Donna j. Gehl

Crop Circles

2011-03-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

While traveling through the Fond du Lac area of Wisconsin, I came across this field of round hay bales nestled in what is left of the snow for the season. To me the circles in the landscape are as unnatural as the wind turbines in the horizon.

Dog Days of Summer 2010

2010-11-30T18:21:00.001-08:00

I promised myself I wouldn't let 2010 slip away without posting a few of my favorite shots from Summer. This was one of the hottest days spent with family and friends. Oh... to be five again.

At the End of All the Rain.......

2010-08-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

I love knowing that no two people ever see the same rainbow since the eyes of two people cannot occupy the same place in space at the same time, therefore, making it special that each person sees something different. I found this little rainbow over North Twin Lake in Phelps, Wi. With all the rain we've had this summer, I guess we're bound to discover a few rainbows.

Pleasant Surprise in Houston

2010-06-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

When I learned we had a photoshoot that would take us to Houston for our client School Specialty, I was pleasantly surprised that the shoot was near Kemah, Texas. Like most out-of-town photoshoots, the travel is never perfect and the days are often long with little to no time to yourself, however, I found some time to capture these few pics. Our stay at The Seaside Inn located on the Gulvaston Bay offered a view and a convenient and comfortable stay. It was also located a block away from The Kemah Boardwalk. Who knew?

Pressure Washing Atlanta

2010-05-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

I left the studio for a few weeks to produce a photo shoot in Atlanta, Georgia. We were photographing models using pressure washers at residential properties for our client Briggs & Stratton. Atlanta offers so many beautiful homes, and outdoor cleaning there is a must with their warm and humid weather. It was a long two weeks but working with a great crew made it a successful and fun shoot.

A behind the scenes shot of two of our assistants cleaning a brick walkway & getting ready for our next shot.

Desert Botanical Garden

2010-04-10T17:34:00.001-07:00

During my recent trip to Arizona, I discovered The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. I was so happy I did and I'll look forward to seeing it again someday. Glass artist Dale Chihuly's stunning artwork was the first thing that captured my eye at the entry of the garden. I also enjoyed the butterfly pavilion and the bronze sculptures by artist Allan Houser throughout the garden.

Mountain Echos

This bronze personification of three singers in harmony with their landscape, history, and culture has become known as one of Allan Houser's most important sculpture.

Fun Framing

2010-02-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

This is a shot of my daughter Abby and her friend Tony.

I happened to be at the top of a lookout tower shooting down.

I like how the wood stairs framed them in the shot... I hope you do too.

Two Minute Photo Shoot

2010-02-15T17:40:00.001-08:00

My tip for photographing a 2 year old in less than 2 minutes .....

Find some available light and move fast!

I felt lucky to get these shots that I really liked.

Hoar Frost

2010-01-19T20:45:00.001-08:00

With the mild January temps and that occurring frost know as hoar frost, I couldn't resist getting outside and taking a closer look this past weekend. High Cliff State Park offered so many unique views. Someone recently told me I'm blessed to be surrounded by such beauty. How right they are.

Wisconsin Barns

2010-01-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

It seems to me I see fewer picturesque Wisconsin barns today. Whether a barn is gray, white, red or brown, it can be so charming in the proper setting. I came upon this barn while snowshoeing in Northern Wisconsin. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I have my own concerns about the preservation of Wisconsin barns and our rural countryside. This barn could use a little TLC some day soon, however it's good to know the Wisconsin Historical Society and the University of Wisconsin-Extension are spearheading a multifaceted approach aimed at saving many of Wisconsin's historic agricultural buildings since they have become public concerns.

Repurposed for Giving

2009-11-30T18:52:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time for thanks and a time for giving. Every year about this time I get into a purge mode, only this year I picked a few wool sweaters off of my purge pile, cut them up, and sewed them into mittens. It's amazing how an ugly sweater can be made cute again when sewn into fleece lined mittens. It was a fun sewing project for me and will be even more fun to give for the holidays.

