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It occurred to me during one of the most spiritual photographic experiences of my life that I was inside a real-life crystal cathedral. I think the beauty of this God-made ice cave “church” on Grand Island on Lake Superior by Munising far surpasses the beauty of the Crystal Cathedral made by man. Brad and I had photographed many phenomenal views in the Michigan outdoors, but nothing had prepared us for what we witnessed inside the Grand Island ice caves. We felt like we were stepping into God’s art studio as we entered a glowing world of intricately sculpted green and white ice. Few places could be as incredibly glorious as this place. We were, and remain, most grateful for the experience and privilege to make images testifying to the beauty we beheld.

Legends

As I lay on my stomach at the end of the inner North breakwall, an icy cold wave crashed over my head. I braced myself for the cold shock and pressed the shutter button at the same time. It all happened so fast, that I was not sure if I captured the moment. I continued to lie in the snow and shoot, but another wave never came. Fortunately, my first shot turned out.

At one summer art fair when I was a young boy, I remember hearing a gentleman say to my dad, "That isn't art, it's just a photograph!" Well, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and I enjoy the fact that art is subjective. I enjoy making images like this one, where an object that might go unnoticed takes on a new appearance.

I photographed two deer in a stand of sumac and was pleased with the shot until I saw this view of the Ludington South Breakwater Light right after sunset. The tube-shaped light tower is usually unattractive but tonight it looks like a lit candle dripping wax. I concentrate on keeping my biggest lens still on the tripod. F4.0 at 1/50, ISO 800, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

I have long been fascinated by the big wooden reels used for storage and repair of large commercial fishing nets. This reel is mounted along the channel of Fishtown in Leland, Michigan, near Carlson's Fisheries. I wonder if it is still used today.

I used to cross Indian Bridge every day on the bus going to and from school. Now, I rarely visit it. I decided to take a drive and recall some favorite memories singing with friends over that bridge on our hour-long ride home. The Pere Marquette River was especially peaceful this evening.

Trying to show the softness of these white pine needles, I decided to zoom my telephoto lens during a long exposure. I made several shots at different shutter speeds and varied the speed of zooming. This shot captured the essence of what I felt.

Songbirds have a way of making everyone smile. This little guy is so round and cute, and he gives me hope of a nearing spring. F3.5 at 1/250, ISO 640, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Time appears to have passed by this old fishing net marker buoy. It rests against one of the old buildings still standing at Fishtown in Leland, Michigan.

On our way to an indoor water park in Frankenmuth, Michigan, this red barn and its silver metal roof glistened in the sunlight. I pulled off into the ditch and quickly made this image, so we weren’t late to the water park. Frankenmuth is definitely one of Michigan’s coolest towns!

Jagged icicles in the foreground create a unique look at the Lake Michigan shoreline. The ice formation changed before my eyes with each powerful wave that pummeled the shore.

I am unhappy I have not found a Valentine's Day picture yet when it dawns on me that this Kubota tractor looks happy as can be. Sometimes pictures appear when and where you least expect them; the smiling plow tractor works throughout the winter at Crosswinds, where our home is. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 185 mm

This stylish yet functional weathervane definitely grabs your attention as it "swims" into the wind in Fishtown at Leland harbor.

This small section of woods by my late Aunt Mary and Bespop’s (grandpa) drive is always so captivating this time of year. The sun crosses its path in the best way.

What the heck is that?!?! That would be my mom's hairless cat Grub. Isn't he cute? F6.3 at 1/125, ISO 640, 18-50 mm lens at 38 mm

I spot turkeys almost daily along Iris Road south of Ludington but this morning they look more splendid than ever. Hold that pose while I grab that camera off the car seat. Thank you, turkeys! F8.0 at 1/60, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

One of the most famous fish markets on the Great Lakes is in historic Fishtown in the tiny village of Leland, Michigan. For five generations, the Carlson family has been catching and selling fresh Lake Michigan fish to customers all over the Midwest. It is worth a visit to Leland just to experience this incredible Michigan business.

Days without my kids can be lonely. This weekend was especially hard. The willow tree in the backyard is one of our favorite trees on our Tiny Acres Farm. The blue light of night matched my emotions.

The Rieth-Riley asphalt company in Ludington always has large piles of crushed up material behind their headquarters. I have always thought they would make an interesting photograph, but never took the time to do it. Today the giant pile of black asphalt looked strikingly beautiful against an all-white sky. F11.0 at 0.3, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm