A dense field of stars blankets the night sky, captured in a long-exposure photograph. A faint meteor streaks diagonally across the upper right quadrant, adding motion to the otherwise still cosmic scene. The sky is richly textured with stars of varying brightness, and the faint glow of distant galaxies is subtly visible in the lower right. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Long-exposure image of a star-filled sky. A pair of slightly bluish stars near the center of the frame draws the eye, surrounded by a cloud-like density of stars that gradually fades into the black of space. The photograph conveys the depth and immensity of the night sky. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A couple of photos taken during a night skies event by the Michigan Aurora Chasers at Hess Nature Preserve near Rogers City, MI. I used a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens wide-open with a long exposure (2.5 ~ 4 sec).

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #MichiganExploration #Darktable

A group of people bundled in warm clothes gather on a rocky Lake Huron beach at dusk. The fading light casts a deep blue hue over the lake and sky. Several tripods and cameras are set up along the shoreline, and some participants use headlamps as they prepare for nighttime photography. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A cluster of cameras on tripods stands near the water’s edge, silhouetted against a dusky Lake Huron sky. The soft afterglow of sunset bathes the horizon in warm orange and purple tones, while smooth stones and dark boulders line the foreground. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Lake Huron stretches out into the distance beneath a vivid post-sunset sky. The silhouette of trees and rocky shoreline frames the scene, while a golden-orange band fades upward into deepening twilight blues. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Silhouetted figures gather in quiet conversation along the sandy beach at dusk. The sky glows softly from the fading sun, casting cool light over the scene. Folded chairs and a single tripod are silhouetted in the stillness of evening. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

More photos from the night skies event with the Michigan Aurora Chasers at Hess Nature Preserve near Rogers City, MI. The skies were beautiful, but the temps were dropping!

October 2025
Hess Nature Preserve

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #MichiganExploration #Darktable

A peaceful boardwalk stretches through dune grasses toward the calm waters of Lake Huron. The sun has just set, casting a soft gradient in the sky from golden orange to deep blue. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Another view of the forest boardwalk at dusk, taken from a lower angle. Twinkling lights string across the trees ahead, drawing the eye into the shadowy, pine-needle-laden trail. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A narrow wooden boardwalk leads into a dense northern Michigan forest, flanked by leaning cedar and pine trees. The dim light filters through the branches, creating a tunnel-like path with fairy lights faintly visible overhead. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Jewels, the photographer’s wife, stands smiling beside a forest road at golden hour. She wears a brown jacket and a hoodie with a colorful print, framed by tall trees catching the last light of the day. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 vintage camera lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Hess Nature Preserve is a great little spot near Rogers City MI along the shores of Lake Huron. These are from just before a night skies event with the Michigan Aurora Chasers.

October 2025
Hess Nature Preserve

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #MichiganExploration #Darktable

Historic lighthouse and keeper’s quarters – A white-painted Whitefish Point Light Tower, with a bright red-roofed keeper’s house and fog station, standing on grassy terrain against a deep blue sky.

Restored Fresnel lens on display – A dramatic close-up of a large, polished Fresnel lens with concentric glass prisms, part of the lighthouse’s historic lighting apparatus, exhibited behind glass in the museum.

Antique deep-sea diving suit – A full vintage brass‑helmeted diver’s suit with heavy canvas body and thick leather belts, showcased upright in a dim museum display.

Samuel Mather artifact panel – A mounted informational exhibit titled “Collision in Fog… The Sinking of the SAMUEL MATHER” with a shipwreck-era metal gauge display and text summarizing the 1891 steamer’s accident.

From a visit to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum & Whitefish Point Light Station in Michigan's UP

May 2025

Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5

Full Album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCmgRD

#DigitalPhotography #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Takumar #Darktable #MichiganExploration #MichiganUP

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse with keeper's house – A white lighthouse tower with a red roof and green trim rises above a red-brick keeper's house on a cloudy day.

Close-up of lichen-covered rocks by the water – Large jagged shoreline rocks spotted with orange lichen rest beside rippling water, with a forested coast in the distance.

