Fields

Storm clouds can be mesmerizing as they rapidly fly across the sky. These particular clouds seemed to have a wave motion to them. I waited for them to position themselves above the trees in the way that I was envisioning.

Looking like giant spray-painted hay bales, rolls of brightly colored drainage tube await installation in a farm field along US 10 east of Scottville. I am on my way to the Scottville Harvest Festival, which celebrates farming, so this picture seems appropriate for today's photo of the day. F8.0 at 1/320, ISO 200, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Ralph Lundberg stands by a bale of straw on the sprawling Lundberg Brothers Farm south of Scottville, Michigan. The patchwork of big fields beyond is part of the 1,200 acres of land the Lundbergs farm for their dairy operation. Farming, like most career paths, has its ups and downs, but I think it is one of the noblest Michigan professions. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 20mm

Ralph Lundberg stands by a bale of straw on the sprawling Lundberg Brothers Farm south of Scottville, Michigan. The patchwork of big fields beyond is part of the 1,200 acres of land the Lundbergs farm for their dairy operation. Farming, like most career paths, has its ups and downs, but I think it is one of the noblest Michigan professions. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 20mm

Of the more than 100 bales of straw in a farm field south of Scottville, Michigan, this one appears to me the most photogenic. It lies close to a country road right-of-way lined with Queen Anne's lace. I like the way the flowers provide a visual vignette. F3.2 at 1/800, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

We were eating dinner at the farm when I could tell through the window that it was rainbow weather. I rushed outside to see a huge double rainbow to the east. I composed my photo to include each of the bright red colored trees on either side of the photo.

Wanting to photograph some lightning this evening, I decide to head for one of the high spots of Ludington's "fruit country." I am able to catch this bolt as it strikes near windmills recently erected amidst the orchards. F4.5 at 1/60, ISO 800, 14-24mm lens at 19mm

The clouds all day today were magnificent! I had allergy testing in Muskegon in the morning; when that ended, I had to pick up the boys from school and head to Mesick for one of Kasey’s meets. I was focused on cheering on the teams and not shooting. When we arrived home, the clouds to the east were still there and they had turned bright pink.

It is hard to beat the magic light and clouds of fall. Soon, our cattle will be moving from the front field. It seemed time to make a final image of our front yard view.

Todd and Brad have each made images of this tree line on Fountain Road. I’ve never seen a shot to be made before this day. It is that time of year when the fields start to be harvested and the looks start to change. Fortunately for me, this corn was still standing.

Hay bales turn to gold in the early morning autumn light in one of Laverne Soberalski's farm fields along South Victory Drive. The Hansens' neighboring Cherry Hill Farm stands out in the distance. F22.0 at 0.25, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 175 mm

This is the second photo in the 365 Project that I have made of the pumpkin patch and farm along Chauvez Road south of Ludington. I have been by at least five other times, but the light was never good enough. Early this morning however, the light was fantastic. F10.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 20 mm

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

A crop dusting plane looks like it is about to land in a Michigan farm field. I admire the pilot's skill and nerve as he deftly maneuvers around trees and utility lines to be able to spray entire fields along the Mason-Oceana county line. F6.3 at 1/1000, ISO 400, 300mm lens at 300mm

I hope everyone gets an opportunity someday to see Michigan farms and homesteads from above. The view today of this majestic farm in Eastern Mason County near the Pere Marquette River made me proud to be a Michigander. F9 at 1/400, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

How many trees look as spectacular without leaves as this giant maple along Conrad Road? I photographed it on Day 209 with green leaves and on Day 290 when the leaves turned golden. Today the size and symmetry of its branches stand out. F4.5 at 1/640, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

I took a detour on my way home tonight. I stayed off US-10 and drove mostly backroads. Color started to fill the sky. The only thing I needed was a subject. This tree was placed perfectly in the roll of the hill.

Nikon D810. F22.0 at 1/30, ISO 3200. 60-600mm lens at 66mm. December 23, 2020 at 4:57pm.

While I was making a sunrise photograph this morning along the Pere Marquette River, my uncle, Rod Marble, called to tell me he was looking at the largest double rainbow he had ever seen. I stood up, turned around, and almost fainted. I instantly knew where I needed to head. My destination was Cherry Hill Farm on Conrad Road. F4.5 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

I have successfully captured “The Triple Trees” in three seasons so far, and I am running out of days in our project. Brad and I were up north shooting today when we could see that tonight was the night for the winter shot. We raced back to the farm to set up. My camera was acting up, and I had to grab Brad’s camera to make the image before the light faded. I was thankful he happened to be there!