Senior Charlie Schmelzer discovered his passion for photography during his freshman year. His interest was provoked during a trip to the Pacific Northwest where he and his family visited Portland, Ore. and Seattle.
“The hiking trails were so scenic and beautiful, so I began taking photos of the sites with my iPhone,” Schmelzer said.
After his collection of iPhone images piled up, Schmelzer decided to explore photography further with his parents’ old cameras and a Nikon D7100. He began by photographing scenes of downtown Cedarburg and sought to refine his skills by taking photography class with art teacher Deb Mortl. Schmelzer said the class enhanced his understanding of editing techniques, learning how to adjust lighting and improve images using Photoshop. While much of Schmelzer’s growth came independently, the class provided valuable technical insights.
Schmelzer’s photography style has evolved over time. Living in Wisconsin, where daylight is often limited, he has developed an appreciation for night photography, focusing on neon signs and illuminated buildings. “I’m inspired by the way light interacts with its surroundings,” Schmelzer said, “particularly in how spotlights and illuminated shapes create a sense of mystery.” He shared that doors and isolated spaces intrigue him as well since they suggest hidden stories and unknown possibilities. Schmelzer also experiments with light painting and long-exposure photography. According to him, the movement of light in an image becomes an art form in itself, adding depth and story telling to his work.
Music plays a significant role in his creative process. While editing photos, he said he listens to artists whose music aligns with the mood of his work. Bands such as Mt. Joy and Houndmouth contribute to a folky, Southern aesthetic, while Coma Cinema and Fog Lake capture the atmospheric feel of night photography. “Music influences the way I perceive colors, helping them bring out specific tones and emotions in their images,” he said.
What Schmelzer enjoys most about photography “is the process of wandering and discovering unique perspectives.” He likes to challenge himself to notice details others may overlook and encourage people to see the world differently. The idea of “capturing time in a bottle” resonates deeply with Schmelzer. “Since the lockdown, I’ve experienced overwhelming amounts of derealization,” he said. Photography has served as a grounding force, helping him stay present and mindful. It has become both an artistic outlet and therapeutic practice.
Moving forward, Schmelzer plans to attend UW-Stout to study computer science with a minor in creative writing. His goal is to merge his interests in technology and storytelling by pursuing a career in game creation and narrative design.
In addition to his passion for photography, Schmelzer has played volleyball since the fifth grade and hopes to continue playing at the club level in college.
