Adam Koenig Photography

Green Bay Photographer has moved to Wordpress

2010-07-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have moved! My blog is now at www.adamkoenigblog.com

I have finally embraced wordpress (=

Please follow me at my new location!

Wisconsin Dells Anniversary Photographer

2010-06-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

So I have needed a vacation for quite a while now. So for our 2-year anniversary (married for 2 years already! Holy Crow) we decided to go down to Wisconsin Dells and get some much needed sun. We did get a bit burned, but it was worth it. The 6, count 'em 6 waterparks inside and outside the Wilderness Hotel kept us pretty busy gettin' wet.

Anyways, please enjoy our goofiness and our fun! Here at Adam Koenig Photography we're all about relationships, fun and being real with each other!

We stayed here the first night, not a bad place really. At least we had air conditioning!

A different view of the wonderful Field's Park Motel.

And some decorations in the back alley.

We spent our night with cribbage and some snacks (=

Next step mini-golf... And my lovely wife had a rough hole 11

We spent our second night at the wilderness, I thought hotel superstition was an urban legend, but I think there's a # missing here.

We had delicious burgers and I got a microbrew English Ale at the Moosejaw Resteraunt.

I think the antlers are even better than the King's Crowns!

And a slightly serious one. I don't usually show too many dupliacates, but my wife looks so awesome! She's gorgeous!

The Wilderness has like a dozen gift shops... Not kidding.

And last but not least, it's elephant friend!

Thanks for stopping by!

Green Bay Busy Photographer: The Office

2010-05-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends! I know my blog has not been updated much lately and I do apologize for that, but I have been been quite busy. I felt that I would share with you some of the business I've been undertaking...

Here's where I have been spending time, working the magic:

And some of the wonderful lists in my wonderful planner...

Some of my reading material...

Pics for my new promo cards! Keep a look-out for these (=

Where I hang work for personal critique...

And the start of my inspiration wall...

A couple shots of my new hilltop villa where I chill when things get too crazy...

Thanks for stopping by! Keep checking in, I have a feeling that things will be accelerating quickly around here (=

Kate and Brian! Green Bay Wedding Photographer.

2010-03-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

I always have fun shooting weddings and this one was no exception. Kate and Brian were great to work with and it was awesome to see them together. Congratulations guys!

Mentor finds a friend and a colleague: Green Bay Photographer

2010-03-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Phuture Phoenix program is a program run at the UNiversity of Wisconsin-Green Bay that builds interest in college. Each year, hundreds of elementary and middle school students from all over the city of Green Bay are invited to the campus. Phuture Phoenix Mentors showcase the University to these young students, and show them what it can be like to go to college.

In this touching story, Kasey mentored Ka in the program and now Ka has chosen to attend UWGB. I photographed the two for a story on the UWGB website, and one of my shots will be on the cover of an educator magazine for UW campuses. I'll write more info on the magazine when it comes out. You can check out the actual story in a few days, and I'll post a link up. Thanks for looking!

Heavy Metal Model Shoot: Green Bay Photographer

2010-01-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I took part in a large model shot put together by the STUN photography group in Green Bay. The shoot took place at a factory in De Pere, Wisconsin. As only my second time doing this sort of thing, it took me a bit to get in the groove, and I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, but it was a great learning experience, and I made some cool connections.

Check out the shots! I know some are a bit obviously staged, but it was hard to get around all the people milling about and I don't like to crop in that much. I feel it adds to the experience.

Thanks for looking!

Green Bay Cell Phone Photographer

2009-12-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

So I just realized that my cell phone actually takes awesome photos! I just never got around to uploading. This is gonna be fun! Here's the batch of photos that have been sitting on my phone...

not all of them, just the best and brightest (=

for information, i just realized that I love to start my blogs with the word so... don't know why that is really. Gues i like the word so, hmmm

Green Bay Lego Photographer

2009-12-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't shot as much this last week. Well that's not entirely true, I've been shooting some film, and I gotta wait some time until I get that back. Had a really great shoot in the campus lighting studio today, medium format style.

To tide my wonderful followers over, here's some lego portraits I photographed recently.

It rained on our parade: Manitowoc Photographer

2009-11-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

My wife and I ventured out to the Manitowoc parade tonight, and it rained. Yup, rained all night. We were cold, (mostly cuz of the wetness), and kinda bored. The floats were really spaced out, some as much as four whole blocks from each other, and almost none had any music.

