And We're Off . . .

De Oudegracht, Utrecht, NL

And We’re Off

Finally, we on our way to The Netherlands.  After months of talking about it, planning for it, doing all the paper work, we’re finally on a plane from Chicago to Amsterdam with Utrecht being our final destination.  It’s funny how you keep yourself busy, backing bags, making lists, contacting people, trying to remember all there is to do.  It wasn’t until a few minutes ago, our 747 was gaining altitude and I saw the lights of Chicago that I realized I was leaving the U.S. for six months.

Now, I’ve been to The Netherlands before.  I usually go once or twice a year in my current job but for no more than a week at a time.  As we were packing, my usual routine for preparing to fly was different.  Certainly, I’m taking a few more things with me . . . most notably my desktop computer for photography and six months worth of clothes.  Some were shipped others were checked.  I’ve never flown with so many bags!  Nine in total, five of them checked (I hate checking baggage).  

I was glad to buy a new camera bag.  It was specifically for this trip.  It’s a Tenba Shootout large backpack and I mean large.  I was able to store, my 5D Mark II, 1D Mark IV, 70-200mm f/2.8,  7 more lenses, a flash, pocket wizards and a host of batteries, flash cards, chargers and cables.  The backpack was very comfortable but there’s no way I would ever hike with all that gear.  However, the bag serves it’s purpose and I didn’t have to ship or check any of my gear.  The back comes in a medium and small size which would be more suitable for day trips and hikes.

The Green Door

I don't know what happened. All of a sudden it's post Thanksgiving and I haven't posted here since September? Well, I found my way back to some old Urbex stomping grounds and it was like I was there for the first time all over again. I was like a kid in a candy store.

Changing Seasons at North Point

Now that we are in mid-September, you can feel the change in the weather and a change of seasons is upon us.  The weather is nice but certainly cooler and the effect it has on Lake Michigan at North Point is certainly noticeable.  Whereas the lake can be perfectly calm in summer, the lake turns turbulent this time of year creating the opportunity for some dramatic images.

The End of Summer

Say it ain't so.  While there will still be some warm days ahead, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the care free days of vacation and summer time retreats.  Nature paid homage to mark this end with a sunrise that shows the calm tranquility of summer and the ominous skies leading to a change of seasons.

Foggy Morning at North Point

I was surprised to see a bit of fog this morning so I went back down to North Point along Lake Michigan.  The fog wasn't heavy but enough to blend the sky with the water.

Milwaukee Nights

I seem to be shooting more at night these days.  Here's a few looks at Milwaukee during the pre-dawn hours.  Hopefully the result justifies the insane hour of the day.

Gone Swimming . . .

This was a perfect weather weekend to leave your worries (and your sandals) behind.

Legend Lake, WI

Night Time is the Right Time

For photography that is . . .

With a rising moon over Legend Lake and a perfect night with clear skies, cool temps and very few mosquitos, you couldn't help but want to be outside.

Hints of Fall

Labor Day is only a week away and this week, the weather has turned to beautiful cool mornings and bright sunshine for the day.  The cool mornings remind us that fall is just around the corner.

More Grit from Jones Island

Getting My Grit

I've been itchy to photography lately and especially night, dark, gritty subjects.  I decided to head over to Jones Island, a busy port filled with heavy industry as well.  I was actually approached by an older gentlemen who drove up in his pickup truck.  Apparently, I was picked up by the Coast Guard's cameras.  He was polite enough, asked me what I was doing and merely said he needed to check because of Coast Guard security.  I told him I was just taking image of general structures in the area and that was a freelance fine art photographer.  While I was prepared to tell him I had every right to be there (on public property) and to photograph, he accepted my story and told me to have a nice day.  It was the first time I've ever been questioned on Jones Island.  I'm sure it won't be my last.

More Old World Wisconsin

Darkly lit rooms and sepia toned images of old things just seem to go together . . .

Old World Wisconsin

This month's photowalk for the Cream City Photographers took us to Old World Wisconsin. It was my first time there.

The museum's more than 60 historic structures range from ethnic farmsteads with furnished houses and rural outbuildings, to a crossroads village with its traditional small-town institutions. The efforts of countless historians have preserved an amazing slice of true Americana — one that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Historic Structures Documented

To create this museum, researchers traveled throughout Wisconsin in search of authentic historic buildings hewn by generations of Wisconsin settlers.

From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, and from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, historians documented many old farmhouses, outbuildings, and small-town structures. Once the research was complete, the amazing construction process of Old World Wisconsin began.

Structures Relocated to Build Old World Wisconsin

Piece by piece, workers painstakingly dismantled the old structures. They numbered bricks, boards and logs, and moved them to the site of Old World Wisconsin. In a setting largely unchanged from the rolling prairies the first pioneers found, the buildings took shape once more, reconstructed precisely as they had once been built.

World's Largest Museum about Rural Life

Today, Old World Wisconsin's historic farm and village buildings comprise the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life.

Fire in the Sky

Another from Legend Lake, WI

Solitude. Tranquil. Peaceful.

Solitude.  Tranquil.  Peaceful.  Those are the words that come to mind when I'm out on the lake early in the morning especially during the week when the weekend crowd are nowhere to be seen.  It doesn't matter what the weather is, it's always a special time watching the world come alive to experience a new day.

Loons on Legend Lake

This year, a mated pair of Loons are hanging around the same stretch of lake all season long.  In the morning and evening they appear on the lake in the same place.  Approaching them slowly, they seem to tolerate me getting close enough to photograph them although always keeping a watchful eye.

Land of the Menominee

Each year the Monominee of Wisconsin host a Pow Wow on their grounds.  They have an almost natural amphitheater in the woods for the show where several Indian nations gather for three days filled with contests, food, jewelry and of course, traditional dance, and chants.  This image was taken during the Grand Entry, when all contestants enter the arena dancing to the various chants offered by each drum team.  The event is filled with color, dance, music and tradition.  It is clear that the Menominee are trying to protect and keep their native language which has survived for hundreds of years.

From Sunrise to Sunset

Today's post contrasts my last giving you today's sunset.  It was a pretty good one with sun rays shooting out from the clouds.  The clouds were fast moving and scene was constantly changing.  I was also fishing at the same time.  I would cast a couple of times then take a few pictures, go back to fishing and snap a few more.  My wife was enjoying the sunset lounging on the boat and commented that I was too busy with too many activities.  However, I was having a blast.

Legend Lake Sunrise, Like an Old Friend

While summer is in full swing, it's only been now that I have been able to catch a Legend Lake sunrise.  It greeted me like and old friend . . . so familiar but it seemed so long since I was able to enjoy one.  With this sunrise was the sound of loons and a bald eagle flew directly over head.  Not a bad way to start the day.

The Big Bang

Big Bang 062410-43.jpg, originally uploaded by RJIPhotography.

It's that time of year here in Milwaukee. Summerfest, an 11 day, 11 stage music fest gets underway with headliners that include Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton and many more. Some older classics will be here here as well including BB King, Peter Frampton, Yes and Rush. Rock On!