We both shared the same passion for photography as it allowed us to capture the beauty of our state. We both wanted to capture all of the state's waterfalls, lighthouses and many other scenic landmarks. In many of the art shows it was amazing how many people were familiar with some of the more well known landmarks in the state, but were not aware Michigan was more than just lighthouses and waterfa
lls. I began to wonder if we as photographers were failing to tell an accurate story. A little later in the season at another art show, I had a conversation with a customer who stated that he wanted to take his family to the Traverse City area for vacation, but was not sure exactly what there was to see and do beyond Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I gave him some ideas with some scenic areas that were off the beaten path. It was at that moment that I realized that in our profession we are also ambassadors of travel because we have explored many of these places. We have discovered places that many of our own residents never knew existed. I saw the customer's face light up with excitement when I pointed out some of these scenic areas. In photography there is much more involved than just snapping a picture. Yes, there are the techniques and skill involved when using the camera, but photography transcends far beyond that. It is an art form where we can tell our story; the journey we had in capturing the photograph as well as the story surrounding the subject of our photograph. My goal is to tell the story and showcase the path less traveled. Pure Michigan is the Mackinac Bridge, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Tahqamenon Falls. Pure Michigan is also the War Dog Memorial, The Sojourner Truth Monument, and the many historic train depots in the state. There is a story out there and I cannot wait to discover it and share it with everyone.