However, we did manage to have a splendid time anyways! I shot in B&W as we got some coffee at Beerntsen's Confectionery, and walked around downtown Manitowoc. It was actually a blast, and we had fun taking some goofy photos, as I hope you can see (=

Enjoy the silliness, and have an awesome Thanksgiving everyone! I am thankful for so much, including the fact that I have ten whole followers! So cool to know some people actually care about my work. I'm thankful for a loving God, a beautiful wife, awesome family and so much more. Life can suck, it really can, but I do believe as long as we remember the good things we've been blessed with, that we can never lose our hope.

Have a blessed weekend!

Mamiya Super 23 for sale!

2009-11-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone.

So, unfortunately, the time has come for me to once again try to sell my wonderful medium format camera. I put a lot into it, but just don't have the time anymore. It's a frikkin sweet camera, just needs a little work and some time.

It's the same camera model that my favorite photographer William Eggleston used, hence part of the reason I bought it. I have two backs with it, as well as the ground glass back and a non-functioning lens. The 6x9 back was always broken even when I purchased the camera. The lense worked for a while, but now the shutter is jammed. It probably just needs some love, but I have to wait until the future to own my own medium format. I at least have one to borrow one right now.

I just need cash to save up for starting the business. Take a look at the pics, and the auction! Spread the word, these things are extremely hard to find these days.

Auction!

Self portraits: Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

I got in the lighting studio and took some photos this morning. I was mostly trying to learn and see if I could crank out a cool new pic for my profiles. I don't know if I'll use any of these for profile pics, but I really like how they turned out.

The last one is a continuation of my self portrait project I am working on.

With my cheesy little air soft pistol.

Untitled Self-portrait #15. ©Adam Koenig 2009.

Green Bay art, wedding, event, band, concert, poo, tree, nature, landscape photographer

2009-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

it's day..., i don't even know anymore. What day is it? is it day 70? Or is it wednesday.

or is it the day i give in to all my self-hatred and doubt?

I don't want it to be that day, but it feels like that day.
have i taken photos this week? I don't even remember, so jaded. I wanted to stop taking pictures forever yesterday. I never wanted to see another camera for all my life. Seriously, you may not believe that if you know me but it was true for approximately 20 hours.

we're back on a plane of existence again. I mean we're not really talking, but I can at least look at all the cameras I own now, I guess that's something.

so enough blathering. I know blogs aren't supposed to blather. But I have 10 followers now, I can do what I want?

hmm, I just read an interesting quote...
"The reason they want you to fit in is so that once you do they can ignore you"
~Seth Godin

so true.
And it segues into how I am feeling.
I have found myself in an interesting position the last couple months.
I decided not to go to grad school, that I wanted to shoot weddings, and do art on the side, and than I poured myself into learning everything I can about starting a business.
Than I wanted to throw up.
I than realized I hated taking pictures.
Shortly after I realized that wasn't true, I was just sick of everything and desperately need a vacation. A "sabbath" if you will, before I just start vomiting my organs all over the place.

I have quite succesfully forgotten myself. I forgot why I even started taking pictures in the first place, and also why I even liked taking pictures. Do I really want to shoot weddings?

I originally picked up a camera because I thought "ooh pretty beauty in ordinary things, I wanna capture it". Haven't ever heard that one before have you?

I originally picked up a DSLR for one reason. To shoot bands. I love music and wanted to continue that love in somehting other than playing it, cuz that prooved... let's just say it wasn't for me.

And now for the end of my rambling salad... I give you, Adam Koenig Photography.

My reasons for taking pictures.

1. Take bad-ass awesome images. Yes I swore.
2. Take bad-ass awesome images. Yup, swore again.
3. Can you guess? Take BADASS AWESOME IMAGES!
4. Earn a living doing what I love.
5. So I can show the world the insanity in my head. And make them like it.

I will no longer post any images on this blog unless they further the vision of what I want to end up shooting. Thus comes an early end to the Project 365. I made it 69 days. It will happen again, but not now.

P.S. I will have a new blog sometime soon, Eric Lightbody is working on it, and it's going to lend itself to my identity wonderfully.

Days 67-69: 365. Green Bay Bacon Photographer

2009-11-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

No, don't read that wrong, I am not going into food photography. I am taking a total break from everything serious, however.

My friends recently threw a house party, and decided to base it around a bacon theme. So for my whole weekend, I decided to post three pictures of bacon delicacies that were served.

It was quite a fun time, and wound up in a few guys eating bacon and playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. All in all, a success. And now... bacon.

