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How did you first get into photog- raphy, specifically the shipping/ waterfront scene? In photography, exploring new subjects pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you develop new skills and perspectives. Our port's longtime mari- time history and the variety of ships that pass through make for a photographer's dream—freighters, tugs, U.S. Coast Guard and now cruise ships. Is photography/videography your primary profession? If not, what is your "day job?" Prior to my retirement, I worked for many years at Northwood Children's Services in Duluth. I fully enjoy the freedom of retirement —family, photography and being a contributing writer and photog- rapher to several Minnesota magazines. What draws you to Great Lakes shipping and the working water- front for images? It is an amazing experience to see the massive ships that come through our port and to think about where they are from and what they are carrying. Add to that the dynamic weather from the start of shipping season to the last ice-encrusted ship coming into port for winter layup. Do you have a personal connection to Lake Superior from growing up in the region or visiting? I was born and raised in Duluth, so I have a strong connection to our area. My husband and I moved to Austin, Texas, in the 1980s, when Lake Superior nearly froze over. I'm thankful that we experienced another place to fully appreciate what we have here at home. Any special equipment or techniques that make your images unique? I go with my instincts and knowledge of photography. When I'm taking photo- graphs in winter, which I think is the most dramatic, I will use every type of hand, foot, toe and body warmer on the market. Are most of your shots planned or spontaneous? I plan for the ships coming in or leaving our port, and I depend on HarborLookout.com to forecast arrival and departure times. My spontaneous shots are, of course, last minute and sometimes they are the best! How do you know when you get a great one? When I say to myself, "WOW!" and I can't wait to get home to review it on my computer. Of course, the basics of a good photograph need to be in place—tech- nique, composition and (most impor- tantly) a photo that tells a story. with Kathleen Wolleat kathleenwolleatphotography.smugmug.com IN FOCUS DULUTHPORT.COM | 17 The Philip R. Clarke arrives under Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge. Built in 1942, the stately cement carrier Alpena glides through the Superior Front Channel.