Going Deep…

Tamara Thomsen with Diversions Scuba explores an abandoned cave near Potosi, WI.

I can’t express how excited I was for this recent project with Madison Magazine. The goal was to highlight the mysterious underwater world surrounding the Madison area, and the people who explore it.

I’ve been shooting underwater photos for more than a decade, but the subject matter is mostly in pools capturing fashion, models and editorial. Although I love this kind of work, there's an unmatched serenity that comes from submerging yourself beneath the lake's surface, and not seeing the bottom. Underwater photography is an art that encapsulates the peace and enchantment of a rarely explored world, where nature and forgotten man-made treasures continue to flourish… mostly undisturbed.

Behind-the-scenes shot with Tamara Thomsen of Diversions Scuba at an abandoned mine near Potosi, WI.

This projects certainly held its challenges, with leaking underwater housing, lacerations from razor sharp zebra mussels (for which I probably should have received stitches), plumes of algae, bad weather and of course low-light. But every struggle and challenge makes the prize sweeter. I love underwater work because it is difficult. The prep is time intensive. It is physically challenging. The post production work is a nightmare, and electrical gear does not do well around water. But it is also the most beautiful and rewarding work, and it’s the experience itself that makes it truly special. There's a unique sense of calmness that descends upon you as you dive below the surface. Almost a meditative experience - where time slow down, and the only sounds are the muffled rhythm of your heartbeat and the gentle lapping of water.

Being able to capture these photos and shoot the cover of this month’s Madison Magazine, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for photography with my love for diving, and I am humbled to share a glimpse of its beauty.

August cover of Madison Magazine. This is the 14th cover I photographed for the publication.

Returning to the stage

The sun hammered the Bratfest grounds, as I left the backstage tent. The country band Frank Martin Busch and the Names just finished its soundcheck, and stepped backstage for a quick prayer.

I was excited to be backstage again. The last concert I shot was for O.A.R. in Chicago. It seems like a lifetime ago. I was a writer, juggling freelance reporting, with a draw toward features. Music was a sanctuary for when the demands of politics and open-record requests became too suffocating. I would interview bands, snap shots during the show and spend the rest of the night backstage.

I often joke when people ask about that time in my life, and make a quick reference to the Cameron Crowe movie, “…ever seen ‘Almost Famous’…?” I’d ask. “Well, I was almost, almost… almost famous.” There’s definitely stories, but nothing on par with the 2000 film. I always tried to be the most sober guy in the room. It was an honor to be there and I was a guest. A lot of musicians and techs never understood my philosophy, but I always thought it was better to be invited back to the next party, then to be punchline of it.

As Frank Martin Busch and the Names took the stage, the heat became a mere afterthought. I switched between my Canon R5 with a 24-70mm and a 5D Mark IV, equipped with a 70-200mm, catching wide angels and tight shots to freeze the energy and emotion on Frank’s face. His shows are a mix of country songwriting, with blues guitaring, but above all else, Frank is a storyteller, and a damn good one.

I’ve seen plenty of shows and I’ve seen plenty of bands, but not all of them are entertainers. I’ve seen some of the best bands in the world fail to connect with a stadium full of fans, and I’ve seen a single musician silence a crowded bar on a Saturday night. Frank’s shows strive for this connection.

The only regret I have - when it comes to concert photography - is no matter how much I try, how far I push it, images and videos just can’t capture the essence or the bond created between a live musician and their fans.  

Early morning wakeboarding

The temperature hovered around 46 degrees, but the excitement made the air tolerable. The sun peeked above the horizon and gleamed across the smooth waters of Lake Mendota. That morning, I had the privilege of photographing national and world wakeboarding champion, Kayla Ruedebusch, as she rode her newly released signature pro-model wakeboard, courtesy of Jackpine Wakesurf. Having her own custom-made board at 20-years-old is a testament to her skill and determination.

As the boat skipped across the lake, I hung off the back, white-knuckling my Canon R5, equipped with a 24-70mm f/2.8, which although water resistant, was not lake-bottom proof. . With each jump, spin and cut of the board, Kayla demonstrated her mastery of the sport. Her unwavering focus left me in awe, and I tried to capture Kayla’s intensity and precision.

The sheer joy of her performance lead me to board a second boat and unleash the power of my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, immersing myself in a world where passion and adrenaline converged.

In that moment, I understood that this was more than a mere photoshoot. This was Kayla’s odyssey, a tale of courage and determination, where her dreams came to life, and limits are shattered. It was a reminder that in our pursuit of passion, we embrace the unfamiliar, let go of our fears, and allow ourselves to be carried by our drive for better..

To Kayla, I extend a heartfelt congratulations on the release of your new signature wakeboard. May it carry you to new heights and inspire the next generation of wakeboarders. And to all those who dare to chase their dreams, may this serve as a reminder that the greatest adventures occur when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the challenges and the unknown.