The Refinery Photo Studio

Name: The Refinery Photo Studio
Address: 229 E Wisconsin Avenue Suite 904, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, US
Telephone: +14143508943
Price range: $$$
Rating: 5

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The Refinery Photo Studio

The Refinery Photo Studio is a boutique photography studio serving Milwaukee, WI and beyond. The Refinery is a photography studio unlike any other.
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We specialize in headshots and portraits for individuals, small businesses, and corporations. Based in the historic Railway Exchange Building in Downtown Milwaukee and run by award-winning photographer Jessica Kaminski, the core goal/mission of the studio is simple: Rethink Portraiture. The Refinery was created to be a unique creative environment curated to meet clients’ varying photographic needs

. Whether it is headshots for career advancement, highlighting the power of your team, celebrating an important milestone or creating a fantasy persona to inhabit - The Refinery will work with you to create not only a portrait to love, but one that is a timeless representation of your best self. Working with Jessica, clients are encouraged to think outside the box with their sessions and with the help of The Refinery team, take ideas up a notch to create professional and original images. "A portrait is not made in the camera, but on either side of it" - Edward Steichen

05/27/2026

Meet Tim!

Tim just moved to Milwaukee from Chicago and stopped by the studio to get some new headshots.

We kept it classic, but added a little extra flavor by using a colored backdrop. We also shot on our textured wall. I love the variety we were able to capture during this business headshot session.

Good luck on your future endeavors Tim, and thanks for a great session!

P.S. Fun Fact, my fellow MIAD classmate, Colleen painted our textured wall when we first moved into this space. You can check out her work at Drew Art Inc.

05/20/2026

Meet Montana!

Montana is an actor who came to us for update actor headshots! He has a lot of horror films under his belt, and is looking forward to expanding his portfolio.

Thanks for a great session Montana!

05/14/2026

Past work that I did with Milwaukee Ballet popped up in my Facebook memories today, and I thought I’d share! I always enjoy the challenge of using still photography to capture an art form that’s all about movement.

05/07/2026

Meet Arthur Ircink!

Arthur is a Documentary Filmmaker and Content Producer, Founder and Director of Wisconsin Foodie, and Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Edible Milwaukee.

I photographed some headshots for Arthur a number of years ago, but it was time for a refresh! I really enjoyed creating this cinematic set at the studio, and we got to incorporate some of the cameras that he uses in his work.

Arthur is also responsible for bringing me on for an Edible Milwaukee photoshoot at Dominion Family Farm where I created one of my all time favorite portraits - of a Turkey! At the end of the shoot, one of the turkeys flew and jumped off my shoulder, while another one flew right through the backdrop paper.

Thanks again for a great shoot Arthur!

05/04/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jeffery Taylor (a.k.a. JT), the singer and frontman of the Milwaukee-based blues band Altered Five. He was a founding member and helped establish the band in Milwaukee in 2002.

We had the opportunity to work with Altered Five last summer, creating promotional images for their album Chisel and Hammer.

At the shoot, JT was a kind soul and a natural in front of the camera. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of seeing Altered Five perform at Shank Hall for their album release party. It was a packed house, and the energy in the room was electric.

A powerful and distinctive vocalist, Taylor drew frequent comparisons to the giants of blues history. DownBeat magazine declared that “of all the voices in the modern blues arena, one of the finest belongs to Jeff Taylor.” Blues Blast wrote that he possessed a “smooth, warm-toned voice as monumental and undeniable as Howlin’ Wolf, with the finish and flourish of B.B. King.”

Our hearts are with his bandmates, family, and friends. We feel grateful to have spent even a short time in his presence.

04/29/2026

Meet Beth Ann Weirick!

Beth has spent more than three decades leading and implementing downtown and civic transformation in Milwaukee as the founding Executive Director of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21.

She built a start-up organization into a nationally recognized, high-performing district responsible for advancing quality of life, economic vitality, and place-based investment. She is currently retired from this position.

I recently worked with Beth as she embarks on a new journey as principal at 4 D Urban Place Solutions, an advisory practice focused on helping downtown executives navigate complex economic, political and operational challenges.

Beth is an absolute delight! I had so much photographing her outside of our studio in Downtown Milwaukee. She is so charaming and positive, and throughout our conversation it was clear that she is genuinely passionate and excited about the city of Milwaukee.

Another fun fact: her daughter is DJ Shawna, the official DJ and producer for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Thanks again for a great session Beth and we wish you luck on your new venture!

04/16/2026

A promotional shoot with professional dancer Phairra for the upcoming event “Satin Doll”.

Hosted by Milwaukee County Historical Society, this live music event on April 29, 2026, will celebrate Milwaukee’s Minnette Wilson, the alleged inspiration for Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll”.

What to Expect: Live jazz from Jon Mroz and the Troubadours of Rhythm and the Tael Estremera Trio, with a spotlight dance by Phairra Ahmani Jones portraying Minnette Wilson. Pianist Trace Ellington, a descendant of Duke Ellington, will also perform.

Photography:
HMUA:
BTS and event Promoter:

04/14/2026

Jessica recently finished her degree and wanted to up her game on Linked In.

We did a classic headshot and then more of a portrait option. Sometimes it's nice to have more than one photo in your personal Image Library so that you can choose the right photo for the location it will be used.

Thanks for a great session Jessica! Wishing you much success.

04/13/2026

Meet Margaret, a practitioner of Sound Massage, a coffee lover, an avid quilter, and a yoga devotee. Margaret has performed energy work and healing for over 40 years as an RN, Certified Nurse Midwife, Reiki Master, and Nurse Educator.

What is Sound Massage?

Sound massage is another tool in the world of health promotion, stress reduction, holistic health, and disease prevention. Through a series of gentle tappings, the sound and vibration encourages the body to release stress and come into harmony. A body in harmony is the framework for health. Four bowls are placed on the body, each one correlates to different organs in the body.

You can find Margaret at Blue Pearl Sound Massage.

Thank you so much for a great session Margaret!

04/09/2026

Meet Sam Coulson, LCSW, a psychotherapist dedicated to helping adults find meaningful change and healing.

With specialized training in EMDR and Brainspotting, Sam supports clients in processing experiences that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach. His trauma-informed approach, combined with a warm and collaborative style, creates a safe space to explore your story and step into your capacity for growth.

Thanks for a great session Sam!

therapist

Address

229 E Wisconsin Avenue Suite 904
Milwaukee, WI
53211

Telephone

+14143508943

Website

http://RefineryMKE.com/

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