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It has been a while since I had my toes in the water. That didn’t quite happen tonight either, but I did have my boots in the water! With no snow, it doesn’t feel very much like winter here, more like a long fall.

Today feels like a Colorado day to me: cold and crisp, tons of sunshine, a brilliant blue sky, and white puffy clouds. Days like these make me want to sharpen my downhill skis and hit the slopes. F8.0 at 1/30, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The high winds coming off Lake Michigan this afternoon mixed with the bright sunshine made the green dune grass dance. It looked like giant green waves of water flowing back and forth. My job was to wait until the clouds in the background mimicked the trees. After an enjoyable five minute wait, the clouds were just where I wanted them to be. F11 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

My dad and I used to photograph the black and white “Oreo Cookie Cows” in this field on South Lakeshore Drive near the hydro-electric plant. Now the family that owns this farm has beautiful brown and white cows. The huge old maple trees have always made this farm extra beautiful as well.

I knew steam would be rising from icy Lake Michigan when the sun came up on this 10-degree morning. I got out early to photograph Ludington harbor from near the Ludington South Breakwater Light. I am pleasantly surprised to see this outbound tug and barge come into view to complete my picture. F4.5 at 1/320, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

We tend to shoot water ripples that are vibrant with color or cloud reflections. This photograph leans towards a darker feel, but I liked the patterns in the water.

Little did I know that as I was photographing this tree during an extraordinary sunset at my Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl’s house on Lake Michigan, Rachel was also photographing trees miles away at her family’s farm.

Spray from waves pouring over Ludington North Breakwater turned a bush near shore into an ice sculpture earlier in the week. Today, finally, sunshine has shown up to complete the picture I had discovered. F16.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 16 mm

Nikon D810. F22.0 at 1/30, ISO 3200. 60-600mm lens at 66mm. December 23, 2020 at 4:57pm.

As I was driving through Stearns Park this morning I saw a mature bald eagle flying the shoreline looking for food. I drove into the Loomis Street Boat Ramp and got my big lens and tripod out and waited 20 minutes for the large bird to fly overhead. F5.6 at 1/1250, ISO 800, 600 mm lens at 600 mm

My son, Ethan, and his stepbrother Aiden both used Christmas money and bought themselves each Traxxas RC cars. I think I have had more fun playing with Ethan’s car than he has. This thing really rips! I had Ethan do several donuts with his in the snow today so I could get my photo of the day.

Winter in Ludington is what you make of it. Sarah Holmes and her trusty sidekick Webber pass by as I am trying to make a picture at City Park. Instantly I recognize they should become the subject and the park the backdrop. F6.3 at 1/400, ISO 400, 12-24 mm lens at 16 mm

I picked the kids up from their dad, and we headed to visit with Brad’s family for a bit at his house. This church is always so beautifully decorated at Christmas. The air was cold, and my fingers were frozen by the time I was happy with my composition.

For years this Nativity scene has been visible during the Christmas season along Ludington Avenue near the Pelter Apartments. I have always enjoyed looking at it as I drove past. Today I decided to get a closer look with my camera. F5.0 at 1/25, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

After a drizzly start to my hiking day at Kensington Metro Park, diffused sunlight creates a soft glow on leaves along one of the park's many miles of trails. I use a large telephoto lens and fast shutter speed to make only a cluster of maple leaves stand out sharply in the forest. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 3200, 300mm lens at 300mm

Merry Christmas! I woke up early today to go out and plow snow for the first time this winter. Then I drove down the street to Keith and Courtney Hanson’s house to photograph a lit cross on top of their home on Washington Avenue. Keith and I caught up for a bit and then I headed home to get ready for Christmas morning.

Three of my grandchildren

Growing up, I didn’t realize how unique it was to have two Christmas trees in our house, especially one that was 15 feet tall. There is nothing better than stepping into the warm farmhouse, walking in the hallway, and seeing this sight. Christmas was different this year due to COVID-19, but I am glad we were able to spend it with Mom and Dad at the farm. Merry Christmas to all!

Ethan and I took an early morning drive today looking for the sunrise. The clouds blocked most of the sunshine and color, but the fog and atmosphere made for a beautiful morning. This old farm on Victory Corners Road looked especially peaceful in the cold, crisp dawn. F8.0 at 1.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Dynamic angles make photographs more exciting and interesting. They also often create triangles. I photographed this mostly frozen tree along the Lake Michigan shoreline tonight and purposely tried to compose it in a way to show off the dynamic angles and the large triangle at the base of the photograph.