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How did you first get into photography, specifically the shipping/waterfront scene? I first got into photography shooting the railroad scene. Photographing ships wasn't really on my radar until I visited the area with my father for college orientation. We happened to be around Canal Park when the freighter Michipicoten arrived. That first catch inspired me to get another, and it snowballed from there. What draws you to Great Lakes shipping and the working waterfront for images? The biggest draw for me is the history. Every freighter is unique in some little detail or notable event throughout its career. There always seems to be something new about the vessels or the docks that I can learn to better understand where the industry has come from and where it might be heading. How would you describe your photography work? My work is a storytelling device. I focus on how I can best connect the photo to what's going on and hopefully teach someone about an aspect of either the ship or that region of the harbor. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I per- sonally believe a good description helps people better understand the context. Providing someone with ground-level information that inspires them to dig into a topic and discover other photographers brings me joy. Are most of your shots planned or spontaneous? I'll usually plan at least one photo in a batch as something I want to try or document, such as using the sun behind a lighthouse to mimic an active beacon, placing a new item near the water, or shooting an area set for redevelopment. There are so many variables that can improve one spot unexpectedly or block another location at the last second. The rush to find new angles has ended up netting some of my favorite spots around the harbor. Quick turnaround time helps clear my brain and provides a spark of inspiration. How do you know when you get a great one? After I get home and take a closer look at my photos, the gems pop out. Usually, there are subtle differences, such as the angle of the boat, the lighting or just how the waves look. Once I notice those little details, a shot can quickly become a personal favorite. DULUTHPORT.COM | 17 William Krieg's early interest in photographing trains and ships grew sharper when he moved to the Twin Ports in 2019 to study transportation and logistics management at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Since graduating, he now lives in the region full time. with William Krieg IN FOCUS Launched in 1949, the lake freighter Wilfred Sykes still strikes an eye-catching pose for port photographers.