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!
Once upon a time, in the 93-94 Siamese Dream-era, I remember walking into science class to find a stack of Science World Magazines with The Smashing Pumpkins on the cover for their light show. For me, light is everything. Lighting is everything. Lighting and mood have always been part of SP's live show. Linda Strawberry and the entire team that brought the The Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour visually to life deserve major props!
The Smashing Pumpkins
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, MN
@smashingpumpkins@williampcorgan@jamesihaofficial@chamberdrums@jjjschroeder@katiecoleofficial@jackbass89
#smashingpumpkins #xcel #stpaul #minneapolis #twincities #rock #zero #shinyandohsobright #SP2018 #twths #joestadele #joestadelephotography #livemusic #concertphotography #music
Ground Control to Major Tom...the covers of "Space Oddity" (a tour staple the past 6-7 years) and "Stairway to Heaven" are top notch on this tour, thanks in part to the nonchalant guitar mastery of The Shredder, Mr. Jeff Schroeder.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, MN
@smashingpumpkins@jjjschroeder@williampcorgan
#smashingpumpkins #xcel #stpaul #minneapolis #twincities #rock #shinyandohsobright #SP2018 #twths #joestadele #joestadelephotography #livemusic #concertphotography #music
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.
