Search

As Brad and I were driving back to Hart to pick up the kids, we drove past St. Mary’s Lake. I decided to swing through by the boat launch. What a welcome treat!

The larger the millimeters on your lens, the shallower the depth of field or focus will be. Also, the closer you are to the subject you are focusing on, the shallower the depth of field. And, of course, the larger the aperture hole in your lens, the shallower the depth of field. Today, I was very close to this Eastern Kingbird with a 600mm lens and a 1.4 extender and I shot it with a huge aperture hole at F5.6. That is why the bird looks very sharp and everything behind the bird becomes soft and out of focus. F5.6 at 1/1000, ISO 1600, 600mm lens at 840mm

Rachel and I and several other hunters were enjoying a five-course meal today at Legends Ranch when this guy came walking by the lodge. I photographed him with my iPhone through the window as the buck walked by in the rain.

My dad and I have photographed several bald eagles this year on different Tuesdays, but this was the first day we actually set out to specifically photograph the majestic animal at the Ludington State Park. In two short hours, we successfully photographed five different bald eagles. I never tire of seeing these massive birds populating the woods in Michigan. F5.6 at 1/6400, ISO 800, 600mm lens at 840mm

A mature bald eagle approaches touchdown in a white pine tree along the west shore of Hamlin Lake at Ludington State Park. I am so glad to see more eagles thriving in Michigan in recent years. F6.3 at 1/1250, ISO 800, 500mm lens at 500mm

While walking with my friend and guide, Corey Ford, to the Stump Blind at Legends Ranch, we stopped in one of my favorite woods in the entire world, so I could make this image of the sunlight dancing through the trees. The fall in Michigan is by far my favorite time of year.

An immature bald eagle banks to make a turn toward Hamlin Lake as it descends from a fishing perch at Ludington State Park. While perhaps not as striking and noble looking as adult eagles, I find the immature eagles impressive and beautiful in their own right. F4 at 1/1250, ISO 800, 500mm lens at 500mm

One of my favorite views is from this spot on First Street. You can see the huge base of the basswood tree at the end of my parents’ drive in the distance. You know you are “home” when you spot the tree. Tonight was particularly memorable.

Carl Sams, the famous wildlife photographer from Milford, Michigan, took the best bald eagle photograph I have ever seen. It show an adult eagle, wings completely straight, flying directly into the camera during a blizzard. I liked the image so much that I bought my dad a 40-inch panoramic canvas of it for our cabin. I have always wanted to make an image similar to Carl's. This is as close as I have come. The eagle in this photo is only a few years old and does not have the pure white head yet. F5.6 at 1/1000, ISO 1600, 600mm lens at 840mm

Rachel had the opportunity to harvest her first ever whitetail buck tonight, and she made the most of it. She and I, along with her guide, Corey Ford, sat in Island Blind, and anxiously awaited the right moment. This gorgeous typical buck presented a shot, and Rachel followed her training, and made a great shot.

Todd and Brad have explored Legends Ranch with their cameras more times than they can count. This year was the first time that I joined along. Brad and I were working at capturing different lake views on their grounds when I noticed a huge buck resting near the water’s edge. Quietly, I worked on my composition before he moved.

Aspen trees in the fall have always been one of my favorite subjects to photograph. This morning, while camera hunting at Legends Ranch, I knew where I wanted to head to make my image of the day. Just east of Island Blind, there is a picturesque stand of mature aspen trees. I had seen them the night before and noticed they were close to peak color. Today, they were finally at peak.

We were exploring a different part of Legends Ranch today when a falcon flew above us. Luckily, I was ready with my camera.

Ethan and I went picture hunting tonight along Conrad Road. We photographed one of my favorite trees in Mason County tonight. The brilliant orange leaves on the tree along with the corn and asparagus below, made a picture-perfect scene.

Robert Sergi, the manager of Legends Ranch, had a rose in my room when I arrived there. I have always loved the layers to a rose. I played with the depth of field to showcase parts of it.

In September of 2019, our assistant manager, Hannah Olson, married her best friend, Dan Ruhlig. They got married at the Little Point Sable Church in Mears, Michigan. I drove there today in order to capture this image in honor of Hannah and Dan.

Often, the kids spy the color in the sky before I do. They will come running, yelling to grab my camera. I love that at a young age they can see and appreciate a good photo opportunity.

Most of the big trees in my yard are oak trees. I much prefer maple trees. This maple tree is in my side yard right on the property border between my house and my neighbor’s house. It has finally turned colors and looks beautiful this morning.

Betsy, the kids, and I have been in our new house for a couple of months now and this is the first wildlife photograph I have made from inside the house. We have lots of deer and squirrels in our backyard every day and I can photograph them out the sliding glass doors. Julia helped me spot this squirrel. F4.5 at 1/100, ISO 1600, 600 mm lens at 600 mm

Hunting with a camera can be exciting. I have been stalking this big buck for weeks and here he finally is in front of my camera within 30 yards. I like this moment when he is on the trail of a doe that came through a few minutes earlier. F4.0 at 1/250, ISO 800, 500 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 750 mm