Over the past four days I’ve shot three races including a night race, a 5K color run and a sprint triathlon, taught a private lesson, did a bunch of post-production and other computer work, and managed to squeeze in another chance to shoot fireworks. Productive, but not a lot of sleep.

I was told about the fireworks at the South Shore Follies held at the South Shore Marina on Milwaukee’s lakefront by one of my students. I know this place well, as I’ve done a lot of paintings there in the past. Apparently this event has been going on for over 67 years.

Something I’ve noticed many times now, the most stressful elements of being a photographer (or a plein air painter, for that matter), involve what it takes to get into position to take the shot. Shooting is the easy part, almost an after thought. The early rise, travel time, traffic headaches, packing and logistics, the mile-long hike through treacherous terrain carrying fragile gear to your location…not so much.

This December I was hired to do some event photography for the Dead Man’s Carnival New Year’s Eve celebration that took place at the Hot Water/Wherehouse bar in Milwaukee. This group puts on some of my favorite events to photograph, combining a steampunk/carnival type of atmosphere with games, side shows, music, acrobats, burlesque dancers, and other types of acts from all over the Midwest and other parts of the country. Some of these are truly amazing performers. Quite a way to bring in the new year.

The Ugly Sweater Run 5K Race was the second race I shot this weekend. This event also took place in Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee. A cold, cold, windy day. I am glad this one only took a couple of hours. Much smaller turnout than yesterday’s race. I am sure the weather had a role in that. Grateful for the work, however.

Chilly weather, running in the park, people drinking beer. What could go wrong?

Early this November I was contracted to shoot the Milwaukee Beer run held at Estabrook Park in Shorewood, Wisconsin.

The Color Run Milwaukee – Miller Park

This weekend I was hired by Flo-Foto as a studio photographer for The Color Run – Milwaukee race held at Miller Park. This race had a kaleidoscope for photo ops, which was run by my good friend and fellow shooterLidia.
The outside walls of this kaleidoscope were used as a portrait backdrop for groups at the event.

If you’re not familiar with The Color Run, it’s quite a spectacle. Runners are bombarded with a powdery mix of cornstarch and pigment as they pass certain landmarks on the course. Each landmark has volunteers ready to throw a different color. The mix is very fine, and makes clouds of color that of course stick everywhere that there is perspiration. By the end of the race everyone (even bystanders and nearby cars) are covered from head to toe in pigment.

It’s supposed to wash off. So they said. Scrape off was more like it. Oh, and: blue snot. Yeah.