Summer

My dad and I were shocked when we realized we had never heard of or seen the Empire Bluffs. It is a decent hike from the parking lot to the bluffs, especially carrying 30 pounds of photography gear, and has a few steep sections of stairs. But the hike through the forest is beautiful and the view from the bluffs might be one of the best views in America. I recommend taking the journey.

My dad and I are lucky to be married to very understanding women. Countless times on family outings at the Ludington State Park my dad and I have had to run off and chase the light. On this June evening, I was on a walk with my wife and her parents. Our destination was Big Point Sable. Just after we started out I noticed the light getting good. Betsy noticed my growing agitation, and gave me the go ahead to set off with my camera. Like a dog chasing a tennis ball, I ran as fast as I could from the Beach House to Big Point Sable with my 20-pound camera bag and tripod on my back. The reward was so sweet. Thank you, Betsy (and Debbie), for your patience.

Stearns Beach Days

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Dream Voyage

Petty Officer Barry Schultz stands lookout watch aboard MLB44345. Schultz also serves as one of the motor lifeboat's engineers. They are responsible for keeping the Coast Guard rescue boat's twin diesel engines, and other machinery, maintained and operating properly. The boat looks and operates as if new despite having served as Coast Guard Station Ludington's heavy weather rescue boat since 1965.

My dad and I are lucky to be married to very understanding women. Countless times on family outings at the Ludington State Park my dad and I have had to run off and chase the light. On this June evening, I was on a walk with my wife and her parents. Our destination was Big Point Sable. Just after we started out I noticed the light getting good. Betsy noticed my growing agitation, and gave me the go ahead to set off with my camera. Like a dog chasing a tennis ball, I ran as fast as I could from the Beach House to Big Point Sable with my 20-pound camera bag and tripod on my back. The reward was so sweet. Thank you, Betsy (and Debbie), for your patience.

Stearns Beach Days - Panoramic

 

I started this morning trying to shoot the sunrise over Bear Lake in Manistee County, but the clouds were blocking the sun. I decided to take roads I had never driven westward toward Lake Michigan. Eventually I came upon a glorious horse farm built on rolling hills less than a mile from the Lake Michigan shoreline. The farm is on a road lined with huge maple trees. Fortunately for me, the sun finally came out while I was setting up this shot.

A Sailor's Morning - Panoramic

Badger at Sunrise From Ferry Street

Fresh Lake Michigan air blowing in my face. Magic light hitting the dune grass in front of me. Roiling waves. Huge clouds. I feel alive and at home at this moment. F11.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 14 mm lens at 14 mm

Like a lightning bolt, the Lake Michigan shoreline looks electric as the setting sun hits the wave-washed sand.

Some of my best photographs happen by accident. Before I took this photograph, I was struggling to compose a photograph of an abstract ice pattern below my feet. The shot was not working, so out of frustration I stood up and looked away. The tops of sailboat masts inside Snug Harbor Marina caught my eye. I casually snapped off one exposure and then went back to shooting the ice. Upon returning home to edit my work, I instantly knew that none of my ice photographs would go any farther than the editing table, but the sailboat masts were a sure winner.

The family that owns the Sun Mountain cottage at Epworth Heights near Ludington allowed me to photograph the sunset tonight from their porch. Many of the cottages inside this summer resort are over 100 years old. Visiting Epworth is like taking a journey back in time.

Displaying more lights than a Christmas tree, the carferry Badger stays very alive even while docked in Ludington Harbor between Lake Michigan crossings. The coal-fired steamship carries passengers and automobiles between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Peaceful Evening

The lighthouse keepers at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse near Alpena, Michigan were gracious enough to stay open late to allow my dad and me to climb to the top of the 113-foot tower overlooking Lake Huron. Michigan has 149 lighthouses lining its shorelines and the view from the top of the New Presque Isle Lighthouse has to be one of the most unique. The point of land that the lighthouse sits on is almost completely surrounded by water. F16 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

Peaceful Evening - Panoramic