Summer in the Pines

Here's a shot I'd taken in July of 2018 while visiting my home area. Having lived and worked in Pittsburgh for so many years I always name that as my "hometown." I always thinks of hidden little spots like this one. I think of the smell of ferns & pines, the sound of them talking to me as the wind passes through their stands. That is part of what I call "home."

#morainestatepark #lakearthur #naturalpennsylvania #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #PATravelHappy #PASpots #ExplorePennsylvania #VisitPA #pennsylvaniaisbeautiful #gowildpa #pa_explorations #uncoveringpa #pennsylvania_wild #pennsylvania_life #pennsylvaniawilds #teampawild #onlyinpennsylvania #pennswoods #pennsylvania #pafeatured #nature_perfection #naturelover #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside

Valkyries' Un-named Brother

"Yokel" perceptions of gender roles can't control us. Female strength inspires me. As the moon turned full I'd dreamt of how I'd light her with my flashes of light. It's not about sexuality or personalty. It's just about the pure human will to drive forward. To be the physical manifestation of who we perceive our "best" self to be is reserved for those who endure pain. For some it's iron that defines the "tangible" being. My role is to bring light to illustrate that struggle.

#igfitness #fitnessmodels #fitlife #womenwholift #fitmom #fitmomsofig #fitmoms #fitmommy #fitmomsofig #fitmomma #fitmomsinspire #fitmomof5 #fitmomlife #fitmomstrongmom #fitmomsrock #fitmomsofinstagram #fitmomsclub #fitmomfuel #FitMomsLinkUp #fitmommies #fitmominspire #fitmoment #fitmominthemaking #fitmommas #fitmomintraining #fitmomslife #fitchicks #sportswear #strongisbeautiful #humansculpture

An Angry Beaver Indeed!

It was indeed an ANGRY BEAVER day! So many frustrating "life" things all happening at once. Then there's knowing know one will ever know I spent hours setting up this shot. Hours spent modifying how light comes out of the five flashes that I painstakingly placed "just so." Shaping their effects into razor edges to just touch certain edges will never be noticed. Few will note the ever tightening spirals in the composition. "It's only a photograph. Anyone can take that shot." Friggin beaver... Why so edgy? It was a struggle to not just blast it with hammers of light. But as a well versed man in taming an angry beaver I knew a little "calm, heated finesse" was all it'd take.

Artist: John Pahlas

#angrybeaver #ironbeaver #beaver #duluthtradingcompany #wisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #travelwi #explorewi #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #explorewisconsin #scenicwisconsin #historicwisconsin #wisconsinart #driftlessart #mounthoreb #mounthorearts #mthorebarts #mthorebartists #art #artist #artwork #arte #artoftheday #artistic #artsy #artofvisuals #artistsoninstagram

Guardian of the River

Sculpture by John Pahlas
Model: Jesi Ostrowsky

#centergroundstudious #wisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinart #driftlessart #mounthoreb #mthorebarts #mthorebartists #art #artist #artwork #arte #artoftheday #artistic #artsy #artofvisuals #artistsoninstagram #arts #yogagirl #fitnessmodel #model #modelphotography #probikini #probikiniathlete #probikinicompetitor #probikinimodel #portrait #portraitphotography

Jormungand

Here's a little historical tidbit about the town.
"Norwegian-immigration historian Odd S. Lovoll observes that by the 1870s, Norwegian immigrants had created significant settlements throughout Wisconsin, particularly in Dane County. In 1871, Andrew Levordson became the first Norwegian immigrant to arrive in Mount Horeb, marking the beginning of this ethnic-group's presence in the village." - Wikipedia

#driftlesshistorium #Museum #museumday #museumlife #museumofart #museumlover #museumvisit #museumexhibit #museumfun #museumdesign #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #scenicwisconsin #historicwisconsin #prairieland #wisconsinart #driftlessart #mounthoreb #mounthorearts #mthorebarts #mthorebartists

A Prairie Stroll

After an awesome morning of appointments and meetings it was very relaxing to just go create an image with a model. Some folks golf, me I do this. Thanks Jesi Ostrowsky! Though I lost over pint of blood to the mosquitoes it was worth the pain. They only ate me for some reason. Oh joy! That also meant she was able to keep a natural smile on her face. I can't wait to see what we'll do next!

#yoga #yogaeverydamnday #yogalove #yogalife #yogainspiration #yogagirl #yogachallenge #yogapants #yogaeverywhere #yogapose #yogaeveryday #yogateacher #yogapractice #yogajourney #yogadaily #yogafit #yogagram #yogaaddict #yogafun #yogamom #yogalover #yogaretreat #yogaflow #YogaForLife #yogalifestyle #yogaphotography #yogacommunity #yogatime #yogaposes #yogafam

The First Dance!

They said they weren't going to dance alone. No first dance? I'm glad they decided to! I would have missed seeing this happiness.

#bridalbarn #vintagevalleyevents #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings #bridalparty #groom #weddingday

So It Rained? So What?

It was a perfect day to celebrate a union.

#bridalbarn #vintagevalleyevents #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings #bridalparty #groom #weddingday

No Filters Needed

Model: Jesi Ostrowsky
Location: A beach in a lake filled with all sorts of crap... really.
Lens: One of my favs, the Canon EF135mm f/2.0L.
Filters and other special effects to compensate for not knowing how to use my camera: friggin ZERO.


#bikinipro #figuremodel #bikinimodel #fitnessjourney #fitness #fitnessaddict #dharma #namaste #feeltheyogahigh #yogafit #igyogafam #yogaaddict #yogaeverywhere #yogaeveryday #yogainspiration #yogagram #practice #fitnessgirl #yogagirl #yogajourney #fitnessgirl #yoga #yogalife #yogabody #yoga4growth #yogini #yogalove #yogapose #yogaphotography

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday after an awesome morning photo shoot at the Temple I had a second one with @jesifit.fitness.yoga. While most of our time was spent driving around (slowly, and in the wrong lane at times) while we scouted out locations, it was a really great way to spend the day. Eventually we did take a few photos resulting in one that I think works well. It's also the last photo of the session, taken from the first angle she suggested. It's so so awesome to have a creative partner with vision. As a bonus, it was also her birthday!

#probikini #probikiniathlete #probikinicompetitor #probikinimodel #fitness #fitnessmotivation #fitnessmodel #fitnessaddict #fitnessgirl #fitnessjourney #fitnesslifestyle #fitnesslife #fitnessfreak #fitnessgoals #fitnessinspiration #fitnessgirls #fitnessbody #fitnesswomen #fitnessblogger #fitnessmodels #fitnesscoach #fitnessphysique #fitnessmom #fitnesslover #FitnessTrainer #fitnessaddicted #fitnessfreaks #fitnesstips #fitnessfirst #yogagirl

The Clarity of Practicing the Dharma

Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, previously known as His Holiness Sakya Trizin, conducted a teaching today at Deer Park Buddhist Center & Monastery. I had the very special honor of photographing it. It was a one of the best shoots I have done in a very long time. Given permission to truly move about the Temple while he spoke I did my best to not be too distracting. His words were simple, to the point and I found a profound sense of well being and understanding waken in me. As he spoke I was close by on my knees at one point. The way he phrased our tendency to cling to the inconsequential in our lives, and to place importance on what are fleeting moments of essentially nothing as "tiny bubbles" which could suddenly burst, leaving us with emptiness really struck me. At one point I was brought to tears, which made photographing things a bit of a challenge. Thankfully I was able to slip to the back of the Temple to clear my vision. And in someways that is exactly what happened to me today. I have a clearer sense of how I want to go about tending to my spiritual needs.

#Kyabgon_Gongma_Trichen_Rinpoche #sakyatrizin #tibetanbuddhism #buddhism #buddhismtemple #buddhismteachings #buddhismphilosophy #buddha #buddhateachings #deerparkbuddhistcenter

Greeting His Holiness

Ngawang Kunga, Sakya Trizin Emeritus (now known as Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche) is greeted on his first visit to Deer Park Buddhist center & Monastery just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. He is considered to be second only to the Dalai lama in the spiritual hierarchy of Tibetan Buddhism. His lineage is an ancient one, and he is thought of as the very personification of the Wisdom of the Buddha. I had the absolute honor of being asked to come photograph his arrival, and this intimate greeting in his quarters by the monks of Deer Park. I cannot wait to go photograph his upcoming teaching session at the Temple! When I needed to learn more about compassion the Dalia Lama himself appeared in my life a few years ago. At a time when I know I need to bolster my wisdom, and I've been writing about my sense that it's time to transform again, the Buddha again appears. How is so that I find myself in the presence of just the sort of knowledge and guidance just when I need it? I am truly blessed. I can no longer take it for granted but will embrace this opportunity. I didn't need to go climb frozen mountains in Asia to find this resource. I simply moved to Wisconsin of all places and it was here waiting for me.

#Kyabgon_Gongma_Trichen_Rinpoche #sakyatrizin #tibetanbuddhism #buddhism #buddhismtemple #buddhismteachings #buddhismphilosophy #buddha #buddhateachings #deerparkbuddhistcenter

Fluctuations

I'm falling out of my own internal rhythm. It's not strife, anxiety or fear causing my soul to seemingly flounder against the shell of my existence. It's the open spaces themselves that are appearing along the inside of the exoskeleton called "ME." Only, am I shrinking inside, or does it just no longer fit right? Am I due for a molt or is the entropy of age catching up? I feel restless to find out while at the same time feeling calm and ready. Now to just wait. See what transpires.

#morainestatepark #lakearthur #naturalpennsylvania #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #PATravelHappy #PASpots #ExplorePennsylvania #VisitPA #pennsylvaniaisbeautiful #gowildpa #pa_explorations #uncoveringpa #pennsylvania_wild #pennsylvania_life #pennsylvaniawilds #teampawild #onlyinpennsylvania #pennswoods #pennsylvania #pafeatured #nature_perfection #naturelover #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside

Grímnismál

"She saw Valkyriur coming from afar, ready to ride to the gods’ people: Skuld held a shield, and Skögul another. Gunn, Hild, Göndul, and Geirskögul. Now are tallied Herian´s maidens, ready to ride over the earth the Valkyriur." ~ Grímnismál, Poetic Edda, Völuspá 30 (Codex Regius)

#Grímnismál #Valkyrie #probikini #bikini #probikiniathlete #probikinicompetitor #probikinimodel #figurecompetition #figurecompetitors #figurecompetitor #girlswholift #girlswithmuscle #girlswhosquat #fitgirl #yogagirl #yogafit #yogamom #yortoncup #nolimits #fitness #fitnessmodel #fitfam #fitspiration #igfit #igfitness #instafit #instafitness #figurestudy #portrait #portraitphotography

The Artist's Workbench

Last night we got to use Center Ground Studios as a location for a shoot. When we first arrived on set there were TOO many ideas of what we could create. After a quick exchange we took a cool down walk to a park and really discussed how she wanted portrayed. It settled us down and when be began to work it all just fell into place. Using the artist's workbench she and I exchanged ideas, refining the look of the shots. Her intuitive posing and understanding of form made for some really fun shots. The best though was her suggestion I learn how to instruct in yoga so I can better queue models. I may just have to do that. So many ideas. It was an amazingly fast four hours of work.

#probikini #probikiniathlete #probikinicompetitor #probikinimodel #fitness #fitnessmotivation #fitnessmodel #fitnessaddict #fitnessgirl #fitnessjourney #fitnesslifestyle #fitnesslife #fitnessfreak #fitnessgoals #fitnessinspiration #fitnessgirls #fitnessbody #fitnesswomen #fitnessblogger #fitnessmodels #fitnesscoach #fitnessphysique #fitnessmom #fitnesslover #FitnessTrainer #fitnessaddicted #fitnessfreaks #fitnesstips #fitnessfirst #yogagirl

Yoga on the Prairie at Night

Model: Jesi Ostrowsky

#yoga #yogaeverydamnday #yogalove #yogalife #yogainspiration #yogagirl #yogachallenge #yogapants #yogaeverywhere #yogapose #yogaeveryday #yogateacher #yogapractice #yogajourney #yogadaily #yogafit #yogagram #yogaaddict #yogafun #yogamom #yogalover #yogaretreat #yogaflow #YogaForLife #yogalifestyle #yogaphotography #yogacommunity #yogatime #yogaposes #yogafam

The Reveal

The first look can be such a sweet and charming moment.

