Rachel's Images

 

 

I love living on the eastern side of Mason County. There are so many uniquely shaped trees and structures. Tonight, this tree on Hansen Road reminded me of something one would see in Africa.

 

 

The sunset was calm and magnificent. It made for an ideal background for the dune grass at Stearns Beach. This clump stood out to me. I lay down on my stomach and worked to set up the shot, micro composing, so the sun was between blades.

 

Large waves on Stearns Beach in downtown Ludington made unique patterns in the sand. I liked the definite dark line in this one.

 As I was getting the kids on bus this morning I looked East towards Ford Lake, like I typically do, and saw the signs of a beautiful sunrise. I grabbed my keys and drove the short drive to the lake. I got my equipment set up in time to see this amazing view appear!

I arrived at my parent’s farm with a goal in mind. The dogwood trees were in full bloom, and I really wanted to make a great image of them before they were gone for the season. I got out of the van with my tripod and camera in hand. I looked back at the tree, then ahead trying to visualize where I needed to set my gear up. As I looked back a second time I heard and felt something run right past my leg. I was so startled that I screamed, and jumped not knowing what kind of animal it was. When I turned around to take a look, I saw a fawn running through the woods. I got two shots off before it disappeared. I was hand holding a bigger lens, and didn’t have time to change any settings. I was worried that they wouldn’t turn out, but when I looked at them on the computer I was very happy! Success!

I never have had the opportunity to see a fox, much less photograph one, before this day! I had just finished making an image in the Ludington State Park. I was almost to my van when I saw a fox flash across M-116 and head towards the dunes! I switched lenses and was off. Thankfully, he took time to pause, and I captured him in this rare setting..

 I was on my way into work when I spotted this beautiful snowy owl perched on top of a barn on Fountain Road. It was so peaceful; I was able to shoot it quite a while before finally heading on my way. I was surprised to see it, as they typically disappear from our area come springtime. The snowfall we had last week worked in my favor!

 

 

 Although, over the last few years I’ve made many images that I’m extremely proud of, one photo that I still had not captured was a great image of the Ludington North Breakwater Light. I’ve made images of the lighthouse, just none that I was in love with. I had the chance to stay in town to shoot the sunset on May 21st, and I was crossing my fingers that the rain would stop, and the clouds would break just enough for the sun to shine through. It could have gone either way, but I was ready and waiting. I chose a telephoto lens, so that I could focus on just the lighthouse and the setting sun. Thankfully for me, the sunset turned out to be gorgeous! I could see others taking a nightly run to the lighthouse, or taking in the sunset with family or friends. It was just me, my camera, and the setting sun enjoying that special night on the south side of the beach, listening to Lake Michigan tell her summer secrets.

 

As I often am, I was in the water during this sunset at Stearns Beach. I had my camera as low as I could without it being covered in water. I adjusted my shutter speed to allow for a capture of a crashing wave just ahead of my lens. This is one of my favorite images I have made so far during our 366 Project.