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ABOUT
Here's where you can read about what we do as well as what Andrea's all about and her background! In addition you can read about Andrea's two Facebook Page Editors, Bill Kloss who covers Cleveland and surrounding OH, PA and MI areas and Jon Columbus who covers Duluth, Minnesota and surrounding MN and WI areas
MY STORY
Hi everyone. My name is Andrea Guerriero and I am the Photographer/Videographer/Drone Pilot and Product Designer behind Dre Designs Great Lakes Marine Products. I'm also a soon to be Podcaster as I will be launching a Podcast show called "The Nautical Nerd" in the coming weeks. I've dedicated a section of this website to it so be sure to click on the "Podcast" tab at the top to read more about it and see the link to bring you to THAT website once I have it completed :)
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Growing up in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario along the St Mary's River, I never really noticed the ships that passed by since it was such a common thing. I guess I took it for granted. It wasn't until I left for 20 years and moved back here in 2015 that I began to take notice and see how fascinating they really are. A trip to Duluth and seeing the Paul R Tregurtha up close and personal showed me the light as they say. Shortly after returning home to the Sault, we were crossing the International Bridge going over to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and we saw her below us locking through headed back toward Duluth again so we pulled over and watched. I was hooked from that moment on and that started my interest in photographing the ships. That interest has since turned into a passion and morphed into so many other things beyond photos. It's also become so important to me I can't imagine my life without the ships and shipping industry in it
I am full-time real estate agent who initially got into photography as a hobby. My career provides a lot of flexibility, and I have many opportunities to try and get some shots or video when a chance is there. I carry my gear everywhere "just in case" because I never know when something great is about to happen.
I also currently sit as the Secretary for the Soo Locks Visitors Center Association Board of Directors in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, while also being on the Board for the Sault Historic Sites. In addition to that, I’m an Associate Member of the International Ship Master’s Association where I actively assist every year in the Fundraising efforts for our Scholarship Fund.
Having said all of that I still always find time for the ships, and when I get to take time away from work for a few days my destinations of travel will ALWAYS include where the ships go. I enjoy meeting my followers and Mariner friends, getting shots of their ships from my various travel spots whenever possible. I travel to do speaking engagements when asked, I enjoy meeting my ship friends and getting new shots of them whenever possible.
WHAT WE DO
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Dre Designs is a leading source for photography, videos and information concerning Great Lakes Shipping, specializing in marine vessel Photography, Videos, Interviews, LIVE Facebook feeds, Events, Giveaways and customizable products for Shipwatchers of any age!. We focus on creating a unique and different atmosphere surrounding this amazing industry where our mission is to share photos and videos that are both educational and enjoyable. We have Editors in both Cleveland, Ohio and Duluth, Minnesota/Superior, Wisconsin who contribute their work and keep us up to date on the goings on in those areas! Keep scrolling to see their Bios below!
We also want to ensure future generations of Mariners continue to emerge so we actively participate in fundraising for educational Scholarships provided by the International Ship Master's Association for both Canadian and US Cadets as well as Hawsepipes. Giving back is very important to us so any time we can help, we will. If you head to our "SHOP" here on the site, any purchase of an item with the "ISMA" logo on it will mean that ALL PROFITS will be donated to the International Ship Masters' Association Scholarship Fund! Andrea has set a lofty goal of reaching $6000 in funds raised for Scholarship in 2026 to present to ISMA at our next National Convention in Toledo, Ohio next January, so we need your help to reach that goal! If we get there it means we would be responsible to providing funds for all four of the $1500 Scholarships offered (2 for cadets and 2 for Hawsepipes) Please consider purchasing something from our Shop with the ISMA logo on it to help us reach that $6000 goal!
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Keep your eyes peeled for Raffles as well! Andrea is an Associate Member of the International Ship Masters Association and a Board Member for the Soo Locks Visitors Center Association and the Sault Historic Sites and all three organizations have raffles for fans to win a trip for four aboard a ship! Drop a message to us to find out how to get your tickets for any upcoming Raffles! (There are 3 Andrea will be involved in through the 2026 Shipping season!) All of the organizations are non-profit so all of the Funds go toward maintaining Scholarships with ISMA, and in keeping the Soo Locks Visitor Center going and the Museum Ship Valley Camp, Tower of History and River of History Museum!
FACEBOOK CLEVELAND EDITOR
Bill Kloss
PHOTO: NANCY CLINE
Get to Know Bill
My name is Bill Kloss. I’ve been interested in photography since the 70s when I started photographing motorsports, particularly drag racing as the speed and activity at the track has always fascinated me. One day I was at home, and my mother-in-law brought home a Seaway Review magazine. I had always been interested in transportation, and when I saw that there were freighters on the Cuyahoga River in my hometown of Cleveland, I had to go see what these massive ships were all about. The first sight I had was of the Great Lakes Towing tug Alabama pulling the Algoway out of the river. Seeing this tiny tug pulling this giant freighter had me hooked, and now I’ve been photographing the freighters since 1985!
Having been in the hobby since then, I’ve made many friends and connections in the industry, which has allowed me to have some great access to get some cool photos. I also manage some Facebook groups that deal with Great Lakes shipping, and I have created a page that is specifically for my great lakes photos, called North Coast Freighters. I am particularly indebted to the fine folks at Great Lakes Towing and Interlake Steamship Co. For the opportunities that they have provided me.
I am an associate member of the International Ship Master’s Association; Cleveland Lodge #4 and I am the Cleveland Editor for DRE Designs Great Lakes Marine Products. I am still very active in shooting drag racing as I cover racing for 2 publications and a website. I love to spend a day shooting the loud and flashy races and then relax the next day by going out to the rivers and lakes and shooting the “quiet giants” as they sail past.
All about Jon...
My name is Jon Columbus, and my love for photography started 10 years ago on the trails along Duluth’s North Shore of Lake Superior, chasing waterfalls and soaking in the sound of rushing water. There’s something about that mix of peace and power that first pulled me in.
One evening after a day of hiking, I arrived just in time to see the “Queen of the Lakes” make her entrance beneath the lift bridge. The master salute echoed across Lake Superior, and in that moment, I was instantly hooked. What began as a love for landscapes quickly grew into a deep appreciation for Great Lakes shipping and a desire to document it from every angle.
Today, I make the 2½-hour drive north once, and often twice, a week to capture the working waterfronts of Duluth and Superior, and to follow ships along the North Shore to Two Harbors and Silver Bay. As a photographer, videographer and drone pilot, I am always searching for new perspectives, whether from the shoreline or high above the lake, that creativity extends into editing and storytelling, which quickly became just as important to me as capturing the shot, bringing each moment to life long after the ships have passed.
Having just wrapped up my fourth season documenting Great Lakes shipping, my excitement for every arrival and every salute continues to grow. This isn’t just a hobby for me. It’s a true passion.