Day 66: 365. Art: Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-12T19:44:00.001-08:00

So tonight was the opening reception for the 37th Annual Student Juried Exhibition on campus. The show was overall quite amazing, and there were some cool awards given out. I myself got a couple of works entered in the show, including one of my self portraits, and one of my diptychs.

Awesomely enough,
the diptych, Untitled, 1: Vast

was chosen to recieve the Lawton Award for Excellence in 2D. Pretty frikking sweet, now I can call myself an award-winning photographer. Thanks so much for checking out my blog, I wouldn't be anywhere without my wonderful supporters!

On another note, my friend Kayla Bauer also got an award, the AVD (arts and visual design) award. Check out her blog here, she's got some really wonderful work going on!

Untitled Self-portrait #7. ©Adam Koenig 2009.

My self-portrait that got into the show.

Day 65:365. Internship: Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-11T21:01:00.000-08:00

UWGB held its own Veteran's Day reception today, and I was called upon to shoot for my internship. It was a pretty cool ceremony actually, the Brigadier General donned a Green Bay Packers hat for his speech.

Tomorrow... the 37th Annual Juried Student Exhibition. Check in for some big news from yours truly!

Days 63 and 64: 365. Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-10T16:40:00.001-08:00

So for this week, I am starting with some wildly different images. I worry a little that my blog is too disparate, that I am shooting too many different subjects, but I am working with it,

experiment

try new things

kill routine

these are things I strive for, and not that shooting many different images constitutes that, but this project 365 really is an experiment. To test myself, and give me, and you a way to see how my style evolves.

so, in order to organize better, I think I will work on keeping some common words in each title, so that blogs are searchable by subject. I gotta brainstorm some subject words yet, but if you have any ideas let me know!

Always Low Prices. ©Adam Koenig 2009

Green Bay's east side Wal-mart at night. I had to run and get some groceries, and this image just struck me.

And our rabbit, Layla. I know, it's just a pet photo, but I worked at this one. There's more I'd like to do, but I wanted to give the little celebrity a break from the flash. She's still cute though.

Day 62: 365 Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I discovered something amazing today. This is more wordy than many of my blogs, but please read through, it's worth it. My good friend Jason, (jack of many trades) tried to help me fix my car. After much inspection, it has been determined that the car is pretty much beyond hope at this point, so we returned to our very mutual love.

We set out to figure out why so many of my images are so "hot". That meaning that I have a tendency to use lights to bright, overexpose, and leave highlights in my photos with no data left. This basically means that a lot of my skin tones are just white, that the detail is lost. We worked on my flash, took some images, but it wasn't until I got home until I figured it out.

*Warning*

This is where my blog becomes actually educational and helpful for a change... hoping it's a new

direction.

I have been "chimping" my shots a lot lately, especially when feeling out flash. For those of you who don't know, chimping is when you change settings based on looking at the back of your digital camera. When feeling things out it's helpful, but I am generally good at not being dependant on it.

However, I realized tonight, that I had (long ago) set my LCD screen to a brightness of -3. This means that the images I was looking at looked like they were 1.5 to 3 stops underexposed, causing me to compensate and thusly overexpose tons of pictures.

I had overlooked one tiny feature, and it has caused me headaches for 6 months!

Moral of the story being, it's not enough to be a gear head, or know your equipment. You have to be careful to work with what you know, trust what you're good at, and remember that your camera will never be smarter than you. But your LCD screen just may be.

And without further adieu: Mr. Jason Houge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Days 60 and 61: Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

The semi-annual school art trip to chicago was yesterday, and I went along for the third time. It was pretty fun, I didn't really get to the places I intended, but had some wonderful Panang Curry at Thai Classic on Belmont St. for supper. Delish.

These are not the greatest pictures ever, in fact, they're marginal at best, but they're the first I've taken with my "new" Canon powershot. It's an A85, which means it's from 2003, has 3 MP and has really funky lines in the viewscreen. Hooray for snapshots!

Taken by the famous Bean in downtown Chicago.

Laura E, and the trees coming out of her head are my ode to snapshots (=

Days 58 and 59: 365. Green Bay Photographer

2009-11-05T08:38:00.001-08:00

It's been over a week since my last post and I don't have another weekly post to show. That's my bad, but it has been a busy week. We have our annual student show that I was preparing work for, and it's just been hectic.

I don't believe in excuses though, so I apologize. That being said, I am going back to daily shoots for my Project 365. Weekly is a bit easier, but it also doesn't challenge me to actually do the shooting, so I am going back to the daily format. Since I have been having massive internet problems lately I am posting for yesterday and today.

Enter my friend Paul Haan. He's been one of my closest friends since I was about 4 years old. Yup. This image was fun to edit (insert sarcasm here), the comp'ing was really quite difficult, but I like the final result. Lemme know what you think, I'd like some feedback!

We rocked the interstate!

And now for a new project (Day 59). I finished pretty quickly, but it's kind of a riot and I wanted to post it right away.
In the spirit of silliness and my love for monsters and macabre, I present to you...

The Lonely Man, by Adam Koenig

Kate and Brian: Green Bay Engagement Photos

2009-10-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the privilege to shoot engagement photos for Kate and Brian. They are super cute, and totally in love, it was really wonderful to see. Their wedding is the same weekend that my wife and I got married, so it's gonna be a fun time to shoot their wedding in May. Enjoy the photos!

Thanks for a great photo shoot guys! Congratulations!

Week 7: Project 365

2009-10-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here's week 7 of my project 365. Lots of fun stuff happened this week! Check it out, and check back soon, for some really awesome engagement photos!

I was given a feature shot with Dr. Gallistel at Bellin children's clinic in Green Bay for my internship. Fun shoot, she was really great to work with!

Kate and Brian, engagement photos. Super awesome couple! I'll be posting the rest later this week.

At Coldstone Creamery.

New art I'm working with. Monsters in suitcases biting people's heads off.

Like I said...

I attended a workshop this past sunday with the amazing David Jackson! We did some model shooting, and this is the best one I shot.

My copper plates for the prints I will be working on (and posting pictures of).

My printmaking work station.

The Lightbody's

2009-10-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

I've known Eric and Julie for quite a while now, and it was a real pleasure to take their family portraits! Noah and Harmony are so cute, although Noah really doesn't like to sit still. So it goes with children I guess. Thanks you guys!

Week 6

2009-10-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here's week six of my project 365. It's a bit convoluted, but that's how my weeks are (= Enjoy, and check back tomorrow for the full set of Eric and Julie's family pics!

Phuture Phoenix is a program bringing loads of 5th graders to UWGB to learn about the importance of college.

First Lady (WI) Jessica Doyle with a group of the kids in our Lawton Gallery.

Eric, Julie and Harmony Lightbody. Check out tomorrow's post for more, and ones with their little boy Noah!

The Alumni Wine & Cheese dinner. Held annually at the campus golf course. This was a blast, and no, I don't know the story behind the mouse costume.

I participated in a photo scavenger hunt for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. It was awesome, this is our photo on Breakup Bridge.

The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

Project 365

2009-10-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

I just decided to make a bit of an addendum to my project. I am not quitting, not giving up. I am, however, going to stop posting every day, and post once a week. It seems a little absurd to keep posting every day, I doubt people check my blog that much, plus it's a bit easier on me, especially since my computer doesn't get internet on campus where I am 90% of the time.

SO check back next monday, and get a whole slew of different pictures (= Woohoo!

Day 33: 365

2009-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

More of my white seamless work today. I'm reading a lot of theory with this project, and I am still not sure where it's going, but I am starting to like it. This one is a bit more post-processed than I would normally do, but for my blog I thought what the heck. It's fun.

Day 32: 365

2009-10-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

At my campus, I help to run an organization called Art Agency. We bring in visiting artists from time to time as well as do community art activities. This is the third year in a row that we have brought in Drive By Press
They tour with a huge collection of prints, and print on t-shirts out of their van (Now a Honda Element) with a press. It's awesome, here's Ryan O'Malley rocking a mezzotint.

Day 31: 365

2009-10-06T22:31:00.001-07:00

This is the camera I will be shooting with very shortly (= The one drawback is that I have 220 film and there is only a 120 back, so I may have to buy one on ebay to sell later (borrowing the camera). I found one for only 30 bucks though so we'll see. She's a beaut!

Day 30:365

2009-10-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

New Art

2009-10-04T20:33:00.001-07:00

I also found this wonderful online magazine today. Check out their blog!

Day 29: 365

2009-10-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

I finally got some film developed today. I then realized something....

I don't shoot nearly enough film. Coincidentally I started reading After Photography by Fred

Ritchin again. There's something different about film. Something wonderful. Here's the beginning of the editing process for my upcoming in-process critique.

Day 28: 365

2009-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

My wife, Alicia needed an up-close headshot for an education bio. Here we go (= I put a green gel on a houselamp splashed against the curtains for a little color. Lit with 36" Westcott Umbrella camera right.

