Rachel's Images

We went exploring in downtown St. Louis today before Ben and Sam’s wedding. I have never seen the St. Louis Arch up close. It is such a magnificent sight! As I walked closer, I spied water off to the side. I headed straight to this spot. I had to work the composition to get every piece in perfect placement.

After a whirlwind trip, we arrived back home from St. Louis close to sunset. It was nice to take in this view at Stearns Beach. A great end to a fun trip.

I had previsualized my shot for tonight days before I clicked the shutter. I knew I wanted to include both the Little Sable Point Lighthouse and Comet NEOWISE in my shot. The colorful afterglow was an added bonus!

My plan was to shoot the Comet NEOWISE in Ludington tonight. I drove out through M-116 but that was packed with cars. I wasn’t in the mood to be around people, so I decided to shoot the farm. I got back here and set up just in time to create this time lapse above a couple of our barns.

I have always loved this stretch of the driveway into Todd and Brad’s family cabin on the Pere Marquette River. The scenic, tree-covered, curved road is fun to hike on. Tonight, it looked especially charming.

There are so many hidden gems around Mason County. This Custer view is pretty unbeatable!

It always amazes me how many big bucks I see around town in Ludington. They know they are safe, I guess! I saw this big guy on my way to Brad’s this evening in his neighborhood.

I enjoyed my first-time charter fishing with Hiatus Charters tonight. Todd, Debbie, Brad, and I all had the chance to head out on Lake Michigan hoping for a chance to reel in the big one. Well, I reeled in a whopper! A 28-lb salmon! This sunset followed us as we headed back to the dock. What a memorable day!

My kids have been at their dad’s since Comet NEOWISE has been visible. When I picked them up this evening, I asked if they had been out to see it. Since they hadn’t, we stayed up extra late in the backyard to witness this spectacular event!

These windmills are a topic of great controversy. Today, the white stood out against the blue sky and green field.

I have a fear of snakes. Brad has a fear of spiders. He has made at least one image so far of a snake and made sure to send the picture to me to startle me. My kids found this spider on the back of our barn. Perfect payback!

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.

Storms seem to be popping up very quickly lately. We were still camping at “The Point” when the wind started to pick up. Everyone pitched in to pack up loose items. I then turned my attention to the clouds passing overhead above the Pere Marquette River.

When I think of Bespop, I often picture him in this area of his yard, near his grape arbor. Of course, he would be leaning on his cane, wearing his straw fedora hat, and smoking his pipe of cherry tobacco. I miss his smile. I miss his laugh.

It feels like fireworks! When I saw this Scentsy fireworks wax warmer, I knew it was a must have.

My goddaughter, Kayla, celebrated her confirmation tonight in Holland, Michigan. I was glad that I was able to be part of it as her confirmation sponsor. On my drive back home, I stopped in Grand Haven. I don’t visit this lighthouse often, so it was fun to watch the sunset here.

Todd, Brad, and I explored the Hamlin Dunes today. It was fun climbing portions that I haven’t visited before. The bright sun created some fun shadows in the sand.

We had a fun gathering tonight with two of Brad’s high school friends and their families. Jonathan and Shannon own two Friesian horses. My kids were over the moon at the opportunity to brush them and give them treats. I worked to compose and expose this photo to show off their wonderful barn and the crew inside.

Brad and I and the kids spent the afternoon in the Pere Marquette River. The kids were swimming, while Brad and I had the underwater camera housing out. I had previsualized a photo of half underwater and half above, showcasing the lily pads. I made an image that day, but the water wasn’t as clear as I would have liked to compete with these clouds and reflections!

I have tried to make a photograph of the grapes up in Bespop’s grape arbor for several years. Either I was too late, or the animals had already eaten them when I have tried before. This year, I was determined. I made almost daily visits to the arbor and finally decided the time was right.