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!
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.
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 were thrilled to showcase our new interactive tech at Northstar Nights. Our new technology included an LED box with full video floor and a large format LED touch screen alongside motion tracking and generative content.
These setups create interactive video experiences and open new exciting storytelling opportunities.
Thanks to @joestadelephotography for these beautiful photos!
One Second of Sunset on Haystack Rock
On a clear day, it's difficult to beat a sunset on the Pacific Coastline. Haystock Rock on Cannon Beach is one of those locations in which a photo doesn't really do it justice; an incredible place to relax, people watch, relax, hike and bike. You have to be cognizant of the tides, otherwise you may get stuck on a beach and have to rely on time...or hiking up a cliff to make your way back (I speak out of experience).
Cannon Beach, Oregon
June 2020
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#oregoncoast #pacificnorthwest #pacificcoast #haystackrock #cannonbeach
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#nikon #joestadelephotography #joestadele
One last insta-shot from King Princess
King Princess
Palace Theatre
February 4th, 2020
#kingprincess #cheapqueen #palace #stpaul #twincities #mikaelastrauss #musicphotography #joestadelephotography
