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Ludington State Park

While photographing maple trees that created a fall color canopy over Conrad Road, I looked closer. Across a farm field, the color and light made parts of a back-lit tree stand out against the shady woods.

The late Morgan Cartier was a huge fan of the Ludington State Park. His ancestors were lumber barons in the area and they were instrumental in helping make the Ludington area what it is today. Morgan was also fascinated with landscape and nature photography. After his death, Morgan's wife Georgette generously gave most of his camera gear to my dad and me. I took this photo with a lens and tripod that belonged to Morgan. We will forever be grateful for Georgette for her valuable gift.

A section of the starboard side of the carferry Spartan forms the backdrop for wind-blown dune grass and snow. I was looking for detail shots on a Sunday afternoon drive when this one leaped out at me. F3.5 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

While my wife is enjoying some wine tasting, I am visually taking in grapes through my viewfinder at one of the many Grand Traverse area wineries. I find just looking at the grapes intoxicating.

Man's best attempts to decorate fake Christmas trees with fake snow look dismal compared to nature's best efforts using real snow. I have never seen nature paint trees with snow in Northern Michigan better than on this March morning near Bear Lake.

The canopy that these maple trees drape over the roadway is one of the many reasons Conrad Road, between Ludington and Scottville, is one of my favorite stretches to drive. Photo hunting along area rural roads has been a favorite endeavor for decades. I have discovered countless unforgettable scenes and many memorable friendly people in my travels.

Stop the TRUCK! This is what I heard right before four of our workshop participants shot out the passenger side of my truck with their camera gear in tow. I quickly gave chase and we all ended up on a large dune ridge facing a brilliant rainbow to the southeast. The entire expanse of dune turned a vibrant gold.

I have enjoyed several grand scenic landscape views with countless trees along M22 today. But now, near Elberta, just one lone maple tree is putting on one spectacular fall color show.

One day, while living on Hamlin Lake, I was looking for fall color pictures when I spotted this young boy on a neighboring dock. I could see the finished picture in my mind, and everything seemed to balance. I liked the setting and composition, but it was the boy who made the picture come together.

Pine needles, a birch log and a maple leaf came to rest together on the forest floor. It was the first day of November and colorful leaves were scattered everywhere along the Lost Lake Trail. I spent much of the afternoon looking down. But of all the thousands of colorful leaves I saw that afternoon, this one stood out.

I am running out of daylight when my 365 Picture of the Day appears right before me at the intersection of Iris Road and South Lakeshore Drive south of Ludington. To my eyes, this gated view looks heavenly. F22.0 at 25.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I am always moved when I see attractive classic church steeples. I find it especially moving today seeing the First Congregational Church in Frankfort flanked by maple trees in peak color.

Music To My Eyes

The rich crimson color of these maple leaves stood out in the forest like colorful jewels when I discovered them from afar on the Piney Ridge Trail on a mid-October morning. As the leaves drew me closer, I was also drawn to the beautiful patterns the red leaves and dark branches made against the backdrop of green leaves not yet turned color.

I have now photographed this old McCormick Deering tractor in all four seasons. My dad and I got to meet the family that owns this tractor and the farm it sits on near the Sleeping Bear Dunes. This tractor is a great piece of Michigan history!

Music To My Eyes - Panoramic

Two fellow Team Reed members, Rachel and Dustin, went on a two-day shooting trip with me. Our most northern point was the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. After photographing the lighthouse for a few hours, we headed towards home on M22. We all made many strong images that day along the famous Michigan highway, but this old barn was one of my best from the entire trip.

Old Grand Dad

On my way to West Shore Community College, I cannot pass up taking a closer look at the frosty branches along the Pere Marquette River. I know it won't get any better than this today. I like the S-curves and dynamic angles of this branch. I like the matching repetitive pattern of the background branches that I keep out of focus to create layers. F3.5 at 1/5000, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm