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Sunrise on the Pere Marquette River—designated by Congress a National Wild and Scenic River—revealed a scene to match the designation. The affectionate sand hill cranes did not appear to notice my presence. I remained as motionless as possible while frequently shooting as their positions and the light constantly changed.

Since I was a young boy I have noticed the beauty of lush green moss and enjoyed its soft cushiony texture under my feet. At the north end of the Cedar Campground in the Ludington State Park there is a steep bank that fills with thick moss every year. I had to wait until October for the fallen leaves, the moss, and the light to come together in a way that was photographically pleasing.

This is the first photograph I've taken from the inner pier walkway under construction at the Loomis Street Boat Ramp in Ludington harbor. The new walkway will allow local residents, tourists and photographers a closer view of both Ludington outer pier heads all year long. F22.0 at 4.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The view on Old Mission Peninsula from a scenic overlook along Center Road across a portion of the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery vineyards toward Grand Traverse Bay is splendid this October evening.

It is cold but perfectly still this morning as horses catch the rising sun in their pasture at the West Shore Equestrian Center near Sugar Grove, Michigan.

Stepping In

Maribeths Walloon Lake

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.

Kris Stewart and his family have owned the Toonerville Trolley and the Hiawatha riverboat for over 30 years. If you want to see wild Michigan black bears and have fun with the entire family, take a day to travel on the small Toonerville Trolley train and then float down the Tahquamemon River on the Hiawatha riverboat all the way to the Upper Tahquamemon Falls. Kris has a wealth of knowledge and is an expert navigator and ferryboat captain.

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.

Mason's Jam

Ludington Shining Bright

Mary the Albino Robin

Do you see Bullwinkle? Or do you see a carferry propeller. From the truck, before I got out to shoot, I saw a propeller. When I got up close with a wide-angle lens, I saw Bullwinkle.

Mary the Albino Robin

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.