Summer

Growing up around the farm, we were fortunate for the amount of wildlife we would see on a daily basis. Now my kids get to enjoy the wildlife. We have watched this fawn and her twin all summer.

While trying to shoot some photos of people salmon fishing near the twin bridges in Ludington, I decided to turn my attention towards the beautiful cattails along the southern shore. With the blowing wind, I had to time it right with the correct angle and a good cloud pattern behind. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Another goldfinch was back in the same butterfly bush that I had photographed earlier in the year. This time instead of a green backdrop, I wanted my red house to be the backdrop. I knew the yellow bird would rocket out against the red siding.

The Buttersville beach is a quieter place today. The busy Labor Day weekend is over and the absence of people along Lake Michigan accentuates the fall look. F4.0 at 1/125, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

Good friends of ours have a cottage on Hamlin Lake. They graciously invited us out for the evening. I was on the lookout for photos driving there when we passed this barn and field on North Stiles Road. I loved the green in amongst the yellow, leading right to the barn.

The Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Pentwater, Michigan was built in 1867. For years I have tried to make a photograph of the church that showed its grandeur and beauty, but was never satisfied with the results until today. F4.5 at 1/1250, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The kids and I went on a hike with Carole and Jim Smith today out near their cottage on Hamlin Lake. We hiked to one of Carole’s favorite trees in the Manistee National Forest. Seeing this tree was love at first sight for me. I knew I had found my photo of the day!

On my way to WKLA to talk on the radio about the importance and value to our community of donating to United Way of Mason County I see my picture of the day along the Pere Marquette River. I pull off the road, run to the water's edge, compose and shoot. Sometimes pictures come fast and easy. F4.5 at 1/125, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

My son, Joshua, spotted this toad in a hole in a tree at the farm. I grabbed my gear and carefully set my camera settings. Then it was a waiting game for it to pop back out.

Julia has done so well on her first year of the high school golf team. She has gotten to play in several varsity matches and is getting better by the day. Tonight, when I went to pick her up from practice, I could see her on the 18th hole. I parked the truck and grabbed my gear and made this image of her as she hit a beautiful iron shot.

These large mushrooms are always fun to spot in the summer. The kids found this one down our long lane at the farm.

I took a lunchtime break at the lakeshore. The seagulls were very active!

Rachel’s daughter, Kasey, is on the middle school cross country team at Mason County Eastern in Custer. We were watching one of her home meets when I noticed these sweet peas in a mix of mustard grass. Trying to not crush any of the flowers or mustard grass, I got close to the prettiest one I could find. With my macro lens, I knew I could make the busy background look soft and less chaotic.

It was a calm night – but the clouds were moving across the sky. I took a longer exposure showing the movement against the silhouetted trees.

I hope all of these different varieties of flowers continue to grow in my yard year after year because I do not have a green thumb and I am not great at yard work. I rarely know the names of the flowers until I download my photographs of them and ask Rachel or Betsy what they are.

If you love boating, you have to love Charlevoix. From ships, to small craft to charming old homes and boathouses to classic-styled new ones, Round Lake in downtown Charlevoix looks and feels like a boater's paradise. My wife Debbie and I rented a 13-foot Boston Whaler like our own 30-year-old Whaler, so we could ply Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix as part of our 25th wedding anniversary trip to relive our first anniversary Whaler voyage in Charlevoix. F8 at 1/500, ISO 200, 80-200mm lens at 80mm

“The Triple Trees” were looking grand this summer morning! Before long, these trees will be full of color.

I love seeing the fog dance over the water during a sunrise. This morning did not disappoint as I photographed the sunrise from M-116 over Lincoln Lake. We often try to find triangles for the bases of our images. It helps lead the viewer’s eyes into the photograph.

As I stand on the drawbridge at Charlevoix watching boats ply the Pine River Channel leading to and from Lake Michigan, it strikes me how interesting the iron draw bridge railing is as the bright July sun strikes the side opposite my position. The graphic image is not the picture I previsualized but I am delighted to discover it. F13 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 112mm

My wife Debbie and I celebrated our first anniversary in Charlevoix, Michigan. Now, on the eve of our silver anniversary, we stand on the drawbridge at Charlevoix together as I make this image of golden light striking the Charlevoix lighthouse. I look forward to celebrating our golden anniversary together in Charlevoix 25 years down the path of life. F3.2 at 1/500, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 280mm