Author: Heather

Posted by Heather on in Uncategorized

2020 Northern Michigan Wall Calendars

This year I had the option to provide calendars bound in with wire o-rings, like I classically have, or to do a simpler saddle stitched option which also happens to be cheaper. Since I wanted my audience to be happy with the decision, I polled both Facebook and Instagram users, and was genuinely surprised to discover that right at half the voters wanted saddle and half wanted wire.


I had expected folks to choose the cheaper option, because who doesn’t like a good deal? But, since things came out almost evenly split, I decided to get both options. The good news is that the paper is the same quality heavy 100# gloss paper regardless of binding. I’m delighted to be able to bring everyone a product they’ll enjoy. And until about mid-October, they’re available at a discounted pre-order rate. Whether you prefer saddle stitched or wire bound, you can order your 2020 Northern Michigan Wall Calendar here. Thanks in advance for your support!

2020 Northern Michigan Wall Calendar Images
Thumbnail images from my 2020 Northern Michigan Wall Calendar
Five Tips for Teaching Your Child Photography
Posted by Heather on in Uncategorized

Five Tips for Teaching Your Child Photography

2014/465/123 I am Ready For My Closeup

Most children consume their time using computers, tablets etc., or they spend time watching television. They barely get outdoors for any activity. This not only hampers their health but also their overall development. The problem is even more pronounced in teenagers. Though there are many excellent cameras for teenagers in the market, they prefer to click photos from their smart phones, which they spend a significant amount of their time using.

Photography is an interesting activity that you can teach your child. It will heighten their creativity boundlessly. Photography isn’t just about simply learning to use a camera: it is about an individual’s perspective of how they see the world and how they wish to articulate their vision.

As you teach photography to your child, you will spend more time together. You can use this opportunity to strengthen your bond with them. More often than not, you will find that your child is teaching you photography because you will be seeing the world through their innocent perspective.

teach-photography-child

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you teach your child photography:

  1.    Camera selection
  2.    Settings on the camera
  3.    Holding and steadying the camera
  4.    Storytelling through pictures
  5.    Edit and Share


Camera selection
You can consider giving your child your old camera. It will be easier for you to teach with this camera, as you would have good knowledge of the functions and will know what modes are best under different lighting conditions etc. However, you need to bear in mind that kids are likely to drop things. Also, they may find your old camera big and heavy in their tiny hands. You can choose to invest in your kid’s camera for your child. There are many reasonably priced models available in the market. The advantage of purchasing a kid camera is that they are designed keeping in mind that kids tend to drop things, therefore though lightweight, they have a sturdy build and are ergonomic for children. Giving a child a camera that is only for them to use, will instill a feeling of ownership and responsibility early on.

Settings on the camera
It will come handy if you familiarize yourself with the camera first. Explain to them the importance of different types of light and how it impacts the quality of the image. Explain the functions of various parts of the camera to your child. Teach them what will happen at the click of each button. Most cameras come with different settings. They have various modes like portrait, macro etc. Explain to them the difference between these modes and settings and how they need to be adjusted in different situations. Once your child understands these settings and you see their photographs getting better with the use of basic settings, you can then begin with teaching them about techniques like adjusting the shutter speed, exposure range etc.

Holding and steadying the camera
Children get frustrated and begin to lose interest when many of their photos turn out blurry. There are a few simple yet effective tips that you can teach for your child and you will notice a big difference in the clarity of their captures. Ask them to use a timer setting. Most cameras come with a timer setting. This will allow them a short window to steady the camera without having to expend pressure on the shutter release button. Teach them to steady themselves against a wall or lean their elbows on a flat surface such as a railing or a window sill. If there isn’t anything around to take the support of or to lean on, then they can hold their elbows close to their body and find a comfortable stance that will help them get clear shots.

