Mike Makes

11/14/2025

Film Friday - My favorite wall of fall colors.

Where is your favorite spot for fall colors?

11/12/2025

Even in La Crosse, you could see the Northern Lights last night. Right after this, as I was getting my gear together to go out, a light band of clouds came through, and I ended up venturing toward Caledonia, MN, where I saw a friend getting good results still.

11/02/2025

Every year, I do a handful of Halloween shoots. This year, with all my travel, I was only able to do one. Here are a few shots from my devilish shoot with Mack.

Have you ever wanted to do a photoshoot? Send me a message and let's talk ideas!

09/19/2025

Film Friday

Weekend nostalgia
Wolfen Color 400 35mm Film on a 120 adapter
- Put through an airport CT Machine by accident
Mamiya C330

Went back to Menomonie, Wisconsin, a few weeks ago, and it was a good time with friends reminiscing about college. This movie theater shut down before I was ever able to see a movie in it. It became a church for a time, and now it sits empty. Seeing the Rivoli in La Crosse make a comeback after new ownership gives me hope that something will come of this old theater in the future.

This film went through a CT scanner unused, so I thought it was a prime candidate for testing out my 35 to 120 film adapter.

09/08/2025

Did you stop by this past weekend for the grand opening of The Rivoli Arts District - RAD? It was amazing to see so many people stop by our studio space. Dylan Overhouse Productions and I (Mike Makes) have had a collaborative studio space in the building for quite some time, and it was great to finally have the public walk through our studio. Dylan and I both work with video and photography, and we both have our own unique style and approach to creative projects. It was great to be able to show the community our work and also talk about everything we do.

It's been a constant work in progress, and as we get new ideas and different creative concepts/pitches come our way, we will be changing the space accordingly.

Want a tour? Let me know!

09/02/2025

Seeing how The Rivoli Arts District - RAD is having its grand opening on Friday, I thought I would finally post my 48 Hour Film submission from the 2nd annual La Crosse 48 Hour Film Festival, put on by the La Crosse Film Academy, and hosted by Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria.

My main goal was to shoot everything on this old camera. And while I didn't win, it was a fun project that got me out of my usual way of filming.

Stop by my studio, and check out all the other artists in the building for the RAD Grand Opening this Friday and Saturday.

The La Crosse Film Academy had its 2nd annual 40 Hour Film Festival back in April, and this was my submission. The object was a red oven mitt, and the action...

07/25/2025

Film Friday - Bloom
Mamiya C330
Kodak Ektar 100

It's been a while since I have loaded up a roll of Ektar, and it's a welcome return. Go for a walk, check out the views, but admire the little things.

07/18/2025

Film Friday - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Film Washi 100 X
Pentax Spotmatic

Back in May, I had the opportunity to visit New York, and The Late Show has always been on my bucket list. I applied for a ticket, received the confirmation email saying I had a ticket, but it didn't guarantee a seat, flew to New York, did the work I was there for, got in line a little late, but I still got in. I was 5 away from being on the main floor, and then the line was diverted to the balcony stairs. I was disappointed, but I'm still glad I made the show.

But then I hear a voice, " We need one person!" I turn around and yell, "I AM ONE PERSON!" They say, "Come with me," and I end up with a front row seat next to the band and sitting right next to the trumpet player's mother. We talked for a while as the show was being set up. She was there as a Mother's Day gift, and the show was to wrap up her Mother's Day weekend. At the end of the show, her son came down and shook my hand, and I got to stand in the midst of the Late Show Band before a page politely ushered me out.

Everyone from the pages, the cameramen, the band, everyone behind the scenes, and Stephen Colbert were a class act. When Stephen came out, he had time for 3 questions, and I wish I had been called on. My question was going to be, "Every show has to come to an end, and when yours finally does, who would be your last guest? They do not have to be famous. They could be anyone from your wife, your best friend, a stranger, or someone you always wanted to meet but never had the chance. Who would it be?

I saw the clip yesterday of Stephen announcing the show's end in 10 months. I think I can speak for most that we are very disappointed in Paramount. I have been watching Stephen since The Daily Show, and I have grown up with his style of humor and watched his career throughout the years. My main form of news is late-night hosts, because with the state of the world currently, if there wasn't a joke thrown in, I would lose my mind.

I hope someone gets to ask the question, and if Stephen sees this, maybe he will answer it.