Birch Trees

Fall Trees

Fall Trees

Fall Trees

Fall Trees

Fall Trees

Birch Maple Magic

Gerlach Workshop in Munising

Autumn Carpet

Forest Vertigo

Birch Forest Trail

The life and death cycle of a forest fascinates me. I have come to realize my life is just a speck in the evolution of any forest. These birch trees at Ludington State Park have fallen victim to birch bark disease. Diseased wood brought to the park by campers has helped spread tree diseases at the park and across much of Michigan. I wonder if birch trees and other diseased trees will stage a comeback generations from now.

Porcupines Patterns

Screaming Yellow

I start out shooting the young spring leaves on this birch tree along Lincoln Lake but then I notice the patterns on the bark of the tree. I am drawn to the bold, dynamic shapes. F20.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

I have watched these red pine trees on our land grow for several decades. They were already tall then. Now they tower several stories above me as I look up at them. The woodlands of Michigan are a marvel and I love hiking slowly to more fully take them in. That often means pausing to look up for a different visual experience and appreciation.

I have always wanted to stop along US10 about 20 minutes east of Evart, Michigan and photograph these amazing woods, but had never taken the time to do it until this morning. The mist and fog were making the trees seem even more mysterious and elegant than usual. This photograph is dedicated to the famous National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. Sam loves making "quiet" and "sensitive" photographs. When I met Sam, I discovered his personality is similar to his photographs. F11 at 1/50, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

Today was the big move. Betsy and I moved into our new house near the Lincoln River in Ludington earlier today with the help of some of our strong friends. I went into our backyard and made this photo near the creek that runs through our property. F22.0 at 10.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Running out of daylight, I headed into our backyard and found these leaves and birch stump. Using a sturdy tripod and hoping the wind stayed calm, I made this six-second exposure. It turned out sharper than expected. F22.0 at 6.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The color and patterns of these maple leaves in front of a birch tree on Hawley Road caught my eye a week ago. Today I am back to see if the leaves have peaked. They look great. F2.8 at 1/160, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I photographed 19 of these birch trees in January at Merdel Manufacturing on Day 12 of 365. Today I zero in for a closer shot featuring just three of the line of trees in fall color. F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 112 mm