#LostFoxCities

Stay tuned for short outtakes from my first book, "Lost Fox Cities" leading up to its release on April 1st.

The Valley Inn circa 1920 and the modern hotel that replaced it.

The Valley Inn in Neenah was built in 1916, designed by a native son, George Edwin Bergstrom. 

Edwin Bergstrom was the son of George O. Bergstrom, co-founder of Bergstrom Stove Company and nephew of D.W. Bergstrom, founder of Bergstrom Paper Company.

The majority of Edwin Bergstom's career was spent in Los Angeles, where he helped build that city's skyline in its early days. Edwin Bergrstrom's work is still prominently displayed in Los Angeles today in his buildings such as the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (where Michael Jackson immortalized the Moonwalk,) and in the Los Angeles County General Hospital, setting of the fictional but iconic daily soap opera.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium Los Angeles County General Hospital

In 1916, Bergstrom returned to his hometown to build his only local structure, the Valley Inn.  The hotel was billed as the "finest building of its kind in the state" upon its Grand Opening on September 11th, 1916. For over half a century it was the hub of social and civic gatherings in Neenah and one of the area's most prominent first class hotels.

Decades later, Bergstrom was chosen to be the architect with the daunting task of consolidating all of the contractors for the U.S. Department of Defense into one structure, as they were scattered all over the greater D.C metro area at the time. As challenging as such an undertaking must've been, Bergstrom came up with the design for the Pentagon in just five days.

Construction of the Pentagon began on September 11th, 1941, 25 years to the day after the Grand Opening of th The Pentagon. 9/11, 2001 e Valley Inn in his hometown, and, in a striking coincidence, 60 years to the day prior to being attacked by hijacked airplanes on September 11th, 2001.

By the mid-1960's, the Valley Inn had been surpassed by more modern hotels in the Fox Valley area and it was time for redevelopment. Wrecking balls came in 1967, and a new, more sufficiently modern hotel was built in its place.

This Is The Shot!

Random reflections of my favorite photographs throughout my career. Why I shot them, why I love them, why I think they work, and the stories behind them. Here are the images that, when I looked through my viewfinder, gave me that “This Is The Shot!” moment…

Port Review HartfordWisconsin, Photographer, Model, Wedding, "Wisconsin Wedding Photographer," "Appleton, WI Boudoir Photography"

Utilizing the psychology of color is a common thread in my work.  Scientisits discovered a long time ago that color has a definite effect on our emotions, moods, and perceptions.  Advertisers spend millions of dollars every year simply testing color because they are well aware of it's attributes. 

In the shot above, the color and shade of green utilized was carefully calculated.  Green is the most calming color to the viewer.  The goal of this shot was to portray confidence in beauty, but on a more soothing and refined level.  If red was chosen for the backround and wardrobe, the feel of the photograph would be much different.  The skin tones and gold accessories accentuate the gentle, natural, holistic healing power symbolized by the color green, as does her hand and finger positions around her face.

The rest was up to the model to complete the goal with the right facial expression and attitude, which she pulled off flawlessly.

What do you think? Do you think this is "The Shot?" Why, or why not? Feel free to comment.

If you would like to explore the opportunity for me to capture these moments for you, feel free to contact me through www.scottwittmanvisual.com, or at 920-205-4181. You can also like my new Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for the latest in updates and special offers.