Person standing on rocky shore facing lake – A lone person in a light hoodie stands on flat limestone slabs, gazing out over the lake under a moody gray sky.

Rocky Lake Michigan shoreline under gray sky – A broad view of a rocky, wet shoreline extending into a calm, pale blue lake beneath thick, overcast clouds.

I ❤️ Michigan Lighthouses!

Photos from a stop at Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse in Michigan's UP.

May 2025

Full Album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCiPmx

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #MichiganExploration #MichiganUP #Lighthouse #Darktable

Painted lotus mural on brick pillar – A vertical green-painted brick column features a stylized pink and blue lotus flower with teal diamond accents.

Red doors in weathered brick – Two stacked red-painted doors (one upper-level with no balcony) set into a worn red brick wall above a mustard-yellow exterior.

Manistique Main Street storefronts – A row of vintage brick buildings including “China King” and “Main Street Pizza,” with red awnings, tables on the sidewalk, and classic early‑20th‑century storefront charm.

Crumbling brick corner with drainpipe – The base corner of a brick building where plaster has fallen away, revealing red bricks and a rusty downspout, with scattered debris on the pavement.

A few photos from a trip to Manistique in Michigan's UP last month.

Lens: Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X

Full Album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCi4e9

#MichiganExploration #MichiganUP #DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #Darktable

Colorful beach stone – A close-up of a large, smooth, multicolored rock with red, white, and gray speckles resting among smaller pebbles on a beach.

Lake Huron shoreline with beachcombers – Two people collecting items along a partially snow-covered beach, with turquoise waves and a forested background under a bright blue sky.

Portrait of Julie – A smiling woman wearing glasses and a plaid shirt under a dark jacket, stands in front of a weathered log cabin wall.

Old lighthouse by the lake – A tall, weathered white lighthouse with red trim stands near the shore of Lake Huron, backed by trees and an overcast sky.

A few photos from a visit to Harrisville, MI last month.

Lens: Canon 70-210mm F4 FD Macro

Full Album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8RJV

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #MichiganExploration #LakeHuron #Darktable

A decommissioned Evergreen International Boeing 747 sits in a snowy aircraft salvage yard at Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport in Michigan. The aircraft is partially dismantled, with missing engines and exposed internal components. Other retired planes, some with missing parts, are visible in the background along with airport infrastructure and a snow-covered ground. The sky is overcast.

A decommissioned Evergreen International Boeing 747 sits in a snowy aircraft salvage yard at Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport in Michigan.

February 2025

Lens: Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Darktable

A unique roadside sign in rural Michigan, constructed from the cabin of an old blue truck mounted on tall, rusted steel poles. The truck features a weathered and rusty appearance with visible peeling paint and partial text ‘73’ on its side. The area surrounding the sign is an overgrown, snow-covered field with bare trees in the background

Rural Michigan
February 2025

Another roadside oddity from my travels through rural Michigan.

Lens: Canon 70-210mm F4 FD Macro

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Darktable

Michigan
February 2025

Lens: Canon 70-210mm F4 FD Macro

#SonyAlpha #MichiganExploration #Abandoned #VintageLens #ManualFocus #Darktable

A weathered yellow GMC truck with a cab-over design, missing its bed, sits abandoned on a snowy roadside. The vehicle shows significant rust and paint chipping, with snow accumulating on its tires and frame. Behind the truck, a wooden building and a tall wooden fence are visible, surrounded by trees and falling snow.

I am a sucker for old vehicles along roadsides. Here's a GMC truck I came across in rural Michigan.

February 2025

Lens: Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Takumar #Truck #Darktable

A herd of black cattle stands in a snow-covered field surrounded by a wire fence in Michigan. One lighter-colored cow is positioned near the fence, separate from the group. A weathered wooden barn is visible in the background, alongside a green trailer and a hay bale. Snow is falling, and the sky is overcast.

A follow-up to yesterday's photo after many of the other cows came over to see what I was up to 😀

Lens: Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X

#SonyAlpha #Darktable #Cows #MichiganExploration #VintageLens

Three cows stand in a snow-covered field near a wooden fence during a snowfall in Michigan. A weathered barn is visible in the background, surrounded by leafless trees. A green trailer is parked further back in the field, and the overcast sky dominates the scene.