Storytelling through pictures
Every picture tells a story. This is something that you need to explain to your child when they start to learn photography. As a beginner, they are very enthusiastic to fill the frame with many objects. This way the photograph will turn out to be meaningless. Teach them to question themselves – what do I want to convey with this photograph? How do I want this photograph to be perceived? This will not only help them develop a deeper understanding of the subject but will also help them come up the learning curve equipped with better knowledge. Also, it is imperative that you spend time with them going through all the photographs and provide an appreciation for what they have done well or constructive feedback for what they could have done better. Your interest and involvement will instill a positive reinforcement and inspire them to keep going ahead on their learning journey.

Edit and share
There are innumerable tools available these days, which allow you to make corrections to photographs. You can use them to clear background distractions or fade them just enough in order to highlight the subject. You can enhance the quality of the image. Teaching your child how to edit photographs, will bring out more creativity in them. Children are constantly looking for validation and appreciation from people they look up to. You can show them your appreciation by sharing their captures on your social media accounts such as Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and showcase their talent. If your child is old enough to have a social media account of their own, you can help them with uploading the photographs clicked by them. You can also have their photographs printed on greeting cards that you can send to your family and friends on occasions like Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.

Conclusion
Teaching photography to your child should not be limited to you sharing your knowledge. Besides learning photography, your child as well as you should have a fun experience. This learning journey will not only help you bond with your child but also bring out their creativity and playfulness which they express through their captures. Photographs are forever. As your child grows older, they will have wonderful memories of their childhood, to reminisce and cherish in the form of their photographs. Your appreciation of your child’s talent will fuel their passion for photography. This can later be transformed into a rewarding career choice.

 

About the Author:
Dan Barr is a photographer, a parent to two girls, and the founder of KidsCameraGuide.com, a blog which is all about teaching photography to kids and kids cameras. You can visit Dan at his website www.kidscameraguide.com.

Northern Michigan 2018 Calendars
Posted by Heather on in Uncategorized

Northern Michigan 2018 Calendars

This year’s Northern Michigan 12-month calendars have arrived, and they are gorgeous! The calendar is printed on thick cardstock with a spiral metal binding, and features US holidays. Spend a month at 13 classic Up North locations including lighthouses, a vineyard, the beach, forests, rolling hills, and the dunes. Feel free to order multiples – shipping is $5 for any size order, or you can pick it up in Traverse City and skip the shipping.

Order here

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Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

How to Hunt for Snowy Owls in Traverse City

Owl clear things up: I’m talking about camera hunting, not gun hunting. We’re only shooting photos here. So WHO thinks finding a snowy owl sounds like a hoot? After my recent hunt, I have to say…it’s for the birds!

Okay, okay, I’m done being punny.

Some snowy owl background

They spend their summers in the Arctic hunting mostly rodents. If the rodents have a bumper crop, the snowy owls tend also to have a bumper crop, which means lots of young owls spread out after they leave the nest. When this happens, snowy owls might be seen in places that they’re rarely seen. In the winter, their migrations are widespread, and they’ve been spotted reliably in northern Michigan for the past several years. They’re pretty territorial about their hunting grounds – especially as they get older – so you might only see one covering a pretty big radius. They’re no strangers to daylight, either; they’ll hunt anytime they can find food. Snowy owls like to hunt in open places, and will often do so right from the ground. This means that when they travel from the Arctic down to Michigan, they might end up at un-photogenic locations like the airport, or the ballpark, in addition to prettier places like open fields and the dunes. And they are happy to sit on a fence, or light post, or the ground for a long time, watching and listening for signs of edibles in the area.

What does all this mean for owl seekers?

