Rubsam Photo

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

A forest clearing with stacked firewood between tall trees. The autumn leaves blanket the ground and a calm lake is visible through the trees in the background, reflecting the fall colors. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A wooden dock extends into a still, misty lake on a crisp morning. A whimsical post with carved birds and a “Welcome” sign stands at the dock’s entrance. Autumn foliage lines the opposite shoreline. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A cozy cottage with large windows and a wraparound deck sits nestled in a pine and hardwood forest. Golden fall leaves provide a warm contrast to the cool tones of the evergreens. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A woman in a brown jacket stands smiling on a dock over the lake. Behind her, colorful trees reflect in the glassy water under a partly cloudy blue sky. Morning mist hovers just above the lake’s surface. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Minolta 28mm F2.8 MD W.Rokkor-X lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A few more photos from October. I have to admit, Autumn in this part of Michigan is more vibrant than in my native Indiana 😁.

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

#DigitalPhotograpy #VintageLens #ManualFocus #SonyAlpha #Darktable

A wooded trail in early autumn, dappled with sunlight filtering through tall pines and maples. Warm yellow and orange leaves glow against deeper forest shadows, while a bright sunburst high in the frame creates vivid circular lens flares near the ground. Fallen leaves lightly cover the path as it winds into the trees. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super‑Takumar 55mm F1.8 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A gently curving dirt road leads through a stand of tall, slender trees glowing with bright yellow autumn leaves. The sunlight softens the scene, giving the foliage a luminous, almost painterly quality. Evergreen branches frame the view, guiding the eye deeper into the woods. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super‑Takumar 55mm F1.8 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A narrow dirt road winds uphill through a quiet, wooded area filled with rich fall color—reds, oranges, and yellows blending together along the tree line. A “Slow — Children Playing” sign stands at the edge of the road, adding a small human touch to the otherwise peaceful, natural scene. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super‑Takumar 55mm F1.8 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A wide grassy field stretches toward a vibrant treeline of peak fall color—deep reds, bright oranges, and glowing yellows under a clear, softly clouded sky. Long, late‑day shadows sweep across the field, emphasizing the warm seasonal tones. Weathered fence posts and tall grasses frame the foreground. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a Pentax Super‑Takumar 55mm F1.8 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A few photos I took during a walk last month (October). Now the leaves have fallen and there is several inches of snow on the ground.

#DigitalPhotography #VintageLens #Pentax #SonyAlpha #Darktable

A distant view of the Cape May WWII Bunker, partially hidden behind tall beach grasses and dense dune shrubs under a pale blue sky. The massive concrete structure sits near the shoreline at Cape May Point, originally built in 1942 as part of Fort Miles and once surrounded by water before sand drifted in to bury its pilings. The bunker’s weathered gray walls contrast with the lush greenery in the foreground. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A straight-on, close view of the Cape May WWII Bunker, showing its thick concrete walls, rusted metal seams, and multiple “KEEP OFF” signs affixed to its sealed openings. Built as a coastal defense structure during World War II, the bunker once mounted heavy artillery to guard the Delaware Bay. It now stands firmly on the beach, though it was originally supported by wooden pilings that are still buried beneath the sand. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Cape May Lighthouse stands tall in the distance, its off‑white tower rising above dense greenery and dune grasses under a dramatic cloudy sky. The wide sandy beach fills the foreground. First lit in 1859, the lighthouse is the third tower to stand at Cape May Point and remains an active aid to navigation managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Its Fresnel lens still sends light 24 miles out to sea. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A person stands smiling on the sandy beach with the Cape May Lighthouse blurred and towering in the background beyond low green dunes. The sky above is filled with heavy, textured clouds. The lighthouse, an iconic 19th‑century structure built in 1859, is one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses in the United States and features 199 interior steps to the top. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

I’ve been fascinated by Cape May’s WWII beach bunker since I first saw it in 2004. Back then you could walk beneath it and see the old wooden pilings that supported it.

