Walker's Point

This past weekend, the Milwaukee local flickr-ites known as the Cream City Photographers, got together for a 'photostroll' through the historic Fifth Ward of Milwaukee, better know as Walker's Point.



Walker's Point, listed in the National Register of Historic Places as Milwaukee's first National Historic District, and coined "Milwaukee's oldest neighborhood," today is a neighborhood with a skyline dominated by steeples, and an assortment of historic homes, art galleries, and a mouth-watering variety of ethnic restaurants. Located in Walker's Point is one of Milwaukee's most notable landmarks, the Allen-Bradley building, which has resting at its top, the largest four-sided clock in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.



We're beginning to see signs of a great revival of this area like the Third Ward just to the north. However, right now, there's so much in the way of history and community that it's a photographic gold mine. While this Flickr stroll lasted a little more than an hour, I will return on my own for more.

Getting Back to Nature

It's that time of season . . . everything is starting to bloom throughout Wisconsin. My thoughts turn to Legend Lake in Keshena. We spend many of our weekends there, enjoying the lake with fishing, boating and enjoying nature. I've seen Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, even Black Bears in the area. This location has become my sanctuary. I'll rise at sunrise and venture out on the lake with fishing rod in one hand an camera in the other. If the fishing is good, great! If not, I'm perfectly satisfied photographing the sunrise, other fisherman and the Loons! I can't think of a better way to start the day. And no matter what happens during the day, you're sure to find us on the lake again during sunset when the lake is at peace, often so still that the water looks like glass.

Searchng for That Feeling

I can't believe it's been this long since my last post. I've been busy but aren't we all? I'm working toward some new projects and trying to nail down what I want to achieve. I've selected the area of focus but I have not yet finalized what I feel about the area. It's rich in history and yet it's also in a stage of revitalization. I'm drawn to its history and yet all that's new is being done sustainably with the environment in mind. I'm leaning toward capturing the history in black and white showing a mood that exemplifies the industrial era but is that enough to make it stand out or is it just another period piece. I have a lot of decisions to make. Aside from color or black and white, there's contrasty or not, day or night, sharp or blurred and what special look do I want these images to have.

Right now, I have been driving through this area, collecting notes, and finding hidden roads to new offerings. I'm hoping that between the drives and reviewing this area's history and revitalization, I be able to answer these questions. For now, it's a whirlwind of exploration.