Rachel's Images

 Several times this summer, if the conditions looked right, I would make the drive back into town from my home in Fountain. Some days would be a dud, and I would get frustrated for spending the extra gas money to make the 50 mile round trip. Other days, it paid off. I was excited that this day, I not only made an image I was proud of, but I had brought in my two kiddos and my niece along for the ride. We made a lot of fun memories that night too!

 

Mufasa, our outdoor cat, enjoys playing in the snow. We played chase the snowballs for a while before I made this image of his long fur blowing in the wind.

 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 an amazing friend. Her name is Jamie Spore. Many of you know her story, and for those of you who don’t, I suggest looking up Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2016 –Jamie Spore and get to know her, as I have. I first met Jamie back in 2014 through my work at Todd and Brad Reed Photography. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of really getting to know her. My kids adore her and look up to her, and I can’t think of a better role model for them than Jamie. She has many battles in her life, yet she is full of sunshine, hope, faith, and strength. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I am blessed to call her my friend. I love you, Jamie! I'm always here for you!

 Shooting soothes my soul. It’s my calming place. There are many days I need this time to myself, to forget about the outside world and focus on things I can control; shutter speed, ISO, f-stop, composition. Other days, I love to share this experience with others, especially my three amazing kiddos. At 8 and 5, Kasey Mae and David Benjamin are DEFINITELY following in my footsteps and share my love of photography as they each made strong images this night. At 1, Joshua was in a hiking carrier on my back while I made this image. I can’t wait to create more shooting memories with them in the future!

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.

 While shooting the sunset out at the Ludington State Park, I was disappointed at the lack of color in the sky. The water however, was radiant and beautiful. I knew that I had to act quickly before the color and light disappeared. I thought about what I needed to do, changed lenses, and got off three shots before it had faded away and the water went back to normal. While I typically shoot the “grand scenic” type images, it paid off to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. I came out with an image that I absolutely love!

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.

 On July 21, 2011, I had joined Todd Reed for a 20/20 Vision Workshop that Todd and Brad Reed Photography put on. When we started our night shoot down at the end of the Ludington Avenue, the sky didn’t show any signs of a great sunset. At best, we had a 50/50 chance for ANY good light to come our way. We were pleasantly surprised by this burst of color after sunset. It was one of the most spectacular sunsets that I’ve ever seen!

 

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.

 

 

 

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.