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A Forest Painting

Northern Michigan scenic vista views abound. What impressed me most about the bird’s eye view from Deadman’s Hill was the wide range of colors apparent on this mid-October day. I look forward to returning to this marvelous spot in Mackinaw State Forest near Elmira

A spider bridges the gap between clusters of blue vervain growing in the sand dunes south of the Sable River. I discovered the delicate flowers on one of many summer hikes I have made on these southern park trails that are far less traveled than most of the other trails in the State Park. I love the fresh views these trails provide as they weave through the sand, jack pines and wetlands tucked in the valleys between the dunes.

Taken at Gerlach Workshop in Munising

I have always been envious of my cousin Ryan Reed's artistic abilities. Not only is he a world class photographer, he also has a talent for drawing and painting. If I could draw or paint well, these wildflowers would be my inspiration.

Taken at Gerlach Workshop in Munising

A local farm field is often a popular spot for Bald Eagles. The snowflakes on this particular day were thick and heavy. Several eagles were flying around, but this one sitting in the tree struck me. Even with all the snow, the white head and tail stood out beautifully.

After spotting and making an image of a dozen yellow iris flowers blooming in a marshy area on the Island Trail, I followed one of our main teaching concepts and moved "twice as close" and "twice as close again" and began looking for a stronger, simpler image that would reveal the true beauty and detail of the yellow iris. I liked this image better than the first shot, which failed to make the final edit of my images to be considered for this book.

My dad and I showed up at Crystal Mountain hoping to make our first ski runs of the season only to find out they were closed for three days to make snow. We decided to explore the mountain on foot with our cameras instead. I loved the howl of the wind and the blowing snow in my face. I have not had that much fun with a camera in a really long time.

Taken at Gerlach Workshop in Munising

This huge white oak on our family farm is a favorite to everyone, especially my brother, Jimmy. With my three kids and my arms wrapping around it, we barely touch fingertips..

White camas flowers bask in the warm sunlight of a late June evening in the dunes at the south end of Ludington State Park. Summertime visitors seeking solace and new discoveries might want to consider a hike in this less-traveled region of the park.

Last night I shot this scene of birch trees lining a creek along Fisher Road. I liked it then; I like it even more today in better light. Stands of birch trees are a dying sight in Michigan. I am happy to come back to them and appreciate them while they are still standing. F16.0 at 1/15, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Eben Ice Caves

A great blue heron remained motionless while waiting for his fish dinner to swim past his position along a bank of the Pere Marquette River. I have long admired the stealth and patience of these beautiful birds. As an outdoor photographer, I have learned to be more stealthy and more patient to increase my chances of capturing wildlife magic moments

Eben Ice Caves

My dad and I try to dress for success when we are photographing in the winter. On this day I had all my gear except my fleece hood. Right before I made this photograph, a large clump of snow fell on my head and went down my back. It reminded me of the snowball fights I had with my brothers when I was a kid.

Fall Leaves on Conrad Road

Fall Leaves on Conrad Road

Fall Leaves near a barn on Conrad Road