Natural Abstract
There's beauty in space and time. Yesterday, I took some time for myself; a getaway to get away...to have a day of calm, away from the noise of expectation and projection.
We have knowns. And yet, someone once told me, "Always question everything, otherwise you will never truly know for yourself where you truly stand." That’s not exactly the type of advice one might expect from a catechism class...and perhaps, I was the only one in the room to hear it. By chance or circumstance, I recently ran into that person and was able to thank them, shake their hand and give them a hug for the advice they never knew I would carry from that day forward...now more than 30 years later.
Both linear and abstract, time is an incredible teacher. I am thankful for moments. I am thankful for those guides. I am thankful for the ability to step away. In times like these…it feels like a luxury.
Just some thoughts along the way, yesterday. I was reminded of some work from a while back, along a similar path through a similar time. With my favorite lens, I set out to play with the light.
Stay focused on the light.
And...FUCK ICE.
A Glimpse of 2025
On the video side of life, part of my work involves documenting the breadth of Brennan's key projects through photography and video production. From environmental remediation (waterway cleanup) to building and repairing water infrastructure, there are so many innovative and groundbreaking projects at work...it's cool to help tell that story (despite rarely sharing any of it on this platform) and be part of the solution.
One of my favorite projects of 2025 was the final link of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE). I spent about a month in Quebec as we completed a hydroelectric project nearly 20 years in the making. The project involved people and companies from 13 different countries, overcoming language barriers and working together to benefit the United States and Canada. Beginning this year (2026), the project will provide about 20% of the greater Manhattan, New York area with hydroelectric power. Not only is it the first of its kind in North America...it's a testament of what can be done when countries work together!
January 9, 2025...One year ago today.
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
My first project of 2025 was to photograph (and shoot video) of a vessel underneath the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Doing so involved coordinating with three companies, finding a fourth party to boat me out into New York Harbor and then align schedules so I could fly in and photograph the vessel as it crossed Lady Liberty. Timelines were fluid and being so, there was no time to get FAA or city authorization to fly a drone. Even if I had, the brutally cold winds would not have allowed.
We took off from Jersey City. The wind chop was so harsh standing steady was an obstacle. Water splash instantly froze as it hit the boat...and shooting handheld, my fingers were not far behind. And yet, you make the best of the situation, work with the elements and make it happen.
The project was three-fold for me.
It was an incredible opportunity.
It was an incredible opportunity to pay homage to an incredibly kind co-worker that passed way too young.
And then there was the timing of the moment...when Joe's could be Joe's and the Golden Age of Conspiracy Theorists had yet to take flight.
I believe in what the Statue of Liberty represents; a welcoming handshake between friends and strangers...a promise of goodwill, hope and opportunity. In that moment, there was also a sense of dread in my chest as the black cloud of reality tv cult idolatry loomed and around the merry-go-round we go again.
But I digress...here are a few photos from before EVIL took the life of Renée Nicole GOOD.
STAY STRONG MINNEAPOLIS!✊
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
In Fall of 2025, I spent @ 30 days (and three trips) documenting an incredible project on the Richilieu River in Quebec, Canada. On one hand, it was exhausting. On the other, it provided windows of time to visit with the family of one of my hometown friend's in Montreal, explore and get comfortable navigating in French versus English.
The Notre Dame Basilica is...stunning! The craftsmanship, detail, lighting are worth the visit alone. Offsetting the gothic feel of the main church, is the "hidden" chapel behind the main sacristy. The Sacred Heart Chapel combines intricate gothic woodwork with a contemporary and abstract sculpture that stretches from the floor to near ceiling. Photography is not allowed inside this chapel, but included is a photo from the doorway.
“We, the folks behind the scenes at Photoart House — wish you all sorts of happiness in 1930 — and assure you of our painstaking and conscientious interest in your behalf in everything that pertains to photography.”
~The Photoart House
Wisconsin State Journal
Dec 31, 1929
For this occasion, something a little different...
It’s not everyday you learn photography is literally in your blood. Over the years, my mom had made the passing comment, “You got your photography skills from me.”
As it turns out, she was right.
My Great-Grandfather passed away when my grandma was 3 years old and his story was always a mystery...until a few short days ago.
As it turned out, in 1912 my Great-Grandfather, Gustav A Prahl co-founded (with William J Meuer) the first-of-its kind full service commercial photography store in Wisconsin and one of the first in the nation. They offered everything from commercial photography to still and motion film developing, printing, framing and beyond. Some of their clients included the University of Wisconsin (events, staff and athletics), the University Hospital, MG&E and more. They'd also be responsible for distributing Madison imagery to the greater United States through newspaper syndicates. The original shop was located at 212 State Street in Madison, WI (formerly Paul's Club, now Cask & Ale). After much success, they'd open a three-story second location on the 400 block of State Street.
Gustav would later open his own store called PHOTOCRAFT. Unfortunately, he would never realize that stores potential as he passed away unexpectedly 10 months later, at the age of 48.
A little more research revealed that both Gustav and my grandma Emma Susan were photographers. Did they meet due to shared passions? TBD.
For those on Facebook, the full story can be read on my personal and photography page....and 2026, let's just say there's a lot more work to do and plans in motion to "get back to where I once belonged".
Happy New Years Everyone!
Fall Colors
On November 12th, I sporadically decided to head out to a local prairie to "see what I can see" and arrived just in the nick of time to catch some faint but noticeable aurora...which become much more colorful and vivid with 20-30 second exposures. So here is my small contribution to the social media aurora barrage.