Day 27: 365

2009-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Still working with the trophies. Don't know where this is going yet, but that's kinda the point. I have some completely different stuff on film that I have to develop yet, and am getting my hands on a medium format soon... mmmmmm 220.

Day 25, 26: 365

2009-10-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

A couple times a month our campus coffee shop, Common Grounds, hosts Jazz Jam. A get-together for musicians on campus to play jazz music. One of the continual participants is a professor Stefan Hall who also plays in several local groups. Fun times. I am gonna cheat and count these for two days, another rough week. No worries, I'll get back on track soon!

Adam Gaines on trumpet.

Stefan Hall playing his wonderful acoustic.

Day 24: 365

2009-09-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

For tuesday, Sept 29th.

I had to shoot a retiree dinner for my campus internship. Mostly a lot of candids, but I did get to take this quick portrait of our new chancellor with one of the founding chancellors of the University. Pretty cool experience actually.

Days 20-23: 365

2009-09-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

So I'm playing a little bit of catch-up this week. I got really busy over the weekend and didn't have time to post, and then went to a concert on sunday. Built to Spill, was amazing btw. But then I caught ill, and am still recovering, so I am posting a little bit of a jumble and combining some photos. Now that I am feeling better, I'm hoping to get back on track! Look for a new set of portraits soon.

Last week's Brewer game against the phillies: Not such a great game, but fun anyways.

My "backyard", actually this is where the dumpsters are.

Day 19: 365

2009-09-24T21:17:00.001-07:00

Another white seamless, alas I didn't shoot anything else today. I just want to shoot a lot, and I think I am starting to get some decent images.

Day 18: 365

2009-09-23T20:41:00.001-07:00

My first attempt at working on white seamless. The color correcting has actually been quite difficult. It's another part of my recognition series.

Day 17: 365

2009-09-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

I went home today, which doesn't happen very often, and did a portrait of my little brother. It was hard, cuz he would rather have been paying attention to the "Holy Grail". Turned out cool, regardless.

On-camera flash pointed towards the wall, one SB-600 with home-made gridspot on his face.

Day 16: 365

2009-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

A cornfield in the fog.

Days 12 through 15: 365

2009-09-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I am posting three days together, because I had a busy weekend. It was a good friend of mine's wedding, and it was amazing. Just a beautiful ceremony, everything. Here are a few pics I grabbed, we had a sweet vanity in the hotel room. Good times

Day 12: 365

2009-09-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

The first of a new project I am working on. This is the only one that doesn't let too much on about the series. The working title so far is: "Finally getting the recognition I deserve".

Day 11: 365

2009-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Coupla' weeks...

mmm can't wait

Day 10: 365

2009-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today I did a portrait session for some friends I go to school with. Here's to Steve and Robyn! More pics to come.

Day 9: 365

2009-09-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

So I purchased a "new" flash. It's pretty used, but I like it. Problem is, it doesn't work as a slave, so I need wireless. Still cool to have 2 lights now! Just don't mess with his m&m's.

Days 8: 365

2009-09-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

So I dropped my wife off at work around noon today (7 hours before the Packer game) and decided to take some pictures by the stadium.

For those of you who don't know, the Packers are the only team in the NFL owned by a city, and not some corporation or a rich dude. The folks around here get pretty excited in football season.

You can purchase parking spots on people's lawns for 10-30 USD. I am planning on doing some more pictures during a game to showcase the fun/craziness that goes on. It's definitely interesting.

You could go here, granted it's sweet.

Than you can pay up the arse to park here:

I like my solution.

Days 6 and 7: 365

2009-09-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

This Friday was my friend Evan Stanek's bachelor party. He's over in appleton. We hung out, grilled, drank beers, played disc golf and football, perused the downtown bars and made mischief. I was more into enjoying myself with my friends but I managed to grab a few shots.

Day 5: 365

2009-09-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

and for today, a self-portrait with some of my favorite tools. This was a lighting experiment more than anything, but it turned out sweet I think. I'm getting there...

Day 4: 365

2009-09-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

We had our first show of the semester at UW-Green Bay's own Lawton Gallery. The I.E. Illusion show. It's a group of artists who went to school together and do various sculptures. Pretty cool show, if you're in the area I definitely recommend checking it out. I am in the class that gets to set these things up, so I'll be posting photos of each gallery that goes up.

