From Anchors to Apertures: Glenn Blaszkiewicz’s Journey of Ships and Snapshots

by Andrea Busche

DD PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE SERIES – Glenn Blaszkiewicz has a passion for photographing Duluth. 

Duluth photographer Glenn Blaszkiewicz harbors a passion for shipping and photography. Photo provided

Photographer Glenn Blaszkiewicz is enamored with vessels. So much so that he humorously refers to himself as a “proud boat nerd.”

He delights in exploring the specifications of Great Lakes freighters — including their dimensions, cargo capacity, and weight. He takes great pleasure in observing the massive Lakers arrive and depart from the port. Fortunately, residing in Duluth offers him plenty of excellent chances to indulge this interest.

His fascination with shipping is also the route through which he discovered photography. “At first, I was more captivated by shipwrecks,” he remarked. “One of my classmate’s fathers was aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald — and tragically lost his life — when it sank. I still remember Dennis Anderson’s coverage of it. That genuinely sparked my interest.”

Eventually, Blaszkiewicz’s passion for boats led him to become one of the initial volunteers who contributed to transforming the William A. Irvin into a museum.

“So, everything traces back to the boats on the vast Lake,” he elaborated. “One thing led to another. What began as a hobby in boat enthusiasm developed into my photography. And ships remain one of my preferred subjects to shoot.”

The SS Meteor, currently a museum in Superior, Wisconsin, is depicted on a peaceful evening. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz

Military Background

Blaszkiewicz entered the world on a U.S. military base in England. His late father, Henry, served in the United States Air Force at the time he met and wed Glenn’s mother, Sheila.

While he doesn’t hold many memories from his time abroad, Blaszkiewicz recalls relishing the English cakes and cookies that his mother adored. Even today, Sheila maintains her delightful British accent.

The family – including Blaszkiewicz’s two siblings – moved to Duluth during the 1970s when Henry was reassigned to Duluth’s military airbase. Young Glenn was merely 3 or 4 years old.

“I like to proclaim that we are ‘first-generation Duluthians,’” he laughed. “When we initially arrived in Duluth, we resided in a cabin behind Lakeview Castle. I still remember fishing there, right on Lake Superior.”

After completing his education at Duluth East in 1985, he pursued a major in law enforcement at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

Photography

Blaszkiewicz generously shared numerous insights about his photography. While vessels remain his favorite subject, he constantly seeks to evolve and improve. He also enjoys capturing images of the Aerial Lift Bridge, engaging in portrait photography, shooting the Northern Lights, and taking macro photographs of insects and flowers.

“Bridge reflections in Canal Park” – This image taken by Glenn Blaszkiewicz offers a distinctive viewpoint of one of his favorite subjects to capture: the Aerial Lift Bridge.

“We are surrounded by so much natural splendor here,” he noted. “I am always striving to discover new methods of creativity. Moreover, portraits are enjoyable since you can collaborate with another individual on your collective ideas and animate a story.”

Blaszkiewicz is completely self-taught and initiated his hobby using conventional techniques. “I started with film, and when digital cameras emerged, I was initially doubtful,” he shared. However, he eventually adapted to the changing landscape.

Currently, he utilizes a Sony mirrorless A7R III camera. Regarding lenses, he favors prime lenses over zooms.

“Prime lenses are designed for a single focal length,” he explained. “You need to ‘zoom’ with your feet instead of the lens. This approach compels you to take your time before pressing the shutter. They also allow more light, making them excellent for nighttime captures and photographing phenomena like the Northern Lights.”

He employs a tripod almost constantly. Additionally, he enjoys utilizing a drone – a DJI Mini 3 – which proves especially advantageous when photographing ships. “The drone is enjoyable,” he remarked. “It’s fantastic for acquiring unique angles and perspectives of the vessels.”

His most cherished ship to photograph is the Great Lakes freighter, SS Wilfred Sykes. “It doesn’t frequently visit here. It’s a classic older ship that is well-preserved.”

The vintage 1949 constructed steamship “Wilfred Sykes” at the Duluth Port Terminal in July 2021. Photo captured by Glenn Blaszkiewicz.

Blaszkiewicz’s preferred season for photography is autumn, and he particularly relishes nighttime shoots. “Sometimes I’m out there around 2 or 3 in the morning. You can capture distinctive angles that way. And I enjoy the challenge that comes with night photography,” he remarked.

Glenn Blaszkiewicz got up close and personal with an insect at Duluth’s Rose Garden.

Honors

Even though Blaszkiewicz prefers to avoid self-promotion, he has been approached and acknowledged for his remarkable photography throughout the years. He was included in the Destination Duluth platforms from the start when Managing Director Jerry Thoreson viewed his images on Facebook and invited him to get involved. Since 2013, Glenn has had 285 images showcased on Destination Duluth, with an astonishing 10.7 million views.

One of his proudest milestones has been having his work included in what he calls the “boat enthusiast’s Bible” – an annual publication entitled Know Your Ships, authored by Roger LeLievre from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. “The book is revised each year,” Blaszkiewicz detailed. “And with each new edition, I eagerly await to get my copy.

“My greatest triumph was having my images featured in the book; twice, they’ve adorned the cover. I like to refer to those moments as my ‘Oscar moments.’ Plus, Roger has become a close friend as well.”

Glenn relishing a journey in the 1,000-foot Great Lakes freighter, the Stewart J. Cort. Photo by Mike Sipper.

Aspirations

Looking towards the future, Blaszkiewicz aims to continue expanding and enhancing his skills in photography. “I wish to keep discovering new locations to maintain it stimulating,” he expressed.

On a personal level, this devoted Minnesota Vikings supporter has another aspiration: witnessing his team claim the ultimate victory. “I have a lifelong mission to see them earn a Superbowl championship before I pass away,” he stated. Blaszkiewicz strives to attend at least one Vikings match each year.

A nighttime image of the illuminated Old Central High School in Duluth. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz.

Suggestions

When asked, Blaszkiewicz provided a few tips for those eager to enter the realm of photography. “I would suggest capturing what you feel at ease with,” he pointed out. “Familiarize yourself with the gear, and take your time.

“Determine what subjects appeal to you, and proceed from there,” he added. “I capture what I appreciate, and I believe that helps me maintain originality.”

It is also beneficial that life in the Northland offers abundant natural motivation for aspiring photographers. “The landscape is so captivating here, especially right along the coast,” he noted. “It feels like an entirely different universe here.”

A sunrise over Lake Superior, captured from Park Point. Photo by Glenn Blaszkiewicz.

To view or acquire Glenn Blaszkiewicz’ photography, please reach out to him via Facebook.

For additional profiles of Destination Duluth contributing photographers, visit here.

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Andrea Busche is a freelance writer and entrepreneur based in Duluth + the surrounding region. She has over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital media and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.