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I love the iconic nature of this photograph. A gorgeous sailboat, a person fishing off the pier, and a beautiful Lake Michigan Lighthouse all bathed in blue and silver light. I captured this photo today 7:15 p.m. on the shoreline at South Haven, Michigan. F20 at 1/640, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 160mm

One of the high-performance sailboats from the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac looks fast even while made fast to a dock at Harbor Springs a few days after finishing one of the longest fresh-water races in the world. I am attracted to the shadows made by some of the many people attracted to the sleek vessel. F7.1 at 1/125, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 21mm

After nearly 14 hours of driving, boating, and photographing, I decide I have earned my favorite Northern Michigan dinner, planked whitefish. Miraculously, I somehow get an outdoor table at Stafford's Pier House, 10 feet from the water and right in front of one of the most beautiful classic yachts I have ever seen. Fantastic summer evening, fantastic meal, and world-class Michigan view. It doesn't get any better than this. F4.5 at 1/80, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 24mm

It was a great sailing day in Ludington today. With a stiff and steady wind, I watched several sailboats cruising the lakeshore. I was geeked when one of the bigger sailboats decided to pass the pier heads under full sail.

While photographing morning light striking an American Flag and flagpole at Ludington Municipal Marina, a rainbow appears in the western sky over the marina. This is a bright spot in a day that will be marred by yet another Lake Michigan drowning at Ludington. F5.6 at 1/250, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

Hamlin Lake is a great place to practice your sailing skills. For whatever reason, Hamlin Lake always seems to be windy. Today the wind was pretty strong and I had to motor our little Boston Whaler around quickly in order to keep pace with this beautiful little red sailboat. F6.3 at 1/1600, ISO 400, 10-17mm at 17mm

On a calm night on Lake Michigan with very little wind, it requires an experienced sailor to find the wind and keep a steady course. One of our local sailboats, Freedom, is up for the challenge most nights all summer long, no matter the weather conditions. F5.6 at 1/100, ISO 400, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

After running four blocks to my vehicle to grab the lens that earlier I had decided I was not going to need, I get my telephoto lens mounted just in time to capture this image at Harbor Springs. I should know better than to leave one of my main lenses behind. I would hate to have lost my chance to record this view in one of Michigan's most picturesque harbors. F3.5 at 1/60, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 80mm

A tip from a Pentwater area resident that had observed a lone sailboat in the mist on the way to work leads me to Long Bridge this morning to see if I can see what they have been seeing. Oh yeah! Thank you. F2.8 at 1/1250, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 112 mm

I have my camera and tripod set up in the dark, just waiting for the first light of dawn to paint Pentwater Lake with dawn's blue light during a time exposure. I make several test shots before the moored sailboats all have drifted into picture-perfect positions. F8 at 10 seconds, ISO 400, 24-70mm lens at 62mm

My son, Tad was the first to see that this empty dock ought to be included in night shots we were taking of Pentwater from the opposite side of Pentwater Lake. I learned long ago, from National Geographic photographer Sam Abell, that compositions with a triangular shape at the base of a picture tend to lead viewers strongly into the scene and provide a stronger sense of depth. Tad was operating more by instinct. He knew the picture felt good. Rules, tips, and guidelines are fine, but feelings are the most important ingredient in making decisions about the quality of a potential picture.

A far cry from the snowy day five days ago, today looks and feels a lot like summer, with the thermometer surpassing the 60-degree mark. Jeff LaPrad takes the opportunity for one more sail into the sunset at the Ludington pierheads. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 165 mm