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The fast moving clouds kept changing the landscape in front of my camera this afternoon atop a tall sand dune just south of the Beach House at the Ludington State Park. After studying the clouds and light for a few minutes, I realized that I could make my photograph of Big Sable Point Lighthouse look more three-dimensional if I shot from the shadows into the sunlight. F22 at 1/40, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 185mm

Workshop at Ludington State Park

Field of Dreams

As vivid as it is harmful to the other growth along the banks of the Pere Marquette River, loosestrife stands out shortly after sunrise in the flats south of Ludington.

For most of us, following dune paths to Lake Michigan brings anticipation of great times and great views. On some days though, the view is unforgettable.

Ludington Light Cropped

Ludington Light

The dune grass natural area at the north end of the Ludington city beach looked super real bathed in magic light but the storm clouds over Lake Michigan approaching from the northwest looked mysteriously unreal. The unusual juxtaposition between a view so real and yet unreal intrigued me on an August afternoon. I love catching weather fronts just before they get to my camera position.

The sun sets over the sand dunes at Hamlin Lake in a view southwestward from the Narrows that connect the Upper and Lower sections of the lake. A duck hunting blind on this private property is one of my favorite spots to hunt for Hamlin Lake pictures. Sitting there, I wonder what amazing views hunters must have enjoyed from this spot over lifetimes of hunting. I am grateful for permission to hunt there with my camera.

This morning my dad and I drove to the middle of the state on US10 so we could photograph Dow Gardens in Midland. As the sun was rising we found this tree between Reed City and Evart. The fog mixed with intense sunlight created a beautiful scene in front of us. I stopped my lens down to F22 in order to make the rays of sunlight show up more distinctly.

Shore Breeze

When I am not working at one of our galleries or taking photographs, I can often be found at the soccer field. As my cousin Ryan and I pulled into the Sterns Park beach in Ludington for a cool-down swim after a few hours of soccer, I noticed a vibrant orange streak of light dancing on the water. Knowing how fast light can change, I did not risk taking time to remove my shin guards and soccer cleats. I ran down to the waters edge and captured the reflections just in time. Needless to say, I got a lot of strange looks as I was photographing that evening.

I spotted this loon on Hamlin Lake during a June hike in the Ludington State Park. Photographing it was a personal highlight in a photographic journey that spanned more than a year. I dreamed of reencountering the loon "twice as close" or "twice as close again." But in six more months of hiking and boating in the park, I never saw a loon again. I am grateful for the opportunity to see this one.

Our first visit to Dow Gardens was a photographic success. My dad and I were both impressed with the aesthetics of the famous gardens in Midland. All of the employees were exceptionally nice and helpful as well. Dow Gardens is another Michigan treasure that is perfect for an afternoon of family fun.

Carferry and Ludington Light Cropped

Carferry and Ludington Light

The founder of the Dow Chemical Company, Herbert Dow, developed the original eight acres of the Dow Gardens in 1899. Today, the Dow family continues to improve and develop the now 110-acre botanical gardens. I highly recommend making a trip to Midland to visit the gardens, ponds, sculptures, bridges, and waterfalls. Don't forget to bring your camera!

November winds, magic light, and fall color all worked together to create this extraordinary scene at Old Mission Lighthouse today.

A Michigan Moment

A valuable composition lesson I have learned from my dad is that visually small objects, or