It means that you drive slowly by fields – along US-31 south of Traverse City seems to be a good place – and you watch for a big white blob. You use your telephoto lens or binoculars to confirm whether you’ve spotted your bird of interest. (Even large hawks are exciting to find when you’re on a fruitless mission to spot one of these giant Arctic visitors.) Maintain a respectful distance once you confirm your sighting. If you approach and the owl flies off, don’t approach again. Aside from being rude and potentially endangering these beauties with bad human behavior, snowy owls have been known to dive bomb humans. I have no interest in being attacked by a bird with wingspan rivaling my own. Last, be patient. I struggled with this. I am happy to hike miles into the wilderness to capture a specific scene, but I am not happy sitting in a car hoping that one of these birds catches my eye. Some people spend hours circling an area they’ve previously spotted these owls, and will await their return. This is key to good photo opportunities. I am not a birder. I do not have that patience.

Shooting tips

  • Take a variety of lens lengths with you if you have them. These guys might end up waaaay across the field from you, or they might perch relatively near on a building that you happened to be parked at. (Yep, not glamorous: look on telephone poles, buildings, fence posts, snow plow piles…)
  • Shoot with a fast shutter speed – at least 1/your lens length if you’re on a full-sensor body, even faster if you’re on a cropped sensor. You don’t want your hard-earned owl photos ruined by lens shake. (I shot all of these with at 600mm on a cropped sensor to give me a little extra reach. I also shot all of them at no less than 1/1000s shutter speed.)
  • Use a tripod. I didn’t, but it’s solid advice. I missed some good opportunities because I lost the owl in my herky-jerky-ness. The owls don’t seem to move too erratically – they’re making a beeline for prey – but at 600mm, any wiggle in your arms translates to a big swing in your viewfinder. The tripod will eliminate some of that, and will also allow you to slow down that shutter a bit if you want.
  • Shoot on burst mode. Again I didn’t, but I should have. As a landscape photographer, I am a single-shot gal. It would’ve been wise to press and hold the shutter while the owl was active to get a variety of images.
  • Aim to have the owl facing into your frame. Your images will be more compelling if your owl looks like s/he’s interacting with other elements in the frame.
    Watch for good contrast in the light. It will be hard to resolve details on these guys if you shoot them backlit, unless you blow out the background – not ideal. Position yourself when possible so that the owl is catching more light – or is lighter – than its surroundings.
  • Really, be patient. These cool creatures might sit for long periods of time before doing something. Hang out with your bird. Marvel at its grace and fierceness. Be in awe of its strength and beauty. And be ready. Your photos will be more engaging if you capture the owl in action as opposed to what it does most, which is look like a spotty lump of snow 😉

    •  
    Got any other tips? Share them with me on Facebook or Instagram. Happy hunting!

    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    My Favorite Places for Fall Color in Northern Michigan

    The calendar has ticked over marking the official arrival of autumn. The proliferation of fall color isn’t yet upon us, though, so now seems like a good time to address a question I keep getting asked: “Where’s the best place to see fall color in northern Michigan?” While there are some obvious answers to that (the scenic drive in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, M-22, M-119, and almost all winding seasonal roads), here is a brief list of my recent favorite stops on a northwestern Michigan fall color tour:

    Seven Bridges Natural Area, Kalkaska

    Golden leaves reflect in the Rapid River – Kalkaska, Michigan
    A foot bridge crosses the Rapid River under early fall color

    Being near to my former home, this area holds a special place in my heart. In addition to a few (not seven) bridges over the braided waters of the aptly named Rapid River, this spot features a colorful meadow and a tiny waterfall. The views are not far from the pull-off, so this stop is great for a roadside break, or for those who aren’t up for a big hike but want big rewards. A bonus if you’re in the area: head toward Kalkaska on Valley Road and enjoy the Rapid River valley views, complete with a couple of old barns. Be sure to hit Rugg Pond on your way!

    Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire

    A vibrant sunset over the Grass River Wetlands
    Colorful sunset over a wetlands boardwalk at the Grass River Natural Area

    Another place I hold dear, the Grass River Natural Area is home to some beautiful wetland trails. Boardwalks twist through cedar and sedge – the former’s deep greens setting off the latter’s warm ochres. Later in the season, the larches turn golden and really stand out against the cool tones of the Grass River, which meanders through.

