Lake of the Clouds is in the Porcupine Mountains in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The clouds were pretty thick that morning and I wasn...
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Lake of the Clouds is in the Porcupine Mountains in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The clouds were pretty thick that morning and I wasn't at all sure we would get any color at sunrise. I'm glad I waited!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the Porcupine Mountain area. The lake is aptly named Lake of the Clouds.Time
I wanted to be in place before first light. I had scouted where I would scout the day before so I knew where I was going when I got up. My wife accompanied me on the shoot since she is a “morning” person.Lighting
It was a pretty overcast morning but I hoped that the sunrise might light the underneath section of the clouds and we were not disappointed.Equipment
This photo was taken before digital became very popular. I used one of my Nikon film cameras of the time and shot this image on E-6 transparency film. I did use a tripod as well since it was being shot in low light this particular morning.Inspiration
My wife and daughter and I were in the Porcupines for the first time. There are lots of waterfalls in the area as well as this beautiful lake. I wanted to capture as much of the area as I could and the Lake of the Clouds I knew could be a pretty spectacular sunrise.Editing
This was the time of film so all my effort went in to the shot prior to developing the film. I did a lot of bracketing to make sure that I got the right exposure. It was a tricky scene to photograph with the sun on the clouds and the dark trees and rocks around the lake.In my camera bag
Now I carry all digital equipment. I have a Nikon D3 and D3x as well as a pretty good assortment of lenses from 14mm up to 200mm all are f/2.8. I also carry extra batteries a polarizing filter and some snacks.Feedback
Get to know the area you will be shooting. The scouting is where all the fun is anyway. Pick your spot and let Mother Nature do her thing.