Starry, Starry Night

Who would have ever thought that November along the Great Lakes would see a clear night for viewing stars. The normal pattern is for stormy weather as the season's change - think Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which occurred in November on Lake Superior. So, I tried a star trail photo and here is what I came up with: This was a one hour exposure and it took an hour to write to the flash card. This was taken on the jack pine plains of Central Michigan as far away from city lights as I could get. The only better place might be the UP of Michigan. The tough part about this, besides the cold temperature, was being able to see through the viewfinder. It was that dark. I waited in the vehicle and read a good book while waiting for the one hour exposure. It took another hour to drive home and I waited for the image to finally load to the card. I may try this again some other time when the skies are clear.

October Newsletter

This month's newsletter is now online at http://www.tomhaxbyphotos.com/Newsletter/October_2009_Newsletter.htm

At Home

What a trip it was to the UP! Six days and over 1,300 miles and hundreds of photos. Here are two several that did not get posted earlier. Another take on Miner's Castle and Lake of the Clouds. Unfortunately, the colors were not yet in evidence at the Lake of the Clouds and I had to head back towards home. Also, a more intimate landscape shot of aspen in a rainstorm. This was tough trying to keep myself and the equipment dry.





Wet Aspen in a rainstorm on the Keweenaw.








Another shot of Lake of the Clouds.

Still in the UP

There was a rainstorm of biblical proportions in the Upper Peninsula yesterday. So, I made it a travel day. This morning the waterfalls were really running. Here is one from Munising Falls. Unfortunately, I ran into a photo group. Not much fun jostling for position to get the same photo as the rest of the group.

Unlike the Munising Falls in the morning, I pretty much had the view of Miner's Castle to myself. What a glorious sight. One of the turrets fell into Lake Superior in April 2008. Most geologic events such as this happen at a less than glacial speed. This was very unusual. Here is the photo:


Miner's Castle on Lake Superior. Wonderful light and a beautiful scene.

It Does Not Get Any Better

This post is not about photos, it is about life. There was a young couple that I met at a campground in the Porcupine Mountains. They had their two young children with them. Yes, it was a little chilly, however their daughter was bundled in mom's lap and being read a bedtime story by the campfire. I found out later that their daughter appreciated the marshmallows the most. That's what it is all about. Spending quality time with children and passing something along to the next generation - the love of the great outdoors and the willingness to spend quality time with the children. Thanks Pete, and take good care of your family.

Fall in the UP

One last chance before winter sets in..... So, I had to head to the UP for some fall color. Here is some of what I found:

Sturgeon River Gorge





Lake of the Clouds








Presque Isle River








Iconic Bond Falls








Something Different

Model Shoot

Trying something different cannot hurt, can it? With the held of Todd with the Traverse Area Camera Club a photo session was set up with models. This is Sierra who was graceful enough to put up with my awkwardness in photographing people. Here are a couple more: