Two climbers needed to do photo shoot at Petenwell Rock, Necedah WI

I'm working on a DVD project called "Wisconsin Postcards; Then vs. Now" and I would like two volunteers to help recreate a modern version of a 1920's photo taken from the top of Petenwell Rock. I need a halfway photogenic female climber to pose exactly the same way with the flag...and since I'm not good with heights I need to find someone else to hand the camera over to. I can provide the flag and a camera. The payment is entirely negotiable but I'm rather hoping to find a couple who are more motivated by the results than the pay. The photo needs to be done before the Fall colors arrive or sooner. Contact me here or egrzenia@hotmail.com and check out my personal Facebook page for examples of my now vs. then work. -Eric Grzenia, Mauston WI

Petenwell Rock, Necedah, WI

PM sent with a possible girl.

Might not be as hard to get to that spot as you think, especially if you had some of these folks to help you get up.

Doug Hemken wrote:Might not be as hard to get to that spot as you think, especially if you had some of these folks to help you get up.

Sunda like that aint the problem, sound like he's to chicken to climb up cuz he's fraid of heights. It's cool though cuz I'm fraid of dogs. Everybody got ther own fears.

There's one route to the top that doesn't require any gear and it's relatively simple...but the trip back down offers a view that is not for the timid. I keep going back and I quit at the same spot every time. I'm such a loser!

I get a little turned around, but isn't getting up there a simple scramble? Seems like the area is accessible by heading up the saddle as if you were going from Air to Hell Wall, but just keep clambering up. I think I've ended up that way just looking for a place to nap...

I just want the picture. I'm not a climber and I'm OK with sitting this one out. Besides, I think the simple way to the top takes me to the wrong peak. I believe the 1920's photo was taken about two chimneys closer to the bridge from where the summit is. I have no idea how the flapper girl got to that spot when all the locals say that there is no other way up.

I believe that she is sitting at or near where the chains of Fire in the Sky are. Just a bit north of the top of Air. I don't know if there is a 3rd or 4th class way to the top there.

I have a pic of me where I think she is sitting in that spot at home. I'll look when I get home and see if it's the same.

thanks pal!

This is Matt and I just north of the top of Air , just over a small notch. Where I am thinking that your photo was taken is about 100 yards north of this spot, I think. I'll post a pic later tonight.

So, I guess the dam widened out the river just north of that?

Matt and I on top. April 2013.

I don't think there is. Fire in the Sky goes vertically up the northeast corner of the formation.

A budget model rate for this type of shoot would be $100-$200 per hour. Add specialized skills, travel time, and that number should be much higher.

I am not telling anyone what they should do or that they should not help out for free if they want to but feel anyone participating should at least know what the prevailing rates would be.

I think he's looking mostly for a volunteer who would be happy to be the photo client in reward for their time...but a nice stipend would be helpful in attracting someone for the job....going rates probably not going to apply though. Unless you want to start over and set this up through Kickstarter for funding!!

But if you accept some scrilla dolla billas then you can consider yourself a professional climber! Move over sharma!

This is top of Fire in the Sky. The postcard might even have been taken farther north.

Top of Fire in the Sky, April 2013

that really looks like the same spot for sure,,,even to the tree growing off to the left.

Woodchuck ATC wrote:I think he's looking mostly for a volunteer who would be happy to be the photo client in reward for their time...but a nice stipend would be helpful in attracting someone for the job....going rates probably not going to apply though. Unless you want to start over and set this up through Kickstarter for funding!!

Just offering the info, too many times these days people are looking for "volunteers" for their commercial projects. As a shooter in the business for many years I always pay. My client uses the images to make money so my belief is that anyone I bring into a given project deserves a fair cut of the venture. However, as I said in my first post I only offer the info as a heads up and encourage anyone that wants to do this or any project for free to do as they like.

Seriously? It sure doesn't sound like this dude is gonna get rich off this. I'll drag my wife up the cliff for free if nobody else will. Just to help a brother out with a cool sounding project. She's "half way photogenic". Lol. Sheesh. This is not an American Express commercial.

Ben Mahaffy and I met Eric on Saturday while he was passing out fliers about his project and looking for volunteers. His project sounded very cool and both of us said we'd be interested in bringing our women down for the shoot. Help a fellow out and I'm sure he'd give you a copy of the picture. What's to lose? Do a little climbing, take a picture, and get a memory for life.

Allow me to elaborate: I'm not a major magazine publisher and I can't afford a supermodel. I work in retail. (Though my credentials include shooting over 200 weddings, but I only do a couple per year now) As a collector of vintage Wisconsin postcards I often wondered what these places look like today. And so began my venture into "rephotography." In the past two years I've spent thousands in travel, for soundtrack rights, etc. and I have yet to hire a professional video producer to put it all together. I realize that I may never make enough in DVD sales to pay for all the expenses... and that is why I want to find two volunteers who would be motivated by the EXPERIENCE and not the pay. This project sometimes requires local residents to pose as "models" and I often thank them with McDonalds gift cards plus I offer them a free DVD. In this case I'm confident I can find two people who would do it for $100 ($50 per person) plus copies of the DVD when it's completed. I really want this photo for the opening titles. I intend to sell these DVD's on Ebay, local gift shops, and postcard shows.

Wow! Thanks Chris (great shot!) Skyler, and all you others for your help thus far!

To my eye it looks like the original was shot further north than Chris' picture.

Eric, the reason I suggest you try to get up there yourself is so you have more control over the photo you get. Plus its a challenge. Gonna be hard to match that wind, though!

Cool project, I always enjoy looking at then-and-now photos!