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An immature bald eagle banks to make a turn toward Hamlin Lake as it descends from a fishing perch at Ludington State Park. While perhaps not as striking and noble looking as adult eagles, I find the immature eagles impressive and beautiful in their own right. F4 at 1/1250, ISO 800, 500mm lens at 500mm

A fire hose snakes down Rath Avenue, delivering water from a hydrant to a house fire. Luckily, nobody was injured, the owner's dog was rescued, and the fire was extinguished. F7.1 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Carl Sams, the famous wildlife photographer from Milford, Michigan, took the best bald eagle photograph I have ever seen. It show an adult eagle, wings completely straight, flying directly into the camera during a blizzard. I liked the image so much that I bought my dad a 40-inch panoramic canvas of it for our cabin. I have always wanted to make an image similar to Carl's. This is as close as I have come. The eagle in this photo is only a few years old and does not have the pure white head yet. F5.6 at 1/1000, ISO 1600, 600mm lens at 840mm

The narrow bridge that carries cars over the channel from Bass Lake to Lake Michigan has a sign that says "No Fishing." There are not any signs saying "No Photographing." I am glad of that as I make this sunrise picture. F4.0 at 1/30, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

Michigan is a horse-lovers state. With more than 150,000 horses owned by Michiganders, it is no wonder that an appearance of the Budweiser Clydesdales in West Michigan is a major attraction. Today the Clydesdale East Coast Team has arrived at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Before the week is out, tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to view Mick and the rest of the eight-horse hitch. I am excited to get this sneak peek before their public appearances in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ludington Beverage. The company has been owned and operated by my grandparents, parents and currently by my brother, Budde. F3.2 at 1/100, ISO 1600, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

A new Ford Mustang Cobra GT 500 was parked behind the gallery this morning. I couldn't resist photographing the iconic snake emblem and its reflection on the front grill of my dream car. F10.0 at 1/40, ISO 1250, 18-50 mm lens at 35 mm

Local knowledge can be very valuable. I can't help but take seriously this sign made by a resident of the area along South Lakeshore Drive. I also appreciate the eye-catching design of the homemade sign. F2.8 at 1/80, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 138 mm

The shape of the Bass Lake Outlet changes every day. It has only been one week since we last visited the outlet but it has already taken on a straighter, more direct route into Lake Michigan. F9 at 1/1000, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

Lake Michigan had an eerie glow over it tonight as I drove through Stearns Park while looking for my photo of the day. As the sun set lower on the horizon, the gold shafts of light became even more apparent. F9.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 23 mm

The carferry SS Badger is the last coal fired steamship in America. As she left Ludington this morning, I photographed her from the window of a small airplane piloted by Dave Johnson of Mason County Aviation. F9 at 1/1600, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 44mm

Acting on a tip from my son Brad, I head for Jagger Road east of Jebavy Drive to check out one of the few remaining stands of birch trees in the area. I like what I see, especially with the fall color leaves of nearby maple trees providing the backdrop. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Local fruit farmer Roy Hackert and his family and several other locals donated the newest sculpture at Waterfront Park in Ludington. The sculpture is named "Fruits of Farming," and depicts a farmer and his son worn out after completing the long, hard harvest. I am certain that many farmers feel this way every fall. F2.8 at 0.6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 46 mm

The SS Badger is a beautiful steamship from any angle. Today was the first time that I got to photograph her underway from an airplane. I was impressed by how elegantly the 410-foot carferry cut through the waters of Lake Michigan. F7.1 at 1/640, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

Just after photographing an adult bald eagle with my 600mm lens and a 1.4 extender, I was about to get back into our little Boston Whaler to photo hunt for more eagles when I realized that my next photo was right in front of me. The blue sky, dark trees, and white clouds were dancing on the surface of Hamlin Lake. It is easy to get distracted and stop "seeing" the world around us. I am glad I didn't miss this one. F18 at 1/800, ISO 1600, 600mm lens at 840mm

“Class Time” - All semester it has been on my syllabus to have my photography students from West Shore Community College meet me down at the North end of Stearns Beach today for a class shoot. Our timing was unbelievable. Just as we showed up the magic light appeared. We all hustled down to the shoreline and started shooting. Nikon D850. F6.3, 1/2000, ISO 400. 60-600mm lens at 600mm. On a tripod without a flash. November 11, 2024 at 1:15pm.

Wave Action

The Ludington South Breakwater Light is enveloped by a wave during the second day of the big Southwester that has stirred Lake Michigan into a frenzy. This is my kind of day. Oh to be back out there driving a self-righting Coast Guard motor lifeboat right now! F4.0 at 1/1250, ISO 200, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

Swamps are beautiful! One of my outdoor photography heroes, Clyde Butcher, has shown people through his photographs that the swamps of the Florida Everglades are filled with beauty. Today, I have set out to showcase some of the beauty of Michigan swamps and marshes. Shortly after sunrise I discover this wildflower scene that plays on my visual senses like notes of a musical score. F11 at 1/80, ISO 1600, 80-200mm lens at 185mm

The grasses along Dennis Road south of Ludington looked beautiful this morning as the sun rose in the east. The golden sunrise helped ease my nerves after a long night of howling winds. F22.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Purple loosestrife catches my eye in a marsh along old Pere Marquette Highway. Upon closer inspection, I discover evening primrose and decide to focus on the yellow flowers instead and use the purple loosestrife as a complementary backdrop. F4 at 1/100, ISO 100, 300mm lens at 300mm