Not only were we fortunate enough to have the amazing photos from our emerging artist, Tony Frontier, but he also kept our senses working with some incredible piano playing and singing. Tony’s photos encapsulated views of street musicians from around the country. As a musician himself, Tony has a greater understanding than most, what these musicians are dealing with, but his curiosity keeps him investigating into the psychology and sociology of their lifestyle.

Adrienne Shea (co-founder of Saturation) presented a group of photos that related to her worldwide travels. Her keen eye helps to create a “wish you were here” feeling. Adrienne’s graphic arts talents were put to use in the promotion of our show through postcards, posters, and this fine website.

Andy Berggren who is known for his Lego photography; creating photos of small Lego vignettes such as the Abbey Road album cover, James Bond 007, and Indiana Jones, showed us his larger potential. His amazing Milwaukee skyline photos, day and night, had viewers trying to disseminate city landmarks. Andy’s photographic quest has him trying to balance his shooting interests, the technical angle, and image marketability.

Michael Nowotny’s standout black and white photo of overgrown grass trying to choke off the rails and ties of our transportation system, drew the guests right to his photo presentation. His dramatic images and the use of metallic paper, keep a crisp edge to his work. His b&w photos were complimented by a colorful shot of large lady bug sculptures on the side of a downtown Milwaukee building. Michael’s start goes back to the 70’s when his friend built a darkroom.

Marcia Getto, is not only quite a student of photography, but she lets her inquisitiveness keep testing new methods of creativity. She highlighted a corner of the show with her outdoor interpretations. She is often trying to capture a photo of a deteriorating barn or a rusted out vehicle, that in the near future, may only be a memory. Her amazing water shots are complimented by her macro flower photos.

Joshua Eral pleased the crowd with his European flare, including an evening shot of the Eiffel Tower. He also highlighted some additional street scenes. Photography for Josh is a way of slowing down our fast paced lifestyle and capturing the moment, with the help of a lense. His interest in photography accelerated with the introduction of dSLR equipment.

David Chandre grabbed everyone’s attention from across the room. His dramatic shots had many people guessing what they were looking at. David uses the technical side of photography to try to push his images to their limits, creating the view that one’s eye might see, but the camera is often challenged to record. David also has a passion for sports photography, which is based not only on photographing the event, but capturing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

As the co-founder of Saturation, M. Randall Pasternak, I was also a participant in this great show. My photos were not the usual macro style, but more highlights of recent travel to Arizona and Alaska. With both of these destinations having more than a lifetime of potential images, I tried to capture a mood along with the beauty. As a purist, I still keep my photo adjustment to the minimum, if any at all. My passion for photography continues to grow, not only through my travels, but through the interaction with the photographers from our Saturation show. My goal is to make this group grow through the common interest of photography, willingness to help each other learn, and most importantly, to have fun and make sure that their zest for photography continues.

Saturday brought us the special talents of Grafton native James Prinz. James put on a workshop on how to photograph our art. From furniture to paintings, James had the answers. He not only gave an in depth talk, but he brought in every imaginable piece of equipment to actually show us how it is done. His vast knowledge and experience, made many of us realize that you often get what you pay for and that is why there are those times when it is easier just to hire an expert to photograph our projects. Watching him navigate his way through some challenging lighting situations, James really showed off his expertise.

A special thanks to Paula Christensen for her continued belief in the growth of Saturation and positive can do attitude. She constantly reminds me that once the format is set, she will get whatever needs to be done, accomplished. As the Programming Director of NSAA and the Director of the Arts Mill, Paula knew that the new location for the Saturation show would be a major step in the right direction. Paula was also the one who was successful with her effort to lobby for a grant from the Greater Milwaukee’s Mary Nohl fund.

Please note that the show continues on through September, Tues – Sat. 12-5pm.

This blog will cover all sorts of topics relating to photography, and I will look forward to continuous feedback from you, the readers. Your input, reaction, opinions, etc. will all help to make this blog a fun, thought provoking, and educational conversation. Suggestions of blog topics would also be appreciated. Most of the topics will stay away from the highly technical side of photography, which will allow more readers to participate.

If you do voice an opinion, it is always helpful to give a factual basis or example. If it is just a feeling from within, that is also very acceptable, but that should be noted.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your involvement.

M. Randall Pasternak