I went out on a photo hunt last weekend and made some new friends. As I took photos, more cows just keep coming closer to checkout what was going on. Several of them started bounding around like giant puppies.

Lens: Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X

#MichiganExploration #VintageLens #Darktable #Cows

A twilight photograph taken at Hess Nature Preserve near Presque Isle County, Michigan, in October 2024. The scene captures the transition between sunset and night, with the horizon glowing in vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, fading into deep blues and blacks in the sky above. Silhouettes of tall trees on the left contrast against the vivid colors of the sky, while faint clouds streak across.

Another photo taken last October at Hess Nature Preserve in Northern Michigan.

Taken with a Sony a7r2 and a Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X lens.

#SonyAlpha #VIntageLens #DarkTable #MichiganExploration

A close-up photograph of a vibrant red plant stem with uniquely spaced black-tipped nodes, taken at Hartwick Pines State Park in Michigan. The stem is sharply focused against a softly blurred background of green and yellow hues, creating a dreamy bokeh effect. Delicate cobwebs are visible on the stem, adding an intricate detail to the composition. Below, green leaves partially frame the bottom of the image.

A close-up photograph of a delicate purple wildflower taken at Hartwick Pines State Park in Michigan. The flower features thin, wispy petals radiating outward from a vibrant, darker purple center. The background is softly blurred, showcasing warm tones of green and beige.

A serene woodland scene at Hartwick Pines State Park in Michigan, featuring a sunlit forest floor covered with lush greenery and scattered fallen leaves. A moss-covered tree stump sits prominently in the foreground, alongside a decaying log, adding texture and depth to the composition. The tall trees, with sunlight filtering through their leaves, create a dappled light effect, illuminating patches of the vibrant foliage. The dense forest in the background fades into soft shadows.

A close-up photograph of a vibrant red maple leaf resting on the forest floor at Hartwick Pines State Park in Michigan. The leaf features intricate yellow veins, creating a striking contrast against its red surface. Surrounding the leaf are patches of dry soil, brown pine needles, and scattered green grass blades, highlighting the natural textures and colors of the forest floor in early autumn.

Hartwick Pines State Park
Near Grayling, MI
September 2024

Camera: Sony a6700
#VintageLens: Konica 40mm F1.8 Hexanon AR
Software: #Darktable

#MichiganExploration

A vibrant mural in Rogers City, MI, featuring a detailed portrait of a woman wearing an orange cap, set against a colorful background. The mural includes elements such as a large orange lily, a serene sunset over water, and lush greenery. The words "WELCOME to Rogers City" are prominently displayed on the mural. A small white window is incorporated into the artwork, blending seamlessly with the design.

A white spiral slide stands in a park in Rogers City, MI, surrounded by lush green trees. The slide has red and blue accent stripes and is set on a sandy play area. Behind it, picnic tables and benches are scattered beneath the trees, with Lake Huron's blue waters and a sandy beach visible in the background. The scene is bathed in bright sunlight under a clear blue sky.

A large sculpture in Rogers City, MI, resembling an outstretched hand holding a torch, styled to evoke the Statue of Liberty. The torch is adorned with metallic elements and a cascading floral arrangement at the top. The base is painted with red, white, and blue stripes and stars, symbolizing the American flag. Surrounding the sculpture, vibrant yellow flowers and a neatly maintained landscape add color to the scene. A black bench sits nearby, with a clear view of Lake Huron and a bright blue sky in the background.

A classic yellow Chevrolet El Camino SS, with sleek chrome accents and SS badging on the grille, is parked in Rogers City, MI. The car's polished exterior shines in the sunlight, showcasing its vintage charm. In the background, sailboats and masts are visible against a clear blue sky.

Photos taken around Rogers City, MI this past September. It has only been a few months, but feels like ages ago!

Camera: Sony a6700
#VintageLens: Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X
Software: #Darktable

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha

Julie stands in a sunlit field of tall, golden grasses at Aspen Park in Gaylord, MI. She is wearing a denim jacket over a dark shirt, with her hair pulled back and a cheerful smile. Behind her, a dense forest of green trees provides a tranquil backdrop.

