Fall
Blue Storm Light
A November gale shook my Jeep, as if one of those coin-operated kiddy rides, when I pulled into the Ludington beach. I knew I was looking at a great picture; making it would be the challenge. A bean bag on the roof of my rocking vehicle was out of the question. The 35-millimeter camera and telephoto lens shook like Jell-O on my heavy tripod. Searching for a solution, I spotted a sturdy lifeguard tower. I climbed it, lay on the floor with the camera and lens braced in the top of my soft camera bag, and shot away.
Milky Way Aurora
While my son Brad was focusing on Northern Lights over Big Sable Point Lighthouse, I have concentrated my attention on the Milky Way decorating the Aurora sky.
Morning Dew
I was walking through a field south of Ludington en route to a blind to try to photograph some deer when it struck me that I was already in the presence of a good picture. I hunted for a few minutes for the best vantage point, set up the tripod, and shot.
Grand Traverse Vinyard View
The view on Old Mission Peninsula from a scenic overlook along Center Road across a portion of the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery vineyards toward Grand Traverse Bay is splendid this October evening.
Emerald Garden
Since I was a young boy I have noticed the beauty of lush green moss and enjoyed its soft cushiony texture under my feet. At the north end of the Cedar Campground in the Ludington State Park there is a steep bank that fills with thick moss every year. I had to wait until October for the fallen leaves, the moss, and the light to come together in a way that was photographically pleasing.
24 Karat Gold
While photographing maple trees that created a fall color canopy over Conrad Road, I looked closer. Across a farm field, the color and light made parts of a back-lit tree stand out against the shady woods.
Fruit of the Vine
While my wife is enjoying some wine tasting, I am visually taking in grapes through my viewfinder at one of the many Grand Traverse area wineries. I find just looking at the grapes intoxicating.
Poetry In Motion
The late Morgan Cartier was a huge fan of the Ludington State Park. His ancestors were lumber barons in the area and they were instrumental in helping make the Ludington area what it is today. Morgan was also fascinated with landscape and nature photography. After his death, Morgan's wife Georgette generously gave most of his camera gear to my dad and me. I took this photo with a lens and tripod that belonged to Morgan. We will forever be grateful for Georgette for her valuable gift.
Sunday Drive
The canopy that these maple trees drape over the roadway is one of the many reasons Conrad Road, between Ludington and Scottville, is one of my favorite stretches to drive. Photo hunting along area rural roads has been a favorite endeavor for decades. I have discovered countless unforgettable scenes and many memorable friendly people in my travels.
Rolling Gold
Stop the TRUCK! This is what I heard right before four of our workshop participants shot out the passenger side of my truck with their camera gear in tow. I quickly gave chase and we all ended up on a large dune ridge facing a brilliant rainbow to the southeast. The entire expanse of dune turned a vibrant gold.