“The Greatest Piece of Advice I Received Early in my Photography Career Was That Every Image Should Tell a Story,”
Ingo G. Logé
THE ARTIST
Now, I Haven’t Swashbuckled With Pirates,
nor have I swam the English Channel. I haven’t even been to Antarctica. But I have travelled to many far away places, created a lot of still and moving pictures for myself and others. And I’ve made it my life’s goal to be as creative as possible towards everything I endeavor.
The BaCk Story
I was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised by a brood of loving family members including my mother, aunt, uncle and grandparents and countless others on Bessemore and Gratiot street, close to 8 mile road. The neighborhood pictured today has seen better days.
We as a family are here because of the bravery of my grandfather Walter Logé, (pronounced Low-jaaay) who miraculously escaped 7 prison camps during the war. He like millions of other Europeans, was caught in the violent vortex of World War II.
The story is chronicled in a book called The 7th Escape, and is still available on Amazon. This is not just another war story, or merely another chapter in the long, bitter story of man’s inhumanity to man. It is not told to work off a grudge.
It is not simply a dreary chronicle of misery and brutality, nor is it written to remind us that war brings suffering to the innocent and arouses the worst of human passions. Rather, it is a document of human freedom and brotherhood. He was my hero, and a great inspiration throughout my life.
This cover picture of LIFE Magazine showcases the power of photography. What makes it extra special is that my aunt and uncle are both on that pile and my mom is just out of frame. As you can imagine there are lots of stories here left untold. Each member in our family has had a moto “implanted because of what Walter (Opa) did all those many years ago.
His Motto”Never, Never, Never Give Up on Your Hopes and Dreams” His faith in God was his greatest asset. Thank you “Opa” I am here today because of your courage and God’s faithfullness in your life.
I BELIEVE
A lot of photographers think that if they buy a better camera they’ll be able to take better photographs. A better camera won’t do a thing for you if you don’t have anything in your head or in your heart.
“The greatest piece of advice I received early in my photography career was that every image should tell a story,”
A heartfelt thank you to Mark and Michelle McCutchen for giving me the opportunity to share my other passion—playing the guitar—with an amazing group of friends in a hotel room in Las Vegas. Truly grateful for the joy and connection music brings! (cell phone pic lol)
In Loving Memory of My Mom, Ursie Logé
My mom, Ursie Logé, (pictured below with a 3rd of Walts Oscars which she had picked up and brought to the set of The Wonderful World of Disney hosted that evening by Tony Danza) was a woman of extraordinary strength, resilience, and grace. She passed away in 2016 after a painful battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), a journey that was heart-wrenching for all of us who knew and loved her. While her passing left an irreplaceable void, her incredible story continues to inspire me every day.
Mom endured unimaginable hardships, many of which she rarely spoke about. Growing up in war-torn Germany, she survived atrocities that shaped her indomitable spirit. At just nine years old, she was sent to a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, enduring a two-week journey in a boxcar and surviving a head-on train collision along the way. Despite these horrors, she emerged with a faith and courage that mirrored her father’s—an unshakable determination to take risks, face the unknown, and never give up.
When she came to the United States, she arrived with no formal education and as a single mother, never having married. From those humble beginnings, she carved out an extraordinary life, defying every expectation. For 30 years, she served as the private executive assistant and secretary to the Disney family (Diane and Sharon and the parent company called (RETLAW Enterprises), a role that spoke to her intelligence, tenacity, and unwavering work ethic.
Her life was a testament to overcoming adversity, rising above circumstances, and achieving greatness against all odds. There’s a book in her story—one that deserves to be written, as her legacy is one that should never be forgotten.
Mom, you are loved, missed, and thought of often. Thank you for showing me what it means to persevere with grace and courage over the course of your life. Love you. ❤️
What Was RETLAW?
A 30-Year Legacy with Retlaw Enterprises
For 30 years, my mom, Ursie Logé, worked as the private executive assistant and secretary to the Disney family at Retlaw Enterprises. Retlaw, which cleverly spells Walter backward, was Walt Disney’s private company—one that owned the rights to his name and likeness and played a pivotal role in shaping Disneyland’s early magic.
Retlaw’s history is as fascinating as the man behind the name. Originally founded as Walt Disney Miniature Railroad, it evolved through various names, including Walt Disney, Inc. (WDI) and WED Enterprises (a nod to Walt’s initials). The company not only handled the merchandising rights to Walt Disney’s name but also managed Disneyland attractions like the beloved trains and contributed to groundbreaking attraction designs for museums, theme parks, and even shopping centers.
Mom’s Role: A Life Beyond the Desk
Mom’s role at Retlaw Enterprises went far beyond managing schedules and correspondence. She was part of a world that shaped dreams and created joy for millions, and her work was infused with the same magic that defined the Disney name.
One of the perks of her role—aside from being part of this legendary family—was a lifetime pass to Disneyland, which extended to six guests. Even after retirement, this privilege brought joy to countless friends and family members, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Her generosity in sharing this access reflected her kind heart and love for bringing happiness to others.
