Spring

I surprised the kids with a firepit for the backyard this weekend. We lit it and to our surprise, it showed its love for us with a heart!

It is one of those soft light evenings; there is a glow from the bright overcast sky instead of the golden light of a clearer night that might appear better for shooting. I like this kind of light and so does my Fuji S5 camera. I point it southward from the Ludington South Breakwater and wait for just the right breaking wave to complete the picture. F4.0 at 1/100, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

In October of 2009 I had stood in the same spot and made a photograph showing the South Bayou of Hamlin Lake during the peak of the fall color. Tonight, I want to show the same view with the beautiful late spring flowers and lush green leaves. I intend to return for a summer and winter shot as well. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

My front yard has several large bushes that are near the house. I was excited to see that many beautiful bright pink and purple azaleas bloomed this spring.

So many wishes have been made over the years. As I blew these dandelion seeds into the wind after making this photo, another wish was made.

I have my eye out for a fox kit or a fawn, neither of which comes my way this evening on the Buttersville peninsula. But along comes this rabbit, which within five minutes is nicely in range of my telephoto lens. F3.2 at 1/400, ISO 200, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

The tropical blue waters of Glen Lake never cease to amaze me, especially when viewed from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The white billowy clouds and gorgeous sunshine made this view even more spectacular than usual. F8 at 1/160, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

While enjoying a family bonfire in my backyard, I looked up at the trees above my head and noticed how nice the light looked on the leaves and trunks of the trees. In a few short minutes I had my picture of the day.

The God beams, bright blue sky, clouds below my feet, and the tropical-looking Lake Michigan water made me feel like I was actually floating on the clouds today when I made this photograph. I wish all of you could have been next to my dad and me experiencing this rare sight. F22 at 1/60, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

I could see the makings of a shelf cloud over Lake Michigan, so I headed to the lakeshore from work. As I was making several images of the small cloud, I could see a paddle boarder coming my way. I thought he was very brave! I waited until he was in front of me and had the paddle in a position I wanted. Thanks to social media, later I was able to find out who he was and give him a free print!

Today was the first time I experienced being above the clouds along the Lake Michigan shoreline without being in an airplane. The scenic overlook at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is over 450 feet above Lake Michigan and was a great vantage point to photograph this rare phenomenon. The hike down the steep dune is fast and sometimes furious. The hike up is torturous, especially on your calf muscles. F16 at 1/100, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

I love living so close to Cartier Park now. The kids and I can walk there pretty quickly from home. Tonight, we walked there together and we spent time enjoying the beauty of the dame’s rocket flowers.

A couple standing on the edge of a 450-foot-high Sleeping Bear Dunes bluff find themselves above the clouds as a cold front sweeps across Lake Michigan toward them. F10 at 1/800, ISO 400, 14-24mm lens at 24mm

After dinner at Brad’s house, the kids played there while I ran to the Sauble River outlet to shoot the sunset. I liked seeing the different variety of waves lapping to shore.

Whitetail deer are beautiful by themselves. This one looks especially pretty amidst cow vetch and green grasses. The doe glances my way momentarily after spotting me. I make two exposures and leave. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 400, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area was voted the most beautiful place in America in August 2011 by ABC's Good Morning America. The view today from the top of one of the tallest dunes at Sleeping Bear helps prove why ABC was correct in their judgment. When you can stand above the clouds on a sand mountain and look down at the endless turquoise waters of Lake Michigan, you know you are experiencing a world-class view. F22 at 1/40, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

After dinner the kids and I were in the backyard and we heard a strange noise coming from the woods behind the house. When I went to investigate, I found a family of baby raccoons walking across the ground. I ran to my truck and got my big lens. By the time I got back the babies had climbed part way up a very tall tree. This little guy was the only one in the sunlight.

This is the view looking over the edge of the 450-foot-high Lake Michigan shoreline bluff at Sleeping Bear Dunes. My vantage point is from one of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic lookouts along the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Drive. F16 at 1/320, ISO 400, 14-24mm lens at 24mm

The kids and I took a drive around the farm with my mom and dad tonight. I have always enjoyed the shape of this tree. In the far background, you can see our barn and farmhouse. It is a picture-perfect setting.

A massive storm cloud rolled in quickly off Lake Michigan and devoured my dad, me, and several naive spectators this afternoon at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Being 450 feet above Lake Michigan allowed us a vantage point that was above the clouds. When the storm cloud finally hit us, we were lost in a freezing cold sea of white nothingness. It was a religious experience to say the least. F11 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 23mm