    Sabin Pond, Traverse City

    A wooden stairway winds though an enchanted golden fall forest
    Early light reflects off the still waters of Sabin Pond on a fall morning – Traverse City, Michigan

    At first glance, Sabin Pond appears to be a one-trick pony. But don’t just stop at the overlook at the Boardman River Educational Center. Hike the trails behind the center, heading toward the bridge on Cass Road. Trail views include multiple winding staircases, varied boardwalks, pond overlooks, winding paths through the wetlands, and a couple of small creek crossings. If you’re up for more, the trails on the north side also feature some nice views of the river as it spills out of the dam, as well as a photogenic bend in the adjacent Jack’s Creek.

    High Rollaways, Buckley

    Towering pines and yellow foliage line a log fence along the North Country Trail – Buckley, Michigan

    This place used to be much harder to find, but recently the park service has erected helpful signage pointing the way to this spectacular view. A short walk (or a longer one – though still short enough – depending on where you park) delivers you to commanding views over the Manistee River. If you’re up for a hike, head toward Baxter Bridge for a trek through mixed hardwoods. Before you get to the bridge, there’s a quaint footbridge over a small, clear creek as well as additional river views.

    Deadman’s Hill, Elmira


    Another place with a short walk to an impressive overlook. This time viewers are rewarded with views of the distant, meandering Jordan River valley. Maples line the short trail at the top, and a nice mix conifers and hardwoods adorns the valley floor.

    Cedar Run Natural Area, Traverse City


    Of all the places on my list, this one may not live up to my personal feelings toward it. It’s a favorite place of mine: if you go, treat it with love. The trails are still in the works, so take caution. In addition to a relaxing dock on Cedar Lake, Cedar Run Creek runs through the natural area. There’s a foot bridge over it nearish the beginning, and some other trail crossings farther into the hike. There’s also a small bog along an old rail bed, which doesn’t sound nearly as pretty as it is. Tucked in a low-lying area, the bog offers some stellar reflections.

    This is not an exhaustive list, and very well might leave out other cherished views, including some in my own fall photo gallery. Do you have a favorite place for fall colors? Tell me all about it!
    Plan on visiting any of these places this fall? Share this list on Facebook, and take a friend. After all, it’s best to share the cider and donuts you’re sure to get while you’re touring!

    5 Great Sunrise Locations Near Traverse City
    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    5 Great Sunrise Locations Near Traverse City

    Of course anywhere overlooking the water is a great place to watch the sunrise in Traverse City, but if you’re looking for something special, perhaps these will do the trick. They’re five of my favorite places in or near Traverse City that offer interesting sunrise views:

    Clinch Marina, downtown Traverse City

    A fiery sunrise glows over Traverse City’s stone breakwall
    A brilliant sunrise plays out over boats in the Traverse City Clinch Marina

    Directly across from Union Street in downtown Traverse City, Clinch Marina makes a classic sunrise setting. I’ve never been completely alone while shooting sunrises here, but I’ve never had to shoot around other visitors, either.

    Cedar Lake, DeYoung Natural Area – Cherry Bend Rd


    Cedar Lake is a beautiful turquoise-water lake nestled in the DeYoung Natural Area just northwest of Traverse City. You can access the trailhead via the TART, or you can park at the DeYoung barn. A short walk along some picturesque-on-their-own boardwalks brings you to a fishing pier on the water.

    Harbor Park and Elmwood Marina – Greilickville

    For a moment, the bottoms of a train of clouds burned red at sunrise in Traverse City

    If you want to get out of Traverse City for your sunrise shot, but still want classic TC views, consider setting up for your morning photo outing in Greilickville. The harbor park offers some great options, and so does the adjacent Elmwood Marina.

