Other Trees

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! I spent the day with my mom. I am blessed for each passing day I can spend with her. Around 8 PM, I wandered, looking for a photo of the day. This tree was one of many blown down on our farm during the horrific wind storm a few years ago. It was completely uprooted. My kids love this tree and they call it the porcupine tree.

Due to the shutdown, we are spending almost all our time between the farm and home. Tonight’s sunset helped showcase the patterns in the trees across our yard. It gave it almost an abstract feel with a touch of realism.

Walkway to Fall

The red blossoms on this tree stood out among the blue, cloudy sky and really brightened my day.

Winter Delicacy

Willow trees are mystical and beautiful. This morning I found this willow tree and its reflection south of Ludington and stood on the roof of my truck to make this photograph. I had to get up high so that the entire reflection showed up in the water. F11.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 46 mm

Dogwood Trees hold a special place in my family’s heart. For years they had stopped blooming on our farm while I was growing up and we were worried they would never bloom again. Then, one year, they started up again! We have several of these favorite trees around the farm. This one looked radiant tonight.

My dad, Sean, and I went golfing today at Hemlock Golf Course in Ludington. While we were golfing, a storm rolled in and it looked like we were going to get a lot of rain. Luckily for us, the rain held off. And luckily for me, I had my big camera with me in the golf cart.

My neighbor two doors down, Tom Nelson, has this beautiful tree blooming in his front yard. I pulled my truck into the mouth of my driveway, got out, and made this image with my telephoto lens. The light rain and diffused light really added to the atmosphere of this image. Greens, reds, and pinks always pop more in the rain.

With this 365 project I have been trying to shoot more atmospheric photographs. This is forcing me to shoot more on foggy days and hazy days. This scene is near the bird lookout on the corner of Conrad Road and Old US 31. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Vern Collins has the most spectacular silver poplar trees in his yard near the corner of Sixth Street and Old US 31. I have always wanted to try making a photograph that could show the beautiful contrast in the silver and green leaves. Today the light and clouds are perfect to showcase the magnificent trees. F3.2 at 1/800, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The last day of fair is here. The auction was today, and the animals have sold. One last night to soak in the feel of a familiar tradition. I found this spot on the trail between the fairgrounds and the Walmart parking lot. You would never think it would look like this back in that little woods.

Our 365 Project would not be possible if it were not for our general manager at the gallery, Sarah Genson. Today she came to visit us at our family cabin on the Pere Marquette River. If you look closely you can see her yellow sweater against the red siding. F11.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

It was a calm night – but the clouds were moving across the sky. I took a longer exposure showing the movement against the silhouetted trees.

Aspen leaves shimmering in the sunlight and wind are one of my favorite autumn sights. These aspens signaled me to stop along Mavis Road in Hamlin Township. F4.0 at 1/250, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 165 mm

Fall color catches my eye first along the Lincoln River. Then I notice the amazing patterns and textures of some leafless branches, making it clear that the fall color works better as a backdrop for the bare branches. F5.0 at 1/640, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

This is the same forest on North Peterson Road in Hamlin Township that I photographed on Day 53 of 365. It is beautiful all year long. The selectively cut forest was gorgeous on this warm October afternoon. I love days with weather like today. F22.0 at 1/8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

If you have had the opportunity to see Michigan's Manistee National Forest from the air, you know how unbelievably dense the forest actually is. Today, I was drawn to the beautiful patterns created by the different shades of green on the trees below. F8 at 1/400, ISO 400, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

Often, the kids spy the color in the sky before I do. They will come running, yelling to grab my camera. I love that at a young age they can see and appreciate a good photo opportunity.

With their leaves stripped away, the beautiful shape of these trees along the Lake Michigan shoreline stands out to me. I spotted them last night but the light was not good, so I am back today along South Lakeshore Drive to shoot them in sweet light. F3.2 at 15.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 175 mm