Turn around, and you’re treated to a view of the Cape May Lighthouse.

August, 2025.

#CapeMayNJ #SonyAlpha #Darktable

A high, tilt‑shift–style view from the Cape May Lighthouse overlooking a coastal neighborhood filled with trees and tightly clustered houses. A long straight road runs toward the horizon, beyond which the calm ocean meets a hazy sky. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A wide coastal panorama from atop the Cape May Lighthouse displaying long stretches of sandy beach, green dunes, marshes, and the blue Atlantic Ocean extending to the horizon beneath a lightly clouded sky. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A miniature‑effect aerial scene showing a mix of houses, winding roads, and marshland with a reflective pond in the foreground, blending into dense treetops and ocean in the background. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

A circular, porthole‑like window view from inside the Cape May Lighthouse, framing a distant neighborhood, dense green treetops, and the blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. Camera & Processing Details: Photos taken with a Sony a7RII using a TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens. Images were processed in Darktable.

Photos taken from the Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May, NJ. This is one of our regular stops when visiting the garden state. This time I decided to try something different experimenting with my TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens.

Aug 2025

#CapeMayNJ #DigitalPhotography #SonyAlpha #TTArtisan #Darktable

A tall giraffe stands calmly near a wooden fence within a lush, green zoo enclosure. Behind it, a mix of leafy trees creates a layered natural backdrop. The tilt lens effect softly blurs the top of the image, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the giraffe’s detailed coat and long neck. Captured with: TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens on a Sony a7RII camera. Post-processed in Darktable.

A solitary capybara lies stretched out on a patchy grass and dirt area, looking directly at the camera. The image uses a tilt-lens effect to blur the top and sides of the frame, isolating the capybara in the center with a miniature, diorama-like appearance. Captured with: TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens on a Sony a7RII camera. Post-processed in Darktable.

A bald eagle with a powerful presence perches on a thick wooden branch inside an aviary. Behind it is a scenic mural of mountains and evergreen trees, visible through the crisscrossed mesh of the enclosure. The tilt effect creates a soft blur at the edges, bringing sharp detail to the bird’s feathers and stern gaze. Captured with: TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens on a Sony a7RII camera. Post-processed in Darktable.

A smiling couple stands close together, posing for the camera in front of a rustic wooden fence and a large metal bird enclosure. They are dressed in casual summer clothes—purple and black shirts—with water bottles in hand. The tilt lens adds a dreamy blur to the foreground and background, emphasizing the couple in sharp focus. Captured with: TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens on a Sony a7RII camera. Post-processed in Darktable.

Up early on a Thanksgiving morning drinking coffee, processing photos, and watching 1970s era European horror movies on Tubi.

Here are a few from the Cape May Zoo in Cape May, NJ.
August 2025.

#DigitalPhotography #TTArtisan #Manualfocus #Darktable #CapeMayNJ #Zoo

A soft-focus view down a sandy beach walkway framed by wooden fences, leading to a vibrant cluster of umbrellas and beachgoers near the ocean. A wooden pier extends from the right into the sea under a clear, blue sky. The center of the image is sharply focused while the edges blur gently, emphasizing the boardwalk and ocean ahead.

A crowded boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ filled with people walking in both directions under the summer sun. Colorful shops line the left side, including a pizza place with a shark figure on its roof. American flags wave from lamp posts along the right. The center of the boardwalk is crisp, while the tilt-shift blur adds a miniature effect to the surrounding areas.

A wide shot of a busy beach scene with dozens of colorful umbrellas scattered across the sand. People relax and walk near the shoreline, while the calm ocean stretches into the distance. A path and fencing in the foreground draw the eye inward through the soft blur surrounding the focused middle section.

An elevated view of the Ocean City beach and boardwalk area. A large ornate street lamp is silhouetted in the foreground on the left, while a crowd of umbrellas and sunbathers fill the midground. The long pier juts into the ocean on the right. The tilt effect isolates the action in the center, enhancing the busy beach atmosphere with a vignette-like blur on the edges.

