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The South Branch of the Lincoln River looks like a dream this morning. I have passed this spot many times, knowing that on the right day there would be a picture to be made here. Today is the day. F6.3 at 30 seconds, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 48mm

Pentwater has to be one of the most picturesque villages in Michigan. With a long exposure this morning, I photographed Pentwater coming to life on a cold December morning. F5.6 at 30 seconds, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 27mm

The sunrise in the east was casting a turquoise light to the west over Lake Michigan this morning. Luckily, I was ready with my camera and found a strong foreground of dune grass to build my photograph. F4.5 at 1/80, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

The sunrise in the east was casting a turquoise light to the west over Lake Michigan this morning. Luckily, I was ready with my camera and found a strong foreground of dune grass to build my photograph. F4.5 at 1/80, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

This lone tree at Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater looked extraordinary this morning with the colorful sky above Lake Michigan as the backdrop. I had to stand on top of my pickup truck to make this photograph because I wanted the split in the trunk to be right at the horizon line. F8 at 1/30, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

I am right on schedule to meet Brad for lunch after photographing in Manistee all morning. Then these grasses along one of the back roads to Ludington set up a roadblock. Even before setting up the tripod, I know the decision to stop was a good one. The clean, simple dark background provided by some evergreen trees in the shade makes the grasses stand out even more. F16 at 1/640, ISO 100, 300mm lens at 300mm

As I was walking back to my truck along a dock on Pentwater Lake, I noticed a single leaf floating on the water. I waited for the leaf to float into just the right spot, in the reflection of a nearby dock. F2.8 at 1/100, ISO 1600, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

A large family of geese practices synchronized swimming this morning on Bass Lake near Pentwater, Michigan. I really enjoy the repetitive patterns in this photograph. F5.6 at 1/400, ISO 400, 28-300mm lens at 300mm

I cannot imagine these old downtown Manistee buildings looking more impressive when they were built more than a century ago than they look now. I look forward every Christmas season to seeing the phenomenal old-fashioned Victorian Sleighbell Parade pass by these buildings. F22 at 1/20, ISO 400, 24-70mm lens at 36mm

Manistee is famous for its grand lumbering era churches. I have photographed them all. Today, however, I am attracted to the beautifully designed cross-crowned bell tower of the much younger Trinity Lutheran Church. F8 at 1/250, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

This beautiful dune grass seed head looks like a deer's tail as the golden light from the setting sun hits it. By getting above the grass and shooting down, I was able to control the background of the image. A clean, simple background means nothing competes for the viewer's attention. F9 at 1/200, ISO 1600, 18-50mm lens at 23mm

I used my external Nikon flash to light up the foreground in this image that I made along the Island Trail at Ludington State Park. Without the flash, the foreground would have been completely black. I always have my external flash mounted on top of my camera so it is nearby when I need it. F22 at 1/4, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

This elusive hairy woodpecker climbs a tree so fast I struggle to keep the stunning bird in my viewfinder. The woodpecker uses its stiff tail feathers as a prop to be able to climb and cling to the tree. F2.8 at 1/8000, ISO 1600, 300mm lens at 300mm

A mature buck eats a blade of grass while staring me down this morning along the shores of Lake Michigan. I never tire of photographing big bucks. F2.8 at 1/640, ISO 100, 300mm lens at 300mm

This tree is less than a hundred yards from my dad's deer hunting blind in the swamp along the Pere Marquette River. I have always marveled at its unique shape and size. Today, I finally took the time to document this beautiful piece of artwork made by God. F2.8 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

This gnarly stand of trees along Conrad Road near the Pere Marquette River flats stands out because of strong side lighting. Looking for photos while driving is always fun, especially when you have a truck full of photographers. This morning I had three other sets of keen eyes helping me find photographs for Week 49 of the Tuesdays Project. F22 at 1/15, ISO 400, 300mm lens at 300mm

A pair of crows seems to be watching with curiosity as another crow takes flight from atop a birch tree. Their pose makes me think the lingering pair are wondering why the third bird is departing instead of continuing to bask in the sun on their lofty perch. F3.2 at 1/1000, ISO 100, 300mm lens at 300mm

The dunes further inland at Ludington State Park don't get explored nearly as much as those along the shoreline. A whole new world awaits those who head into the dunes less traveled. F5 at 1/200, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

Dune Walking

Dune Walking