MIDWEST VISIONS

 

Ernest J. Schweit’s passion for photography began with a box camera his father gave him when he was 7. He carried that love through a 30-plus year career as a newspaper editor and writer, nurturing it with a self-guided journey that included a heavy dose of experience, a smattering of formal education and hours of sorting through the work of his favorite photographers.

 

As his style developed, he produced stunning rural landscapes and intense abstract florals that appeared in galleries, art fairs, and a variety of public spaces.

 

In April of 2009, Ernest left newspapers to work on his photography full-time and to devote his time to the studio that  he operates with his wife, Maureen, M. Fisher Studios LLC. At nearly the same time, his first photo book, “Wisconsin Barns,” was published by Farcountry Press.

 

The award-winning, 80-page book is a loving tribute to the rural history of Wisconsin and the old wooden structures that still dot that state’s landscape. Schweit spent two years with author Nancy Schumm-Burgess traveling the Wisconsin’s back roads, talking to farmers about their love of the land and photographing their old wooden barns. Schweit’s commercial work includes editorial, portraiture, events and weddings.

 

His love of photography and the other arts led Schweit to help create the Grayslake Arts Alliance, a community based, non-for-profit arts group.

 

He has also taught at Harper College in Palatine, developing specialized classes in flower, barn, and portrait photography.

 

Samples of Ernest J. Schweit’s work can be seen at

www.ernestjschweitphotography.com

and www.ernestjschweit.blogspot.com.

 

Follow him on facebook at Ernest J. Schweit Photography on Twitter and on Instagram.

>> More about Ernest J. Scweit's exhibit
      at the Perkowitz Art Studio