    Sabin Pond, Traverse City – Cass Rd

    Fall sunrise panorama – Sabin Pond, Traverse City
    Early light reflects off the still waters of Sabin Pond on a fall morning – Traverse City, Michigan

    One of my all-time favorite places to drop in during the fall color change, Sabin Pond (south of Traverse City at the Boardman River Nature Center) is also a great place for the sunrise. It’s tucked between a couple of ridges, so reflections are easy to come by, too.

    Boardman River, South of TC – Brown Bridge Rd

    Fresh snow and peachy morning light surround the smooth waters of the Boardman River outside Traverse City, Michigan

    A little farther afield, the Brown Bridge Quiet Area (head south of TC on Garfield) is one of my go-to places, especially in the winter when the light can easily filter through the trees. There is hiking access on both sides of the Boardman River – either off Brown Bridge Road or Ranch Rudolf Road – but you can also spot some nice views directly from the road (Brown Bridge Rd).

    How does this list compare to your favorite sunrise spots? Contact me if you have sunrise suggestions!

    Summer Storm Photography – Old Mission Peninsula
    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    Summer Storm Photography – Old Mission Peninsula

    I’m not a true storm-chaser or adrenaline junkie, but when my friend texted me about an incoming line of storms minutes before my weather alerts went off, I knew something “good” was brewing. I looked into the storm’s details, and decided it was safe to attempt to photograph its arrival. I parked at a popular pull-off on the Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City with lots of other curious folks, and waited. The morning sky was flat, hazy grey far longer than I expected. Based on the radar, the storm appeared to be sitting directly above us. Then, the western horizon darkened, the still air stirred, and the edge of a shelf cloud reached down into the vineyard (figuratively – there was nothing like a tornado here).

    17mm f/6.3 1/50-sec iso 400
    Photo: Shelf cloud over vineyard, Old Mission Peninsula in northern Michigan
    The foot of a shelf cloud steps down on a vineyard overlooking Traverse City’s West Bay
    I’d like a print!

    The temperature dropped 15 degrees (from 83 to 68F), and fat raindrops screamed down from the heavens. Not able to face into the winds without coating my lens in water, I turned east and discovered rich texture in the just-passed clouds.

    17mm f/5.6 1/60-sec iso 400
    Photo: Dark clouds and fierce winds appear after the arrival of a summer storm in northern Michigan
    Dark clouds and fierce winds appear after the arrival of a summer storm
    I’d like a print!

    Deciding I’d like to capture those cauliflower clouds over the bay, I hopped in my car and headed south to the East Bay boat launch. The storm had moved too quickly for that, but I still delighted in the photo opportunities provided by the dancing rain on Lake Michigan.

    16mm f/5.0 1/100-sec iso 200
    Photo: Large raindrops splash in Lake Michigan's blue waters after a summer storm's arrival
    Large raindrops splash in Lake Michigan’s blue waters after a summer storm’s arrival
    I’d like a print!

    I never know whether to expect a summer rain to make things intensely humid after it passes, or for it to clear the air. In this case, the front swept the haze away, leaving a brilliant summer afternoon in its wake.

    iPhone 5S
    Photo: Summer flowers and bright blue skies over the Empire Bluffs over Lake Michigan
    A classic summer view of the Empire Bluffs perched over Lake Michigan
    I’d like a print!
    If You Don’t Like the Weather…
    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    If You Don’t Like the Weather…

    One of my favorite things about northern Michigan is the variation we get in our weather. We have glorious snowfall in the winter, and long hot days in the summer. Add the explosion of blossoms in the spring and the fireworks of fall color, and each season has something that makes it “my favorite.” On either end of winter, we sometimes experience the whole summer-winter shift in one week. And some days – usually in the late spring – we experience huge shifts within a day.

    At the end of May, we hiked some trails south of Frankfort that deposited us on the Lake Michigan shore. A continuous breeze drove waves crashing onto the sandy beach, but the temperature was comfortable.

    Photo: Lake Michigan Waves Crash Under Moody Skies
    Lake Michigan Waves Crash Under Moody Skies

    After a while, we ascended the bluffs and watched as a small storm front took shape over Arcadia.

