Lake Michigan overlook, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
This image is from my “sand dune” fall trip this year, only instead of Silver Lake dunes where most of my shared images have been from, this is from the more popular and well known Sleeping Bear Dunes. I am just now getting around to processing the shots I intended for black and white, and particularly liked the way this one turned out.
This shot is from the popular Lake Michigan overlook along the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive, which is probably the most popular feature of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Winds off of Lake Michigan were blowing something fierce this day, and I am amazed that any of the grasses remained sharp.
What you cannot tell from this photograph, is that just beyond the edge of sand towards the lake is over a 400 foot (122 m) steep drop to the surface of the lake. While you could feasibly slide down if you wanted, there are warning signs that the climb back up is not such a thrill. I remember years ago when visiting here we looked over the edge towards the beach below, and some people had written in large letters in the sand “Don’t Do It!” However, some people still do.
I am not sure if there is a way to accurately depict such a drop off without having a person down below for scale. A careful observer will notice the edge between the sand and water does not quite look like a typical shoreline – especially since there is no surf line. Despite not being able to show the dramatic cliff, what I really wanted here was the composition of the dune grasses in balance with the sunbeams from the clouds. The rest you will have to leave to your imagination. 🙂
I have been to sleeping bear dunes several times, all my dads family grew up there. This is an incredible capture of the dunes and the embankment. You can hardly tell the beach and the bluffs are not just a few feet apart. extremely well captured. Bravo
Chris – thanks very much. It is a great place – I wish I got up there more often. I suppose you have to know this spot to recognize what an optical illusion this scene presents. It certainly doesn’t look like there is a 400 ft drop to the water! 🙂
That is one peaceful scene to me. I could sit there and just enjoy it all. You have this way of showing off the beautiful state you live in, thanks.
Thanks much Monte. Hey, if a photo can take a few minutes of stress out of anyone’s day, it is a worthwhile one eh?
Beautiful image Mark love the tones and detail in this !!
Thank you very much Bernie. Much like your image you linked to here… I am glad to find another that enjoys the dark side! 🙂
You’re definitely in my “wheelhouse” with this image, Mark. The dark tones that offset the “godrays” are perfect. And of course the foreground makes it all work.
Even without your description, though, I think I’d have known that you were very close to a fairly steep dropoff. If you look at the water, the waves appear to be very small, and you can’t see any of them breaking on the shore. It reminds me a little bit of a place called Chimney Bluffs on Lake Ontario (about 30 miles to my east). But as someone else said, I wouldn’t guess that it was a 400 foot drop.
Thanks Paul. It is a very subtle hint there at that edge, because there is no typical water/land shoreline, and as you noticed, the waves are pretty small. In reality, they were probably pretty big as the wind was blowing quite strong.
I have always loved B&W images with very deep, dark tones, so I appreciate that you also like such work.
It does look like there may be some drop off but you wouldn’t know from this photo it was one of 400 feet to to the beach and water below. However, that certainly doesn’t detract from this wonderful shot, Mark. The clouds, water and lighting are wonderful and really pulls your eye to the horizon.
Yeah, the sacrifices you make for maintaining a composition! 🙂 It would have been nice to have some sort of visual reference to the cliff…. but, since 2013 is the season of avoiding cliffs 😉 – maybe it is better if it is not so clear.
Gorgeous image, Mark. Those rays are really wonderful, and the foreground is a nice balance. I wouldn’t have known there’s a steep drop there, but having climbed up Death Valley’s Eureka Dunes, which are not this tall, I know I wouldn’t want to do it! That’s a workout and a half.
Thanks Greg. I was going for that balance, so I am glad it is noticed. I did try to move closer to the edge, but then I lost my foreground elements and decided to stick with this.
Mark, the question is: Have you done it? 😀 A beautiful photo and, no, I would not have known that that was a ledge.
I heeded the advice of those that did before me Sir Paul.
Mark, I continue to enjoy both your work and writings here. Just want to wish you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year!
Paul
Thanks Paul, I wish you the same.