DIVA Tree

2009-11-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

Making a stop at the Holiday Art Crawl in Menasha last night was a holiday shot-in-the-arm kind of inspiration. I couldn't resist pulling out my IPhone to take this shot of the window display at The Wreath Factory. The Diva Tree is a very large holiday tree display with this mannequin as the tree topper. If you haven't been to Menasha lately, it's a "must stop" for some unique holiday shopping. Do check out Wild Apple glass studio and gallery while you're there. I know you will be inspired too.

Indian Summer in November

2009-11-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.
- Edwin Way Teale

Morning Fog

2009-10-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

"What appears to be the end of the road may simply be a bend in the road."

Robert H. Schuller

2009-10-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

I finally had a chance to spend some time outside this weekend.

This shot was taken just before sunset near the beach at High Cliff State Park.

It's such a gorgeous time of year when the weather cooperates.

The Summer of 2009 Here and Gone

2009-09-27T18:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to see a slide show of some of my favorite captures of the Summer.

More Signs of Fall

2009-09-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

On my way home from Milwaukee last week I spotted a large gathering of Sandhill Cranes in a field near Kiel, Wisconsin. I've never witnessed this type of thing before; seeing more than a few hundred cranes filling up the fields. I understand it won't be long before they migrate to Florida for the Winter and come back in March.

Humm..... I know a few people that share the same travel plans.

A Late Summer Sail

2009-09-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Last night I discovered this sailor enjoying a beautiful evening. If he was thinking like I was, he was hoping to see another beautiful red sunset like we've been seeing the past few evenings. Instead, a blanket of clouds hid the sun last night, making for a beautiful back drop to the sailboat and complimented the sun lit calm waters of Lake Winnebago.

Nature imitates Nature

2009-08-30T18:26:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought I was in for another rainy weekend day, I was greeted with a glorious sunny day Sunday, and captured nature imitating nature. What a wonderful day it was!

Cocktail Twitter

2009-08-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever attended a large cocktail party? Of course you have! Your first big party might have been a little awkward at first. You might have noticed a lot of people looking comfortable, especially if you were a little late. At any party, you can meet all types of people. Some talk a lot about themselves, their work, their kids, and their interests, while there are some that just love to talk about everyone else. Some people really enjoy talking about what’s going on with the weather, movies, music, news, or anything "pop culture" related. There are always the people you meet that are really good listeners and they don’t say a lot at all. If they have a question, they might ask you in private instead of shouting it out in front of a group. You will always find the people that want to introduce you to their popular friends, and then there are those that have nothing but silly things to say. You know this type too, the comedian or the joke teller, with their clever and witty comments. Sure, there are the people that want to get to know you better as well as the type that quickly decides the two of you have nothing in common and they ditch you. Cocktail parties are often a place to make some really good friends and really good people that you find an opportunity to do business with. Oh, did I forget about the “Know-It-Alls”, “Debbie Downers,” “Bible Thumpers,” “Nonstop Talkers,” and the ones who just wake up happy and singing every day? If you haven’t tried twitter because you didn't quite know what it was all about, well, it really is a lot like a big cocktail party.

Look for Image Studios on twitter at: http://twitter.com/Imagestudios

Never Too Young or Old to Start Something New

2009-08-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

When Summer finally rolled around I decided to take up Kayaking. Having only been out a few times I don't know why I waited so long to try this. I introduced my daughter Abby to the sport and she joined me for a day on the Wisconsin River just outside of Eagle River, Wisconsin. It was a great experience once again and this time I was brave enough to bring a camera. I'm so glad I did.

Natural Instinct

2009-08-10T03:42:00.001-07:00

I spent Saturday at Kohler-Andrae State Park with some of my family. It was a great place to be on a hot humid day. I believe we're all born with the natural instinct to love the beach.

Tree Obsession

2009-07-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I've had a few unusual collections. I've collected pottery, furs, antique lamps, and vintage jewelry. My little obsessions come and go, even though I'm still hanging onto some of my favorite pottery pieces and a few furs that I'll probably never wear. My latest obsession has been trees. No, I'm not into landscaping these days, and I don't have a big collection of house plants, however, I can't seem to resist photographing a unique landscape with that simple line of trees.. or that one lonely tree paired with a colorful horizon line... or maybe I decided a black and white capture was more fitting that day.

