Maple Trees

Julia has done so well on her first year of the high school golf team. She has gotten to play in several varsity matches and is getting better by the day. Tonight, when I went to pick her up from practice, I could see her on the 18th hole. I parked the truck and grabbed my gear and made this image of her as she hit a beautiful iron shot.

“The Triple Trees” were looking grand this summer morning! Before long, these trees will be full of color.

I am playing one of the worst rounds of golf of my life at Lincoln Hills Golf Club when I spot these maple leaves near the 17th tee already turning color. I put down the golf club and pick up my camera. I am so much happier and capable with a camera in my hands. Passion and practice make all the difference. F4.5 at 1/200, ISO 250, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Rachel and I went for a drive looking for photographs. We headed down North Lakeshore Drive along Hamlin Lake. Between the Middle and North Bayous, we found this colorful tree. I lay on my back and used my external flash to light up the underside of the tree to pop the colors.

I have been watching leaves float by for 20 minutes on Hamlin Lake just above the dam at Ludington State Park. Finally, here is a fresh, colorful view that stands out immediately from all the others I have seen. F2.8 at 1/80, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

This year, as I drop off or pick up the kids from their visitation with their dad, I try to take different routes looking for photo opportunities. I didn’t have to drive far when I saw this field and shade tree on South Custer Road.

Todd and Brad have each made images of this tree line on Fountain Road. I’ve never seen a shot to be made before this day. It is that time of year when the fields start to be harvested and the looks start to change. Fortunately for me, this corn was still standing.

Nikon D810. F9.0 at 1/80, ISO 6400. 105.0mm lens at 105.0mm. October 6, 2020 at 6:48pm.

I love the feeling of the last few days of summer. Those days before it officially feels like fall. The late summer glow, with flowers still in bloom, and warm sunshine on your face

My brother-in-law, Ben Verduin, and his wife Emily were married last summer at St. Cecilia Music Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Tonight as we all walked past the iconic building together on our way to dinner we noticed this tree that looked like it had been dipped in florescent paint. F6.3 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 32 mm

Part way through the day, Brad suggested I take a drive to look for a photo. I didn’t have a destination in mind, other than south of town. I ended up passing a cemetery, with a brilliant tree near the road. As much as I love the turning of leaves, the greens, and yellows, like this, are my favorite. .

A Sunday ride on an autumn afternoon is one of the best things about Michigan. I stop to take a picture of my favorite tunnel of trees at the Polcin farm on Conrad Road. Cheryl Swinehart and Boyd Stark crest a hill on a bicycle ride as I am shooting. F10.0 at 1/40, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 135 mm

“The Triple Trees” have fully changed colors. The reds are so vivid this morning!

I love the rolling hills between Hart and New Era along the US 31 Freeway. Today as my nephew Ryan and I head to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize, I have to stop to photograph this farm surrounded by fall color. F8.0 at 1/320, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Anyone who passes through Scottville on a regular basis would probably recognize this tree. It sits to the north at the bridge on US-10, and always is a treat to see. Today it is especially picturesque.

For two weeks I have been keeping my eye on this tree because it appeared that every leaf was going to turn bright orange. My assumption was correct. With the gold light of October backlighting this tree, the leaves looked even more orange and vibrant. I used my flash to light up the trunk. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

The shape of this tree in my backyard always surprises me. It doesn’t have the usual shape that one would expect.

One of Brad’s favorite roads is Anderson Road, north of Ludington. I decided to drive that way because I know the fall color is breathtaking there. I wasn’t disappointed!

Near the corner of Bryant Road and Sherman, I spotted this flaming red and orange maple tree in someone’s front yard. I pulled into their drive and went up to the door to ask for permission. The gentleman was so nice and told me I could shoot in his yard anytime. I spent a half hour shooting at several different distances and with different lenses. I decided this was my favorite image of the day.

The kids and I were working on splitting wood this afternoon, when my brother, niece and nephew stopped by. I asked if they wanted to help with my photo for today. I lay on my back, and they all tossed leaves in the air above my head.