#firstlook #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings #bridalparty #groom #weddingday

The Prairie at Night

​It's been an interesting week working with Jesi. In the course of three days we've managed to conduct planning meetings, practice sessions and an actual shoot. We've figured out how to best move forward as collaborative artists. Last night was a good initial field test. We had a somewhat sudden plan. We chose an odd time with variable and fading lighting and unpredictable weather. She figured out the whole "what" and then we chose the "where" and then I set up the "how." For me it was all about the art of creating something shinning in the darkness of the prairie at night. After previewing this photo with a few folks I have to admit I'm a little surprised by certain reactions. "Look out Ron!" was one quote. It seems that the fact that I'm working with an amazingly attractive young women must naturally mean I won't be able to control myself? Looks like I'm supposed to just loose control and forget who I am as a husband, father and friend? I think not. I think this is just the beginning. Now we begin to refine the images we create! You see, we had free cake at the end of our first planning meeting. Through mutual respect, support and planning we get to have our cake AND eat it too. Onward.

Model: Jesi Ostrowsky

​#canon #canonphotography #canoneos #canonphoto #canonusa #bikinipro #figuremodel #bikinimodel #fitnessjourney #fitness #yogafit #igyogafam #fitnessgirl #yogagirl #yogaphotography #fitnessaddict #feeltheyogahigh #yogaaddict #yogaeverywhere #yogaeveryday #yogainspiration #yogagram #yogalife #yogabody #yoga4growth #yogini #yogalove #yogapose #artmodel #figuremodel

Day One - Square One

Today was the first time I actually got to really work with Jesi. After a few meetings to discuss our goals and how best to work together we FINALLY had a session. It wasn't about the setting, or being "artistic" in the sense of trying to create a stunning visual piece. Instead it was all about the camera gear. You see the icing on my cake is that not only is she an amazing figure model, but she is herself a talented photographer. And she shoots with Canon gear! So today we talked about projects, reviewed what gear I bring to the table and then we played with light. I made it training lesson how to use High Sync Speeds on flashes. We worked on fill flash and I demonstrated the whole, what and why of how I set my gear. It's so awesome to work with a model and a photographer all in one! We even played with colored gels to emulate sunshine. What I'm really excited about are some of the business ideas we're coming up with. Hmmmm....

#bikinipro #figuremodel #bikinimodel #fitnessjourney #fitness #fitnessaddict #dharma #namaste #feeltheyogahigh #yogafit #igyogafam #yogaaddict #yogaeverywhere #yogaeveryday #yogainspiration #yogagram #practice #fitnessgirl #yogagirl #yogajourney #fitnessgirl #yoga #yogalife #yogabody #yoga4growth #yogini #yogalove #yogapose #yogaphotography

Intentions

This is my spiritual "gym." This was my place of truths. My place of self reflection. Once I walked around this stupa alone in thought, in all weather. As I approached it I conjured the inner darkness to rise to the surface of my soul. Those dark fluttering bits of dark thoughts, like the shadows of the prayer flags on the cobblestones. I learned to calm those thoughts, to sooth myself. The whispering prayers on the little flags caressed my face as I circled. Brought to light the shadows all fade, loosing their inky mystery. They are just the shape of things being defined by light after all. It's that definition by the light that draws me. I guess it's why I am a photographer, a painter with light in what ways I can. One artistic dream I have always had is having a creative partner and model to work with. A human figure to paint with light, using the shadows to define the whole. I met just the right person at this very spot. We walked and spoke of who we were as people. As I looked into her eyes I saw a reflection of my "self." we shared truths and agreed to work together. I've a new sister. I'm so excited with ideas of what we can create I've not been sleeping much.

Now Repeat After Me...