This collage has 36 images or as I call them, "captured memories." For each image I took, I remember that day very well, from who I was with, to the temperature of the air. This is what makes photography so special to any photographer at any level. To me, it's the memory attached to every photo.

Discovered Art on a Country Road

2009-07-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

When the weather is beautiful, it can be fun to take a different route while out driving and that is exactly what I did one day when I spotted this unusual sculpture. This statue stands just outside of Hilbert on a country road and appears just like you see it; right in the middle of a field. What I find intriguing is that someone made a point to tie an American flag to it. To me, it really makes an interesting statement.

Independence Day

2009-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! I happened to take in a firework's display and It was as much fun watching as it was taking a few shots. Since they didn't last that long, it's nice to have the memories.

Summer Solstice 2009

2009-06-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Here comes Summer. Let the games begin!

Antique Inspiration

2009-05-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can come from so many places and things. I spotted this window display of tea cups at an an antique store in Northern Wisconsin and was I inspired to do nothing more than photograph it. The store had collections upon collections, from vintage soda bottles, silverware, glassware and vintage jewelry. Where do you get your inspiration?

North Wood's Weekend

2009-05-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Getting away to Northern Wisconsin has become one of my favorite things. There are so many things to do, however, most of the time I'm just happy to go for a long walk or relax around a camp fire. This past weekend I discovered Jim Peck's Wildwood-Wild Life Park in Minocqua. From Lions, Tigers and Bears to baby goats and new born fawns, the animals were adorable and made for a fun day. The amazing weather only added to it.

More Signs of Spring

2009-05-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

From just an egg to a fuzzy head in a very short time. These little guys will be off and flying soon.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

Making The Most of a Rainy Weekend

2009-04-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

At Image Studios, we're often keeping our eye on the weather for location shooting, but there are times when a rainy or overcast day can make for some interesting and moody photography. I decided to make the most of the rainy weekend and I took these shots while out walking.

Three Centuries of Design

2009-04-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I had to stop and get a closer look at this fascinating landmark known as The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire during a recent trip to Scottsdale. I toured Taliesin West a few years ago and learned the story behind this. During an interview with the Phoenix Gazette in 1957 two years before his death, Frank Lloyd Wright doodled a building design for the Arizona State Capital. A few weeks later he unveiled his pro bono design to the city of his desert-oriented hexagonal-domed complex he called the "Oasis" that would be built at Papago Park.

Wright's estimated five million dollar venture was rejected by the city, however in 2004, one of the spires meant for the complex was recreated at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. I learned from the guides at Taliesin West that this constructed design made Wright the first architect to have his designs built in three centuries with the first design dating back to 1887.

The Spire looks completely differently at night with it's brilliant blue glow. It's illumination system includes 142 , 8 foot lamps ranging in size from 30 to 96 inches.

Great Public Art

2009-03-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, I discovered Kopp's Frozen Custard at their location in Glendale, WI near Bay Shore Mall. The frozen custard is sinful, and the row of 23 fiberglass cow statues is a fun addition to the Kopp's experience. The cost of the project was $80,000. Karl Kopp, the owner, one day decided that the property needed a herd of cows, each placed on steel diving boards as part of the steep embankment landscape on Port Washington Road.

Voyage of Discovery

2009-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

I drive by this apple orchard three or four times a week. I'm anxious to see it with blossoms soon, however, to me it's so beautiful without. Meanwhile, let me share a quote with you that was sent to me this week from a friend.

"The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

Marcel Proust

How Fast Can Things Change?

2009-03-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

We all know the nation's economy changed fast. It seems to be the topic of every discussion today right along with our Wisconsin weather.

I woke up Sunday morning to find that most of our snow was gone, but things sure did change quickly. The good thing about change is that it's inevitable. I know the snow will eventually be gone and Spring will soon be here. I'm hopeful for the same inevitable change for our economy.

