Rachel's Images

I could see the makings of a colorful sunrise as my kids got on the bus. I drove quickly to “The Point”, one of my favorite spots on our family farm. Hesitating slightly at the thought of getting my minivan stuck in the snow, I decided it was worth the risk. The Pere Marquette River glowed pink, just as I had envisioned.

 

Home feels good tonight. I took time to explore around the yard after unpacking the camper. I have always thought Queen Anne’s lace does not get the attention it deserves. I decided to use her for my star.

 

Snowy owls like to visit Mason County between Scottville and Manistee. Driving along US-31, I always try to keep a lookout. Perched upon an old metal fence, this owl was just waiting to be photographed. The subtle color in the sky and weeds added just the right touch.

My kids had their first day of downhill skiing today! They crashed hard asleep in the van on our way home from Crystal Mountain when I spotted this stunning silhouette. The flow of the tail was the finishing touch.

 My family and I had just finished a nice dinner with my mom and dad, and my brother Paul’s family at his house. On our drive home my eyes were on the sky. I knew that I wanted to get to the lakeshore and shoot the sunset. We hurried home to get my tripod, and had plans to head in, as a family, to enjoy what I hoped would be a nice evening with great light. My two and a half year old son David Benjamin had other ideas! He actually begged to stay home. Daddy and David Benjamin stayed and held down the fort at home while I headed towards the beach with my five and a half year old daughter Kasey Mae. She loves to help mommy shoot, and I thought for sure I’d have to fight her for my camera. However, within seconds of seeing the water she was asking if she could go in and play. Upon hearing my approval, she ran into the water, with her shoes and socks still on! It was a fun night of shooting for me, and playing in the water for her. I named this photo “Mae’s Rays”. It was shot the last day of May 2014; Mae is Kasey’s middle name as well as my mom’s middle name. My mom and Kasey Mae play a very important role in my life, and I’m happy to have made this image for them.

I have always been fascinated with birch trees. When I was little, I would try to carefully peel back the bark and use it to write letters on.

 

 

Tahquamenon Falls was surprisingly busy this winter day as many others enjoyed the magical light along with us. The contrast of dark water before it tumbled over the crest and showed its true tannins caught my attention. I set up in the farthest corner of the viewing platform and worked hard to include each ripple and movement that I wanted.

 

My kids have always liked the Christmas lights that project moving snowflakes on your house. I decided to add one to our Christmas decorations this year. I had fun trying several different manual settings until I achieved what I was going for. Slightly abstract with at least one clear snowflake.

 

Lake Michigan was a breathtaking color today, and the overcast sky was a wonderful complement. I hiked along the snow-blown dunes along M-116 until I came to a spot of uncovered sand. I composed my pyramid at my base and clicked the shutter.

A half an hour before sunset, Brad and I realized that there was a high chance of a fantastic sunset out of the snowy, gray sky. We each drove towards the lakeshore, shooting in different spots. As the sun dipped below the cloud barrier, the most remarkable particle ray appeared, and the sky lit up with the most brilliant sunset I have ever seen. What a great reminder that beauty will come after gray days.

 

 

 

Today was a difficult day. When my tasks at work are very systematic and methodical, it is hard to shut that off and let my creative eyes SEE possible compositions. It is past sunset and I have not clicked the shutter yet. I stop at the Custer bridge, grab my camera and tripod, and hope that I can make an image I would be proud of. I carefully took several shots, and then sat there in the silence.