Icy Glow
I traveled to Michigan this past weekend and drove immediately to Sleeping Bear Dunes to capture the sunset. To my surprise, the access road was closed, and I h...
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I traveled to Michigan this past weekend and drove immediately to Sleeping Bear Dunes to capture the sunset. To my surprise, the access road was closed, and I had to sprint up to the top to catch the sunset. During my run, I caught a glimpse of this beautiful light and decided it was worth the stop.
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May, 2018Views
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Awards
People's Choice in The Road Less Traveled Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 30 rank week 1Categories
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Time
This was taken about 30-45 minutes before sunset.Lighting
I had flown in from Jacksonville, Florida earlier that day and made the 5.5 hour trek to Sleeping Bear in hopes of catching a sunset. When I got to the scenic drive that allows me to get to the top of the dune without doing a big hike, I noticed the roads were all blocked off due to it being 2 days too early (ugh!!). I jumped out of the car and started running, hoping to catch something of a sunset. As I was hustling, I caught a glimmer of light off some ice and stopped in my tracks. I looked down this little road and knew it was a special scene. I bent down real low and captured the image above. It was a perfect storm of lighting, timing, and scene.Equipment
I used a Canon 6D with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 isInspiration
The light. This photo is all about the light. Without the light and reflective water/ice, this shot isn't all that special. But, the timing was perfect to make it something beautiful.Editing
I edited this in Lightroom. Mostly, I just emphasized what was already there. I opened up the shadows and turned down the highlights to put the emphasis where I wanted it.In my camera bag
Normally, I travel with a tripod, 70-200mm lens, 50mm lens, 24-105mm lens, ND filter, circular polarizer, and the ever so important wireless trigger.Feedback
In Michigan, especially northern Michigan, it is important to know that tourism season doesn't officially begin until May 1st. This means you either want to wait until the season starts and have plenty of hotel choices, and places to eat/activities to do, or you get there early and have everything to yourself, but struggle to find things open. Either way, northern Michigan is one of my favorite places to visit. If you've never been to Sleeping Bear, do yourself a favor and visit it. Other than the location, just remember to keep your eyes open, even when you're in a rush. I got a few good shots at the dunes on this evening, but when I got to the hotel, I was most excited to edit this shot. Good luck!
