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Shoup Family Farm Weldon Creek Farms

Shoup Family Farm Weldon Creek Farms

I arrived at my parent’s farm with a goal in mind. The dogwood trees were in full bloom, and I really wanted to make a great image of them before they were gone for the season. I got out of the van with my tripod and camera in hand. I looked back at the tree, then ahead trying to visualize where I needed to set my gear up. As I looked back a second time I heard and felt something run right past my leg. I was so startled that I screamed, and jumped not knowing what kind of animal it was. When I turned around to take a look, I saw a fawn running through the woods. I got two shots off before it disappeared. I was hand holding a bigger lens, and didn’t have time to change any settings. I was worried that they wouldn’t turn out, but when I looked at them on the computer I was very happy! Success!

The Orchard at my parent’s farm may not be what people typically think of when they hear the word “orchard”. A lot of them assume we have several acres of trees, and although it might be small compared to many, it’s ours. The lilac bushes that surround the orchard might not be world class, but they’re ours. The tire swing hanging in the middle of these might seem ordinary to others, but not to us. My family has made many memories while playing baseball in the orchard, hide and seek in the lilacs, and of course being pushed on that tire swing. They’re one of the first things you see when turning into the driveway after a long day of traveling, and once your headlights hit them, you can breathe a sigh of relief because you’re “home”. Now, as my siblings and I have our own children, they too know that feeling, and are busy making their own memories in the orchard, lilacs, and Papa’s tire swing (as my two kids call it). These memories will last forever, and will continue to grow for generations to come. 

 I had just arrived at my parent’s home east of Custer, Michigan, and the smell of homemade chicken soup was in the air, dinner was ready! My two kids and two nieces were already seated at the table when we started to see the glow of the sunset through the kitchen window. We ran outside to watch and what we found was an incredible rainbow to the east! I hurried to get the tripod and camera out. The rainbow started to get more intense, and the double appeared at the same time as we were seeing beautiful magic light from the sunset. The light was hitting the tops of the trees; it was one of the most incredible scenes that I’ve ever witnessed! I was able to get a few shots off before the intense glow started to fade. What an incredible sight to see and share with the family!