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My dad and I have found that the best way to photograph lightning is using the longest exposure possible for the given situation. This photograph is a 30-second exposure at F8 and an ISO of 100. It was shot on a sturdy tripod that could withstand the 30 miles-per-hour winds. This fierce thunderstorm headed north very quickly and it took out power in Manistee, Michigan.

I can't imagine the rush this kite surfer is experiencing as he speeds across the whitecap waves just inside the Frankfort breakwalls on a blustery October day.

Hikers on a return trek from Big Point Sable Lighthouse follow the meandering Lake Michigan shoreline north of Ludington State Park Beach House. Wooded and dune trails also wind their way to the historic lighthouse. Any of the routes provide a powerful visual experience.

White Fish Shoreline Tahquamenon Falls and White Fish Point

I have photographed dozens of thunderstorms but none as incredibly brilliant in color as this power-packed storm that rolled off Lake Michigan on a September afternoon. As with all the photographs in this book, I did not use color enhancing filters to take this photograph.

I have made a lot of close-up shots of eagles but Brad and I also love to make environmental portraits of wildlife that are sometimes as much or more about their surroundings. There is something about the position of this eagle in a lone tree overlooking a large field near East Jordan that I think makes the eagle, and the tree, a perfect complement to each other.

365 Week

Little Point Sable Lighthouse stands tall against a dramatic night sky. My wife and I were driving north from Chicago when we saw this sunset developing as we approached Oceana County. I quickly headed west to get to the lighthouse in time to be greeted by a sky even more colorful than I had anticipated.

365 Week

Michigan's first river to be officially designated a Michigan Natural River, the Jordan River looks wild and natural to me this morning after my good photographer friend, Mike Schlitt of Charlevoix, led me to one of his favorite Jordan Valley photography spots. Many of the tamarack trees are still golden despite high winds that stripped away many of their needles.

I have always liked "Charlie Brown" trees, the small ones with not enough branches to make what most people would choose for a Christmas tree. It is those spaces between the branches that allow both the tiny tamarack tree and the meadow near Big Bass Lake in Lake County to stand out, making me pause to take this shot.

Workshop

Michigan berries appear to be bursting out of the dark bog they are growing in on a country road in Lake County. It is early November, a perfect time of year to make this image in this place. I will write that down in my mental notebook for future reference. Experience is a good teacher.

Wednesday Epworth Fall Color

The patterns of the clouds this November morning enable me to make a painterly photographic image of Little Sable Point Lighthouse. I could never paint a backdrop as perfect as this real sky. This is a prime example of a concept we teach: "Clouds are your friends."

Legends Ranch

Whenever I stand on the Lake Michigan shoreline during a beautiful sunset, I feel my soul being redeemed. Gorgeous sunsets like this one fill my spirit with hope.

Ludington Lighthouse Storm

Ludington Lighthouse

Ludington Lighthouse