Search

 

Moon Walker

 

Given the choice between the Yellow Brick Road and this path to the beach along Lake Michigan in Buttersville, I would choose this path. I felt like I struck gold when I spotted it after rushing to get to the shoreline before sunset. I knew from the golden light painting the countryside along the US31 freeway south of Ludington that if I could just get to the beach in time I would have the opportunity to make an image that would look and feel far more like summer than winter. My instincts were well rewarded.

The magic light accompanying a rainbow turns dune grass to gold on an October morning along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I have seen this dune on a thousand different days, but none more beautiful.

It is getting dark now, so I turn my attention to Lake Michigan. A tripod, very slow shutter speed, and decision to focus on the reflections right in front of the lens combine to create a dreamy looking shot that I wind up liking a lot more than I ever imagined.

Workshop at Ludington State Park

November Storm in Grand Haven

 

 

The persistent fishermen who troll Ludington harbor, day after day, in their tiny boats are reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea. I marvel how they often catch fish when larger fishing vessels go empty-handed. I admire their simplistic approach to fishing as much as I do their patience, perseverance, and willingness to face the elements. Outdoor photographers could learn much from these fishermen.

A group of friends who live downstate were enjoying a fabulous sunset at the Empire Bluffs this evening. They were gracious enough to let me photograph them. I worked hard to micro-compose this photograph so the boardwalk started on the bottom left corner and the arch of the shoreline with the town of Empire was on the right edge of the frame. I also liked how the magic sunlight was hitting the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Stocking Drive in the distance.

Lake Michigan was a breathtaking color today, and the overcast sky was a wonderful complement. I hiked along the snow-blown dunes along M-116 until I came to a spot of uncovered sand. I composed my pyramid at my base and clicked the shutter.

A half an hour before sunset, Brad and I realized that there was a high chance of a fantastic sunset out of the snowy, gray sky. We each drove towards the lakeshore, shooting in different spots. As the sun dipped below the cloud barrier, the most remarkable particle ray appeared, and the sky lit up with the most brilliant sunset I have ever seen. What a great reminder that beauty will come after gray days.

 

The setting sun shining on dune grass and lighting up the shoreline is one of my favorite things to witness. I made this image at the north end of Stearns Park tonight. This is one of the best images I have made so far in 2020.

A magic moment during a photography workshop at Ludington State Park

My dad and I were shocked when we realized we had never heard of or seen the Empire Bluffs. It is a decent hike from the parking lot to the bluffs, especially carrying 30 pounds of photography gear, and has a few steep sections of stairs. But the hike through the forest is beautiful and the view from the bluffs might be one of the best views in America. I recommend taking the journey.

Workshop at LSP