How photography became one Wisconsin man’s way of protecting the Apostle Islands

Peter Wagner’s photography journey began more than 50 years ago when his brother handed him a 35 millimeter camera. Now, he’s using his skills to help preserve the beauty of the Apostle Islands.

Wisconsin-based photographer Peter Wagner had a pretty lofty personal goal: He wanted to visit every US state before turning 60. 

And he did, hitting his last state in October 2012, just two months before his 60th birthday.

“My photography is driven by my love of nature and travel,” Wagner said. “Influenced by the joy I experience through quiet, understated architectural design, and stimulated by the colors and shapes present in each sunrise and sunset.”

Now retired, Wagner still enjoys photography, using his skills to support the Friends of the Apostle Islands, an organization focused on preserving and enhancing the experience of Apostle Islands visitors.

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Wagner’s photography career began as the photo editor of his high school yearbook in Connecticut. His first camera was a gift from his brother, a US Navy veteran, after being stationed in Japan. 

“When he came back, he decided he was going to go get his master’s and go into journalism,” Wagner said. “And so he gave me the camera he brought back, and it was a basic 35 millimeter.”

He continued in the photography business working in the specially polished concrete industry, where he traveled nationwide to teach others how to dye, stain, and create unique design work with polished concrete. 

Wagner moved to the Bayfield Peninsula in June 2020, where the local landscape inspired the launch  of his website, Superior Photographic. 

“My [Lake] Superior focus was kickstarted on the shores of Lake Superior at Little Sand Bay in Russell, Wisconsin on the northern tip of the Bayfield Peninsula in December of 2019,” Wagner said. “A brilliant sunset coloring the sky, the lake, and the ice.”

Many of Wagner’s photographs feature locations within the Lake Superior Circle Tour region. Twice this year, his work has been selected as Photo of the Week by the Lake Superior Circle Tour Guide.

In 2023, Wagner reached out to Friends of the Apostle Islands, became a “business member,” and took part in a volunteer effort on Michigan Island.

Friends of the Apostle Islands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the experiences of those visiting the Apostle Islands. With a strong partnership with the National Park Service and community, the organization focuses on accessibility, education, stewardship, and service in their work.

The organization provides a range of volunteer opportunities, such as planting beach grass, caring for historic lighthouse gardens, clearing and maintaining trails, and helping with events.

When he first joined the organization, Wagner said he was eager to give back: “I am excited to be a member and supporter of this amazing organization, and cannot wait for my next opportunity to help guarantee the future of the Apostle Islands for my children and grandchildren.”

As a Friends of the Apostle Islands business member, Wagner supports the organization through his photography business. Several times a year, Friends of the Apostle Islands gives supporters the opportunity to purchase photographs through his website. 

Supporters receive a 20% discount on photography purchases, while Friends of the Apostle Islands receives a donation from Superior Photographic equal to 25% of the gross sales from those purchases.

The money raised goes directly to preserving the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands, supporting educational programs, and enhancing visitor experiences throughout the area.

Wagner said his experience as a business member has been “fantastic.” He said in the future, he wants to work with other nonprofit organizations in a similar way.

“I’ve got just a number of different groups that I’ve reached out to or reaching out to,” Wagner said.

If you’re interested in helping to protect the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Friends of the Apostle Islands offers numerous ways to get involved.