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Workshop at Ludington State Park

I have been known to do crazy things to get a photograph. On this occasion, I was frustrated because I could not position myself to capture this sailboat and its reflection, yet omit the other boats from the scene. I had two options; climb a tree along side of the road, or stand on the roof of my car. My car still has a large dent in the roof.

The new treetop-level observation deck at Nordhouse Dunes Federal Wilderness provides a bird's eye view of a Great Lakes freighter steaming northward between Big Sable Point and Manistee, Michigan. This spot also provides panoramic views of thousands of acres of woodlands. I can't wait to return during peak fall color. F8 at 1/2500, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 80mm

Northern Reflections

Northern Reflections - Panoramic

Southwester waves rush at the Ludington South Breakwall while others rebound off them, creating confused seas--a condition sailors like to avoid when the waves get this big. Changing colors faster than a chameleon, this sea and sky would soon become blood red.

 While shooting the sunset out at the Ludington State Park, I was disappointed at the lack of color in the sky. The water however, was radiant and beautiful. I knew that I had to act quickly before the color and light disappeared. I thought about what I needed to do, changed lenses, and got off three shots before it had faded away and the water went back to normal. While I typically shoot the “grand scenic” type images, it paid off to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. I came out with an image that I absolutely love!

Couples of all ages love to take leisurely strolls along the winding shores of Lake Michigan. The sound of the undulating waves, the smell of the beach grass, and the feeling of sand between your toes is so inviting that you can't resist the temptations of our West Michigan shorelines.

What a difference a day or so makes in Michigan! Before the infamous Bomb Cyclone winter storm hit Michigan in February 2019, I was drawn to the Ludington waterfront on a sunny morning to photograph three tugboats moored along the shore. I was happy with my shot. When the storm crossed over Lake Michigan from Wisconsin several days later, Ludington harbor looked more like Siberia. I knew right where to head to make a another good, but extremely different photograph.

 

I think it must be the photojournalist in me that has always rebelled against setting up props for the fine art photographs I make. I greatly admire fine art photographers who employ props in a way that moves me and tells a story. One of the Michigan Upper Peninsula photographic artists I most admire, Paul Arno Rose, is a master at employing canoes, classic small boats, old chairs and even a Thermos as props to tell beautiful visual stories. After having spent a third of my life as a newspaper photographer, I tend toward the “found” picture. By that I mean finding what is already there in the world and documenting it. I have driven through Stearns Park in Ludington tens of thousands of times, rarely finding a picture. On this summer day in 2019, I found very picturesque these beach umbrellas set up by beachgoers

Over thousands of years, wind driven sand has polished smooth millions of stones along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The flat-sided stones are called ventifacts. I made this photograph near the Big Point Sable Lighthouse while on a hike to the northern boundary of the Ludington State Park.

Eye on Autumn

Northern Lights Over Epworth

I have only ever witnessed one better particle ray in my lifetime. That was back in 2004 when I shot “Sunburst.” Tonight, was a close second! I made this image off Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl’s deck. I was out of breath from running as fast as I could with my gear to get in position before the light show started to fade away. I could see Rachel down the beach at the water’s edge at Stearns Beach.

Sunsets like this one, painting the beach and cottages along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Epworth Heights, are so exhilarating I feel privileged to be there to witness them.

A very old shipwreck was uncovered recently near the north edge of Epworth’s property on Lake Michigan. The record high water levels of Lake Michigan this year have uncovered a lot of old secrets along its shores.

Shoreline Trek