The Refinery Photo Studio

Meet Tim!

Tim just moved to Milwaukee from Chicago and stopped by the studio to get some new headshots.

We kept it classic, but added a little extra flavor by using a colored backdrop. We also shot on our textured wall. I love the variety we were able to capture during this business headshot session.

Good luck on your future endeavors Tim, and thanks for a great session!

P.S. Fun Fact, my fellow MIAD classmate, Colleen painted our textured wall when we first moved into this space. You can check out her work at Drew Art Inc.

Meet Montana!

Montana is an actor who came to us for update actor headshots! He has a lot of horror films under his belt, and is looking forward to expanding his portfolio.

Thanks for a great session Montana!

Past work that I did with Milwaukee Ballet popped up in my Facebook memories today, and I thought I’d share! I always enjoy the challenge of using still photography to capture an art form that’s all about movement.

Meet Arthur Ircink!

Arthur is a Documentary Filmmaker and Content Producer, Founder and Director of Wisconsin Foodie, and Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Edible Milwaukee.

I photographed some headshots for Arthur a number of years ago, but it was time for a refresh! I really enjoyed creating this cinematic set at the studio, and we got to incorporate some of the cameras that he uses in his work.

Arthur is also responsible for bringing me on for an Edible Milwaukee photoshoot at Dominion Family Farm where I created one of my all time favorite portraits - of a Turkey! At the end of the shoot, one of the turkeys flew and jumped off my shoulder, while another one flew right through the backdrop paper.

Thanks again for a great shoot Arthur!

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jeffery Taylor (a.k.a. JT), the singer and frontman of the Milwaukee-based blues band Altered Five. He was a founding member and helped establish the band in Milwaukee in 2002.

We had the opportunity to work with Altered Five last summer, creating promotional images for their album Chisel and Hammer.

At the shoot, JT was a kind soul and a natural in front of the camera. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of seeing Altered Five perform at Shank Hall for their album release party. It was a packed house, and the energy in the room was electric.

A powerful and distinctive vocalist, Taylor drew frequent comparisons to the giants of blues history. DownBeat magazine declared that “of all the voices in the modern blues arena, one of the finest belongs to Jeff Taylor.” Blues Blast wrote that he possessed a “smooth, warm-toned voice as monumental and undeniable as Howlin’ Wolf, with the finish and flourish of B.B. King.”

Our hearts are with his bandmates, family, and friends. We feel grateful to have spent even a short time in his presence.

Meet Beth Ann Weirick!

Beth has spent more than three decades leading and implementing downtown and civic transformation in Milwaukee as the founding Executive Director of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21.

She built a start-up organization into a nationally recognized, high-performing district responsible for advancing quality of life, economic vitality, and place-based investment. She is currently retired from this position.

I recently worked with Beth as she embarks on a new journey as principal at 4 D Urban Place Solutions, an advisory practice focused on helping downtown executives navigate complex economic, political and operational challenges.

Beth is an absolute delight! I had so much photographing her outside of our studio in Downtown Milwaukee. She is so charaming and positive, and throughout our conversation it was clear that she is genuinely passionate and excited about the city of Milwaukee.

Another fun fact: her daughter is DJ Shawna, the official DJ and producer for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Thanks again for a great session Beth and we wish you luck on your new venture!

Jessica recently finished her degree and wanted to up her game on Linked In.

We did a classic headshot and then more of a portrait option. Sometimes it's nice to have more than one photo in your personal Image Library so that you can choose the right photo for the location it will be used.

Thanks for a great session Jessica! Wishing you much success.

Meet Margaret, a practitioner of Sound Massage, a coffee lover, an avid quilter, and a yoga devotee. Margaret has performed energy work and healing for over 40 years as an RN, Certified Nurse Midwife, Reiki Master, and Nurse Educator.

What is Sound Massage?

Sound massage is another tool in the world of health promotion, stress reduction, holistic health, and disease prevention. Through a series of gentle tappings, the sound and vibration encourages the body to release stress and come into harmony. A body in harmony is the framework for health. Four bowls are placed on the body, each one correlates to different organs in the body.

You can find Margaret at Blue Pearl Sound Massage.

Thank you so much for a great session Margaret!

Meet Sam Coulson, LCSW, a psychotherapist dedicated to helping adults find meaningful change and healing.

With specialized training in EMDR and Brainspotting, Sam supports clients in processing experiences that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach. His trauma-informed approach, combined with a warm and collaborative style, creates a safe space to explore your story and step into your capacity for growth.

Thanks for a great session Sam!

therapist