Silver Lake Sand Dunes

We went on another family hike today. This time we explored the pedestrian section of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. It was a windy day at the top of the dunes, but that made for great designs in the sand. I lay on my stomach to make this image.

While visiting the kids today at their mom’s, in Silver Lake, we took a drive to find something to photograph. Across the lake, we spotted a Mac Woods dune scooter as it headed down the steepest part of the ride. I parked my truck, got my camera and tripod out, and waited for the next Mac Woods dune scooter to go by.

I could spend hours exploring the pedestrian area of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, especially when I have a camera in my hand. The light and shadow this morning played nicely on the sand ripples and created a dramatic scene with this old stump.

Tonight, we took the Lake FX film crew by boat out to the Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes to shoot some footage on the documentary we are making about my dad and his 50 years of photographing Michigan. It was another glorious night with warm shadows and great light.

Recent windstorms have left behind some impressive sculptures on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. I previsualized the dunes appearing rippled following the big blows, but this exceeds my expectations. F32 at 1/50, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 29mm

Looking down from atop one of the highest spots in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, I see S-curves of sand across the dunescape below. My mind starts playing tricks on me. I know it is only a mirage, but I imagine these patterns looking like tracks my sons and I have made in powder snow while downhill skiing on mountain slopes. F10 at 1/200, ISO 800, 80-200mm lens at 86mm

It never ceases to amaze me how the wind can shape sand dunes into the most impressive works of art. I have hiked up and down the Silver Lake Sand Dunes for a couple hours before finding this spot. I immediately know that all that effort was more than worth the reward of this visual treat. F18 at 1/80, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 31mm

A sand dune is to me one of nature’s most beautiful creations. Now paint that sand with the golden light of the setting sun and I am awestruck. I loved the feeling of being the only human being experiencing this view from atop the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.