Rachel's Images

After a fun Father’s Day celebration, I was riding in the truck with the kids and my dad up to the shop, when my nephew Abe got my attention. He had spotted a fawn in a nearby field. I hopped out of the truck and followed him. While we did get eyes on the fawn, it quickly hid from our view. We noticed a family of raccoons waddling into nearby trees. We followed them and I was able to photograph this little guy.

The kids were working hard with their 4-H steers and couldn’t let a little rain shower stop them! We try to play hard in the summer, but we work hard too. The kids each pick their 4-H animals and spend all summer working with them for fair.

Today was a busy day. It wasn’t until late tonight that I could come up for air! The kids’ new fun toy is slime. This slime has beads in it. It is very weird feeling to me but made for a fun photo and the kids love it.

Years ago, my brother and sister in-law took in an exchange student from Germany, Johanna. Little did we know that she would instantly become part of our family! She stayed in the U.S. to receive her BA and MA from MSU. We have spent many years and holidays with her. Today, we say goodbye for now as she heads to her new career and home in Romania. As we were leaving, a gorgeous sunset and rainbow joined in our celebration.

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

These bright red lilies lining my brother’s driveway were beautiful tonight!

It has been a while since I was able to make it to the lakeshore for sunset. Tonight, I needed the sound of waves and the sun on my face.

I love playing with light and shadows. Using part of the background to help a subject stand out and become the star is always fun for me as an artist.

Every year these birds make nests above my mom and dad’s chairs on their porch. They fly in and out preparing the nest and caring for their babies. It has become a tradition to watch them in the summertime.

I was leaving my brother Paul’s house when I saw this small buck in the corn field across the road. I laughed when I checked the back of my camera and saw that he was sticking his tongue out!

I don’t believe I have ever made an image at Lincoln Lake. I left Ludington later than I had planned, and sunset was fading fast. I parked past the bridge on M-116 and walked quickly in between cars to capture this sunset over Lincoln Lake.

My mom always has fresh flower bouquets on her tables in the summer. Her gardens keep her happy!

It is that time of year when all the hay fields are being baled. I love the smell of fresh cut hay! This field in Custer was picture-worthy tonight!

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!

There is beauty all around us. Sometimes it appears hidden, or not easily spotted. I have always thought this candle holder was neat. It would always grab my attention as I sat at my patio table, so I decided to focus on it tonight.

Our family raises Shorthorn cattle. The white roans are my favorite. On my walk around the farm this evening, a young calf chased after her mama to join the herd.

Joshua is looking forward to showing at fair! Kasey is letting him use “his” ewe, Lady Glitter Sparkles. We had such a fun night working with all the animals at the farm.

Our kittens are all starting to venture out on their own. They love crawling around and playing on our deck. These two were especially friendly tonight.

While visiting with my sister, Gretchen, we noticed part of a double rainbow appear. We raced to the field, and I got in position to include a couple of our Shorthorn cattle.

We drove to St. Louis, Missouri, today. Brad’s cousin, Ben, is getting married tomorrow. I found this sculpture in our hotel lobby to be intriguing.