Hi, I'm Joel, photo craftsman. Nice to meet you!

Photography is my second language, personal finance my third. You could say golf is a close fourth. Sometimes I wish I had other gifts, like the ability to play classical piano, but God gave me photography, so that's what I do! I'm an award-winning photographer, writer and designer. Everything I do is to elevate you, my client, through imagery. Contact me, and let's make an impact!

Trench creds

This is a story that started over 30 years ago when my dad, Ron, finally let me use the fancy camera. At the age of 10, I became fascinated with how cameras worked, what the settings did, and how I could get what I envisioned in my head onto the film.

In over a decade as a full-time photojournalist and wedding/event photographer, I've always been a trench guy, grinding to serve the story, on deadline, in whatever conditions, often without thanks, leaving every effort in the field, if for nothing else than for the Lord and my own satisfaction. That has shaped my work ethic: "Do it right the first time. Do it high-end, with the resources you have, in the conditions you're given."

I won't allow myself to just show up and casually snap some shots; it's not in my blood (a blessing and a curse I guess). Every photograph is a creative problem, and I'm not satisfied until I solve it. What I do is a craft of light, subject, experience and innovation that comes together in camera. It's something nobody can download and apply as a Photoshop effects pack, and it sets my work apart. I've worked hard to do that on purpose. It's how I'll approach your job because it's the only approach I have.

Whether you're looking for a Horicon event photographer, headshot photographer, business photographer, product photographer or editorial photographer, challenge me. Whether it's Horicon photography classes, one on one training, corporate portraits, product photography, event photography, photo restoration -- if there's a call for it, I'm willing to answer, and answer well.

If you're looking for more on my background, here are a few highlights:

2nd place general news photography, Wisconsin Newspaper Association
Thousands of photos published in Dodge County Pionier, Mayville News, Lomira News and other publications
Photographed "almost everything," from popular sports to breaking news, meetings, a funeral, countless celebrations, community activities, weddings, portraits, grand openings, engagements, products, photo essays and personal interest features
Trained with Jerry Ghionis, widely regarded as one of the top 5 wedding photographers in the world, most awarded WPPA photographer in the world
Trained with Doug Gordon, Nikon Ambassador
Trained with Bob Davis, top Chicago wedding photographer
Photographed or assisted with various photographers in Wisconsin
Clients include Widmer's Cheese Cellars, Barry Mandel, Kathy Mykleby, City of Horicon, Horicon Chamber of Commerce, Edward Fox Photography, Tati Photo, American Family Insurance, Trillium Interiors

Why don't I see your business in Horicon?

I've always operated from home to save the cost of renting a storefront.

Are you a new photographer?

I'm reappearing on the business scene, but I'm not "new." You may have seen me over the years photographing for the Dodge County Pioneer (Mayville News/Lomira News), where I photographed "almost everything." And I've photographed for the Horicon Chamber of Commerce. So, no, I'm not even close to being a new photographer. I've trained new photographers. After working full time as a photographer for 12 years, I took a break for a few years and am now actively pursuing photography opportunities again.