Experimenting with the TT Artisan Tilt 50mm F1.4 lens.

Ocean City, NJ
August 2025

#OCNJ #DigitalPhotography

Close-up of a vibrant cluster of purple coneflowers (Echinacea), with one central bloom in sharp focus revealing intricate orange and green details in the cone. The background flowers are blurred in soft bokeh. Camera: Sony a7RII Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5

A weathered "Restricted Area" sign warns against unauthorized access on a chain-link fence overgrown with thick green vines and foliage. The red and white sign stands out against the dense summer vegetation. Camera: Sony a7RII Lens: TTArtisan Tilt 50mm F1.4

Close-up view of two large, rust-covered industrial water valves in a grassy area. The aged texture and embossed markings on the metal are clearly visible, while the background fades into soft focus. Camera: Sony a7RII Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5

A person wearing a striped shirt and cap takes a self-portrait using a camera in the reflective glass of a large red-trimmed storefront window. The street, buildings, and flower planter behind them are visible. Camera: Sony a7RII Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 20mm F4.5

I'm playing catchup on photo processing this morning :)

Here are a few random shots I took in Alpena MI in August.

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

Julie in front of blue and purple mural – Julie stands smiling in front of a bright mural with blue, teal, and purple circular designs on a block wall, wearing glasses, a long cardigan, and striped socks.

Julie by large bird and fish mural – Julie stands at the bottom of a vibrant mural featuring a giant blue and orange bird and a black and white fish, against a bright blue background with flowing white lines and small butterflies.

Julie in front of forest mural with deer – Julie stands in front of a colorful mural depicting a glowing forest with twisting trees and a deer drinking from a stream, with green grass in the foreground.

Julie sitting by antique shop window – Julie sits on a yellow metal chair outside a teal brick antique shop window filled with trophies, flowers, and vintage items, resting her chin on her hands.

A visit to Roger's City, MI to check out the local murals. Another great Michigan city with lots of charm and cool places to explore.

Photos taken with my Sony A7RII and a #Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm F1.8 #VintageLens and processed in #Darktable.

Full Album: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCkC8Z

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 view of the Milky Way taken at Hess Nature Preserve in Presque Isle County, Michigan, in October 2024. The silhouette of tall pine trees frames the bottom of the image, contrasting against a star-filled sky. Countless stars shimmer across the night sky, with the dense star cluster of the Milky Way visible in the center.

A photograph of the starry night sky taken at Hess Nature Preserve near Presque Isle County, Michigan, in October 2024. The image showcases a densely packed expanse of stars, scattered across the dark sky. A faint streak, likely a meteor or satellite, cuts through the stars, adding a dynamic touch to the scene.

A nighttime photograph taken at Hess Nature Preserve near Presque Isle County, Michigan, in October 2024. The image captures a silhouette of trees in the foreground against a vast, star-filled sky. The stars twinkle brightly in varying intensities, creating a sense of depth. The natural horizon is faintly illuminated, emphasizing the contrast between the dark treetops and the celestial expanse above.

Ohhh... it's been a while since I’ve taken or processed photos. Moving and the Winter blues took the wind out of my sails.

Finally processed these shots from a chilly night last Oct at Hess Nature Preserve in Northern MI. Taken with a Sony a7r2 & Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm F1.8. #darktable.

Your temperament is not right for the priesthood.

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

Well, I’ve moved on from processing photos…so it’s time for an early morning movie: The House That Dripped Blood. A fun horror anthology from 1971 with Christoper Lee, Peter Cushing, AND John Pertwee (the third Doctor)! My quest…to find any tenuous excuse to brand this a Christmas Movie 🎅

The 6700 has been a great camera. To be honest, I still use an older Sony a7r2 full frame as my primary...I am still getting used to the feel of the 6700 😀

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