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God Beam
Heaven knows how many times a God beam has lit the Ludington lighthouse. But when I saw this beauty shining down, I felt its spiritual quality more strongly than any other God beam I have seen before or since. On this calm May day of 1993, I was already underway in my tiny Boston Whaler skiff searching for photo opportunities because of the dramatic clouds. I quickly maneuvered closer to the lighthouse and centered the iconic Ludington landmark beneath the glorious beam. I laid over the low gunwale and fired away for about 20 breathtaking seconds before the clouds and spotlight moved away. As a longtime Lake Michigan mariner, there have been many times during the calmest or stormiest voyages that I have felt God’s presence; this was one of those times. As a longtime photographer, I have learned to better know when I am being presented with an extraordinary view with or without looking through the viewfinder; this was one of those views. The image I was blessed to make that day more than a quarter century ago remains my favorite calm day photograph with the Ludington lighthouse in the scene. In 2007, “God Beam” was selected for the cover of an inspirational book titled Hope: pure and simple. The book features “316 thoughts to lift your soul” by famous Christian author Max Lucado. I was humbled to have an image that means a great deal to me personally grace the cover of Pastor Lucado’s hopeful book.
Strong Ties
The White River Light Station near Whitehall, Michigan is a beautiful lighthouse. It also has a very informative museum inside. Shortly after making this photograph, I laid down in the grass and warm sunshine and took a nap. I woke myself up snoring. I guess I needed some rest.
Old Presque Isle Light
Built in 1840, the Old Presque Isle Light is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The charming structure served as an active lighthouse until 1871 when it was replaced by the nearby, far taller New Presque Isle Light.
F10 at 1/60, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 24mm
Rachel's Day 61 of 366 - March 1, 2020
The kids and I were driving back from Hart via Little Sable Point Lighthouse. I left them warm in the van, while I ventured out to capture one of my first ever shots of this lighthouse.
Lunar Landscape
If you like to photograph ice, and also lighthouses, drive a few miles north of Frankfort, Michigan to Point Betsie Light Station in January or February. The combination of various ice sculptures, sand, wind, and clouds made this cold January morning a fantastic time to be shooting the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Rachel’s Day 199 of 366 - July 17, 2020
Todd, Brad, Julia, and I set out on the hike tonight to Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Their main goal was to shoot the Comet NEOWISE over the lighthouse. My goal was to make my first image of the state park’s 112-foot, black-and-white centerpiece. After making the image I had envisioned for years, I sat back and enjoyed the experience of the comet with a night full of laughter and memories.
