Miscellaneous Images

Lower Lake Michigan water levels have left high and dry what looks to me like the keel and attached segments of a shipwreck on the shoreline near the First Curve of Ludington State Park. The construction, including iron bolts, looks similar to remnants of a 1800s schooner I saw recently along Lake Superior near Munising. F11 at 1/8, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

I received an urgent call from my son and business partner Brad telling me to hurry to get a shot of one of the most unusually colorful sunsets of the year. I am shooting pictures in my yard at the time so I have to sprint to the top of a nearby dune with my camera, biggest lens and heaviest tripod. I am winded but the tip and the effort pay off. F4.0 at 1/640, ISO 100, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

Four years ago I took a photograph of my daughter Julia in our front yard holding this same soccer ball in great light. Tonight, I saw similar light hitting the driveway and the idea for this photograph of Ethan came to mind. It was a little harder to pull off this time because Ethan is much more active and aggressive than his sister. F6.3 at 1/200, ISO 800, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The raindrops glistened in the light rain today along Grand River Avenue at one of the many busy entrances to the majestic campus of Michigan State University. I worked hard to micro-compose this photograph so "Class of 1938" was legible. F10 at 1/400, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

Lately when my dad and I have to drive someplace, we have been making an effort to go down roads we have never driven. Just south of Fremont, Michigan on a country road, my dad and I found this design made of shingles on the roof of an old barn. It was the best roof art I have ever seen. F11.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 116 mm

I wonder how many times I walked past iconic Beaumont Tower while earning my B.A. degree in journalism at Michigan State University. I know this; I have always been a visual person and the beauty of the MSU campus made my college years there a lot more enjoyable and less stressful. I continue to find Beaumont Tower and the campus uplifting and inspiring. F9 at 1/80, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 18mm

For many Michigan State University fans, students, and alumni, the Beaumont Tower is a national treasure and one of the ultimate iconic monuments in our great state of Michigan. I love visiting the campus with my camera in May. F10 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

I have been helping my dad, brother and several other veterans place more than 2,000 Americans Flags on the graves of veterans in Lakeview and Pere Marquette cemeteries today. Now I have returned to Lakeview Cemetery to make a picture that I think will honor all the veterans who have died in the service of our country. F4.0 at 1/50, ISO 100, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

Rachel had the kids and me out to her house for dinner tonight with her and her kids. While there, Rachel’s daughter Kasey was excited to show us some of the new kittens that were born below their porch.

The Plaza Skate Park of Ludington is a popular hangout for teenagers and kids. Driving down Lakeshore Drive, I noticed a skateboarder who was definitely an experienced rider. I pulled in and asked Mark Grant if I could photograph him catching some air. He was up for the challenge. F6.3 at 1/400, 100 ISO, 70-200 mm lens at 70mm

The atmosphere in the sky tonight is creating an interesting golden aura around the moon. This is the second time I have seen such a distinct aura this year. I had never noticed them in past years. F4.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

The sunshine is so intense tonight that I can't shoot towards the setting sun in the west without my photograph looking washed out. But I really want to document the great beach weather. So I find a Harley Davidson motorcycle and make my photograph in one of its handlebar mirrors. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

One of my don't-miss stops in charming Sutton's Bay is the Michigan Artists Gallery. This fish sculpture, by Michigan contemporary folk artist Jesse Hickman, lures visitors to see a myriad of Michigan artistic creations inside the always exciting, always surprising gallery. F20 at 1/60, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 19mm

There are a lot of beautiful wineries in Leelanau County, but I think Black Star Farms is hands down the most spectacular looking winery in Michigan. It reminds me of a smaller, red version of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Today was perfect lighting, especially with the dramatic Michigan sky in the background. F7.1 at 1/500, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

This is at least the 40th year I have attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the veteran's monument at Stearns Park. The importance those attending place on this Ludington tradition is one of the reasons I love living in a small town. The American Legion Honor Guard fires the ceremonial salute to veterans every year. I admire their patriotism. F9.0 at 1/100, ISO 320, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

Every Memorial Day, you can count on watching Dale Shimel march in the Memorial Day parade in Ludington. Dale is a Vietnam Veteran and I am proud to say he is my shirttail relative. F2.8 at 1/640, ISO 800, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

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