Love You Could Feel

This week I've been honored to photograph LBGT families (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) for the Gay Neighbor Campaign. It's a local campaign, sponsored by the Cream City Foundation, that fosters support and awareness of LGBT families in the greater Milwaukee area. You will see these images on billboards in the Milwaukee Metro area later this summer.

All of the families were fun to work with but I was proud as they shared why they thought is was important for them to be personally involved in this campaign. They have heartwarming stories to share about their lives and while these recent stories are not yet posted, you can read other stories at www.gayneighbor.org

One family, in particular, moved me. It is this family with a transgender member. As you might know, transgender youth suffer high rates of homelessness and abandonment by their families. Those that make it through their transitions show some of the highest levels of resilience and self-esteem. Family support is paramount in this process.

The patriarch of the family spoke little during my time with him, but when the family was asked about their reaction to Betty's announcement, her father spoke with an honest strength that "this was our child and we could only choose to show love and support for our child." When you look at this photo, I think you can actually FEEL this love for one another!

Custom Photography

While in Alaska this past winter, I wandered over to a property that has not been occupied since the 1970's and photographed some old vehicles, gas cans, a bucking saw and an old refrigerator. Most of the above mentioned items have been infiltrated by rust. Now rust can be a fun thing to make images from because of it's texture, shape and color. Each rust spot communicates a different story. There's bluish rust, green/gold rust and the old common variety - rusty rust. As long as it doesn't show up on YOUR car, rust is fun!

Such it was with this image. The "custom" was found on the lower, right, front of an old Marquette refrigerator. I didn't see it at first, and then, while waiting for a long exposure on another shot, low to the ground, I saw it. Is it not custom, in and of itself, that the word is missing a "U"? Or "U" are the custom in customer?

I paused to think about my work and how it's all custom and here it was screaming at me in the colors of fire. It reminded me that I 'burn up' with a passion for what I do while others 'burn out.' It is why I never photograph any high school senior from the same school in the same location. They're too unique to not have their own place to be photographed! Same thing with families, children or canines. Each family, dog or child is distinctive in their own regard and deserves a special place that brings out something in them that can be translated or communicated in the photograph.

The custom books I create for my clients are also one of a kind heirlooms that can be picked up years from now and enjoyed. How about the Signature prints or the care to plan and execute a fun experience on location or in the studio? All of that went through my head just because I spied some rust. If I can get that excited about rust, imagine what we can create together!