Spring

It is always nice when Rachel and I can get out to shoot photos together. Unfortunately, it happens very little. Tonight, we made the most of it and had fun shooting the subtle Lake Michigan sunset near Ludington.

For the first time in weeks, due to COVID-19, Brad and I went shooting together. We ventured to the Lake Michigan shoreline and he shot from a higher viewpoint while I climbed down on rocks for a different perspective. It was fun to shoot together again.

We are driving to Calvin College in Grand Rapids to see an exhibit of famous National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry's work and hopefully to hear him speak. Heading south on Pere Marquette Highway I sight my first dandelions of the year in an apple orchard. This one looks perfect; it brightens my day. F16.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

Sometimes the sky and clouds are so beautiful and colorful that it is best to leave Lake Michigan out of the frame. The water tonight looked dark and boring, so I aimed my camera higher into the sky and made this image.

I don’t have many images from the Manistee area, so I decided to head there tonight. It was very windy and difficult to steady my tripod, but worth the effort. Lake Michigan sunsets never get old!

I attended Lakeview Elementary School from kindergarten through sixth grade and now I live across the street from the school. Even as a young child, I remember loving this tree that is located next to the playground. F7.1 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Todd's Day 209 of 365

High Seiche

I love seeing the red-winged blackbirds in the Pere Marquette River flats south of Ludington. This male sings what I imagine is a springtime love song while swaying in the breeze atop a cattail. F5.6 at 1/2500, ISO 800, 500 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 700 mm

I had hoped there would be a stunning sunset tonight, but it was disappointing. However, the blue hour after the sun had set was beautiful.

I originally had chosen a different image for my photo of the day, but I kept going back to this one and decided to swap them out. After I made my initial photo at Stearns Beach, I headed back to my van. Before putting my gear away, I decided to try an abstract shot. I placed my camera on my tripod and zoomed in on the spot of color above the horizon. Panning my camera side to side while exposing gave it a very painterly feel.

Light Spectacle

Admiring the beauty of this blossom, I can't help but wonder how the local fruit trees are going to fare with the frosty weather the weatherman is predicting. I'm glad I am a photographer right now instead of a fruit farmer. F8.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105mm

I remember being about 12 years old and making my counselor laugh out loud with my unexpected answer to the question she asked me. She asked if I could be any animal, what would I be. I quickly answered, “a squirrel.” She said she had never had someone give that answer before and was curious why. I said because they are clever, playful, and often up to no good.

My 10-month-old son Ethan is not always fond of naps. However, he will sleep in his car seat. So, tonight after work I loaded him into my truck and we drove around town for about an hour. I photo-hunted and he finally slept. I found this tree trunk on Ferry Street. I loved all of the textures and colors in this photo. F22.0 at 0.8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 24 mm

Age and Beauty

Low Seiche

My aunt, Vicky Shimel, called me today to tell me that on Victory Drive, not too far from her home, she spotted a heart on an apple tree in a neighbor’s yard. I drove there a few hours later and made this image. We always appreciate getting photo tips from people.

It looks like a field of dreams as I look at a meadow of mustard grass through my large telephoto lens. The view is equivalent to looking through 10-power binoculars. I focus farther away and closer until the picture feels just right. F4.0 at 1/640, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

This grand old barn stands proud and strong on the backroads between Silver Lake and Pentwater. I thought it was cool how the pattern in the clouds matched the pattern in the old metal roof. I also really liked the vines growing on the barn