ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Jessica Kaminski
Lead Photographer/Owner/Ship Captain
My mother is Puerto Rican, and my father is Polish, so I came up with the term, "Polarican". As you may have guessed, from a very young age I knew I was going to have to forge my own way, because I didn't quite fit neatly into the paths that were already in existence.
I have always been artistic, but never had the opportunity to take a photography class before being introduced to it at MIAD in 1997. This was during the time of film based photography, and when I saw those dark rooms with their mysterious chemicals and the magic of seeing images appear on paper, I was hooked.
After discovering a love for photography, I found something magical about photographing people. Humans have an innate fascination with imagery that captures the essence of others, and I'm privileged to be a part of that process
My travels have been an incredible source of inspiration, exposing me to diverse cultures, landscapes, and perspectives that inform my work as a photographer. Beyond photography, I find joy in Improv, cinema, and the occasional very dry martini.
I love working with the entrepreneurs, the travelers, and anyone who has something that they want to express about themselves visually. Our clients are Corporate CEO's, stage actors, small business owners, dancers, movers and shakers, big thinkers, and everyone in between. If I can help you reach your goals and dreams, whether it is a business goal or a personal celebration, then I feel that I've served my purpose.
Photography Education
- B.F.A. in Photography from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)
- Studying abroad at Studio Art Centers International in Florence Italy.
Professional Experience
Some of the fun things I've done in my 25 years of experience include:
- Traveling with and assisting commercial and editorial photographers
- Teaching photography courses
- Working as a staff photographer for a prominent midwest magazine
- Photography Director at a major film festival
- Working as Production Designer on a movie starring Sean Astin
Recognition and Awards
- A Milwaukee 99 award for my advertising photography for the Milwaukee Ballet
- Several Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism awards when I was a staff photographer.
- Most recently, I received official recognition from the City of Milwaukee and Mayor Tom Barrett for my "trailblazing efforts as a business owner"
- I've even had the tremendous opportunity to grace the cover of MKE Lifestyle Magazine when I released a photography book called The Milwaukee Beard Book.