Julie walks along a wooded trail at Aspen Park in Gaylord, MI, with tall trees lining the path. She is seen from behind, wearing a light denim shirt and khaki pants, holding a walking stick in one hand. The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a soft, dappled glow and a peaceful atmosphere. The trail is surrounded by vibrant green foliage, emphasizing the natural beauty of the scene.

Julie walks along a serene forest trail at Aspen Park in Gaylord, MI, surrounded by towering, evenly spaced pine trees. She is seen from behind, wearing a light denim shirt and khaki pants, with a walking stick in hand. The sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light onto the path and highlighting the lush green leaves and textured bark of the trees.

Julie stands confidently on a sunlit trail at Aspen Park in Gaylord, MI, surrounded by tall pine trees and vibrant green foliage. She is wearing a blue T-shirt, khaki pants, and sneakers, holding a light jacket and using a walking stick. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting soft shadows and illuminating the path ahead. The straight, towering trunks and lush greenery create a peaceful, natural atmosphere.

It's Christmas morning and while everyone else sleeps in, I am up processing photos and watching YouTube 🎅

Jewels
Aspen Park | Gaylord, MI
September 2024

Camera: Sony a6700
#VintageLens: Canon 70-210mm F4 FD Macro
Software: #Darktable

#MichiganExploration

Julie stands smiling in front of a large, intricate metal sculpture in Boyne City, MI. The sculpture resembles a telescope made of rusted gears, pipes, and other mechanical parts, with a bird perched on one end holding a twig. Julie is wearing a plaid shirt over a black top, shorts, and sandals, holding a beige cap in one hand. Behind her, the blue waters of Lake Charlevoix and a wooden dock are visible under a bright sky with scattered clouds, creating a vibrant and cheerful scene.

I have several #Takumar lenses in the 50ish MM range, but I think the 55mm F1.8 is the best for general photography. Sharp, vibrant, and 1.8...hard to beat 😀

Jewels
Boyne City, MI
July, 2024

Sony a7R II
#VintageLens: Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm F1.8
SW: #Darktable

#MichiganExploration

A brightly painted vintage Volkswagen van is displayed at the Grayling Car Show in Grayling, MI. The van features vibrant, abstract artwork in bold colors, including red, yellow, green, and blue, with black outlines creating geometric and floral designs. Its chrome headlights and iconic VW logo shine under the natural light. Behind the van, other vehicles, including a modern Jeep, are partially visible.

A striking red vintage Dodge Charger leads a lineup of classic cars at the Grayling Car Show in Grayling, MI. The Charger showcases its sleek design, chrome grille, and polished body, reflecting the surrounding light. Behind it, other classic cars in various colors, including blue and yellow, are parked in a row along the street. Overhead, utility poles and wires frame the scene, with a mix of buildings and trees in the background.

A gleaming classic red 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air on display at the Grayling Car Show in Grayling, MI. The car features chrome accents, a distinctive front grille, and shiny polished bumpers that reflect the surrounding scene. Its iconic design is complemented by BFGoodrich tires and detailed hubcaps. In the background, a brick building and a vintage theater marquee add a nostalgic touch to the setting

A vibrant blue vintage Ford F-100 truck displayed at the Grayling Car Show in Grayling, MI. The truck features a polished chrome grille and bumper, iconic "FORD" lettering on the front, and reflective hubcaps on Hankook tires. The clean and shiny finish highlights its classic design. In the background, trees, a lamp post, and a building are visible, adding to the small-town car show atmosphere under a clear sky.

Grayling Car Show
Grayling, MI | July 2024

Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5
SW: Darktable

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Takumar #CarShow #Darktable

A misty shoreline in East Tawas, MI, with soft fog obscuring much of the background. A row of small buildings and homes with an American flag is faintly visible among the haze. A large tree with budding leaves stands prominently near the center. The calm water of the lake stretches across the foreground, blending seamlessly with the muted tones of the foggy atmosphere, creating a serene and ethereal scene.

