All words and images ©2006-2013 Wendy G. Gunderson
Last week, I, along with Craig Stodola of Craig John Photography, had the privilege of hosting David Beckstead in his return to Milwaukee last week for his “Shoot with Beckstead” workshop. Last year, we were lucky to shoot in the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum and in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. It would be hard to top those venues, but this year, we had the privilege of shooting in the Pabst Brewery and at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright just prior to his death. Once again, this type of event does not happen without the assistance and generosity of many wonderful people.
I would like to thank David and his wife, Kassandra, for bringing the workshop back to Milwaukee. I have now taken David’s workshop three times, and I continue to learn so many new concepts and techniques.
I want to thank my co-host, Craig Stodola, for his assistance in coordinating venues and models and putting this all together.
My thanks to our beautiful and talented models, Gina Ciurro, Kim Streeter, Lynee Ruiz, and Brenna Schwartz, who worked long hours in unique locations, without the utmost in professionalism.
My thanks go out to Dan McCarthy at Towne Investments for embracing the idea of bringing this workshop to the Pabst Brewery development. The development, including offices and residences is a wonderful tribute to the history of the buildings and to the memory of Joseph Zilber. I also must thank his colleague, Mike Kleber, for his patience as we shot the buildings from every angle possible.
My thanks to Attorney Gregory Kotsonis and the members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for allowing us to shoot at this gorgeous site of great historical and architectural significance. Greg’s grandfather was an architect and was instrumental in bringing Frank Lloyd Wright to Milwaukee to design the church. His grandfather spoke of watching every bit of concrete poured in the construction of the building, and it is a wonderful testament to his care and to his memory. It is a beautiful place of worship, and a Milwaukee treasure.
Our gorgeous gowns were generously provided by Hartland Bridal. Sue at Hartland Bridal has exquisite taste, and the personal service she provides her brides is unmatched. The gowns featured here, by Maggie Sottero and Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner, were not only beautiful but reasonably priced.
Our thanks also go out to Carenza Color Cutting Experience in Brookfield and Kim Streeter for providing hair and makeup services. Carenza provided hair and makeup to us for last year’s workshop as well, and their continued support is greatly appreciated. Kim is not only a model and makeup artist, but a photographer as well! Studio Lotus
Last, but not least, I must thank my family, and in particular, my husband, for all the time, patience, and great cooking to put this event together again.
Now, for the images. I had a tough time deciding what to post, because I loved so many of them. My wonderful husband recently gave me the gift of a Canon 5D Mark II, which was amazing. I am still learning all the bells and whistles, but this camera rocked! I hope you enjoy the images!
All words and images ©2006-2013 Wendy G. Gunderson
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These photographs are all completely amazing. I love seeing what you've done with the Mark II. I'm way jealous, even if it is a Canon.
Did you use your own light setup? Lighting in each and every one is top notch. And your compositions are insanely good… excellent use of curves, lines and interesting vantage points.
Thanks Mark! Most of the lighting was natural. There is a skylight on top of the brewhouse which allows light to hit the kettles. The archways are below the kettles, and the spots of light are the natural light filtering through the openings in the kettles. We did use video light a couple times (the gridded light shot and the picture frame shot), and there were lights at the war memorial (the nighttime shot with the blue cast), but the rest are natural light. David has a way of finding a pinpoint of light and turning it into a fabulous shot.
W
These are gorgeous. I can see David's influence in symmetry and lines. Great job! Wish I could get him to come to SoCal for a Temecula Wineries workshop.
Thanks for the kind comment. You should invite him! David is up for even crazy places, like Milwaukee!
W