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DaVincis Dream

Heaven knows how many times a God beam has lit the Ludington lighthouse. But when I saw this beauty shining down, I felt its spiritual quality more strongly than any other God beam I have seen before or since. On this calm May day of 1993, I was already underway in my tiny Boston Whaler skiff searching for photo opportunities because of the dramatic clouds. I quickly maneuvered closer to the lighthouse and centered the iconic Ludington landmark beneath the glorious beam. I laid over the low gunwale and fired away for about 20 breathtaking seconds before the clouds and spotlight moved away. As a longtime Lake Michigan mariner, there have been many times during the calmest or stormiest voyages that I have felt God’s presence; this was one of those times. As a longtime photographer, I have learned to better know when I am being presented with an extraordinary view with or without looking through the viewfinder; this was one of those views. The image I was blessed to make that day more than a quarter century ago remains my favorite calm day photograph with the Ludington lighthouse in the scene. In 2007, “God Beam” was selected for the cover of an inspirational book titled Hope: pure and simple. The book features “316 thoughts to lift your soul” by famous Christian author Max Lucado. I was humbled to have an image that means a great deal to me personally grace the cover of Pastor Lucado’s hopeful book.

Isle Royal

Sometimes the best way for me to describe a scene is that it is poetically perfect. That is what I was thinking and feeling as I made this image today on Portage Lake.

Stearns Beach Days - Panoramic

 For years I have wanted to visit Cherry Point Farm’s lavender labyrinth located in Shelby, Michigan. On July 21st, I decided to head south a little bit and soak up the lavender. While it wasn’t peak timing, I was still able to make an image that I loved, and the experience was well worth the short drive. I look forward to taking my kids back to share the labyrinth with them!

Royale Sunset

Tahquamenon Falls and White Fish Point

In 1984 my dad bought a used 13-and-a-half-foot Boston Whaler Super Sport. Our family has had so many incredible adventures on this boat. It still looks like new and the old 25-horse power Evinrude outboard motor starts every year with just a few pulls. Now my kids are enjoying making memories on the same boat. Besides family fun, salmon fishing, and pan fishing, the main use of our Whaler today is for photography. With its triple hull, the boat does not tip to the side, even when three grown people are standing on the same side.

The Director

Sand Waves

The corn is tall, the roadside wildflowers and weeds are in full bloom and the crisp blue and white sky has shown up. These are all signs that September has come to Michigan's West Shore. These are early signs that autumn is coming.

Hamlin Lake in Fog During Workshop

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The base of the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse juts seaward like the bow of a ship as the carferry Badger returns to Ludington harbor on a late summer evening.

 

Peaceful Evening

The heart of small towns and villages dotted across West Michigan agricultural areas is often a sizable grain elevator/feed mill operation. I think the Tri-County Feed Service facility provides an impressive entrance to New Era when approaching from the north.

Aerial Photos of Ludington

There were many times at Coast Guard Station Ludington that the rescue boats were at rest. The crew was usually still busy carrying out the work and training of the Plan of the Day, but there was down time too when crew members could pause to take in a rainbow or other impressive waterfront view. There were also many times when “Always Ready” search and rescue boat crews scrambled to respond to a call for assistance, like fighting a fire at the carferry docks.