A long wooden pier in East Tawas, MI, stretches into the distance, lined with evenly spaced vintage-style lampposts on one side. A group of people walks along the pier, enjoying the sunny day by the water. Blue benches are scattered along the pier, and a red safety buoy adds a pop of color. The calm lake and clear sky create a tranquil backdrop, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere of the scene.

A vibrant scene of a boardwalk in East Tawas, MI, bustling with activity. People walk along the wooden path, some stopping to chat or take photos, while others fish from the side. Blue benches line the boardwalk, and American and Michigan flags wave prominently atop a tall flagpole. In the background, the boardwalk leads into the lively downtown area, with cars parked along the street and trees with early spring leaves. A bright blue sky and decorative lampposts add to the charm of this lakeside town.

A scenic country road near East Tawas, MI, stretches into the distance, undulating over gentle hills. The road is flanked by lush, green trees on both sides, casting dappled shadows onto the pavement. The clear blue sky above and the vibrant foliage create a serene and picturesque atmosphere, capturing the essence of a peaceful summer drive.

East Tawas, MI
May 2024

Camera: Sony A6700
Lens: Pentax Tele-Takumar 200mm F5.6
Software: Darktable

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Takumar #Darktable

A peaceful lakeside scene in East Jordan, MI, featuring a pair of leafing trees standing on a small sandy peninsula surrounded by water. The lake ripples under a cloudy sky with patches of blue visible. In the background, rolling hills dotted with homes and bare trees create a serene, early-spring atmosphere. Seagulls rest along the sandy shoreline in the foreground.

A picturesque view of downtown East Jordan, MI, featuring a waterfront with a wooden boardwalk in the foreground. Behind it, a collection of historic brick and modern buildings are surrounded by bare and evergreen trees. A white church with a tall steeple stands prominently in the center of the scene. An American flag flies above a small green-roofed pavilion. In the background, wooded hills stretch across the horizon under a cloudy sky, adding depth.

A scenic view in East Jordan, MI, featuring a grassy field bordered by a wooden fence in the foreground. Beyond the field, a calm lake stretches out, surrounded by rolling hills and scattered trees. The sky is partly cloudy, with sunlight highlighting the vibrant green of the grass and the blue of the water. Two tall evergreen trees frame the scene on either side.

The Jordan River Arts Council gallery in East Jordan, MI, housed in a historic brick building with large windows. The building has a sign reading "Jordan River Art Center" and banners promoting the arts. A bronze sculpture of a figure playing an instrument is displayed on a pedestal in the front lawn. The scene includes neatly landscaped bushes, a patio seating area, and a partly cloudy sky.

A few photos I took while visiting East Jordan, MI back in April. The trees and downtown scene were taken with a Canon lens and the others with a Takumar.

Sony A6700
L1: Canon 70-210mm F4 FD Macro
L2: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5
SW: Darktable

#MichiganExploration #VintageLens #Darktable

A decayed tree stump stands amidst a lush forest in Michigan's Torch Bay Nature Preserve. Sunlight filters through tall trees, casting dappled light on the forest floor covered with fallen leaves and mossy roots.

Julie stands in Michigan's Torch Bay Nature Preserve, leaning against a large tree and gazing upward with a peaceful expression. She is wearing a black tank top and jeans, holding a gray sweater in her hands. The forest is bathed in soft sunlight, with tall trees and vibrant green leaves.

Julie stands in Michigan's Torch Bay Nature Preserve, leaning casually against a cluster of tall trees. She is wearing a black tank top, blue jeans, and sneakers, holding a gray sweater in one hand. The sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a calm and dappled light effect in the forest.

Julie stands in Michigan's Torch Bay Nature Preserve, facing away from the camera. She is wearing a black tank top, blue jeans, and striped socks, holding a sweater in one hand. Surrounded by tall trees, the forest floor is covered with fallen leaves.

Processing a few photos taken last October at Michigan's Torch Bay Nature Preserve.

Camera: Sony A6700
Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 35mm F2
Software: Darktable

#MichiganExploration #SonyAlpha #VintageLens #Takumar #Darktable