Content about Dan Patrinos

Before William Mueller ever picks up his camera – or even thinks about it – months may have passed while an idea festers, words play in his head, and sets are built.

Bill’s brain children are born somewhere between sleep and dreaming, he half jokes in explaining the origin of his conceptual photographs. “I always keep a notebook handy for sketches and ideas. The same goes with my camera bag – always a notebook with me.”

A CoPA member since 2008, Bill has served two terms as a Board member,  vice president, and chair of the Exhibitions Committee.

He picked up a camera as a way to illustrate his writing as a teenager: the writing fell aside, but the photography stayed. Bill’s interests turned to conceptual photography about 10 years ago.

“I guess I’m a closet model maker although I did not make models as a kid,” Bill said in an email interview. “I collect things that trigger ideas that trigger an image title that triggers the final photograph.”

Bob Israel is CoPA’s new president, the group’s third since it was formed in 2004. He succeeds Robb Quinn, who held the presidency for three terms since 2008 and did not run for re-election.

The CoPA Board of Directors elected new officers for one-year terms at its monthly meeting May 31 at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Other officers elected are:

Photographs by CoPA members Frank Miller and Coree Coppinger are featured in the Shepherd Express’ recently released 10th annual City Guide.

Frank’s photograph in the 2011 City Guide’s What’s New section is of a scene from the Optimist Theatre’s outdoor production of The Tempest at Alverno College. Coree’s image of children at play at Milwaukee’s Summerfest highlights the festival section of the City Guide.

CoPA member Erik Ljung is admittedly shy but having a camera in front of his face is his good excuse to interact with strangers he might otherwise be reluctant to approach.

“My camera is the perfect excuse to put myself in sticky situations,” the 27-year old photographer said. “I use my camera as a tool. I study photography and photographers all day, every day – it consumes me – but I rarely photograph without a purpose.”

Opening night at CoPA’s annual members’ photography show was a resounding success. Despite the stormy weather, crowds flocked to the exhibition of nearly 400 images.

“In all that rain, it was a great turnout, it was a huge success,” said Geri Laehn, exhibit coordinator, of the Friday night opening. “And Saturday was a continuous flow of people. This was the most exciting opening of any event that CoPA has ever sponsored.”