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Ludington State Park

Brad and I explored the Ludington State Park this afternoon. We ended at Lake Michigan along M-116, shooting big waves and the sun. Near sunset, the magic light showered over the dunes

I made this image last night at the Sable River Outlet in the Ludington State Park. It was a beautiful night. Not a ton of color, but the clouds and contrast from the storm light were amazing.

 Several times this summer, if the conditions looked right, I would make the drive back into town from my home in Fountain. Some days would be a dud, and I would get frustrated for spending the extra gas money to make the 50 mile round trip. Other days, it paid off. I was excited that this day, I not only made an image I was proud of, but I had brought in my two kiddos and my niece along for the ride. We made a lot of fun memories that night too!

Rachels Happy Place

 

This was the most colorful sunset I have ever had the pleasure of photographing at Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The afterglow just kept getting better and better. With all the craziness going on in the world right now, it felt amazing to be isolated at my favorite lighthouse photographing Mother Nature at her best!

 I have an amazing friend. Her name is Jamie Spore. Many of you know her story, and for those of you who don’t, I suggest looking up Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2016 –Jamie Spore and get to know her, as I have. I first met Jamie back in 2014 through my work at Todd and Brad Reed Photography. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of really getting to know her. My kids adore her and look up to her, and I can’t think of a better role model for them than Jamie. She has many battles in her life, yet she is full of sunshine, hope, faith, and strength. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I am blessed to call her my friend. I love you, Jamie! I'm always here for you!

 Shooting soothes my soul. It’s my calming place. There are many days I need this time to myself, to forget about the outside world and focus on things I can control; shutter speed, ISO, f-stop, composition. Other days, I love to share this experience with others, especially my three amazing kiddos. At 8 and 5, Kasey Mae and David Benjamin are DEFINITELY following in my footsteps and share my love of photography as they each made strong images this night. At 1, Joshua was in a hiking carrier on my back while I made this image. I can’t wait to create more shooting memories with them in the future!

The Beach House at Ludington State Park stand out as the only building along the Lake Michigan shoreline for miles. It has been a landmark for mariners and a gathering spot for park visitors since the 1930s. During the times of year when few people see the beach house, it continues to stand out under all types of weather.

Sunset at Ludington State Park

Shooting with Friends

 

Spring Dance

State Park Beauty

Take Me Away

I love exploring the curves of the Ludington State Park shoreline along M-116. This particular evening, the second curve grabbed my attention.

In 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Beach House at the Ludington State Park. The CCC also built many of the current park roads and twelve warming shelters on the trail system. Unfortunately, many of the original shelters were destroyed by vandalism and severe weather. Luckily though, the Beach House remains and is a beautiful piece of history.

The Lincoln - panoramic

Miles of rolling dunes await visitors to Silver Lake State Park. This hiking path at the Ruckel's Bridge Day Use Area near the south end of the state park leads visitors to what I like to call a "big sky country" view of thousands of acres of dunes and Lake Michigan. F22 at 1/13, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm