Anschließen

While traveling with my wife, daughter and a friend of hers for a few days the significance of my work with the Cave struck me. I've been craving a venue where I can implement my skills as an artist. This opportunity to explore and connect to the soil of this land is so thrilling for me. Just before meeting the staff for the first time the other day I walked it's grounds. It was a pleasure meeting the old oaks on their hill.I'm so looking forward to Monday and commencing with this new adventure!

#caveofthemounds #jewelbox #nationalnaturallandmark #usdepartmentoftheinterior #nationalparkservice #nps #usdi #nnl #usinterior #NationalPark #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutthere #naturelover #prairie #prairieland #oak #oaksavanna #findyourpark #travelwi #wisconsin #wisconsintrails #wisconsinparks #driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #travelwisconsin

A Living Diorama

10 years, 3 months, 27 days later and I am officially back in the exhibits game. Monday I report in at 9AM to get my Cave of Mounds staff shirt. I just bought blue outdoor pants on my way home from my first meeting with them a few hours ago. On Tuesday of last week I heard about an opportunity there. After careful thought I then presented my portfolio and an idea to the staff. It worked. I'm hired! It's a new beginning for me. I am so thrilled to be working with passionate folks who are obviously so invested in preserving and presenting a National Landmark! I have this giant, LIVING diorama to get to know and work on. On top is an ancient Oak Savannah to save. Underneath is a cavern whose depths I've only seen from the tourists' perspective. I am going to bet that I won't sleep tonight...

The Smell of Hemlocks and Wet Stone

Today I remembering the smell of Hemlocks and wet stones. I remember how the splashes of water felt as they'd leap onto us. It's hard to believe it's been eleven year since we've been this particular spot.

#mcconnelsmill #slipperyrockcreek #frewmill #campagawam #forest #naturalpennsylvania #wildernessculture #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #scenicpa #travelpa #explorepa #theoutbound #ventureout #in2nature #thegreatoutdoors #naturewalk

So in Love!

Here's another old photo from when I was still beginning as a wedding photographer. This particular couple were adorable together. They were so in love. He was overwhelmed with joy and she simply beamed the whole time. We took a series of portraits at this lovely gazebo on the church grounds. The three of us became so wrapped up in the emotion of the moment that none of us noticed everyone else left. The entire wedding all drove off to the outdoor picnic/reception leaving them with me. When we arrived well after everyone else folks where all like, "uhhh... ohhh... yeah. Knew we forgot something..." LOL 

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

Journalistic Style

Here's an image I shot over a decade ago. It was taken with an old Canon 10D and an EF 33mm f/1.4L lens. I was only a year into really getting into Wedding photography. When I'd first begun as a photographer I shied away from covering weddings as I thought they were "too stressful" or "too cookie cutter" of subject matter. Then I had an interesting conversation with famed photographer Lynn Johnson who I happened to meet through Jeff Swenson. She totally changed how I see photographing a wedding on a conceptual level. Basically she pointed out that every wedding, while similar in stages and goals has it's own unique story. There's so much variety in who the people are, what religions they practice with specific rituals, their personalities, and the family dynamics. It all comes together to set the stage for a chance to explore "micro-cultures" with your camera. I thought that was a brilliant way of seeing things. It inspired me to try to capture those unique "micro-cultural" moments. It especially gave me a better mental approach to capturing the personal rituals that are important to each couple.

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

The Bare Necessities

Freja holds still in front of a Kodiak mother and her cubs. They're in a diorama that I worked on many years while @carnegiemnh. Creating a diorama wasn't as simple as it might seem. It took a combination of of scenic landscape painters, designers, graphic artists and sculptors working with educators and scientific staff to create fake rocks, plants and dirt in just the right setting. The aim is to completely recreate a specific locations environment. If I took the time to explain how we made, lets say the grasses or leaves on the bushes I'd have to write an article. This photo is of Freja seeing it for the first time while on a trip home in 2014.

#carnegiemnh #carnegiemuseum #carnegiemuseumofnaturalhistory #cmnh #pittsburgh #diorama #kodiak #kodiakbear #littleandbrave #bestnatureshot #instanature #instanaturefriends #nature #earthfocus #earthpix #awesome_earthpix #ournaturedays #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeplanet #wildlife #animals #animalsofinstagram #animalsmood #animal_sultans #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #travelpa @visit_pa

Bushy Trail isn't so Bushy

I took a hike through a patch of restored Oak Savannah. It's been a while since I've walked this newer trail located in Stewart County Park. I first walked this path when it was little more than a deer trail cutting through very thick Buckthorn underbrush. You could barely make out the shapes of these oaks. I worked with a neighbor as a volunteer cutting down all the brush and piling it high. We couldn't burn that day so cuttings were stacked until either they eventually rot into the soil or are hauled away or burnt later. Since that time they've cut down and cleared even more, and really improved the path. Though it's now nice and wide I have to admit I sort of miss when it was just a simple foot path. One less traveled.

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

A Restored View

A few years ago I volunteered with another neighbor in clearing out the invasive Buckthorn trees and underbrush. Today I took a hike/run around on the trails. I'd stop at places where I'd built massive fires. The chainsaw guy was literally a machine when it came to clearing these nasty trees down. It was good to see the first place I worked on growing native grasses again. What really amazed me though was this view. I could still find the remnants of my biggest fire. It's now covered with interesting plants. Just downhill from that spot they work has continued without me. Not long ago you could NOT see the lake while standing where I took this photo. The Buckthorn was just too thick. You can still see where some downed branches were cut, and the ashes of the fire that cleared it are just past the tree. Well done guys!

