judoka #judolife #judomotivation

Languid Beauty

Before moving to Wisconsin I had spent a few years working with the belly dancing community in Pittsburgh. The graceful, artistic movements combined with colorful, flowing costuming and often very comely dancers inspired me and helped shape how I photograph an wide array of subjects to this day. I've respect for how much work and attention to minute detail these performers often put into their craft. Capturing them is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. At Pennsic this year I happened to be camped with one of my favorite dancers of all time, namely Samira Shuruk . Late one morning we worked together for a bit in Casa Bardicci, an amazingly detailed set piece recreating an Italian villa along the lake shore. After years of not shooting dancers it was truly a thrill to once again do so. So, an amazing set. An amazingly talented and beautiful dancer. All the right gear for the job and an open morning to just relax and enjoy "doing my thing." Pennsic was awesome!

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #bellydancesuperstars #the_bellydancer #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #vladspleasurepavilion #bellydance #bellydancer #scadance #middleeasterndance #dancephotography #italianvilla #casabardicci #veildance #lovebellydance #love_bellydance #bellydancing #dance #dancing #dancer #oriental #orientaldance #perfomance #passion #bellydancestars

Elite Sparring

Today I had a rare treat. I go to go do a little casual photography of my BJJ coach Thales Blaso and Jeff Lee training together. It was great to be able to watch two very skilled martial artists. No egos. No prideful boasting. No fluff. Just technical skill, patience and guile in a display of friendly sparring. It was truly inspiring.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #judo #judoka #judolife #judomotivation

The Garden of Earthly Delights

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Camping at Vlad's Pleasure Pavilion has to be one of the more unique experiences I've enjoyed. This year was their 30th anniversary as a themed camping group. Their device was a stylized "XXX" with their bat symbol emblazoned above. (It figures I'd camp under the sign of the Bat!) Now if you have ever camped at Pennsic you'll have heard of Vlad's late night "shenanigans." (I can't speak to any of that. I kept me eyes closed.) All during the first week of the two week event the camp operates as the defacto place to stop by while out and about. For me, on the couple of nights I was actually on site that first week, this meant I never had to go looking for my friends as most of them would likely walk through the "front of the house." What I mean by FOH is in the way it's used in the entertainment/club sector. Basically Vlad's is set up as an "open camp" out front, with living quarters to the rear and cut off from the front. There's a giant "U" shaped space which is anchored at one end by a beer tent/bar, a stage complete with wings, carefully arraigned pavilions with open seating under awnings, all of which are meticulously decorated, and wraps around the open area. There's a giant fire-pit that languid dancers take advantage of while rhythmic drumming charges the pulsing energy of the night. For me though the true treat as an artist is that I am camped with many other artists. This year they culminated the fun of the first week with a three part performance playing out their interpretation of the famous 15th Century triptych, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" painted by Hieronymus Bosch. It was a three stage, multi act performance that was a blend of burlesque, tribal fusion, burner rave, traditional belly dance, all accompanied by a talented group of live musicians. I'd watched them plan out the acts, choreograph the dances and figure out the timing. Being around such a pool of talent and artistic vision was truly something I'll always treasure. So, not only do I not have to go anywhere in order to see my friends, I don't have to go anywhere to find artistic inspiration. @mercurial_creation @rosalieash88 @dj_cosmo @hakandances @reverandmother @Bagoasdances

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #vlads #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #vladspleasurepavilion #gardenofearthlydelights #fireperformance #fireperformer #pyrography #firebreathing #fireflow #cooperslake #cooperslakecampground #travelpa #explorepa #burlesque #burlesquedancer #burlesqueshow #burlesquelife #juliadiverdi