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People who have not spent a lot of time along the Lake Michigan shoreline might find it hard to imagine that sunsets exploding with the most vivid color imaginable really do occur. Actually, the best color appears after the sun sets. Those who stay longer, relax and watch are often rewarded with a kaleidiscope of changing color.

All is quiet on the Silver Lake waterfront on an autumn evening. Rental canoes remain stacked along the shore. The sun has set on another tourist season at one of Michigan's busiest and most spectacular summer fun spots. I love the stillness and the visual simplicity the lack of activity provides.

Having 35 years of local knowledge is the only reason I was able to make this photograph. While standing on Conrad Road between Ludington and Scottville, I hypothesized that if I were near the Buttersville campground that I would be able to line the rainbow up with the Ludington North Breakwater Light. Just as I arrived at the campground beach, the SS Badger was heading out the harbor. One second after shooting this photograph the rainbow disappeared. F13 at 1/400, ISO 400, 70-200mm lens at 170mm

Rushing In

Rushing In - panoramic

The sunset was calm and magnificent. It made for an ideal background for the dune grass at Stearns Beach. This clump stood out to me. I lay down on my stomach and worked to set up the shot, micro composing, so the sun was between blades.

More red than the Red Sea, Lake Michigan changes color like a lava lamp in the red light of a September sunset afterglow. This scene presented itself only seven minutes after the "Sea of Confusion" scene.

Pilings, which guard storm water drain outlets, and their repetitive patterns have been a popular photo subject for years. On this day, the S-curve design created by shoreline ice and magic light made an impressionable scene.

Dozens of powerboats and sailboats have passed by us on this gorgeous fall night. Lake Michigan will soon be too rough for pleasure boating. We all soaked in the sunshine tonight.

Hamlin Township

Mackinac Island

Sunset Off Stearns Park Beach

Storm Front Over Ludington

Birdseye View of Hamlin Lake

Wednesday Ludington City Beach Grass

We took our Heaven on Hamlin photography workshop students to Point Betsie Lighthouse north of Frankfort early this morning. This colorful heart-shaped rock was moved into place by a crashing Lake Michigan wave. I ran over and made this image before another wave came and swept the rocks away.

The shoreline at Little Sable Point extends westward toward Wisconsin farther than any spot of land in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. I feel on top of the world looking southwest over Lake Michigan from the tower observation deck over 100 feet above the shore atop Little Sable Point Lighthouse.

The Ludington State Park, in my hometown of Ludington, Michigan, is an excellent place to photograph the power and beauty of Lake Michigan. The clean, cold fresh water was kicking today.

Those who climb their way to the top of the Skyline Trail are rewarded with a birds-eye view of the southern portion of the park. If they time their hike to the schedule of the carferry S.S. Badger, and look through a good pair of binoculars or a large telephoto camera lens, they might also enjoy one of the best views they have ever seen of the big ship heading out of Ludington harbor.