Other Flowers

Quite often (my wife would say, too often) on our frequent 2020 trail hikes, something caught my photo eye and I would have to pause to better see it and assess its photographic potential. On this May day at Ludington State Park my eye was drawn to some cattails, but more exactly to their reflections. Brad and I tell our workshop students to determine “what exactly” excites them about a scene or other subject. I focused on exactly that.

The best way to discover beautiful marshes is to go into the marsh. I don't have to go far into marshland along the Pere Marquette River this morning to be stunned by the sight of dewy plants gloriously bathed in the early morning sunlight.

Dogwood blossoms blowing in a spring breeze are one of the more beautiful gifts of spring. This early-bird blossom stands out this evening. F4.0 at 1/100, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Dewdrops sparkle like diamonds, making stunning wildflowers even more glamorous this morning. What a way to start a September Michigan day! I have gone into swampland along the Pere Marquette River to see what I can find. I always know I will discover beauty in a swamp.

We are driving to Calvin College in Grand Rapids to see an exhibit of famous National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry's work and hopefully to hear him speak. Heading south on Pere Marquette Highway I sight my first dandelions of the year in an apple orchard. This one looks perfect; it brightens my day. F16.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

It looks like a field of dreams as I look at a meadow of mustard grass through my large telephoto lens. The view is equivalent to looking through 10-power binoculars. I focus farther away and closer until the picture feels just right. F4.0 at 1/640, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Walloon Lake Winery August 2025

Sitting in the middle of a Michigan field on a breezy summer day, I feel like I am watching a motion picture as the grasses and wildflowers sway in the breeze. Lowering my vantage point places me in the grass and makes the viewer of my images feel immersed in the grass with me.

Butterfly and wildflowers at cabin

Field of Canada Golden Rod

Driving through the Michigan countryside on summer days is a good way to enjoy a mobile flower show. This tiger lily caught my eye as I was meandering down West Michigan country roads picture-hunting. You never know what is going to be around the next curve.

Betsy and Sean’s house on Riverview in Ludington has always had beautiful crocuses growing in the backyard. I used my 105mm prime macro lens to shoot a close-up photograph of one of the crocuses. I was attracted to the wild purple and white patterns on the inside of the flower.

I grew up with orchards, flowering bushes, and gardens surrounding our farmhouse. I was fortunate to purchase a home that also has apple trees and several flowering bushes in the yard. This is one of my favorites.

Don Allen of Ludington has been part of the local garden club for many years. His backyard is unbelievably gorgeous from early spring until late fall. He invited me over to photograph tonight and I was immediately drawn to this clump of primrose. F22.0 at 0.4, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 38 mm