Category: Michigan Page 23 of 37
Towards the end of my winter break, we took a day trip to Muskegon to check out the winter sports complex. I had heard about the ice skating trail and that sounded like a lot of fun. What I didn’t consider about this plan, is that I hadn’t skated since college. At least the first half of our visit was spent on the ice rink, trying not to fall down. We finally ventured to the 1/4 mile skating trail but decided to play it safe and use these walker-like devices to keep from falling on our faces. It was a little embarrassing being lapped by 6 year olds, but it was still a lot of fun.
Skating isn’t the only winter activity offered at the sports complex. There is a sledding hill and miles of snowshoe and cross country ski trails. If you want to try something exciting, check out the luge. The winter sports complex is home to one of only four luge tracks in the entire country and anyone daring enough to try it will be trained by an experienced luge coach.
I want to mention that any time you are traveling in Michigan in the winter, it is important to pay attention to the weather. On the day we went, it wasn’t forecasted to snow at home, but traveling several hours west, the forecast was different. We arrived at Muskegon State Park to flurries coming off of Lake Michigan and terrible roads that obviously hadn’t been plowed. It was a treacherous journey to say the least.
About the Photo:
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is full of exhilarating outdoor activities and as I am not the most athletic person, I decided bringing my camera was a recipe for disaster. So, this photo was taken with the Lightroom App on my iphone.
Camera Gear:
iPhone 7 raw capture through the Lightroom App
Date Taken:
January 7, 2017
Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. To plan your visit to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, visit MSports.org.
This year, I am attempting a 52 week photo challenge (whether I will stick with it to the end is yet to be seen). Week 1’s challenge was to tell a story using the Rule of Thirds. While visiting the Plymouth Ice Festival I saw a saw my story. While there were some beautiful ice sculptures, it was almost hard to see them because it was so crowded. With this photo, I attempted to capture the penguin sculpture with the crowds and the festival tents in the distance.
About the Photo:
This was a single RAW exposure edited in Lightroom. The dreary day made for even, but dull lighting. All of my images lacked contrast so I increased the contrast and converted it to black and white. If I go to the festival next year, I want to go at night when the sculptures all illuminated with colored lights.
Camera Gear:
Nikon D3100 with 18-55 kit lens, handheld
Date Taken:
January 9, 2017
Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
This past week, I enjoyed the end of my winter break with a trip to a staple of Detroit culture, the DIA. The DIA’s collection is said to be among the top in the country. The building that houses the museum is, in my opinion, is as beautiful as many of the pieces inside. The historic Detroit Institute of Arts building opened in 1927 and is often referred to as a “temple of art”. One of my favorite parts of the museum is what is known as Rivera Court, which is home to a 27 panel fresco celebrating the industry of Detroit. The 360 degree masterpiece was completed in 1933 and was considered by Rivera to be his most successful work (DIA). I love that we have something with such rich cultural and historical value in my home state.
About the Photo:
While visiting the museum, I figured I wouldn’t be taking many photos so I decided to leave my camera behind. Luckily, with my phone, I always have a camera on me because if I couldn’t snap a picture of this mural, I would’ve been very disappointed. This was shot with the native iOS camera app, but edited in Lightroom Mobile. I wasn’t standing very centered to the mural when I took this picture, so I did a bit of cropping to make that less obvious.
Camera Gear:
iPhone 7 – iOs camera app, handheld
Date Taken:
January 4, 2017
Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. To plan your visit to the DIA, visit DIA.org.
For 2017 I am continuing my resolution of going at least one place I have never been before. In 2016 I was able to explore so much of the beautiful Great Lakes State that I call home. I was so glad I was able to experience the Soo Locks of Sault Ste. Marie and experience all four of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
In 2017, I am hoping to for another epic summer camping trip. This time, I am planning to head down to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I’ve been planning this trip using the road trip planner, Furkot. Back in ’08 we went backpacking in the Outer Banks, so I’ve been using Furkot to discover what new places we can discover while returning to a familiar destination. The current plan involves a night in Williamsburg, Virginia and two nights in Shenandoah National Park. I absolutely love planning trips. Its possible that I enjoy the planning as much as the travelling. Is that weird?
I am hoping to continue exploring Michigan this year as well. This year, I hope to spend some time exploring the thumb region, as that is one part of the state I have never set foot in. I would also like to spend some time at the most southwestern state park, Warren Dunes. I’m also hoping to get back to Straits State Park and spend a few nights under the lights of the Mackinac Bridge.
Where do you want to explore this year? Let me know in the comments or on social media! Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
At the end of last year, I made the goal to go at least one place I had never been before and I think I accomplished that and then some. I explored many parts of my home state that I had never visited before. I explored many of the towns on the Lake Michigan shore. I traveled to the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula. I spent some time exploring the Sunrise Coast along Lake Huron. In the fall, I headed south and explored Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. I discovered a few places that I can’t wait to return to and one or two that I would like to make annual visits to.
I feel like I took some of my best photos this year. All that exploration gave me needed inspiration for my photography. I did some more portrait work and even shot my first wedding this fall! I learned a lot about lighting and have been dabbling with off-camera flash (Chris is still the expert in this, but I’m learning). I really put my focus on Instagram this year and it has been great to see some of my photos get over 100 likes. Its almost unbelievable.
On a personal note, I lost my beloved 18 year cat, Ebert this fall and that has been so hard. Months later, I still get teary eyed thinking about him. A few months ago we adopted another fuzz ball, Roary, who we are training to be an Adventure Cat and take with us on our various adventures. If you want to see pictures of him, I’m always posting photos of him on Instagram with the hashtag #roarymowers.
I hope that 2017 will bring more improvement in my photography. I would like to upgrade from my entry level gear this coming year. And of course, I hope to continue exploring. I wonder what new place I was discover next year. Stay tuned to the blog to find out!
Thanks for stopping! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