Day 3: 365

2009-09-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

mmmmm... mini corn dogs

Day 2: 365

2009-09-07T22:55:00.001-07:00

tonight was my friend Nick's 25th birthday. I got this one up late, but hey I was out. I have long days, and have a feeling a lot of these photos will be up kinda late at night. I'm pretty stoked on the B&W look of this one.

this life is more than just a read-thru

2009-09-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

so,
based on the subject matter I am dealing with, I thought that those wonderful RHCP lyrics would serve as a good title.

A while ago, a friend recomended I watch a video, due to my complaining of my anxiety and what often seems to be neurotic behavior as well as depression and self doubt etc.

that video is here
(while there you should check out his blog, fantastic stuff).

i was perusing his page, and reading some wonderful motivational words, and decided to finally do something about it.

Long story short, I am starting my own Project 365. Henceforth, I will take a picture every day about some occurence during the day. I will try to use more and more advanced lighting techniques and employ all the knowledge I have gathered and will gather in taking these pictures. When applicable I'll also post some set-up shots.

I think this will help with my lacking discipline, and help me to see what I truly find important. To start the project is a photo of the love of my life, my wife Alicia. Doing homework on her wonderful macbook.

Please enjoy these photos, comment if you wish, and if I get sick of posting them on my blog, I'll give you my flickr link and you can check them out there.

Casey and Spencer

2009-09-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

I recently worked with a friend as a second shooter, and these are the shots I came out with. Spencer and Casey were really fun to work with, we even got to go down to Lambeau Field to take some pictures, it was fun even if it was pouring.

Jessica McCormick and Steven Littiebrant

2009-08-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Say hello to Jessica and Steven McCormick/Littiebrant everyone! Their wedding was a blast, and the weather was perfect. Thanks for the great time guys. Hope you enjoy the photos and especially your life together.

Maxim & company at Heritage Hill

2009-08-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I usually don't post this many photos, but I really enjoyed this shoot, and wanted to put in a few more than I did on facebook. Katie hosted this wonderful party for her son Maxim's first birthday, and it was an awesome time. I look forward to working with them this fall for family portraits!

a weekend away in fremont, wi

2009-08-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

While camping in Fremont this weekend I discovered this old bar that was abandoned. Upon further investigation I discovered that there was an old motel attached to it. So of course I ventured, and found out that not all the rooms were locked. Here are the best of the pack. I haven't really done this before, but I am pretty happy with the results.

getting back in the grind

2009-08-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

a new photo for my night series I just shot tonight. Wasn't sure whether to post it or not, but I figured what the heck. Never mind the color pelase, my browser likes to wash things out for some reason. Not sure why blogger likes to do that, but oh well.

lightning and crosses

2009-08-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

i haven't been that photographically active this summer. I kind of needed a break. the break is over. School is almost here, and I need to be cranking some work out, and also just practicing for well, practice. Here are two shots I grabbed the past week-ish. Some religious imagery I just couldn't pass up, the moment was there, and also our latest t-storm. Not much lighting to grab, but I thought this shot was pretty cool.

trying somethin' new

2009-07-23T19:43:00.001-07:00

so, I am trying some new stuff right now. Just took my moped and went scootin' around looking for interesting stuff to shoot. I got some cool location ideas for some night shots, so I'll see if I can round up a model and get some more art

going for once.

boy scouts and brothers

2009-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

so, this week tuesday I made a trip up north a bit to Mountain with my mom to visit my little brothers at their boy scout camp, Camp Bear Paw.

I wanted to do some cool shots of them, so I started with Brandon. Matthew is on staff this year and was selected for the Order of the Arrow ceremony. This is a sort of "elite" scouts or what have you. It was a sweet ceremony, with humungous bonfires, and rituals. Unless you're a scout you can't get to close so I had to make do, but got some cool pics anyways.

My brother Brandon with some sweet posed shots.

And here's Hero Matt

And last, but not least. The Order of the Arrow

This is Matt, he followed behind this guy...

...who "called out" the chosen scouts. Matt would escort them over to the

fire, and into line. Then those chosen have to spend the night out in the woods

in honor of old Native American traditions of becoming men. My brother Matt

was one of those chosen for the Order of the Arrow, so I am pretty stoked I got to

be there for this.

beat on the brat with a baseball bat

2009-04-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

so, as you can tell I have been listening to the Ramones.

as well as all of sudden flaring childhood memories to mind, I was thinking about music as a whole and a history.