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

Cranes Descent

Cranes Descent. For the first time in a while I went for a photo walk into the park. Wanting to photograph birds I carried my camera and 400mm zoom lens ready. As I stood at the head of the ridge trail that runs just downhill from our home I could hear Sandhill Cranes in the distance. I scanned the sky all around me but tree cover prevented a clear view. As their calls grew louder they began to bounce off the heavy tree line opposite me. I never saw that particular flock. As I made my way down the trail I stopped periodically to scan the skies and to take photos of very high flying formations of geese as they migrate back to Canada. Eventually I found myself in the middle of the open prairie, the sky a nice dome above me. I settle into a very balanced stance and began to just relax, meditate, watch and listen. I heard another flock coming off in the distance. After long moments of waiting and not seeing anything I figured I'd missed this flock as well. Just then I noticed what I thought was a small, silent gaggle of geese circling above me and descending. I literally had to keep my camera directly pointed over my head, framing, adjusting my exposure and tracking them as they circled around and around above me. It was a really good exercise as I tried to aim the heavy camera and to turn it just so in order to compose the scene. When I got home I had a chance to actually see what I photographed. They weren't big geese or swans. It was a flock of Sandhill Cranes! WOOT!

#Grus #canadensis #Grus_canadensis #Grus-canadensis #Sandhill #crane #Sandhill_crane #Sandhill-crane #Sandhillcrane #migration #natureasart #naturelovers #wildlifephotography #exploretocreate #your_best_birds #nuts_about_birds #bestbirdshots #bb_of_ig #bird_brilliance #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #birds_adored #thebirdingsquad #nature_worldwide_birds #total_birds #instabird #birdlove

Interception!

The bouquet toss can sometimes make for a fun photo. It's usually one of the trickier shots that I take. You NEVER know where it'll land! Sometimes they throw them super high and it lands way in the back. Sometimes it's thrown off to one side or the other and you can't see where it lands. Sometimes though, it lands just right. That is, if you're NOT the Bride's Maid who really wanted to catch it.

#bouquet #bouquettoss #reception #weddingreception #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings

When You're Taught By a Legend

3x World BJJ Champion 🏅2x Master World Champion 🏆MMA Record 20-5 🏆Cage Rage Former Champion 🏆Shooto Former Champion @vitorshaolin came to Madison all the way from the East Coast to teach us. I really enjoyed his teaching style. He taught us how to play Single Leg X Guard, something I'd not seen before being just a Blue Belt. Not only did I enjoy learning new techniques from a true master of his craft, but I enjoyed his thoughts on how to train and approach BJJ mentally. I have to admit the best though was getting to talk to him at the group dinner afterwards. if I ever get to New York city I'll be sure to drop in at his school. Oss!

#xgaurd #vitorshaolin #vitorshaolinbjj #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 #bluebelt

Tuchux Charity Tournament

I've finally completed the photos from the Tuchux Charity Tournament held at last year's Pennsic War XLVI. I've been busy with the family, training and conditioning myself. I'm sure the Dogs will understand. The gallery only holds the best shots, so not everyone is included. Sorry. You can find the link via the featured content block on my homepage or via my Facebook.

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #pennsiciscoming #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #cooperslakecampground #dropinthebucket #tuchux #redlions #mma #fighters #bearpit #tournament #martialarts #armsarmor #armor #knight #tuchux

In Loving Memory

She chose a gown that'd display her memorial tattoo. As her mother and her MOH helped her into her dress I made sure to capture it clearly. Obviously it was a very important part of her identity and she wanted to display it. As the photographer I knew enough to not only capture it without asking, but also knew to NOT ask about it. There are many times that I've caught the undercurrents of family shared grief over a missing loved one. I don't need to personally know the details and inquiring just isn't appropriate. I'm not their to interject on their wedding day with my own curiosity as to the meaning of things like this. I'm there to simply capture these memories of the day for them.

#inlovingmemory #bridegettingready #bridedressing #bride #wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings

The Golden Hour

Just as we'd finished the series of family portraits and folks were leaving for the reception I noticed how the sun was casting a golden hue through the oak savanna. There was a small patch of restored native prairie right next to where the family session was taking place. Within moments I was set up and capturing one of my favorite portraits. I don't like running filters to make a photo "pop." I'd much rather take advantage of ambient lighting.

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

The Flower Girl

You've missed your nap. You're not allowed to play and get your dress dirty. Now they're pinning flowers to your head and you'll have to walk in front of a room full of people. What's a Flower Girl to do? LOL Actually soon after taking this her favorite Aunt was able to rally her for a while. By the time they came down the aisle she did a great job scattering little colorful leaves as her father kept close by. His hand resting on her shoulder, her head tucked into his waist she overcome her jitters.

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

Fólkvangr

I met her in 2006 right before I thought it was the end of delusion. It was actually the beginning of a new dream.

Hyde's Mill Portrait

It was late September when this lovely couple planned an elegant, old fashioned style wedding at a small chapel in the countryside. Close to the chapel is an old flour mill, a perfect place for a wedding portrait. As we arrived the sky began to quickly darken with rain clouds. Using my cell phone I was able to call up NEXRAD weather radar. We could see we had about 10 minutes before the storm hit. I very quickly set up my flashes and began to photograph them. Thankfully they were very relaxed with each other and it didn't take long get some nice shots highlighting their loving nature. We'd no sooner all packed up and gotten into our cars to leave when it began to downpour. Thanks to modern technology we were able to perfectly time things in order to stay dry.

#wedding #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddings #madisonweddingphotos #wisconsinweddingphotographer #wisconsinphotographer #madisonweddingphotographer #wisconsinwedding #madisonwedding #wisconsin #madisonwi #wisconsinlife #midwestliving #midwestmoment #weddingplanning #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #wisconsinbride #wisconsinbridemag #lovemadisonweddings #weddingportrait #hydesmill