Nightscape
Kewaunee Sparkles
Fireworks light up the night sky over the Kewaunee, WI harbor. The Tug Ludington, a tourist attraction and permanent resident of the harbor, was a quiet observer.
One of my photographic joys is capturing fireworks. Kewaunee is a couple of miles from my home, so I try to make their annual display. I’ve photographed their fireworks from a number of locations over the years but this spot, at the edge of the harbor is one of my favorites. I love the reflection from the calm water. The tug adds a nice point of interest.
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Festival of Flights
Fireworks are a favorite, and fitting, way to end the evening air show at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture.
This is like a little slice of photographer heaven for me – combining fireworks, aircraft and long exposures. I almost didn’t get any fireworks shots on this trip because I forgot to bring my tripod with me. Thankfully, I was able to improvise a suitable camera platform by strapping my monopod to folding lawn chair. It was not a very sturdy/stable set up but, fortunately, there was no wind to speak of. Of course, I use a remote trigger when shooting long exposures to avoid even the slightest movement of the camera.
The blurring of people in this image was caused by their movement during the time the shutter was open; about 23 seconds.
As always, the best of this image can be experienced by viewing the larger, full-screen version. To do so, simply click on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Streaking Past the Avalon
The Avalon Theatre is alive, again, in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. This historic landmark theater was completely renovated and refitted to offer patrons a unique entertainment experience. The traditional movie theater seating has been replaced by leather chairs with a table between them where movie goers can order and enjoy a meal – with their movie – prepared on site and served by the wait staff.
The Avalon is a distinctive example of the Mediterranean Revival architectural style. The lobby features Moorish arches, twisting Mediterranean columns, figures that resemble gargoyles and a statue of Athena, a Greek goddess — all from the original building. It is the first Wisconsin theater built for movies with sound
I happened to be there (and created this image) on the night of their Grand Opening celebration in March of 2015. The place was full of young professionals enjoying drinks in the lobby and touring the theater. I was hanging out with a photography friend from the area who took me to a few spots in Milwaukee to shoot some night scenes. He, rightfully, thought this would be a promising location.
The photo, itself, is a long exposure (20 seconds). The white and red lines were created by the lights from the vehicles that passed by while the camera shutter was open. Those spots in the upper left of the photo, I believe, are the result of dust that must have been on my lens. Normally they wouldn’t be so prominent. I think the mercury street lights and the aperture setting of f/22 I used for this shot brought them out. Normally, I would work to remove those from an image…but in this case, I liked the effect and left them in.
You can learn more about the Avalon’s renovation, amenities they offer and its interesting history simply by Googling it.
You can view more of the details in this image by clicking on the photo. When you do, a full-screen version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Evening at Pabst
An early evening view of the historic, Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin under a deepening night sky.
I’ve had this image hibernating on my hard drive for some time. I finally got around to processing it. I took it several months ago, when a Milwaukee area photographer friend showed me around the downtown area…after an enjoyable meal at Jackson’s, the restaurant located in the lower left corner of the Pabst building.
There’s some great detail in this image, which can be seen more clearly in the larger view you’ll see if you click on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Rock Bottom on the River
Despite the sign, it’s not the “Ro Bottom.” (I hear minions giggling.) It’s the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, located on the Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, WI. On an evening of “big city” night photography, a photographer friend and I shared a meal here and then walked up and down the river taking photos.
You can get a better look at the detail in this image by clicking on it and viewing a full-screen version.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.