I think the Ramones were every bit as influential as Dylan, the Beatles, Arlo Guthrie etc. but what about now?

do we have an anthem? do we need an anthem?

generations have been carried by soul/country/rock & roll/punk etc.

but what do we have now, american idol? People who play at the American Fame Game?

why are we all sitting at home worrying about bills, and wishing we could live other people's lives, we don't have an anthem. popular music sucks, and something needs to happen.

maybe it's cake, or possibly the foo fighters? seriously though.

the cynic in me says nothing can change, but parts of me believe that music unites minds and revolutions.

who will shake the foundation next? or has everything been done?

everything can never have been done, because than nothing would be left, and if nothing were left we wouldn't be doing anything...

just imagine everybody not doing anything.

2009-03-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

so I got to "teach" the Intermediate Photo class at my school today. My professor had to lead some demos for the intro classes, so I got the responsibility of watching over her students working in the darkroom. It was pretty fun, our current students are pretty bright.
I also had some interesting expereinces/discussions lately. In an attempt to jumpstart my imagination again, I skipped class with some friends and went to Sheboygan to visist the J.M. Kohler Arts Center for several photography shows they are currently showing. it was quite fantastic, gave me some possible ideas.
http://www.kahnselesnick.com/
http://www.martin-munoz.com/

Also, I had a long historical discussion about the lowering level of intelligence in our country, and wonder how many people my age actually realize that our president fired a C.E.O. of a private business. Hmmm...

Lastly, I wish I had $$ to go see this show at MOMA, but alas, I read about it on the NY Times website.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/arts/design/27moma.html

2009-03-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

well, I don't usually double post, but I wanted to post these photos. They may be stronger than I originally thought, so what the heck, have at 'em. I don't know what to title them yet, but I took these about 3 weeks ago.

Untitled, 60x20 Dye-sublimation Print. 2009

he's the man with teeth like god's shoeshine

2009-03-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

last week was a pretty crazy week for me. I have been pretty busy trying to fit everything into my schedule, (who isn't?) and it was one of those weeks where it really paid off. Our school organization Art Agency brought Sam Davis in from California to talk and critique work from a few students (myself included).
Sam is a photographer/sculptor currently stationed in CA, check out his site: www.samdavisart.com. Anyways, it was great hanging with him, learning what he thought about things and experiencing his first time in wisconsin with him.
His work really inspired me to go back to shooting film, and in general to do everything that I have been afraid to do.
He also made me seriously question what I am doing with my art. I am still in the middle of that right now, seperating myself from my work and viewing it as a stranger as Sam put it.
I have been wondering what the light really is in my photographs, is it just a gimmick? Nobody has been saying this, but Sam hinted that it could happen, and I wonder if it already is. I have always been my own hardest critic, and I think that's a good thing. It forces me to keep working through the sludge, through the crappy work, so that hopefully someday soon I can get back to the really good stuff...

Pukey the Convoluted Whale

2009-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

So I had a series of frustrating accidents/failures in my first textile project, which was to represent a certain season. I chose to represent winter, as I really don't like Wisconsin winters, okay I hate Wisconsin winters.
I really wanted to make a creature to represent my hatred of winter, and yet my relief and gladness when it's over. My learning process brought me through frustrating knitting, cramped fingers, and felting my creature and watching it fall apart in the washer as I forgot a step.
I still kept going though, and came up with my friend Pukey.

Pukey came about as I refused to give up on my creation, and I gradually formed him into the beautiful installation he now is, awaiting grading in the textiles room. The photographs aren't great, but I plan on perfecting this idea and doing it in a larger scale, so look forward to those.

they are all reasons to be

2009-02-20T14:49:00.001-08:00

tonight's the big night. Sort of...
I am photographing the David Cook concert at our beloved Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. Not going to pretend I am a fan of American Idol, but it's nonetheless a bit exciting. It's my first bigger concert for my internship, so we'll see how that goes.

On a higher note, I am busy scrambling to get work together to enter a bunch of shows. I feel like I am starting the processes to become a working artist. It's pretty exciting.

On a fated experience, I recently discovered two old old photo albums from the 1970's in a garbage can by my local bus stop. I'm going to photograph those, and may post some photos. I'll update my progress and who knows, maybe I'll find who they actually belong to.

Last and most, a picture

The Stall. 20x30 Dye-Sublimation Print

can't wait for the sidewalk

2009-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

So, a new semester has started, and I am actually going to try updating my blog on a regular basis. My website is in the works, and I think it's looking pretty sharp. Just have to get the coding done.

