My fascination with photography began in a high school graphic communications classroom in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where I first learned to work with 35mm film and black-and-white prints. After graduating in 1989, I used my graduation money to buy my first Minolta camera—and eventually built a darkroom of my own.
Photography has taken me many places, but the North Shore of Lake Superior keeps drawing me back. I’m especially connected to the experience of making photographs at night: the walk through the woods in darkness, the slow exposures, the wind and water, and a sky filled with ancient light.
Sunrise and sunset photography are different. The best light can come and go in just a few minutes. I enjoy that anticipation as much as the quiet patience of night photography. Both remind me how quickly a moment can pass.
I established Brown Imagery in 2015. Over the years, I’ve shared my work in Minnesota exhibitions and public presentations, and I led hands-on Milky Way workshops for small groups of photographers along Lake Superior. My photographs have appeared at Dow Art Gallery, the Rejected! exhibition, and in a substantial fine-art installation at Main Street Farmer Eatery in St. Michael, where some of my work remains on display.
My approach continues to evolve toward natural, believable light without losing the mood and drama that first drew me to photography. I also create commissioned photographs of landscapes and properties that hold personal meaning.
Beneath the stars · Framing Time
I can’t stop time, and I don’t want to.
I want to notice it, experience it, and give a small part of it a frame.
Beyond the finished photograph
Out there, making the image
The moments behind the photographs—from early light to ice along Lake Superior's shoreline—are part of what keeps me returning.
Working along the icy Lake Superior shoreline
Selected experience
Exhibitions, workshops & recognition
In addition to creating fine-art photography, I've had opportunities to share my work through exhibitions, presentations and hands-on Milky Way workshops.
September 18, 2017 · Main Street Farmer Eatery An Evening of Farm Landscape Photography and Beyond — more than 40 original pieces exhibited. A smaller selection of my photographs remains on display today.
January 13, 2018 · Dow Art Gallery Winter Gala Invited to participate in an evening showcase and meet-and-greet featuring selected photographers.
Rejected! · Photography exhibition Participated in the Rejected! exhibition; date to be confirmed.
Photography club · Guest presentation Presented my photography as an invited speaker at a photography club connected with photographer Pete Rose; club name to be confirmed.
BK Tap Haus · St. Michael, Minnesota Featured during an evening of artist recognition, with a display of my work and a short presentation about artwork and available media.
Minnesota Leaders of Photography · PhotoWalk Selected as one of six featured photographers at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul, for a December 1 PhotoWalk and visitor meet-and-greet. Year not yet confirmed.
Astrophotography workshops · 2018–2020 Led several introductory, advanced, and small-group Milky Way field workshops along Lake Superior. Workshops are currently on hold; I may offer them again in the future.
St. Cloud-area photography competition Received first- and second-place recognition in a photography competition associated with a St. Cloud art event; exact date to be verified.
An Early Milestone
Two years after establishing Brown Imagery, I presented more than 40 original pieces at Main Street Farmer Eatery in St. Michael. The original announcement below marks an important early exhibition in my photography journey.
Minnesota Leaders of Photography PhotoWalk
The original December 1 event notices identify my participation at the conservatory. The year is not printed on these copies.
Fine-Art Installations
My photography has been purchased for display at Stellis Health in Monticello and Buffalo, Minnesota, and at Dunn Brothers Coffee in St. Michael. These works are installed as part of the spaces themselves, rather than presented as artwork for sale.
