Black-Sheep-Photo's photostream  

I use photography as my main artistic outlet in an effort to capture the often unseen beauty of the people and world around us. I believe beauty can be found in unusual places and outside of traditional perspectives.

My love of photography began in 1983 when I came across a book on Victorian cemetery art in my high school library. I immediately fell in love with the quiet beauty of the statues portrayed on those pages. After discovering that book, I was drawn to cemeteries, junk yards, abandoned buildings and rusted cars with my camera — finding beauty among the forgotten “things” of this world.

My love of cemeteries and their beauty took me and my camera to Paris, France in 2007 where I spent two weeks walking the streets and spending most of my time in cemeteries there.

At the beginning of 2008 I changed direction and turned my attention to people. I have always been drawn to colorful people who live outside of the social norm and are often judged by their outward appearance. This brought to life my photo essay “Women with Ink”. I wanted to show the true beauty of inked women and challenge the criteria determined by society on what makes a woman beautiful.

In the summer of 2008 I began photographing the people and scenes of Milwaukee, specifically the colorful Riverwest neighborhood I call home. These photos were made into a greeting card series as well as framed art for purchase. I have also created an ongoing series of erotic cards and prints sold exclusively at The Tool Shed located at 2427 North Murray Avenue in Milwaukee.

In the years to come, as both my work and I evolve, I plan to continue exploring the colorful people, places and things that make life truly interesting and show the world how beauty can be redefined, reexamined, and found in unexpected places.

There is not much that will shock or embarrass me and I will photograph just about anything! I tend to gravitate toward things and people outside of the mainstream. It’s what I know best. I love vibrant people who live colorful lives, those who don’t adhere to societal “rules”.

I shoot with a range of lenses on a Canon XTi and a Canon 50D. My new favorite lens is my 10-22mm...