Split Rock Silhouette

On and off snow showers throughout the day made it questionable whether or not it would be possible to photograph Split Rock Lighthouse on this January evening. The January Full moon is the only night of the year when it’s possible to photograph the lighthouse and moon together from this particular angle. I decided to take my chances and make the one-hour drive to the lighthouse and hope that the sky would clear and the moon would be visible.

As it turned out, it was a beautiful evening on the ice-covered shores of Lake Superior, and the 5F temperature made it quit pleasant. I was able to enjoy a nice chat with a few other photographers who had already arrived and we all scratched our heads, trying to figure out where exactly the moon would come up.

It wasn't long before the first glow of the moon popped through the scattered clouds, and everyone adjusted their tripods and lenses to capture a most incredible and relatively rare sight.

I fiddled with my camera controls making adjustments for the changing light, and took a dozen pictures while the moon transited through the horizon. It was an unforgettable sight, and one I hope you enjoy.

On the drive home, I though about the history of this wonderful lighthouse which has stood sentinel atop the 160 foot cliff for nearly 100 years. I though about the old light keepers who hauled supplies from the lake up the steep cliff and faithfully tended to the beacon, in good weather and bad. They must have watched the January full moon rise with the same awe that we do today.

Split Rock has withstood the elements for so long because of its solid rock foundation. Rocks have always represented the strength and power of our creator God, and that is why his creation reveals his attributes in such magnificent ways.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psa 18:2

Full Wolf Moon at Splitrock

The Full January Moon is commonly called the Wolf Moon, however, I prefer to call it by it's Celtic name of Quiet Moon.
This January moonrise came early, at 3:20PM, well before the sun actually set. Although the moon only peeked out from behind the clouds for a minute, it combined with the sunlight on the lighthouse to present colorful view a soon fading day

Sea Smoke on Superior

Weather forecasters had been announcing for days the arrival of a Siberian Express, a massive blast of cold arctic air. With the water of Lake Superior still clear of ice, I knew that there would be some interesting weather phenomenon near open water.

The cold air soon arrived and early morning temperatures dropped to -23F, a perfect morning to do some photography on the shores of the big lake.

Standing on the shore of Lake Superior at Canal Park in Duluth, I watched as the arrival of daylight lifted the veil on a marvelous exhibit of natural beauty. Sea Smoke lifted off the water as super chilled wind blew across its surface. It is one of the most beautiful weather effects that the eye can see.

With the wind chill at -40F, my fingers soon felt the familiar sting of cold as it penetrated my gloves while I was setting up my tripod and camera. I snapped pictures for the next 15 minutes before my camera battery died from the cold.

The sun soon burned through the fog to shine its light on another beautiful January day. Once again, God mixed the elements of His creation together to reveal his power and glory, and I felt privileged to be able to view it. I left the shore with frozen camera equipment and numb fingers, yet there was a warmth inside me, knowing that such a Master Creator was watching over me....and you.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the expanse proclaims His handiwork. (psalm 19:1)

Looking Up!

Clear skies and heavy frost covered the birch trees to reveal creations wonderful beauty.
I poked the legs of my tripod through the deep snow and found solid footing. After locking the camera into the bracket, I turned the camera straight upward and focused on the trees and sky of another northern winter.
Deep in the woods a woodpecker drummed on a nearby tree searching for its afternoon snack while flakes of frost fluttered through the air, glimmering like tiny diamonds as they made their way to the snow covered ground. It just doesn't get any better than this I thought to myself.

Looking up through the trees, I realized that I would never experience this moment in the exact same way, ever again. It gave me an appreciation for the simple things of life, the things that are priceless, things that cannot be purchased, like time.


God made the things of this world to give Him glory, and in this case, even the trees seemed to be reaching to the heavens to praise the one who made them.

Trekking back home through the knee-high snow, I was warmed by the afternoon sunshine and warmed by thoughts of being a small part of God's design.

God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. (Gen 1:17)