Nature
Hazy Forrest
Hawks Ridge Bird Observatory
Duluth, Minnesota
On what seemed to be an autumn evening, I wanted to enjoy a cruise through Hawk's Ridge before the road was closed for the season. Many folks were out possibly thinking the same thing that I was thinking regarding this road and it was a good opportunity to get some evening photography done for the day.
Along this trail, it was quite dry out and myself and other cars that were driving by this area was kicking up dust from the trail into the woods. I was taking my time cruising through here since many people were out hiking and jogging through here as well.
As I was making way for a car to pass by, I noticed that the dust was drifting into this section of the woods with the sunlight punching in creating this ominous forrest vibe that I was seeking.
I immediately turned on my hazard lights and took this image a few times getting the proper exposure. The drama of the woods can sometimes be how we created it unintentionally.
Nature’s Embrace
Amnicon Falls State Park
South Range, Wisconsin
A quiet morning stroll to clear my mind was something I needed on this day. I decided to pack my gear with me just in case a photo opportunity came to the surface. Along this hike, I came upon this beautiful scenery where the Amnicon River was flowing steady and the morning light highlighted this pocket of land.
The earthy scenery with some hint of lichens on the riverbank definitely stood out here. I was drawn to take a picture recording this natural beauty in front of my eyes. Sometimes, a scenery can pop out even more depending on the season and time of day. This did not disappoint.
Atmospheric Trail
Amnicon Falls State Park
South Range, Wisconsin
On an end of a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, I decided to take an evening stroll in Amnicon Falls to clear my mind and prepare for the coming week ahead.
I was looking at the scenery with a fresh pair of eyes with the evening golden light that was rather pleasant. I took a series of images here and some were a hit and miss. In my mind at the time, I felt like that I was losing my mojo with photography knowing that it wasn't that. I had some self doubt regarding this at the time but this stroll was meant to clear that funky headspace.
As I was walking along this path, this scene stood out to me. The golden light shining on the trees in the distance. I instantly became motivated and focused to capture this scene as I saw it in that moment. I knew that it wasn't about me losing my mojo, that wasn't even the case.
A surge of energy rushed through me with a fiery passion to zero in to capture this scene.
Sometimes, in whatever passion that we have endless energy for, we can get into a funk. Trust me, keep believing in yourself and follow that passion. a simple stroll can always refresh your passion.
The Calling
Lutsen, Minnesota
On a morning after spending time in solitude, I wanted to get out and explore a bit. The skies were moody, and I decided to explore along some wooded areas in Lutsen.
During this time on the trail, the morning light became much brighter as the light was fighting to shine its light through the clouds, while witnessing this amazing view, this group of moss covered trees stood in front of me.
My creative mind kicked into gear feeling as if a forbidden gateway was calling me to walk into this bright light.I stood in awe as the energy shifted in the area. Not in a way where there's wildlife around, but more of an otherworldly feeling washed over me. I took this image as the light remained bright but soon after, the bright light faded away.
I always believed that God always sets the stage in front of me granting me the gift to capture some natural beauty under the right lighting and creating a special mood for each scenery.
Against all odds
Wisconsin Point
Superior, Wisconsin
On this foggy morning, I was drawn to take a drive to Wisconsin Point. Diverting myself away from the lighthouse, I wanted to create something more unique so I took a short stroll into the dense woods nearby.
Shortly after walking through the woods, I came upon this scene that was just screaming for me to capture this. The first thing I noticed was the two mossy lichen covered trees in the foreground. The third tree isn’t covered as much as the other two and it lead me to create a story in my mind.
The third tree was in disguise pretending to be a mossy lichen covered tree only to lead the two trees into a trap. seeing there was no way out, they prepared themselves to go up against the odds of this dense forrest.
Morning Stroll
Lutsen, Minnesota
Before starting the morning off full of adventure, I wanted to take an early morning stroll along the lake on a local trail. the sunlight was still on the horizon shining its warming light along the trail.
I had took this moment in with the little traces of some recent snowfall and this wooden fence guiding the way down the trail through the shoreline of the subtle sounds of Lake Superior washing along the shore.
This scenery felt quite welcoming and grounding in a way. There is raw natural beauty all around us if we seek to find it.
The Golden Crossing
Amnicon Falls State Park
South Range, Wisconsin
The iconic covered bridge that many come to know at Amnicon Falls State Park was the mission along this evening stroll. The park was sparse with people around, and it gave me an opportunity to capture it with a different approach. The warm golden light was just a prelude to the natural beauty under this lighting.
On an evening with little to no people around, I saw this covered bridge taking its rest and regaining its beauty from the radiating sunlight. It truly compliments this park in many ways.
Guard Duty
Neys Provincial Park
Ontario, Canada
This beauty known as Neys Provincial Park left me in awe. We were exploring and getting a better understanding of the campground for a future stay here. While we were here, we took a moment to stretch our legs and go on a stroll to the shoreline. An over abundance of driftwood and sand which was just something to marvel at.
I wanted to capture something a bit different and upon walking back to my car, I saw this scene and knew I wanted to capture this in this splendid lighting.
The landscape was something out of a painting and I just couldn't resist not to capture this vast beauty. In my mind, this capture was inspired by the Group of Seven painters who’ve painted many areas along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Earthy Path
Canyon Falls Roadside Park
L'Anse, Michigan
During my time here at Canyon Falls, The skies were becoming a bit moody. At first, I thought it was just because of all of the trees covering the skies. I was deciding to hike back to my car and prevent myself from getting rained on.
On the walk back, I had passed by a gentleman who was intrigued by my camera gear and asked me how much further was the waterfall from where we were. After the brief interaction had ended, I saw this pocket of light emerging through the trees creating this soft elegant lighting along the trail. I knew the window would have been short and sprung into action to find a composition. This perspective gave off such a pleasant vibe showcasing the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.