Summer

Fishermen saunter home after an evening of fishing on the Ludington North Breakwater.

 

A boat ride on a tranquil summer evening has always been one of the finest life experiences. During one of my Lake Michigan sunset cruise/photo excursions on my trusty 13-foot Boston Whaler, this classic-looking runabout passed by as I was waiting for the carferry Badger to leave port. The beautiful watercraft reminded me of my childhood days aboard a classic wood speedboat.

Nobody is going to believe this is real. I can't believe what I am seeing. The clouds, the rain, the haze, the sun, the big waves, the Badger, and the color! Surreal. These were the thoughts running through my head the evening of August 20, 2009 as I was shooting this photograph during one of our weekday summer workshops. I was just glad our students were there to verify that this dream actually happened.

All is quiet on the Silver Lake waterfront on an autumn evening. Rental canoes remain stacked along the shore. The sun has set on another tourist season at one of Michigan's busiest and most spectacular summer fun spots. I love the stillness and the visual simplicity the lack of activity provides.

Spirit of Manistee

Ludington North Pier Light

I have photographed mute swans hundreds of times and now try to look for peak moments that will produce more original and interesting pictures. This proud swan rose up as I was observing it on the Sauble River at Ludington State Park.

On summer mornings, Pentwater can look magical. Sailboats, and other watercraft, line the waterfront of the quaint village and lie at anchor scattered about Pentwater Point marinas on this morning when light and atmosphere created an extraordinary view for a few magical moments.

Mute swans are not native to Michigan and have made themselves unpopular with many naturalists in recent years, partially due to their interference with other native species of waterfowl. From my standpoint, I understand efforts to reduce their population. At the same time, I love seeing splendid mute swans like this one I photographed on Lincoln Lake in 2017.

I have not shot many sunrises at Big Sable Point Lighthouse because it is so hard to get to early in the morning, but one of the beauties of the Tuesdays Project is it is forcing us to get out of bed early. As the sun just starts to peek out above the sand dunes, I am filled with excitement and anticipation of what this new day will bring. Life is what you make of it and everyday is a new beginning. F22 at 1/13, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 24mm

First I am thinking how beautiful Lake Margrethe looks with those big clouds suspended above it. Then I spot a red kayak cruising along the north shore of the nearly 2,000-acre lake near Grayling, Michigan. Just the added ingredient I was looking for! F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

My kids and I enjoyed photographing a huge cloud over Ludington tonight. The Badger was getting ready to head out into the storm and were able to get fairly close to her at the dock from my dad's boat. I loved the split tones in this image with the dark side and the light side.

Manistee Light

Dozens of powerboats and sailboats have passed by us on this gorgeous fall night. Lake Michigan will soon be too rough for pleasure boating. We all soaked in the sunshine tonight.

Mackinac Island

Hamlin Township

More red than the Red Sea, Lake Michigan changes color like a lava lamp in the red light of a September sunset afterglow. This scene presented itself only seven minutes after the "Sea of Confusion" scene.

My dad and I headed out to the north side of the channel in Grand Haven today to photograph the abundance of fisherman catching perch, steelhead, and salmon. The pier was packed and several people were showing off their catches. The fog was "pea soup," as my dad would say, so I was not expecting to see many boats heading out for a joy ride. To my surprise, Karizmaddie, a racing sailboat, was venturing out into the fog.