Mom’s duties often took her to unique corners of the Disney world. She was entrusted with moving and cataloging all the furniture in Walt and Lilly Disney’s apartment above the Disneyland firehouse on Main Street—a sacred space steeped in history. Around the holidays, she would jet off to the Disney family’s vineyard, Silverado, in Napa Valley aboard the company’s Learjet, returning with wine and gifts, which she’d carefully wrap for distribution.
Retlaw Enterprises was more than just a company—it was a diverse empire. Beyond Disneyland, it owned ten television stations and managed nut and avocado farms. Mom was deeply involved in all aspects of the family’s life, even stepping in to pick up Ron and Sharon Disney’s kids from school when they lived in John Wayne’s former home in Toluca Lake, California.
Her connection to the Disney family extended to some incredible cultural opportunities. They frequently gifted her tickets and parking passes to iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl (their private box), Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Dodger Stadium, and the Los Angeles Forum, where the Kings and Lakers played back in the day. As a result, I (yours truly, Ingo) got a firsthand dose of culture growing up—thank you, Mom!
Mom’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to thrive in a space filled with creativity, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail allowed her to flourish in ways few could. She wasn’t just supporting the Disney legacy; she was an integral part of it. Her warmth, loyalty, and tireless work ethic made her not just a trusted employee, but someone the Disney family truly valued.
She thrived in her element, ensuring the magic continued behind the scenes, and she did it all with grace, wit, and a deep sense of purpose. Her life was a story worth celebrating—a blend of extraordinary experiences and the everyday kindness that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
From humble beginnings to this incredible chapter of her life, Mom’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and unshakable determination. Retlaw Enterprises wasn’t just a workplace for her—it was a place where her talent and spirit could shine.
I think Walt himself would agree: she was pure magic. I know Diane Disney and Ron Miller did…
I Spent Times At Disneyland When Very Few People Were There. A Photo of The Castle, Designed by One of Her Dearest Disney Friends, the Legendary Herbie Ryman.
My Mom Gifted me my Creative side, Which I Now Express Through the Lens and Guitar. One of my Most Cherished Memories of Mom working for the Disney Family is When, at Just 12 Years Old,
Herbie Ryman Sketched a Charcoal Portrait of me in His Home in Taluca Lake, Calif.
Truly Priceless!
Herbert “Herbie” Ryman was the artistic wizard behind some of Disney’s most iconic visuals. Joining the Disney Studios in 1938, he lent his art direction prowess to classics like Fantasia and Dumbo. But his true claim to fame? Over a single weekend in 1953, with Walt Disney peering over his shoulder, Herbie sketched the original concept for Disneyland—a drawing that would help secure the park’s financing.
Herbie didn’t stop there. He designed the enchanting Sleeping Beauty Castle and contributed to Main Street, U.S.A., the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean. His artistic fingerprints are also on the Matterhorn and New Orleans Square. When Disney World was in the works, Herbie was the chief designer of Cinderella Castle.
As if that wasn’t enough, he played a significant role in the development of Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland, and Euro Disneyland (now Disneyland Paris). Herbie’s ability to translate Walt’s dreams into captivating visuals made him an indispensable part of Disney’s creative legacy.
A master of concept art, Ryman created the iconic illustrations for Disneyland, including the first-ever rendering of the park that Walt Disney used to secure funding.
Ryman had an extensive career as an art director and production designer in Hollywood, contributing to films such as The Wizard of Oz (1939). As one of Disney’s original Imagineers, he played a pivotal role in the visual design of Disneyland and later worked on Epcot and other Disney parks worldwide.
Beyond his Disney contributions, Ryman was a gifted fine artist known for his watercolors and sketches, capturing everything from landscapes to portraits with elegance and precision. His legacy lives on through his contributions to art, film, and theme park design, as well as the Herbie Ryman Endowment, supporting young artists.
Things About Ingo You Might Like to Know
Here’s the snapshot of me behind the lens—quirks, passions, and a bit of humor included!
Always Grateful: Life’s better with a lens of gratitude.
Popcorn Consumer (Organic, of Course must smother in Vital Farms salted butter): Movie nights or editing sessions—it’s a vibe.
Pro Dog Trainer: Capturing pets and training them? Double the talent.
Avid Book Reader: Always flipping pages for inspiration.
Island Living Dreamer: Sand, sun, and a hammock? Yes, please.
Pinot Noir Drinker & Cheese Mouse: Because life’s better with wine and cheese.
Taylor Sheridan Fan: Yellowstone, Landman, Lioness marathon, anyone?
Inspirational Speaker: Words that motivate and photos that move.
Serious Organic Potato Lover: Fried in coconut oil, mashed, or baked—spuds for life.
Good Friend: The kind who brings snacks, sends surpris gifts and laughs.
Adventure Craver: Life’s an open overlanding road, and I’m along for the ride.
Brussel Sprout Hater: No apologies here.
Marzipan Connoisseur: Sweet tooth? Guilty as charged.
Guitar Player: Capturing chords and moments.
Jesus Follower: Guided by grace and gratitude.
Exercise Nut: Healthy body, sharp mind.
Watch Collector: Time is precious—just like good photos.
Taco Devotee: Grass-fed beef and cheese or bust. 🌮
📸 Ready to create some unforgettable images? Let’s connect!