I am continuing on my night photos, sort of adapting them to the ice photos, and seeing where my ideas taking me. Research is continuing on graduate school, and I am getting really excited about applying starting November.

The Wheelchair. 30x20 in. Dye-sublimation Print

post-christmas greetings

2008-12-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

well, it's been a while since I posted, and I am trying to make this blog more regular. I am also working on building my web site, just figuring out the best way to do it.

I did have quite a good christmas-time, hanging out with mine and my wife's families. We played Wii and board games and fun stuff. Yesterday was crazy, there was another fog day. I journeyed a bit, and got completely soaked taking some "pretty" pictures. I don't usually post these, but I thought they were pretty neat, so here goes.

2008-12-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

These are the images for my final critique in my photo 3 class. I got some + and - comments, and so far am deciding to keep everything the same as it is, for now. Enjoy

Vast #1

Digital Inkjet Print

63x24

Vast #2

Digital Inkjet Print

63x24

Vast #3

Digital Inkjet Print

63x24

new series starting

2008-11-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Beginning

20x30 Digital Inkjet Print

This is the start of my last project for the semester. I have no idea where I am going with it, but this is my favorite image that I have made yet. Seems like I keep producing better and better images every time. Hopefully I can keep that up.

is frank an alien?

2008-11-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

welcome.
I'd like to tell you a story. It's a story that begins in a disjointed fashion, but I think that's often how life works.
The other night as I was walking, I saw a strange and mysterious sight. It was amazing to behold, my brain and mind tried to tell me my eyes were lying, but as a photographer, what can I trust if not my eyes? Imagine that I had my camera with me, and I captured this glimpse of a man whose identity I (and you) was soon to discover.

As I am sure you can imagine, the sight I beheld was one terrifying. Even being the nerd I am, I was quite beside myself, and then it happened. As it began to walk towards me, the feeling that churned within my body came to light. Amazing and appalling I saw myself approach me.

Nothing could have prepared me for the shock that followed. To tell you the truth I don't even quite remember. It may be that I passed out, it may be that my memory was adjusted, I must say I am not sure.
I somehow made my way home, and decided to try to keep on going, acting as if nothing had happened, afterall, I have had dreams before... was this real?
I don't know how, but it seems my doppleganger has arisen. It's too early to tell if he's friendly or what his intentions are. I realize you may be confused, let me try to fix that. In my delerium of trying to operate the large format camera, and trying to make weighted decisions, he came back. One second I am typing and fretting, and all of a sudden he's there. Wearing my pants? and my shoes? Wtf? He says, "you must find me a name!" Beset by his appearance in SA room 311, I oblige and show him a name database online(Lucky thing i actually had wireless!)

He chose Frank. Is Frank an alien? Or is he me? I have a feeling that only more questions will arise, and this disjointed story that is my life will continue to get weirder as he jumps in and out of my life.

If you will make a leap with me, and get ready to suspend your belief for a time, I would love you to join me in an adventure. An adventure to discover this new person.

And that leap my friends is where you come into the picture. I need your help. This story will continue with your ideas! Who is Frank? Who am I? What kind of adventures can happen between myself and this "doppleganger?" of mine. My posts will be determined by the ammount of feedback that is generated, and if you would be so kind as to send input, we'll all see what happens...

if this intrigues you, or even if hate or love it, please send all feedback and ideas to
franksanalien@gmail.com

from now on, further additions to the story will appear on franksanalien.blogspot.com

student show

2008-11-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

so I got some photo work into my school's annual (36th!) Juried Art Exhibition. I am unsure yet which photo I got into the show, but either way it is rather exciting.
THe juror for the show was Daniel Keegan, Director for the Milwaukee Art Museum. SO that's a pretty cool deal, he gave a talk about the art world, and how the market works, and I even got to talk to him one on one for a bit.
So I think it's possible for me to make it. I think I will still most likely teach, but his talk, as jaded as it was about the system, was kind of encouraging. Apparently it takes great people skills, and building relationships, and I am pretty good at that. SO yeah, art world here I come (=
No photo today, but I may post some soon. I am off to Chicago with fellow art students from UWGB for a scuttle about the city and the world of museums. SHould be great, I've only been to one decent museum so I am pretty excited!

Accident #1

2008-10-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Digital Inkjet Print
70x17

This was part of my project for humour. Still working on how to display them for entry.

2008-10-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Shovel. 21x15. Digital Inkjet Print. 2008

2008-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Box. 21x15. Digital Inkjet Print.