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #redditig #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #bride #weddinggown #dress #gown #kiss #romantic #love

Foragers Return

There's a large colony of Cliff Swallows right under the 528 North bridge over Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, PA. My father lives only a few miles away and I have seen them there for many years. Believe it or not I'd actually forgotten they were there as it's been so long since I've been there during nesting season. I witnessed large flocks of them arriving back to their nests with the morning's catch of insects freshly hatched off the lake. They'd all try to land and get inside to feed the young at the same time, resulting in little swarms of swallows. Once all the food was distributed I got to enjoy having them all fly in circles around me. They began to climb the warming air caused by the rising sun on the lake, the bridge itself caught the lite wind angling it upwards. I'd thought there were a lot just at the one little section of bridge I happened to be standing under. It wasn't until the entire flock, the whole bridge full in fact, was all the way up that I saw the size! I didn't even try to photograph the swarm as I became enthralled by just being in the moment. It was then that I noticed these two little guys peeking out of their mud houses.





Having spotted the colony of Cliff Swallows under the 528 bridge over Lake Arthur the day before I tried to time being there when they returned from foraging. When I first arrived there were no birds to be seen. Within moments the flock began to arrive. As one parent lands the others all must flutter in place while departing adults swoop away. The play of their shadows on the underside of the bridge caught my eye while I tried to frame and capture the fast action.

#cliffswallows #AmericanCliffSwallow #petrochelidon_pyrrhonota #petrochelidonpyrrhonota #swallow #birdie #birds #birdlovers #birdlove #birdlife #bird #birdsofinstagram #birdnerd #birdstagram #birds_captures #birds_adored #birdwatching #ornithology #morainestatepark #lakearthur #naturalpennsylvania #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #nature_perfection #naturelover #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside

Giant Jiu Jitsu

I have finally had time to sort through the many photos I took of my buddies sparring with , the Mahamed Aly. He's the 2018 IBJJF World Champion! Back in February of this year he conducted an eye opening seminar at Rise Up Martial Arts. Maybe I should say an "eye popping" because it was ALL about pressure! Anyway, a number of the upper belts had the pleasure of sparring with him in the morning, before the class. Me? As a lowly Blue couldn't join in the fun (whew...) so I photographed the fun. I have finally completed sorting and processing this really intense day of training. The gallery can be found on the front page.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #thalesblaso #mahamedaly #brutejitsu

This Driftless Life

I've been leaving for work earlier these days. I take the "back way." My local region is filled with little meandering valleys. There are a few "loops" I can make on my way to the Cave. I've really come to love the terrain. There are hidden little side valleys all over the place. The morning fog rises out of them to mingle with the clouds. It's cool, lush and wet in the dim morning light. As I drive slowly along I can hear all the birds and see wildlife. And occasionally I'll stop to take a photo.

#oak #bluemoundsstatepark #bluemounds #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #prairie #prairieland #oaksavanna #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #naturalwisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #redditig

Formations in the Dark

What an incredible morning I've been having. Author Matt Geiger, his daughter and I went on an artistic adventure into Cave of the Mounds. He needed a photo to go along with an article that will soon be published in Northerly Quarterly. The title of which is 'The Cave,' and I highly recommend reading it when it comes out soon. No spoilers from me. I just happened to be off today, and also work in a cave so naturally it all came together. Getting to be artistic in a place that has effected me in such significant ways was a true delight. I cannot even begin to express how much I enjoyed setting up and taking this photograph today. Some people go golfing on their days off, me, I want to spend time creating. Something. Then I go back to work where I find I am drawing on that which shapes me as an artist. As I told Matt today, when I get to do what I do, and then sink back into this amazing place that is Cave of the Mounds it is as if fresh waters flush out the sediment in the caverns of my soul. And in those dark places crystals are now growing formations. I am truly a blessed man.

#caveofthemounds #stalactites #bluemounds #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #cave #cavern #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #naturalwisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #formations #formation #stalagmites #adventure

Molt

How do I write about the intangibles of my own self when the very nature of the trees mesmerizes me? How is it that parts of my very soul are becoming "textured?" Life surrounds me and even the "lifeless" stone changes, not only eroding away but also growing. I stand on the east facing lookout tower. My eyes closed. My mind settled. My feet connecting me to the tower as it ever so slightly moves in the north wind. The entire top of the Mound is covered in a low lying cloud. There is no view of the sun but the morning light causes the blanket of mist to glow. As I stand there just breathing I can feel the water build on my cheeks. When the wind slides past my ears it's as a whispered song I've known from so long ago I can't recall the words, or name. Suddenly the wind stops and only the birds and the water dripping from leaves is all I hear...



