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DULUTHPORT.COM | 17 How did you first get into photogra- phy, specifically the shipping scene? I got into photography back in 2012, when I was recovering from a long lifetime of alcohol abuse. The camera helped me stay busy and interested. It was a really positive way to leave an old life behind. I lived right in Agate Bay, Two Harbors, where I could see the ships coming and going right from my house. As I got into more photography and was driving around the North Shore and Duluth area, I'd make my way to Canal Park for the boats under the lift bridge. Such an iconic sight. Is photography your primary profes- sion? If not, what is your "day job?" It has become my primary profession. I do drone work commercially and I have an in-person studio I'm hoping to open this fall. I've slowly been getting into video work, and I've even contributed to some documentaries. I get to do all of this with my best friend and wife, there to support me on the business side. What draws you to Great Lakes shipping and the working water- front for images? Mainly Lake Superior and the majestic beauty of it all. The ships are really cool, considering how big they are. They are like floating cities. A big ore boat smash- ing through the waves always makes my day. It's so cool to see them in the canal, with the crews waving to everyone watching the boats. Do you have a personal connection to Lake Superior from growing up in the region? Visiting? I've always lived right next to the lake. Growing up, I played along the shores, and fishing and swimming really helped me feel connected to the lake. I used to scuba dive and loved checking out shipwrecks and the interesting structure of Lake Superior. Do you have other specialty focus areas in addition to shipping?" I love the night sky. It's always best over water, particularly Lake Superior, but also over inland rivers and lakes. I used to be into birding—capturing raptors, eagles, and hawks with my camera. I worked with the Peregrine Society and really enjoyed it. How would you describe your approach to photography? I've always thought of it like how the song goes: "In and around the lake" and now even above, with my drone and night sky shooting. Are most of your shots planned or spontaneous? It's a combination. For the most part, I would say spontaneous, because that is just how the lake brings it to you. You never know what you're going to get, no matter how you plan. Following apps for the sunrise/moonrise locations has brought me to different areas. I'll even take a boat to get to areas inaccessible by land. How do you know when you get a great one? I usually find myself yelling "Woohoo!" That was the case for my favorite shot that I'd been hoping to get for years. I finally saw it come through in the back of the camera. That shot is called "Framed in Fall." It put the Split Rock Lighthouse perfectly in a golden wave, with fall colors in the background. You can't plan for that kind of thing. with Christian Dalbec christiandalbec.com IN FOCUS