DD PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE SERIES – Glenn Blaszkiewicz loves the photographic subject of Duluth.
Duluth photographer Glenn Blaszkiewicz enjoys a passion for both shipping and photography. Photo submitted
Photographer Glenn Blaszkiewicz loves ships. So much so that he self-deprecatingly describes himself as a “proud boat nerd.”
He enjoys researching the statistics of Great Lakes freighters – such as their length, cargo, and capacity. He loves watching the enormous Lakers enter and exit the port. Fortunately, living in Duluth gives him many terrific opportunities to scratch this itch.
His love of shipping is also how he entered the world of photography. “Initially, I was more interested in shipwrecks,” he noted. “One of my classmates’ dads was on the Edmund Fitzgerald – and sadly perished - when it sank. I still remember Dennis Anderson reporting on it. That really started my interest.”
Later, Blaszkiewicz’s love of boats led him to be one of the original volunteers who helped make the William A. Irvin a museum.
“So, it all goes back to the boats on the big Lake,” he added. “One thing led to another. What started as a hobby of being a boat nerd led to me taking photos. And ships are still one of my favorite things to photograph.”
The SS Meteor, now a museum in Superior, Wisconsin, is shown on a calm night. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Military Family
Blaszkiewicz was born on a U.S. airbase in England. His late father, Henry, was in the United States Air Force when he met and married Glenn’s mother, Sheila.
Although he doesn’t have many memories of living overseas, Blaszkiewicz remembers enjoying the English cakes and cookies his mother was fond of. To this day, Sheila still retains her charming British accent.
The family - including Blaszkiewicz’s two brothers - relocated to Duluth in the 1970s when Henry was reassigned to Duluth’s military airbase. Young Glenn was just 3 or 4.
“I like to say we are ‘first-generation Duluthians,’” he chuckled. “When we first got to Duluth, we lived in a cabin behind Lakeview Castle. I still remember going fishing there, right on Lake Superior.”
After graduating from Duluth East in 1985, he majored in law enforcement at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
Photography
Blaszkiewicz generously shared many details about his photography. While ships are still his favorite subject to capture, he continues to evolve and grow. He also enjoys shooting the Aerial Lift Bridge, doing portrait-style photography, capturing the Northern Lights, and taking macro-style photos of insects and flowers.
“Bridge reflections in Canal Park” – This photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz displays a unique perspective of one of his favorite subjects to shoot: the Aerial Lift Bridge.
“We just have so much natural beauty around here,” he said. “I’m always trying to find new ways to be creative. And, the portraits are fun because you can collaborate with another person on what you both have in mind and bring a story to life.”
Blaszkiewicz is entirely self-taught and started his hobby using traditional methods. “I started with film, and when digital cameras came around, I was skeptical,” he explained. But eventually, he changed with the times.
Today, he uses a Sony mirrorless A7R III mirrorless camera. And, when it comes to lenses, he prefers prime lenses instead of zooms.
“Prime lenses have one focal length,” he said. “You have to zoom with your feet instead of the lens. You really have to slow down before you take the shot. They also let in more light, so they are good for night shoots and capturing things like the Northern Lights.”
He uses a tripod pretty much all the time. He also enjoys using a drone – a DJI Mini 3 – which is particularly helpful when taking photos of ships. “The drone is fun,” he noted. “It’s great for getting a different perspective and views of the ships.”
His favorite ship to photograph is the Great Lakes freighter, SS Wilfred Sykes. “It doesn’t come here very often. It’s a classic older boat that they keep very well-maintained.”
The classic 1949 built steamship "Wilfred Sykes" at the Duluth Port Terminal in July 2021. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz.
Blaszkiewicz’s favorite season for photography is fall, and he especially enjoys night shoots. “Sometimes I’m out there at 2 or 3 in the morning. You can get unique angles that way. And I like the challenge of night photography,” he said.
Glenn Blaszkiewicz got up close and personal with an insect at Duluth’s Rose Garden.
Recognitions
While Blaszkiewicz prefers not to self-promote, he’s been sought out and recognized for his impressive photography over the years. He was looped into the Destination Duluth platforms from the beginning when Managing Director Jerry Thoreson saw his images on Facebook and invited him to participate. Since 2013, Glenn has had 285 photos featured on Destination Duluth, with an astounding 10.7 million views.
One of his proudest achievements has been having his work featured in what he calls the “boat nerd Bible” – an annual book called Know Your Ships, written by Roger LeLievre out of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. “The book is updated every year,” Blaszkiewicz explained. “And every year, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new edition.
“My biggest accomplishment was having my photos featured in the book; twice, they’ve been used for the cover. I like to say those were my ‘Oscar moments.’ And now, Roger has become a good friend, too.”
Glenn enjoying a ride in the 1,000-foot Great Lakes freighter, the Stewart J. Cort. Photo by Mike Sipper.
Goals
Looking ahead, Blaszkiewicz intends to keep learning and growing his talents in the field of photography. “I want to continue exploring new areas so I can keep it fresh,” he said.
On a personal note, this die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan has another goal: seeing his team win the big prize. “I have a lifelong quest to see them get a Superbowl ring before I die,” he said. Blaszkiewicz tries to attend at least one Vikings game per year.
A night photo of the illuminated Old Central High School in Duluth. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Advice
Upon request, Blaszkiewicz offered a few pointers for those wanting to get started in photography. “I would say shoot what you’re comfortable with,” he noted. “Get to know the equipment, and take your time.
“Find out what you like to shoot, and go from there,” he added. “I shoot what I like, and I think that helps me keep it original.”
It also helps that life in the Northland provides so much natural inspiration for budding shutterbugs. “The geography is so amazing here, particularly right on the shoreline,” he said. “It’s like a whole different world here.”
A Lake Superior sunrise, photographed from Park Point. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz
To view or purchase Glenn Blaszkiewicz’ photography, please contact him via Facebook.
For more profiles of Destination Duluth contributing photographers, go here.
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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with more than 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.
