Summer
Teachable Moment
Point Betsie Light Station looks brand new following an exterior restoration project. The interior of the lighthouse is also being restored but on this bright winter afternoon I am delighted to see the outside looking so good.
There's no such thing as Hopeless if you believe
I have an amazing friend. Her name is Jamie Spore. Many of you know her story, and for those of you who don’t, I suggest looking up Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2016 –Jamie Spore and get to know her, as I have. I first met Jamie back in 2014 through my work at Todd and Brad Reed Photography. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of really getting to know her. My kids adore her and look up to her, and I can’t think of a better role model for them than Jamie. She has many battles in her life, yet she is full of sunshine, hope, faith, and strength. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I am blessed to call her my friend. I love you, Jamie! I'm always here for you!
Lucky Man
Just this year I discovered the Muskegon State Park. It is beautiful and the few times I have been there shooting photographs for our new book, it has never been busy. As I stood on a small dune with my camera and tripod shooting the sunset, I once again realized how lucky I am to be a full time outdoor photographer in Michigan. My dad and I get to help tell Michigan's story and share it with the world.
You CANcer-vive
Shooting soothes my soul. It’s my calming place. There are many days I need this time to myself, to forget about the outside world and focus on things I can control; shutter speed, ISO, f-stop, composition. Other days, I love to share this experience with others, especially my three amazing kiddos. At 8 and 5, Kasey Mae and David Benjamin are DEFINITELY following in my footsteps and share my love of photography as they each made strong images this night. At 1, Joshua was in a hiking carrier on my back while I made this image. I can’t wait to create more shooting memories with them in the future!
Up
After striking down at its prey, the blue heron comes up with its catch so quickly that, according to the electronic data recorded by my digital camera, only one second elapsed between the previous photograph and this one.
Go Muskegon
My daughter Julia spotted this scene as soon as we got out of the truck at the Muskegon State Park. I handed her her camera bag and tripod and she was off. After she made a similar image, I moved a little bit lower and to the right and captured this image. I like her shot better.
In
After pausing briefly with its catch, the blue heron extends its neck and dumps the fish down the hatch. My parents live near the Ludington State Park. They are most happy if the herons find the fishing good on the Sable River rather than the goldfish pond in their backyard.
Dune Sculpture
Like nature's version of a Calder sculpture, a sand-blasted and sun-faded tree trunk juts forth from the Silver Lake sand dunes. It is amazing how much the dunes shift with the wind. Changing light also adds new discovery to each visit. I often wonder about the scenes I am missing on the days I am not here.
Silver Lake Sunrise
Looking eastward from on top of the Silver Lake sand dunes, on an October morning provides a back-lit view of Silver Lake as well as a view of the sunrise.
