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Thanks to our friend, Mike Schlitt, and a few other members of the Charleviox Camera Club, my dad and I found out about this iris farm on M72 between Traverse City and Empire. Several families were there this evening paying to pick their own flowers. It is such a wonderful place for people of all ages.

A hummingbird takes aim at another wild iris bloom along a trail in the Ludington State Park. Fortunately for me, the bird was attracted to the same flowers I had already discovered.

The American Flag waves gently in the summer breeze on the porch of one of two keeper's dwellings at the New Presque Isle Light, which despite its name is more than 140 years old. The 1870 "New" light tower is the tallest lighthouse tower accessible to the public on the Great Lakes. F8 at 1/800, ISO 100, 28mm lens at 28mm

Divine Moment

Sunset on Hamlin Lake

Badger Light

Sailboat and Moon

As steam rose from the still waters of Silver Lake, the sun peaked over the trees and illuminated the scene before me. I captured this image early in the morning before the daily barrage of boaters flock to their playground.

The persistent fishermen who troll Ludington harbor, day after day, in their tiny boats are reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea. I marvel how they often catch fish when larger fishing vessels go empty-handed. I admire their simplistic approach to fishing as much as I do their patience, perseverance, and willingness to face the elements. Outdoor photographers could learn much from these fishermen.

There were many times at Coast Guard Station Ludington that the rescue boats were at rest. The crew was usually still busy carrying out the work and training of the Plan of the Day, but there was down time too when crew members could pause to take in a rainbow or other impressive waterfront view. There were also many times when “Always Ready” search and rescue boat crews scrambled to respond to a call for assistance, like fighting a fire at the carferry docks.

The Lake Michigan Carferry Badger passes by the Coast Guard buoy tender Hollyhock while departing Ludington harbor en route to Wisconsin. I love watching the lights of ships. This is a good night for ship watching. F4.0 at 1/15, ISO 1600, 12-24 mm lens at 18 mm

A group of friends who live downstate were enjoying a fabulous sunset at the Empire Bluffs this evening. They were gracious enough to let me photograph them. I worked hard to micro-compose this photograph so the boardwalk started on the bottom left corner and the arch of the shoreline with the town of Empire was on the right edge of the frame. I also liked how the magic sunlight was hitting the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Stocking Drive in the distance.

Sometimes the best way for me to describe a scene is that it is poetically perfect. That is what I was thinking and feeling as I made this image today on Portage Lake.

The original third-order Fresnel lens shines like new in the lamp house of Little Sable Point Lighthouse. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association and its several hundred volunteers keep the lighthouse looking shipshape for the thousands of visitors who tour the 1874 structure each year.

A magic moment during a photography workshop at Ludington State Park

Petty Officer Barry Schultz stands lookout watch aboard MLB44345. Schultz also serves as one of the motor lifeboat's engineers. They are responsible for keeping the Coast Guard rescue boat's twin diesel engines, and other machinery, maintained and operating properly. The boat looks and operates as if new despite having served as Coast Guard Station Ludington's heavy weather rescue boat since 1965.

After a two-mile hike in the hot August sun, I walked back to my truck with my head down, disappointed that I hadn't made any good pictures. I was pleasantly surprised to find this caterpillar 10 yards from my truck. I quickly put my macro lens on my camera and got down on my hands and knees to make this photograph.

My dad and I are lucky to be married to very understanding women. Countless times on family outings at the Ludington State Park my dad and I have had to run off and chase the light. On this June evening, I was on a walk with my wife and her parents. Our destination was Big Point Sable. Just after we started out I noticed the light getting good. Betsy noticed my growing agitation, and gave me the go ahead to set off with my camera. Like a dog chasing a tennis ball, I ran as fast as I could from the Beach House to Big Point Sable with my 20-pound camera bag and tripod on my back. The reward was so sweet. Thank you, Betsy (and Debbie), for your patience.

My dad and I were shocked when we realized we had never heard of or seen the Empire Bluffs. It is a decent hike from the parking lot to the bluffs, especially carrying 30 pounds of photography gear, and has a few steep sections of stairs. But the hike through the forest is beautiful and the view from the bluffs might be one of the best views in America. I recommend taking the journey.