Living "Cage Free"

2009-03-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I learned about "cage free" eggs when I met John Brunquell, president of Egg Innovations. Their eggs are produced on family farms, not factory farms. If you're health conscious, concerned about animal welfare and love eggs, then this product is for you. "Cage free" means the birds are free to socialize with their peers. They're also free of drugs, hormones, antibiotics or by-products used to stimulate productivity. Most of the egg production is done at Amish and Mennonite farms in Indiana and Ohio and the eggs can be purchased across the country at specialty and select grocery stores.

Recently I learned my cousin's 13 year old son Tyler was raising chickens. With my "cage free" interest in Egg Innovations, I had to check out Tyler's operation. Of course he was following the "cage free" system. He researched the ins and outs of raising chickens for a year before his parents gave in and allowed him to start his small production of a dozen chickens and a few roosters. I was so impressed with his passion and interest in his birds and egg production. The eggs are great too!

Finding the Beauty in Ice Fishing

2009-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Living near Lake Winnebago all my life has always been enjoyable, however, I often forget about the lake during the winter months. Needless to say, I prefer sitting in a boat to sitting in an ice fishing shanty.

This year I explored the east and north shore of the frozen 30 x 10 mile lake prior to the opening of sturgeon spearing season. The lake is said to have the largest population of sturgeon in the US and it's not uncommon to have as many as 10,000 cars on the lake during the fishing season.

Finding such an array of color in the middle of winter can be rare. While sturgeon aren't known for their beauty, the little shanties used to find them sure are adorable.

3 Things in a Blog

2009-02-09T18:24:00.001-08:00

There is an odd thing about photography and the number 3, and it played right into our blog reviews. Our critique's comments were focused on the 3 things they looked for in a blog.

1. Information-Critiques described a desire to learn, laugh, or the search for inspiration.

2. Connection-Critiques were seeking to find a common interest, or to gain more

familiarity with the business.

3. Design-Most Critiques noted that a good, clean and easy-to-read design is a must.

Here are a few things I heard from the critiques...

"I like a sense of humor, this made me laugh."

"I was so inspired, I wanted to cook something."

"I liked the choice of colors and header."

"This blog blurs the lines between work and personal life."

"I learned some tips that I already put to use."

"Pull back the curtain... tell me more about you."

"This was weird... but interesting."

Our plan was to to accomplish 3 things.

1. Create a blog with interesting content to make a connection with the reader.

2. Find a design, theme or thread to help give the blog a personality.

3. Make a committed to a blog as a new way of communicating our services.

What's in your backyard?

2009-02-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

Jeff Lendrum spent a great deal of 2008 photographing the Harley Davidson Museum. Harley Davidson published two beautiful books featuring all Jeff's photography. When I'm in Milwaukee visiting clients and friends, I'll occasionally ask them if they have visited the Harley Museum that opened in July 2008, and more often than not, people will respond by saying "no, not yet." I know I shouldn't find this odd since it's right in their own backyard, but let me tell you why.

1000 Islands Environmental Center was established in 1969, by the city of Kaukauna. The Conservancy Zone now encompasses 350 acres, with 7.2 miles of trails. The purpose of the Center is to preserve the land along the Fox River for the people to enjoy. I'm sorry to say it took me 40 years before I took the opportunity to experience it. I've lived in the Fox Cities all my life and the Environmental Center is only a 6 mile drive from my home. I spent Saturday snowshoeing the trails and I know I'll be back in Spring to see an entirely different landscape. There are times in life when we search for the greener grass on the other side, but here's a perfect example of finding the beauty in our own backyard.

Are you on Facebook?

2009-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I tried Facebook a year ago, but I didn't give it a chance since I couldn't find many of my own friends and family there. Well, things have changed a lot in a year. While I know I'll never have over 900 friends like my college-age daughter, I have found a number of friends there today and I'm having fun with it. No longer will it take a wedding or a funeral to bring some of us together, but it doesn't end there.

Facebook offers so much more. You can forget about the old fashion email and instead post messages, keep tabs on your friends, get people together for a common cause, share notes and photos, job search, buy things, sell things, join groups... and it still doesn't end there. I find it funny that the people who find themselves annoyed by Facebook are sometimes the same people that can't get enough of it. Facebook is a fun and powerful social network platform. Here are some interesting Facebook facts.

Facebook has 150 million active users

More than 1/2 the users are outside of college age

Average user has 100 friends

More than 13 million users update their sites at least once a week

Facebook has more than 800 million photos uploaded each month

Facebook has more than 5 million videos uploaded each month

More than 70% of Facebook users are outside the US

More than 35 translations are available on the site with more than 60 in development

2009-01-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Thank you for your participation and critique of the Image Studios employee blogs. You can find all the blogs listed just to the right of this blog.

Feel free to take your time, however, I hope to hear back from you before January 30th. We would like you to leave comments on the individual blogs, and I would like you to help me give awards for the categories listed.

Best Design

Most Interesting Content

Most Defining of an Interesting Person/Artist

Best Blog Header

Blog most likely to have you return or "follow"

Weird (Weird can be a good thing in the blog world)

Please send me your choices for these categories and anything more you care to offer would be appreciated in an email to dgehl@imagestudios.com

Thank you for your patience and your time! I hope you enjoy blogging with Image Studios.

Blogging about Blogging

2009-01-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

While some of you following my blog are wondering why I started a blog in the first place, well, it wasn't because I was bored. As a matter of fact, I'm never bored. There is always something new I'm taking an interest in besides Image Studios and that is what brings me to this blog posting. The first day back to work in 2009, I asked all employees at Image to create a blog of their own just like I'm doing. With a talented group of photographers, stylists, assistants, retouchers and support staff, I believe that we can use the power of our people to promote our business in ways we never have before. With each person building their own blog with content that defines their personality, their art, their lives.... my hope for each of them is to become motivated and inspired while creating their blogs, with their own hope to do the same for the people that will view them. I'm not asking you or anyone to be an open book, especially if it's out of your comfort zone, but telling a story about something you recently learned, ate, saw, listened to, visited, purchased, photographed, cooked, built, read.. you know what I mean. People do want to know about it, whether it's your friends, family or clients. I believe as creative people in a creative industry, we have the ability to motivate and inspire as well as teach and entertain and we never stop learning.

I started my blog with pictures as it was easy for me to do coming off of a vacation in November that is still fresh in my head. I also took some time off over the holidays and I had an opportunity to take some pictures then as well. In time, I'll get in a groove and add to my blog depending on what is going on in my life or the life of someone else.... with their approval of course. ; )

If you are an Image Employee reading this, can you please have your blog ready for viewing by the end of the day on Friday, January 23rd? Just email the web address to me. Blogs will be viewed and critiqued beginning January 24th through January 30th. Please watch for comments from the critiques on your blogs. You may be pleasantly surprised with your visitors. The group of judges is growing fast and they are excited about the opportunity to weigh in. Some judges will know you and some will be getting to know you for the first time. I'll share the list of judges with you, along with their bios on January 23rd. Judges will be looking for interesting content, creativity, passion, and design. More info to come.......

Definition Critique - A critical review or commentary, especially one dealing with works of art or literature.

Winter 2009

2009-01-02T18:27:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

As long as Winter is going to be here for a while, I decided to make the best of it and took some pics while out on Lake Winnebago.... or did you think this was the the moon? It was as cold out there as it looks.

December Rain High Cliff State Park

2008-12-27T14:46:00.001-08:00

Two days after Christmas it rained and the fog that was rolling in was almost eerie. There goes the snow... for now. I love the park in the summer and try to love it in the Winter when it's not so cold. It really was a peaceful, relaxing day. I love how these pictures captured the mood of that day.

Thanksgiving in St. Croix

2008-12-22T15:42:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving in St. Croix VI was not only a Thanksgiving celebration, but a great wedding celebration for my niece Amanda. It was a beautiful wedding on the beach, not to mention the weather was a perfect 80 degrees every day! I'm hoping my memories and these pictures will get me through the Wisconsin winter.

Amanda & Mark

Christiansted Boardwalk

Abby & Diane walking Judith's Fancy beach on Thanksgiving

Turtle Beach on Buck Island

Just another beautiful day & amazing views