Oak Trees

I have studied this old oak tree in Pere Marquette Township for some time. A fresh overnight snowfall highlights the massive tree's beautiful shapes. F11.0 at 1/5, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

This huge white oak on our family farm is a favorite to everyone, especially my brother, Jimmy. With my three kids and my arms wrapping around it, we barely touch fingertips..

I have a teaching degree and several credits towards a master's degree in social work, but as I went down those roads in life I found they weren't for me. I took the road less traveled, followed my heart, and went into photography full time. As in the Robert Frost poem, that has made all the difference.

I had already made a picture I liked of the Centenary United Methodist Church steeple in Pentwater before finding this shadowy view of a massive tree at Snug Harbor Marina on Pentwater Lake. Both images featured sunshine, shadows and clouds. Brad thought both images had a spiritual quality; I agreed. F8.0 at 1/640, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

With thousands of travelers a year on the trails at the Ludington State Park, it is easy to find your way through the woods and deep into the forest.

Days without my kids can be lonely. This weekend was especially hard. The willow tree in the backyard is one of our favorite trees on our Tiny Acres Farm. The blue light of night matched my emotions.

Exploring Michigan

Falling

A leaf shaped like a Gingerbread Man jumped out at me as I was photographing frost-covered leaves between Ludington and Scottville.

Whenever I see acorns on the ground it reminds me of the acorn fights I used to get in with my two brothers Tad and Willie and my cousin Ryan. We would spend a few minutes gathering our arsenals, stuffing our pockets with as many acorns as possible. Then the acorn-throwing war was on. Oh, to be a kid again.

I lay on my back in my neighbor's front yard to make this photo. She came out to check on me to make sure I was all right. I assured her I was fine, and that the giant tree in her yard captured my attention. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I have been forcing myself to get better at using an external flash unit with my camera. The ultimate goal for most landscape photographers that use flash is to create art that looks and feels naturally lit. This photo is not perfect in terms of the flash, but I am getting better and growing as an artist. F9.0 at 1/250, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

An oak tree clinging to life by the tips of its roots rises toward the sky atop a sand dune along the Hamlin Lake shoreline. I have long marveled at this tree's will to live near the north end of the Ridge Trail at Ludington State Park. This view is my reward for hiking an hour in the dark to be at this spot by sunrise. F10 at 1/50, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

My 10-month-old son Ethan is not always fond of naps. However, he will sleep in his car seat. So, tonight after work I loaded him into my truck and we drove around town for about an hour. I photo-hunted and he finally slept. I found this tree trunk on Ferry Street. I loved all of the textures and colors in this photo. F22.0 at 0.8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 24 mm

While enjoying a family bonfire in my backyard, I looked up at the trees above my head and noticed how nice the light looked on the leaves and trunks of the trees. In a few short minutes I had my picture of the day.

The kids and I took a drive around the farm with my mom and dad tonight. I have always enjoyed the shape of this tree. In the far background, you can see our barn and farmhouse. It is a picture-perfect setting.

I have had my eye on this tree in the Pere Marquette River flats south of Ludington for years. This morning, in the fog, the curved design of the trunk and branches stands out against the soft, muted background. F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

I am drawn to this tree. It brings me peace.

I have shot this same photograph in the same spot at my Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl’s yard on Lake Michigan, but I was never happy with the sharpness of the photograph. So today, I recreated the photograph, but shot it better both technically and artistically. I like to challenge myself to always get better at my craft.

The kids and I were camping at “The Point” on the farm. We had a group out for dinner and s’mores. It was a fun night of sharing stories and jokes. As the sun started to set, the ferns and trees lit up. I love this spot on our farm.