#oak #bluemoundsstatepark #bluemounds #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #prairie #prairieland #oaksavanna #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #naturalwisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #redditig

So I Was late 5 Minutes? Worth It.

Gamera! Gamera!
Gamera is really neat!
Gamera is filled with meat!
We've been eating Gamera!
Shell!
Teeth!
Eyes!
Flames!
Claws!
Breath!
Scales!
Fun!!
Dr. Forrester is kind of a jerk,
And Frank is really dumb, too
We have to take part in these lame experiments
But do we complain?
No!
No!
Yes!
Huh?
So we hi-keeba all over the place
And talk of a thousand wonderful days
Gamera is really sweet!
He is filled with turtle meat!
Now we have commercial sign!


#mysterysciencetheater3000 #gamera

Love on the Square

Yesterday I had an amazing Sunday afternoon photographing these two on their wedding day. It was a 1920's themed celebration of love on Capital Square here in Madison! At the end of the night the Bride told me, "Just so you know, we feel that we've made a friend in you and you're not just a contract to us." I cannot tell you how much that meant to me! They're affection for each other was so apparent that it made it super easy to take fun portraits of them after the nuptials.















#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #bridal #weddinginspiration #madisonweddingphotos #weddings #instawedding #weddingphoto #redditig #weddingplanning #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #wisconsin #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #wisconsinwedding #madisonwi #madisonwedding #wisconsinwedding #bride #weddinggown #dress #gown #kiss #romantic #love

The Wisconsin Dells Singers

Elliott Funmaker, Sr. and his family conducted a cultural demonstration of Ho-Chunk Nation traditions at the Driftless Historium in Mount Horeb. They shared their rich heritage with many details about the regalia that they wear, as well as the significant meaning of the songs and dances. They also explained the symbolism of objects and actions, such the drum itself and the beat they played on it. It was an informative peek into the culture of the native people of this Driftless Area. One that will help ensure their traditional heritage is not soon forgotten.



#wisconsindellssingers #funmaker #Ho-Chunk #HoChunkNation #HoChunk_Nation #Historium #Driftless_Historium #DriftlessHistorium #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #naturalwisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #redditig #culture #heritage #traditional #traditions

The Driftless

Early this morning I followed a whim and grabbed my longest zoom lens and headed out as soon as the kid was off to school. I ended up at Brigham Park, just past where I now work at Cave of the Mounds. There's a view there that simply tickles me. You can ​see around sixteen miles from the top of the smallest of the two "Blue Mounds." That's the Wisconsin River Valley you see off in the distance. Not long after shooting this a man came riding up to me on his bicycle, I could tell he was a distance rider and hailed him. He was up from Chicago, and was scouting out the area. Having seen that view earlier I helped him map out a bike quest from the Cave. He passed by this view, which is a nice meandering ride down the Mound into a charming little valley. I told him how to also find a scenic restored Prairie, and the best trout stream in the area. His route then brought him back full circle through Stewart Lake, past my house and to the local brew pub. From there he could take the Military Ridge trail to his camp in the nearby state park. It made my day knowing I'd sent him off to see things I knew he'd really enjoy. By the end of the day I received an email thanking me and letting me know he's bringing his scouting troop up over the summer to explore, come to the Cave and asked me to guide their tour. God, I love my job.

#brighampark #brigham #brighamcountypark #danecountyparks #travelwi #explorewi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #wisconsinwildlife #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #explorewisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #redditig #landscape_lovers #landscape_lover #landscape #landscapeart

A Call Through Time

When I was a little boy my family lived on the top of hill on the edge of forest overlooking a lake. Every time I hear the cry of a Red-winged Blackbird I am instantly transported through time to that home. I remember it was a hot summer day in the 70's. I was in the backyard looking out at the high grasses that grew in the field leading from our place and then down the hill. The forest was to my right and as I stood there I became mesmerized by a Red-winged Blackbird as it cried out it's distinct call. It was just downhill from me in a black cherry tree and I could see it so clearly. Not a single instance of hearing that call to this day doesn't transfix part of my brain to that moment in time nearly forty-something years ago. i can even recall the feel of the sun on my tanned skin, and the wind in my face.

