Maple Trees

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.

While sitting in my truck at the drive-through car wash on Washington Avenue, I noticed this tapestry of colors across the street. When my truck was done being washed, I stood on my tailgate and made this image with my big telephoto lens. The fall color has started to finally get good in Ludington this week.

I photographed this maple tree in an asparagus field along Conrad Road on Day 209 in a very different way, showing the whole tree with its green summer leaves, green asparagus and cloud-filled sky. Today I see a different picture

I used the boards of my deck to frame this leaf. Don’t give up hope on a rainy day. The rain can help brighten the colors..

As Brad and I were driving back to Hart to pick up the kids, we drove past St. Mary’s Lake. I decided to swing through by the boat launch. What a welcome treat!

While walking with my friend and guide, Corey Ford, to the Stump Blind at Legends Ranch, we stopped in one of my favorite woods in the entire world, so I could make this image of the sunlight dancing through the trees. The fall in Michigan is by far my favorite time of year.