The Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse, scarlet red and usually between the viewer and a deep blue Lake Michigan, is one of the city’s favorite photo locations. It’s also a frequent subject of local pro Ben Martorell, who captured this sunrise on a strikingly calm (and ice-free) morning last February. He submitted the photo to Milwaukee Magazine for consideration for our regular Big Picture feature; it was published in the December issue.
We asked Martorell about this shot and his photography.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
What is your favorite thing about this photo?
I liked everything about this picture, but it was the person fishing on the pier that convinced me to submit it. The individual adds a human element to the scene and makes the shot more compelling than simply a shot of the sunrise. Looking at the picture makes me wonder what the person was thinking and feeling surrounded by the glow of the sunrise. I also got lucky that this person chose to stand at the end of the pier, next to the lighthouse. The position adds a sense of scale to the picture.
By themselves, the clouds, sun, water, and lighthouse create a visually striking image. But the person completes the picture by drawing the viewer in. I hope that when people see this shot they imagine what it would have been like to be on the pier that morning.
Do you often shoot sunrises, or the Pierhead Lighthouse?
I do often take pictures of the sunrise. It is kind of addicting because every morning is unique. I never know what I’ll get, but that’s what makes it fun for me. I have taken several pictures of the lighthouse during the past couple of years including at other times in the day. That morning [in mid-February 2023] I wanted to revisit the lighthouse. It’s a Milwaukee landmark and fun to capture. I was thankful for the calm water and dynamic clouds, and of course I was pleased to see the person fishing there. And luckily, I am pretty much an early riser now and I often wake up before sunrise. Getting up early is enjoyable for me because everything is generally quiet and peaceful.
Do you have a specialty or particular interests from a photography standpoint?
I enjoy taking a variety of pictures – landscapes, nature, architecture, candids and portraits. I look for things that catch my eye such as bright colors, strong contrasts, shapes and patterns. Sometimes I see something I think would look good in black and white, as a silhouette or as an abstract. Backlit leaves are some of my favorite things to photograph, especially in the fall. When sunlight shines through them they look as though they’re glowing.
This year I’ve gotten into drone photography and got my FAA drone license. It’s been so much fun getting pictures of the city from above. The drone adds a whole new dimension to my photography. It’s exciting. It allows me to see the world from a totally different perspective.
Is there anything else you’d want people to know about this photo, yourself or your photography?
My photography is about transporting the viewer to a brief moment in time that I found interesting or meaningful. I want people to imagine what it was like to be there and soak in what I saw and felt. Sharing these moments is very satisfying to me. When photographing weddings, events or portraits, I aim to connect with clients to allow their personalities to shine through. My pictures will last a lifetime and its fulfilling for me to capture important moments in people’s lives.
This interview is edited for length and clarity. Submit your photos to cmamerow@milwaukeemag.com.