#Red-winged #blackbird #Redwingedblackbird #Agelaius-phoeniceus #birdphotography #birding #birdwatching #wisconsinbirds #wisconsinwildlife #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #prairie #prairieland #oaksavanna #travelwi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin

In Her Garden

The first time I went to Jessica's studio was a couple of years ago. As I stood on her deck and admired the garden I knew I just had to take a photo there someday. I could picture her in the lovely setting posing on the wooden gazebo/lounge. Recently we got together on a comfortable spring day for a relaxing session. She's been busy setting up a new website to promote her business and needed a new cover image. Her hope was that I could create a photo that'd represent her belief that through yoga and meditation one could not only connect to oneself, but also to nature itself. I hope I did just that. What do you think? Did I nail it?

#jessicavonwolf #pilates #pilatesbody #fitnessjourney #fitness #fitnessaddict #dharma #namaste #feeltheyogahigh #yogafit #igyogafam #meditation #yogaaddict #yogaeverywhere #yogaeveryday #yogainspiration #yogagram #practice #fitnessgirl #yogagirl #yogajourney #fitnessgirl #yoga #yogalife #yogabody #yoga4growth #yogini #yogalove #yogapose #yogaphotography

Using Speedlite 600EX-RT to Control the Light

This is how I set my camera to not capture the ambient lighting for certain situations. I wanted to control all of the "light" in my scene. The natural ambiance, while nice to the human eye, wasn't suitable. Basically I set my exposure settings to what I know I can create using my remote flashes. Without my flashes going off, this is how dark the photo appears. Very little ambient light is present.



Using carefully placed, and adjusted, remote flash units in strategic locations I can control all the light that falls onto my model. I use "flash modifiers" which either soften, aim, or reflect the light in ways I want. I love designing the way light falls into a scene and onto a subject. By eliminating all ambient lighting I now have complete control over what the scene looks like. Being that it looks nearly identical to what the human eye sees in the ambient lighting many folks never even notice I can do this.

#canon #canonphotography #dslr #canongear #canongearnerd #canoneos #canonphoto #canonusa #teamcanon #canonglobal #Speedlite #600EX-RT #Speedlite600EX-RT

A Hawk's View

I took the "long way" to work this morning. There's so much to enjoy visually all around Mount Horeb. I noticed the way the rocks were reflecting on Stewart Lake and wanted to get a shot with my gear. The dim, cool and wet spring morning gave me a slight challenge in sorting out my camera's settings. As I continued to seek for a vantage through the trees I'd take test shots, adjusting as I went. After a few minutes I couldn't find just the right viewpoint. And then a Red-tailed Hawk landed just uphill from me. Taking my cue I slowly moved to just below it, knowing it was in the canopy above me, though I couldn't see it. And there it was, the viewpoint I sought. As I began to snap a few frames the hawk let out a series cries. It set the tone for my entire day.

#reflection #wildwisconsin #naturalwisconsin #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #prairie #prairieland #oak #oaksavanna #findyourpark #travelwi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin #pinerelictforest

Stephen's Falls Session

I usually don't include taking family portraits as part of my business. When this family contacted me out of the blue though I decided, "Why not?" They'd planned a trip to a nearby town and where coming in from all directions. We'd chosen Stephen's Falls as our initial location and a spot on the trail down stream as the secondary. This session also gave me a chance to give my transportation system a shake down. I took about 80lbs (37kg) of gear. For the paved section I was able to use my converted Bob stroller. Once we hit the steep, stony trail I had to wear my backpack, carry my flash bag and two 11' C-stands. It wasn't that bad, even coming out and having to climb up a steep rocky set of primitive steps wasn't an issue. So not only did I get to work with an interesting and lovely family, but I also know I can now set up a studio shoot anywhere.

#midwestisbest #midwestliving #wi #travelwi #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #onwisconsin #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea #governordadgestatepark #governordodge #dnr #wi_dnr #widnr #naturalwisconsin #wildernessculture #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoors #nature_perfection

The Wicked Witch of the West!

Freja was so excited to be playing the Witch in her school's 4th grade play. Called "The Wizard of Us" it was basically the classic story of Dorothy's adventures. In this telling of the tale instead of melting the witch with water they defeated her by learning that being proud of who you are, having compassion for others and trying to be mindful of the present moment. What the Wicked Witch learned I'm not so sure...

