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A boat ride on a tranquil summer evening has always been one of the finest life experiences. During one of my Lake Michigan sunset cruise/photo excursions on my trusty 13-foot Boston Whaler, this classic-looking runabout passed by as I was waiting for the carferry Badger to leave port. The beautiful watercraft reminded me of my childhood days aboard a classic wood speedboat.

Marvelous Manistee

I have photographed mute swans hundreds of times and now try to look for peak moments that will produce more original and interesting pictures. This proud swan rose up as I was observing it on the Sauble River at Ludington State Park.

On summer mornings, Pentwater can look magical. Sailboats, and other watercraft, line the waterfront of the quaint village and lie at anchor scattered about Pentwater Point marinas on this morning when light and atmosphere created an extraordinary view for a few magical moments.

All is quiet on the Silver Lake waterfront on an autumn evening. Rental canoes remain stacked along the shore. The sun has set on another tourist season at one of Michigan's busiest and most spectacular summer fun spots. I love the stillness and the visual simplicity the lack of activity provides.

Having 35 years of local knowledge is the only reason I was able to make this photograph. While standing on Conrad Road between Ludington and Scottville, I hypothesized that if I were near the Buttersville campground that I would be able to line the rainbow up with the Ludington North Breakwater Light. Just as I arrived at the campground beach, the SS Badger was heading out the harbor. One second after shooting this photograph the rainbow disappeared. F13 at 1/400, ISO 400, 70-200mm lens at 170mm

Underwater Housing at Little Sable

Mute swans are not native to Michigan and have made themselves unpopular with many naturalists in recent years, partially due to their interference with other native species of waterfowl. From my standpoint, I understand efforts to reduce their population. At the same time, I love seeing splendid mute swans like this one I photographed on Lincoln Lake in 2017.

Spirit of Manistee

More red than the Red Sea, Lake Michigan changes color like a lava lamp in the red light of a September sunset afterglow. This scene presented itself only seven minutes after the "Sea of Confusion" scene.

Dozens of powerboats and sailboats have passed by us on this gorgeous fall night. Lake Michigan will soon be too rough for pleasure boating. We all soaked in the sunshine tonight.

First I am thinking how beautiful Lake Margrethe looks with those big clouds suspended above it. Then I spot a red kayak cruising along the north shore of the nearly 2,000-acre lake near Grayling, Michigan. Just the added ingredient I was looking for! F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

Hamlin Township

Manistee Light

My kids and I enjoyed photographing a huge cloud over Ludington tonight. The Badger was getting ready to head out into the storm and were able to get fairly close to her at the dock from my dad's boat. I loved the split tones in this image with the dark side and the light side.

Mackinac Island

Wind contorts my face, waves roar and crash just short of the feet of my tripod, sun gleams and dances across the water, clouds paint the sky. I am in my glory. This is as good as it gets for a Lake Michigan photographer. These are the days I dream about and rarely experience. This mid-September day of 2001 on the Ludington waterfront was one of the best moments of my life. My camera recorded it so I and others can experience it again and again.

Today is the start of the second annual Westmaas family week-long vacation near Manistee, Michigan. Over twenty members of my mother-in-law's family come from all over the country to enjoy the shoreline and waters of Lake Michigan. The house we rented this year is near the 5th Avenue Beach in Manistee, Michigan. F22.0 at 0.4, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm