Miscellaneous Images

I could see the makings of a shelf cloud over Lake Michigan, so I headed to the lakeshore from work. As I was making several images of the small cloud, I could see a paddle boarder coming my way. I thought he was very brave! I waited until he was in front of me and had the paddle in a position I wanted. Thanks to social media, later I was able to find out who he was and give him a free print!

Maude's Garage in downtown Ludington has quickly become one of the most photographed spots in all of Ludington. Shirley Reeds, who owns Maude's, has an amazing ability to make art out of other people's junk. I love the old Ford truck she has placed in front of her store on Ludington Avenue. F22.0 at 0.6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast is one of several beautiful bed and breakfast homes on Ludington Avenue. Recently, many local innkeepers have formed an association and are working together to market their businesses. It is an exciting time to own a business in Ludington because everyone is working together to market the area and each other. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

Noah Penn throws a large wake as he screams across the surface of Lake Michigan while kite surfing south of Ludington's South Breakwater. The expert kite surfer wears a helmet and face shield for protection. He often allows the kite and wind to launch him more than 20 feet skyward. I wish I could do that. F4.5 at 1/3200, ISO 200, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

Moments after videoing the granddaddy of clouds rushing toward him on the Lake Michigan shoreline, Brad Reed grins like a photography junkie that has just been smacked with the best video footage of his lifetime. He is on cloud nine literally in the clouds on the observation platform high atop the Sleeping Bear Dunes bluff. F11 at 1/640, ISO 280, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

The Father Marquette Cross, recently repaired and re-erected, looks glorious today!

I made this image today in my backyard in honor of my grandpa, Bill Marble. My Papa Bill has been a horse lover his entire life. This weathervane sits on top of one of my garages and I always think of Papa when I look at it.

David Benjamin had been looking forward to his First Communion for months! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we had to cancel the original Mass. Father planned this special Mass just for them and a small gathering of family members. He was very excited to have his special day! This image of my mom and dad, along with David Benjamin was a heartwarming photo to make.

For years I have driven past the Grissom Air Museum on the way to and from visiting family in Clarksville, Tennessee, but have never taken the time to stop. Today, Rachel and I stopped on our way back home to Michigan. I made this image of an F-14 Tomcat in honor of my favorite movie of all time, Top Gun. Since I was a young kid, I have dreamed of flying one of these fighter jets

If you have not been to the new Sandcastles Children's Museum in Ludington then you are missing out on great family fun. The museum is as cool on the outside as it is inside. The mural on the side of the building is a great addition to downtown Ludington, too! F5.0 at 1/50, ISO 1000, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Downtown Ludington is coming alive with summertime foot traffic. Earlier tonight Bruce Kelley entertained passers-by with his original music and haunting voice in front of Redolencia, the local coffee shop. F5.6 at 1/160, ISO 400, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I round the bend of the Ludington North Breakwater with a photography workshop student and am surprised to see a bride and groom strolling toward me. With no time to get the camera on the tripod, I draw on skills honed in my newspaper days and quickly compose a hand-held shot of the newlyweds, Ashli and Jon Solitro. F5.0 at 1/200, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

Just after photographing the Badger leaving the pier heads, I noticed a beautiful bride and groom walking around the top of the Ludington North Breakwater Light. Luckily for me, Ashli and Jon Solitro were eager to be models for my photo of the day. Oftentimes, found moments like this make the best photographs. F8.0 at 1/400, ISO 400, 70-200 mm lens at 190 mm

My wife Debbie and I are returning to Buttersville Park from a trek to photograph the clay banks in the evening light when this scene presents itself. I already have the picture I set out to take but can't pass up this shot of a group of Kalamazoo College students savoring a bonfire and the sunset afterglow. Another hike to the clay banks lies ahead. F4.5 at 1.0, ISO 250, 12-24 mm lens at 22 mm

My wife Debbie and I are returning to Buttersville Park from a trek to photograph the clay banks in the evening light when this scene presents itself. I already have the picture I set out to take but can't pass up this shot of a group of Kalamazoo College students savoring a bonfire and the sunset afterglow. Another hike to the clay banks lies ahead. F4.5 at 1.0, ISO 250, 12-24 mm lens at 22 mm

We had a great day visiting with my sister Julie and her family at their cabin in Luther. On our way home, we could see fireworks in the distance near Baldwin. As we got closer to Wolf Lake, I could tell there were several different people shooting fireworks off. We drove around the lake several times before finding a public place to park and shoot. I was happy my kids were able to watch them, even if they were not Ludington’s!

Somehwere In Time

A summer night tradition in Ludington: watch the sunset then head downtown for ice cream. House of Flavors has a long line tonight as usual. Seeing families enjoying ice cream together reminds me of all those summer nights my parents took us to House of Flavors (Park Dairy in those days) during Sunday family outings. F2.8 at 1/60, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 92 mm

This historic yard gate on Mackinac Island caught my eye as I was passing by it today. I got close to the gate with my wide-angle lens to control the background. When I was making this composition I knew the bright green grass in the background would look better as a black and white photograph. By making the photograph black and white, it also gives it a more historic feel. F10 at 1/125, ISO 400, 18-50mm lens at 44mm

The 4th of July in Ludington: great family times capped off by a glorious ending. Family and friends are gathered on the Crosswinds beach at the mouth of Ludington harbor for a spectacular Ludington 4th of July fireworks show. But perhaps the best way to celebrate our nation's independence is to think of all those who have fought to preserve it. F8.0 at 25.0, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 20 mm