Fall

Aspen leaves shimmering in the sunlight and wind are one of my favorite autumn sights. These aspens signaled me to stop along Mavis Road in Hamlin Township. F4.0 at 1/250, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 165 mm

Anyone who passes through Scottville on a regular basis would probably recognize this tree. It sits to the north at the bridge on US-10, and always is a treat to see. Today it is especially picturesque.

If you look closely, you will see a Lake Michigan surfer riding a wave off of Stearns Beach in downtown Ludington. I had fun watching the few daring surfers today as they worked hard to get into position to catch the perfect wave.

Yesterday a customer came in the gallery and asked to see some photos of a tree in the fall with only red leaves on it. We didn't have exactly what she was looking for. Today on my way to work, Julia and I noticed a tree on Bryant road that was very large and had only red leaves. Time to email that customer. F8.0 at 1/13, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Fall color catches my eye first along the Lincoln River. Then I notice the amazing patterns and textures of some leafless branches, making it clear that the fall color works better as a backdrop for the bare branches. F5.0 at 1/640, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Shortly after purchasing our home, I installed an indoor wood stove. There is something about the warmth of a fire on a chilly day to make you feel better.

Doing these year-long shooting projects, where you have to try and find a book-quality image every single day, gets hard. I remember in 2010, while my dad and I were shooting the 365 Project, that by the time October rolled around, I was anxiously awaiting the end of the year so I could take a mental health break. It is especially hard on days like today when you come down with some nasty bug.

For two weeks I have been keeping my eye on this tree because it appeared that every leaf was going to turn bright orange. My assumption was correct. With the gold light of October backlighting this tree, the leaves looked even more orange and vibrant. I used my flash to light up the trunk. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

I don't know what looks more impressive, the long-horned, longhaired cow or the brilliantly colored sumac along 72nd Avenue near Hart, so I decide to feature both. The Highland cow's long coat, besides being gorgeous, will keep it warm during the winter. F2.8 at 1/800, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The shape of this tree in my backyard always surprises me. It doesn’t have the usual shape that one would expect.

I headed to Copeyon Park on Pere Marquette Lake this morning to photograph the fog and mist. As I was composing a photograph that showed the west side of Pere Marquette Lake with fall color, a swan swam out of the fog and into the sunlight. The photograph of the fall color will have to wait. F5.6 at 1/250, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Sometimes black-and-white images allow you to focus on the patterns and tones in an image, more than color allows. I felt this was the case today.

My family has been hunting pheasants for decades. Today, we hunted with the Wright family at Thundering Aspens Sportsman Club near Mesick, Michigan. Their red lab, Drake, was the most impressive hunting dog I have ever witnessed in the field. He also is one of the best-looking hunting dogs I have ever seen.

My dad and I had spotted this old house and the rolling fruit fields in fall color the day before when we were taking a drive and looking for photographs. The light was too harsh so we didn't even stop. This morning, however, the light was perfect. F11.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

One of Brad’s favorite roads is Anderson Road, north of Ludington. I decided to drive that way because I know the fall color is breathtaking there. I wasn’t disappointed!

Near the corner of Bryant Road and Sherman, I spotted this flaming red and orange maple tree in someone’s front yard. I pulled into their drive and went up to the door to ask for permission. The gentleman was so nice and told me I could shoot in his yard anytime. I spent a half hour shooting at several different distances and with different lenses. I decided this was my favorite image of the day.

October 16, 2010” We teach our photography workshop students to look for saturated fall colors in the reflections of leaves on the water. I took my own advice on a pond along Pere Marquette Highway.

The kids and I were working on splitting wood this afternoon, when my brother, niece and nephew stopped by. I asked if they wanted to help with my photo for today. I lay on my back, and they all tossed leaves in the air above my head.

I have always wanted to salmon fish along the Sable River in Ludington State Park, but have never taken the time. However, I do get great joy from photographing the skilled fishermen who frequent the three rivers near Ludington. F8.0 at 1/1000, ISO 200, 70-200 mm lens at 86 mm

While sitting in my truck at the drive-through car wash on Washington Avenue, I noticed this tapestry of colors across the street. When my truck was done being washed, I stood on my tailgate and made this image with my big telephoto lens. The fall color has started to finally get good in Ludington this week.