Maple Trees

As I was standing at the water's edge of Lake Michigan at the Ludington State Park with a workshop student, I saw one single leaf wash ashore. I quickly grabbed my camera and made this image. A moment later, a wave came and took the leaf back to sea.

Maple trees planted when horse and buggy traveled a country lane now tower over anything or anyone passing their way. The stretch of Decker Road, between Ludington and Scottville, is one of the few country roadways in the area that remain more of a lane a road. Because of its natural look and the magnificent maples, it has long been one of my favorite spots to drive through and to photograph.

Ablaze in color, maple leaves stand out against a backdrop of pine trees along Hamlin Lake near the Hamlin Dam. The fall color hot spots at Ludington State Park remain the same year after year but the colors change based on the weather and the quality and direction of light at the moment of viewing.

I started this morning trying to shoot the sunrise over Bear Lake in Manistee County, but the clouds were blocking the sun. I decided to take roads I had never driven westward toward Lake Michigan. Eventually I came upon a glorious horse farm built on rolling hills less than a mile from the Lake Michigan shoreline. The farm is on a road lined with huge maple trees. Fortunately for me, the sun finally came out while I was setting up this shot.

I love living on the eastern side of Mason County. There are so many uniquely shaped trees and structures. Tonight, this tree on Hansen Road reminded me of something one would see in Africa.

PM River and Conrad Road

Each fall I look forward to trying to be at my favorite Michigan Lower Peninsula fall color vista during peak color. My wife, Debbie, and I timed it well when we chose the morning of October 12 to make our 2020 visit to the Buckley Rollway. I love the birds-eye, above-the-treetops view from the lookout of the forest land and winding Manistee River.

Maple Glory

My uncle, Rod Marble, has owned a beautiful log cabin on the Lincoln River at the end of Anderson Road in Mason County for over 25 years. All year I look forward to driving down his road in the fall. Today was particularly picturesque.

PM River and Conrad Road

My wife Betsy and I were on our way to Crystal Mountain to go skiing when the sun popped out and created a layer of fog. I knew where a good photo could be made; I just needed to drive there before the light disappeared. This tree is near the corner of Fountain and Stiles Road. F10.0 at 1/1000, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I would love to hear the stories from all the different farmers who have worked this old tractor between Honor and Empire, Michigan. The farming life really intrigues me. Someday!

This is my favorite tree to photograph in Mason County. This scene is on Kinney Road just east of Old US-31. To date, this is the best piece of art I have made of this scene.

Kinney Road Tree in Fog

Kinney Road Tree in Fog

 

I have photographed this tree on Kinney Road just east of Old US31 several times. Today, the clouds, fog, and radiant sunlight are all working together to make this scene look extraordinary. Photography is wonderful therapy and is good for my soul.

 

Every time I drive by this tree on US10 just before Chase, Michigan, I check it out to see if it is ready to be photographed. On this frigid February morning as two of my best friends, Sarah Genson and Rachel Gaudette, and I are heading across the state on a photo mission, we get out of my truck to make this image. Like usual, we are laughing at each other the entire time.