Summer
The Beach House
Every summer, thousands of visitors frequent the Beach House, inside Ludington State Park. Weddings, family reunions, and eating ice cream are just a few of the uses for this grand structure.
Fall Drama
I yearn for the dramatic light and the winds that come to the Lake Michigan shoreline in the fall. This perfect combination creates a world of beautifully lit patterns of grasses, waves and clouds. The carferry S.S. Badger, steaming back to Ludington from Wisconsin, provided an added ingredient to the scene on this October day.
Real Unreal
The dune grass natural area at the north end of the Ludington city beach looked super real bathed in magic light but the storm clouds over Lake Michigan approaching from the northwest looked mysteriously unreal. The unusual juxtaposition between a view so real and yet unreal intrigued me on an August afternoon. I love catching weather fronts just before they get to my camera position.
Path To Glory
For most of us, following dune paths to Lake Michigan brings anticipation of great times and great views. On some days though, the view is unforgettable.
Having A Vision
This morning my dad and I drove to the middle of the state on US10 so we could photograph Dow Gardens in Midland. As the sun was rising we found this tree between Reed City and Evart. The fog mixed with intense sunlight created a beautiful scene in front of us. I stopped my lens down to F22 in order to make the rays of sunlight show up more distinctly.
Ted's View
The sun sets over the sand dunes at Hamlin Lake in a view southwestward from the Narrows that connect the Upper and Lower sections of the lake. A duck hunting blind on this private property is one of my favorite spots to hunt for Hamlin Lake pictures. Sitting there, I wonder what amazing views hunters must have enjoyed from this spot over lifetimes of hunting. I am grateful for permission to hunt there with my camera.
Tropical Illusion
When I am not working at one of our galleries or taking photographs, I can often be found at the soccer field. As my cousin Ryan and I pulled into the Sterns Park beach in Ludington for a cool-down swim after a few hours of soccer, I noticed a vibrant orange streak of light dancing on the water. Knowing how fast light can change, I did not risk taking time to remove my shin guards and soccer cleats. I ran down to the waters edge and captured the reflections just in time. Needless to say, I got a lot of strange looks as I was photographing that evening.
Selective Focus
Our first visit to Dow Gardens was a photographic success. My dad and I were both impressed with the aesthetics of the famous gardens in Midland. All of the employees were exceptionally nice and helpful as well. Dow Gardens is another Michigan treasure that is perfect for an afternoon of family fun.
Lone Loon
I spotted this loon on Hamlin Lake during a June hike in the Ludington State Park. Photographing it was a personal highlight in a photographic journey that spanned more than a year. I dreamed of reencountering the loon "twice as close" or "twice as close again." But in six more months of hiking and boating in the park, I never saw a loon again. I am grateful for the opportunity to see this one.
Carferry and Ludington Light Cropped (3413)
Carferry and Ludington Light Cropped
Family Legacy
The founder of the Dow Chemical Company, Herbert Dow, developed the original eight acres of the Dow Gardens in 1899. Today, the Dow family continues to improve and develop the now 110-acre botanical gardens. I highly recommend making a trip to Midland to visit the gardens, ponds, sculptures, bridges, and waterfalls. Don't forget to bring your camera!