    Photo: Moody clouds organize into a storm front over Lake Michigan
    Moody clouds organize into a storm front over Lake Michigan

    Rain fell in curtains, obscuring our view of a large sail boat on the lake. Thankfully, winds from the south blew the system toward Frankfort, and we happily stayed dry – though the temperature took a dive.

    Photo: A storm front drops rain over Lake Michigan in Frankfort
    A storm front drops rain over Lake Michigan in Frankfort

    Less than an hour later, we walked down a sunny boardwalk to the beach in Elberta, greeted by cheerfully clear skies warmed by the gleaming sun.

    A boardwalk leads to a sunny Lake Michigan beach
    Waves roll in under sunny skies in Elberta

    What’s your favorite thing about Michigan or where you live? Email me and we’ll commiserate.

    How to Capture Lightning
    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    How to Capture Lightning

    Photo: Lightning and a starburst light up Lake Michigan and the Frankfort Lighthouse
    Lightning and a starburst light up Lake Michigan and the Frankfort Lighthouse
    I’d like a print!

    It’s storming here, which has inquiring minds wanting to know how to photograph lightning. There are a few ways, including the use of a lightning trigger, but if you don’t want to invest in specialty equipment, blocking ambient light is your best bet. You’ll need a stable place for your camera, like a tripod, and some patience. If you don’t have an ND filter, set your camera with the smallest aperture you can (like f/22), the iso as low as it will go (like 100), and then meter the scene so that you can get the longest shutter speed possible without over-exposing. This will depend entirely on how much light is available. Then simply trigger the camera repeatedly during the lightning event until you capture a photo you like.

    Another option is to attach an ND filter to the front of your lens. The stronger the filter, the longer the exposure you can get. This will also allow you to play around more with the depth of field you prefer. You may be able to do 1-minute or longer exposures, increasing the chance that you’ll get multiple strikes in an image. Even the use of a polarizing filter will block out some ambient light, giving you a bit more exposure time than just using a small (f/22) aperture alone.

    The above image was shot at f/22, 4-sec, iso 3200, with no filters. The light was fading, so I could have opened my aperture and dropped my iso to get a properly exposed image with a 4-second shutter speed, but I wanted the starburst over the lighthouse. I shot image after image, until I captured this one.

    Be safe, and have fun! Have questions? Join the lightning photography conversation on Facebook 🙂

    Northern Lights and Quiet Nights at the Sleeping Bear Dunes
    Posted by Heather on in Landscape Photography

    Northern Lights and Quiet Nights at the Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Above, stars millions of miles away burn through the clear night sky, and the Northern Lights dance wildly. Considering the energy that creates these events, it should be chaotic and loud. But, down low a hushed rumble growls as a freighter trundles off in the still waters of the Manitou Passage. A gentle breeze plays with the grass atop the windswept sand dunes. The alarming cry of a single loon punctuates the peace. It’s not absolutely silent, but it is absolutely serene – perhaps even divine.

    Two images hand-blended: 11mm f/2.8 30-sec. iso 3200 (for sand), 13-sec (for sky)
    Photo: Northern Lights glow vividly over the shifting sands of Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes
    Northern Lights glow vividly over the shifting sands of Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes
    I’d like a print!
    Two images hand-blended: 11.5mm f/2.8 65-sec. iso 2000 (for railing), 20-sec (for sky)
    A Sleeping Bear Dunes boardwalk meanders under a starry night sky alive with dancing Northern Lights
    A Sleeping Bear Dunes boardwalk meanders under a starry night sky alive with dancing Northern Lights
    I’d like a print!

    The core of the Milky Way will be rotating farther around in the coming months, eventually falling back out of view in the early autumn. I’m excited for more wonderous nights under those stars. In the meantime, there’s more from this night’s outing in the night photography gallery, and I’ll be adding more soon!