September, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #2: Gunther Schabestiel
This month, we’re pleased to feature Navy Veteran and longtime photographer Gunther Schabestiel, whose journey behind the camera began at just 12 years old.
From his years as a Navy Photographer in Japan and California to a decades-long career capturing everything from architecture to high-speed automotive testing, Gunther has witnessed—and embraced—the remarkable evolution of photography. Today, his creative process often begins by getting into the woods, where observation and exploration continue to inspire his work.
Name:
Gunther Schabestiel
Branch of service:
Navy
About:
Footprints thru a life in Photography - My father introduced me to photography when I was 12 years old. In junior and senior high school I worked as a photographer on the yearbook and literary magazine. As a Navy Photographer, I spent 2 years in Japan and 2 years in California. Back home in Michigan, I worked the night shift at a photo lab and began to shoot architecture and commercial jobs during the day. At Ford Motor Company, I worked as a darkroom photo technician and advanced to photography while learning High Speed Film at the Ford Crash Barrier. A similar position opened at Chrysler in 1998, and in 2000, was converted to full time employee status. At Chrysler Photographic I had many responsibilities: high speed video, real time video, on board video with lipstick cameras and of course stills, shooting, printing, editing, and uploading to servers and web sites for internal publications and documentation.
I have seen many changes in photography, especially the equipment that l used. The list includes: Calumet, Linhof, Mamia, Fujix, Hasselblad, Pentax, Leica, Nikon, Cannon. For 16mm Film: Cannon Scoopic, Bolex, Photosonic 16-1B, Photech, Hy-Cam, Low-Cam with Fiber Optics. For High Speed Video: Kodak Ekta-Pro, Kodak HG2000, NAC, Panasonic, Toshiba Lipstick In 2001, I sold my traditional wet darkroom. I now print on an Epson 4800 that has a capacity to print 17 inch by any length. I prefer the premium luster paper for its rich Tone reproductions and contrast range.
Artist Moniker:
Retired Photographer
Website:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/49272781@N03/
Title of Piece:
Grand Haven Michigan
Medium of Piece:
Photography...night time exposure
Meaning Behind Piece:
Night time is an exciting time for photography.
Pieces:
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
The Navy really launched my career.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
Getting into the woods.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
Once a vet always a vet. Thanks for reminding me.
Our monthly theme is Inspired by Nature, but Gunther submitted this when we were celebrating Harvest. Here’s what he had planned:
Making more pictures!
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Excelsior!
