Tank Lake and Fog

Water Tank Lakes are located near Tahquamenon Falls State Park just east of the entry to the lower falls. During late summer, the juxstiposition is perfect to photograph sunrises. Following clear, cool nights, conditions are often prime for early morning fog as was the case when this image was taken. This was the third morning in a row with "world class" light that, with the fog, evoked an ethereal mood to the scene. The tall red pine on the right anchors this composition...

Trillium-Red Bud (double exposure)

Aman Park west of Grand Rapids off Lake Michigan Drive is a hotbed for wildflowers each spring. Beginning with the round-lobed hepaticas and spring beauties which emerge in late March, a procession occurs with other species that follow -- violets, dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, and countless others. By early May, the forest floor is carpeted with large-flowered trillium and Virginia Bluebell. It is a spectacle that rivals the peak of fall color in many places. Also blooming along the creek beds by mid May are redbud trees. This image captures both a trillium and redbud in full bloom with a double exposure.

Silver Lake Afterglow

There is something about sunsets during the winter that are more appealing. Perhaps because sunny days are rare this time of year, they are all that more meaningful. This image is another study of simplicity. Bands of orange radiate into shades of deep blue accentuated by an overhanging bare tree. This affect is created by a 24 mm wide angle lens which decompresses the landscape -- taking in the still water and high reaches of the blue sky above. The silhouetted sand dunes on the horizon appear indiscernible though they are actually over a hundred feet in height...

Evening at Tobin Harbor

This image was taken from the Seaplane dock at Tobin Harbor, a long narrow inlet that parallels Rock Harbor. Can you imagine taking a canoe or kayak and paddling up this glorious body of water, exploring the many islets and shorescapes along the way? A 24mm wide angle lens was used to emphasize the dramatic clouds that passed over during this tranquil evening.

Miner's Castle

Miner's Castle is the first formation along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and best that which can be seen from the mainland. In 2006, the look of this fomation changed forever when the turpid on the right broke away and crashed into the lake below. Still, it remains a popular viewing point and is the gateway to mile-long Miner's Beach and other colorful formations to the northeast.

After the Storm

Following an all day bike ride at Mackinac Island, I took a nap in my tent at Straits State Park. I opened my eyes while the steady rain pattered on my tent and noticed the sun was shining. Knowing that a rainbow was near, I scambled out of my tent and stepped onto the beach with my gear and snapped as many images as I could. This image is looking down Lake Huron with Mackinaw City to the right and the island to the left. Since this shot was taken in May of 1995, I have blown more than a couple opportunities to capture a rainbow. One chance occurred in southern Utah when I locked my camera gear in the car in the excitement of seeing a double rainbow appear! I guess this image will have to do until the next opportunity...

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the signature formation of Arches National Park. Getting there requires a 1-1/2 mile hike rising 500 feet in elevation along the way. We hustled to get there and arrived just as the warm, long rays of the setting sun basked the arch in all its glory.

Day Hiker on Mesa

During a day trip into the "Island in the Sky" unit of Canyonlands National Park, a funny thing happened. I forgot to gas up one of the rental vehicles (the needle was on empty). The National Park Service politely sold us two gallons of gas at the then steep rate of $2.50 a gallon but would not allow us to drive into the park scenic drive. Hence, me and a buddy (shown here) stayed behind while the other group drove into the park. Fortunately, there was some nice scenery near the visitor's center where we hiked, complimented by a multitude of passing storm clouds...

Fish Hook Cactus

During May of 2005, a number of us ventured off to southern Utah for a week of hiking and backpacking. Our very first day hike was through a canyon outside of Moab, Utah known as "Negro Bill Canyon". It was a delightful two mile hike, one way, that brought us to the world's longest natural land bridge. Being that it was spring, numerous wildflowers were in bloom including the showy Fish Hook Cactus that is shown here.

A Superior Shoreline

This photo was taken near the Hurricane River Campground at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
This park is known for its mineral-stained cliffs where legend has it that it was here where mother nature washed her paintbrushes. This section of the park features a beach with gargantuan sized boulders strewing the shoreline which makes for an intreiging hike. If you study the water/beach interface you may find remnants of old steam ships which sank in Lake Superior over a hundred years ago.

Cloudbank

On the voyage home from my first visit to Isle Royale in September of 2003, we sailed through a blustery all-day rain. When we reached the mainland, Grand Portage, Minnesota, the sun broke through a low hanging misty fog. This image showcases what we sailed through that afternoon. The deep blue sky contrasts nicely with the gray cloud and water.

Dew-covered Dragonfly

An exciting an relatively easy time to capture dragonfly images is during early summer mornings following clear nights when they are bejewelled in morning dew. Great care, however, is needed in setting up the tripod so that the dragonfly does not get inadvertently knocked off its perch. As the sun rises and warms their wings, the insects slowly fly away and get on with their day.

Reeds

Simplicity best describes this image. A small crop of reeds reflecting in a small, isolated lake immersed with fog. The still ness of the water with the fog masks the waterline making it difficult to detect what is real and what is reflection.

Cedar Trunk

While roaming the Presque Isle River at the west end of Porcupine Mountains, I discovered an old white cedar tree whose roots were exposed above the stream bank. The texture and curvy vertical movement inspired me to capture this section of the tree. One of the joys of nature photography is the element of discovery. This old tree with its sprawling roots told a unique story of life beside clear, cold stream.

Wild Lupine

The Maas Family Preserve is one of many managed by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Located in northern Kent County near Rockford, Michigan, it is a unique 15 acre "savannah" habitat characteristic of open spaces and well drained soil. During late May the preserve is carpeted with wild lupines that harbor the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. For information on this and other preserves in west Michigan, click onto www.naturenearby.org.

Beach Cobbles

Hiking back to Rock Harbor from the Daisy Farm Campground, I stopped to admire the Rock Harbor Lighthouse across the inlet. But what struck me the most about this area was the cobblestone beach just off the trail. I unpacked my gear and engaged in a quick shoot of the stones, my favorite of which is posted here...

Shades of Autumn

Sleeping Bear Dunes, known for its awe-inspiring shifting sand dunes and spectacular scenery, is also a location known for world-class fall color. 2001 was an incredible year for fall color, a season that still stands alone and has not been matched since in my opinion. This image was taken at the southern end of the park near the Loon Lake public access point. The bright overcast, misty light enhanced the contrast of the orange and red hues of the maple trees.

Dawn, Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a starkly beautiful landscape. The winds of the great plains are constantly eroding the formations changing them little by little with each passing day. Perhaps one-hundred years from now, they will appear totally different. The park is also home for bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and numerous prarie dogs. This photo was taken at 6:00 AM just as the first rays of sun were striking the tips of the formations and lighting up the clouds.

Lower Tahquamenon Falls