#wizardofoz #wizardofus #moho #mounthorebintermediatecenter #mounthorebschools #witch #wickedwitch #wickedwitchofthewest #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #schoolplay

The Patience of Eagles

I marvel at these predators. I shot this during a brief respite from the harsh arctic dry-freeze we'd been enduring in January of 2018. The eagles become confined to crowding around a nearby damn on the Wisconsin River. The constantly flowing water ensure they can find an easy meal there. After weeks of fish this one had other plans for dinner. The sudden "warming" (and I use that term very loosely) gave it an opportunity to go patiently hunt in the Driftless. Since it's too cold to soar on thermals it simply waits for something tasty to meander into it's sight. That happened to be me, only I'm too big to eat.

Bald Eagle, juvenile

#eagle #baldeagle #birdofprey #conservation #wildlifefriend #wildglobe #wildgeography #featured_wildlife #marvelouz_animals #animalelite #ig_shotz_animal #nature_perfection #nature_brilliance #wildlifeplanet #live_love_wildlife #bd_pro #splendid_animals #fog #foggy #lax_parksandrec #lacrossewisconsin #lacrossewi #wisconsin #wisco #discoverwisconsin #mississippiriver #travelwisconsin #explorewisconsin #driftlessarea #midwestmoment

Playing with Light

Another new beginning for me. A unique creative opportunity to simply relax, play with camera gear, do fitness stuff and teach has begun. Not only do I get to learn more about yoga, pilates and mobility training from Jessica Baak, but I also get to play with my lighting techniques. Not only that but I am also teaching her how to create promotional imagery for herself. Explaining how I light a scene was a lot of fun for me. Basically it's the mythical "Win-Win" situation. I get to learn more fitness stuff, get a model to practice lighting techniques with and get to teach techniques for something I love to do. She gets to learn a useful promotional skill and gets some fun photos. By happenstance one of the places she trains folks at is a short walk from where I work! So expect some fun imagery to be posted soon.



#bluemoundsdharmacenter #pilates #pilatesbody #reformer #fitnessjourney #fitness #martialartslife #limber #training #fitnessaddict #dharma #namaste #feeltheyogahigh #yogafit #igyogafam #meditation #yogaaddict #yogaeverywhere #yogaeveryday #yogainspiration #yogagram #practice #fitnessgirl #yogagirl #yogajourney

A Natural Darkness

The Cave's natural environment is total darkness. A darkness so devoid of natural light you can only find it deep underground and leagues under the sea. It feels like a thick, black woolen cloak on a foggy night's stroll. The weight of it presses down on your back gently. It's warmth off setting the drooping gravity of it as it tries to slowly envelope you. I find I am being drawn into it, carrying only my tiny shielded flash light as I hum my way along the passages alone.

#speleothems #limestonecave #galenadolomite #cave #activecave #Stalagmite #Stalactite #calcite #caveformations #caveofthemounds #jewelbox #nationalnaturallandmark #usdepartmentoftheinterior #nationalparkservice #nps #usdi #nnl #usinterior #NationalPark #naturelover #travelwi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin

A Learning Experience

After shadowing tours and reading material for a couple of weeks today I began to feel ready to conduct a tour on my own. How I want to present this amazingly still growing "active cave" has been brewing in my head ever since they told me I'd be giving tours. I know the only real issue I may have is when it comes to timing. The allure of covering all the fascinating details is very strong. In caverns that began to form nearly a million years ago you can find evidence of an ancient ocean that predates any (as of yet known) land-based ecosystems. That was 400 million years ago. You can see fossils of shelled Cephalopods and other life that flourished around ancient coral reefs. And then there's all the chemistry, geology, history of discovery, cave culture nomenclature, learning the nature of the elements and how they combine, the Collembola, luminescence and the list goes on and on... My brain is happy.





#speleothems #limestonecave #galenadolomite #cave #activecave #Stalagmite #Stalactite #calcite #caveformations #caveofthemounds #jewelbox #nationalnaturallandmark #usdepartmentoftheinterior #nationalparkservice #nps #usdi #nnl #usinterior #NationalPark #naturelover #travelwi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin