Mike Hanson Photography

02/10/2022

Good morning everyone, from the family of Mike. It is with a heavy heart that we must share the unfortunate news of Mike's passing.

Mike passed away on Tuesday evening, February 8th, at his home in Bismarck, surrounded by family. His body, tired from his courageous battle with cancer, could no longer fight and he went to live in paradise. While we are heartbroken he was taken from us so quickly, we are grateful that he is no longer suffering. We know that Mike went right to work, taking photos of the splendors of heaven. May he Rest In Peace.

Thank you so much to all of his followers and those of you who supported his great love for photography. He truly enjoyed talking about his photos, telling stories and answering questions from his booth visitors at shows. If anyone is interested in purchasing additional photos, please contact us through his Facebook account and we will connect with you at a later date.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy & successful 2022.

Michael Elliot Hanson, 63, Bismarck passed away February 8, 2022, at his home in Bismarck after a 2 year battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 200 PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck with Pastors Mark Narum and Lee Herberg officiating. Visitation for

08/10/2021

I know, I have not posted since last December.

I must admit with the drought, extreme heat (that I have difficulty with), return of my cancer and all the smoke I have not been that devoted to capturing photos in 2021.

I know that many feel that the smoke creates great sunsets and yes the colors right around the sun are great. I am the type of photographer that looks to create sunset photos that have great colors in the clouds and I have not been able to see the clouds thru the smoke here in Bismarck on the nights I have the energy or the temps cool enough for me to venture out.

But instead let me tell you a couple of touching stories from my first show of the year held in Bismarck this past weekend.

First was the young lady who as she was looking through a bin of photographs started to cry. As I paid closer attention to her and her friend her friend stated she anted to purchase a Bison print. I asked the young gal that was crying if she was OK and she mentioned she was raised on a ranch in western North Dakota that raised Buffalo. Her father passed away within the past couple of years and the family had to sell the Buffalo and seeing the photos brought back memories of her father and the Buffalo.

The other was a woman that looked at a canvas and asked where it was taken. I mentioned it was along the Needles Highway in Custer Park in South Dakota and that it was of the Cathedral Spires. She mentioned that her husbands ashes where spread there. Not long after that she came back and wanted to buy the canvas as it made such a connection with her. I normally do not sell canvas off the wall as they have been down the road and are showing some wear. It was the first show for this canvas and such a touching memory for her so I took it off the wall and let her have it so she would not have to wait for one to be delivered to her. I've attached that photo.

Why am I sharing these to stories? Both of them remind me of the power of photography, telling a story or in these two cases touching a memory.

LuAnn and I did spend a week along the north shore of Minnesota however I have not worked up those photos yet. That's in the plans in the next week of so I may be able to share some form that trip this month.

12/22/2020

The clouds won!

I found the Cottonwood tree I wanted for the foreground of a photo I had in my minds eye. However, the clouds just did not give me a chance to capture the conjunction.

Driving home we did get to see it faintly though some thinner cloud cover. Once at home I set up the spotting scope on a tripod but those darn clouds won again. Astrophotography can sure be hit and miss endeavor!

I hope you had better viewing than LuAnn and I had this evening!

For those of you wondering if Sammy, the needy dog, accompanied us today. The answer is yes.

12/21/2020

Tonight is the night that Jupiter and Saturn will be at their closest in hundreds of years.

Plan to go outside after sunset. From what I have found reading online to be accurate go outside 45 minutes after sunset. I'm not going to chance it I will be out before sunset looking for that big old Cottonwood or some other interesting tree, windmill or whatever draws my attention to add character to photos.

Here in Bismarck it sounds like it will begin to be partly cloudy at sunset. LuAnn has suggested that we drive east to get ahead of the incoming clouds so we have clear skies to view this once in a life time event.

For viewing plan to use binoculars or you hunters grab your spotting scope.

I'm going to have binoculars, spotting scope and camera equipment with me along with a couple of tripods for photos and stable viewing.

Wish you luck in viewing and/or photographing this special event.

12/17/2020

Did you have any luck viewing or capturing photos of Jupiter, Saturn and the new moon tonight? If so, let me know. Also, if you don’t mind sharing a photo with us please do so if you happened to capture one.

I had chemo in Fargo today with a change of treatment so it took longer than previously schedule. Left Fargo with solid cloud cover. Finally saw all three near Tower City, for you North Dakotians, for others it’s rough 35 or so miles west of Fargo. I then had to find a off ramp on I94 for my safety. By the the time I got off interstate and got the tripod and camera out and just setting it up some clouds moved back in. So, no photos for me?

LuAnn and I did get to see it for a few minute so that was a win. As a photographer I have found times that I set the camera down and enjoyed the moment which turns out as a great memory. Tonight’s situation was somewhat different but still got a great memory in my to retain in my minds eye.

Hopefully you were able to capture a photo if that was your goal and/or have you that once in a lifetime memory.

12/16/2020

Last night I mentioned that today and tomorrow will allow you to see the new moon with Jupiter and Saturn. Tonight the moon will be below the planets, tomorrow the moon will be above the planets.

Don’t forget to check the weather for cloud cover. Here in Bismarck tonight maybe our only chance to see all three celestial bodies close together as the forecast is for a partly cloud sky. Tomorrow’s forecast is for cloudy skies. So, those of us in the Bismarck area better make plans for tonight!

If you go out tonight and have young children or grandchildren take them with you as they maybe able to view this Christmas Star again in 2080. So for them it can be a twice in a life time event.

Hope you have clear skies where you live both this week and again on Monday the 21st.

12/16/2020

Have you been looking forward to Jupiter and Saturn forming the Christmas Star next week? You don’t have to wait for next week to enjoy! On December 16th and 17th the planets will join a new moon in the southwestern sky after sundown.

I hope that we have a cloudless sky to enjoy this once in a lifetime event! My hope is that I have energy and feel good enough to get my butt outside to make some photos after a chemo tomorrow. And before a Zoom meeting on Thursday evening.

On the 21st is when the planets will form the Christmas star as that day they will the closest to each other in hundreds of years. Viewing should be good all next week again depending on cloud cover.

I hope this helps you to enjoy a special treat in this stressful year!

12/11/2020

If you are in Bismarck tomorrow ,Saturday Dec 12, I encourage you to stop at a pop up event to support a small North Dakota business. Shelly, owner of Nodakian Studios, a fellow member of Pride of Dakota, is hosting the pop event from 10 am - 2pm at 2107 E. Rosser Ave. She is one heck of an artist. What is her art you may ask. Hint, she works with clay.

To view her offerings go to https://www.nodakianstudios.com/

BTW, she will have three other small business participating in the pop up event.

Nodakian Studios produces high fired ceramics. Each piece is wheel thrown and hand decorated and or altered. Pieces range from three-legged mugs and bowls, sgraffitoed crocks and canisters to a verity of colorful hanging planters. Each piece tells a story with abstract texture, drawings, and glaze.....

12/05/2020

The Bismarck Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase doors just opened. The show runs until 5:00 pm today and 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

My booth is located in row 14.

All attendees are to wear a mask. Booths are only located on one side of the row to allow for social distancing. Approximately 140 business are here this weekend.

If you are in Bismarck this weekend please make a point to stop by and say high.

11/11/2020

Yesterday I just had the need to make some photos. However, the Snow Geese have in the area have moved on, the Bald Eagles have not arrived in large numbers yet and I was not planning to drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. So what did I do? I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.

I have always been impressed with the stained glass windows in my church (Trinity Lutheran, Bismarck) community room along with the more modern windows in the sanctuary. So indoors I went to try something new for me, indoor photography using only natural light.

I am sharing three photos that give you a sense of the quality of the stain glass windows and the interesting light that comes naturally into the sanctuary.

Have a good day and Thank You to all veterans!

11/10/2020

Are you looking for a nature related piece of art work for yourself or as a gift?

Tonight is my first post sharing some of the art that I offer for sale. This windmill photograph was taken in Morton County in August of this year, one night before the full moon. It was a beautiful day so LuAnn and I along with Sammy, the needy dog, left early and had a picnic in the prairie enjoying each others company along the sights and sounds.

This offering is only available as a canvas print in 8x20 inches. It is meant to fit into small spaces. I value the print at $78 + tax. Shipping is free!

If you would like to order this print please reach out to me via [email protected] or messenger.