Algoma
The Daffodil Patch
Daffodils are always a cheerful delight. Though short-lived, they are bright and vigorous springtime bloomers.
This particular patch is one of my favorite. Each spring, those driving north through Algoma,WI on highway 42 will find this plentiful display of yellow daffodils on the right side of the road, just before you descend the hill on the south side of town. My thanks and compliments to the homeowner who provide these well-cared-for beauties.
The daffodil is of the Narcissus genus – predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis) family. Those in the Narcissus classification are easy to identify by their flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. According to Wikipedia, historical accounts suggest narcissi have been cultivated from the earliest times, but became increasingly popular in Europe after the 16th century and by the late 19th century were an important commercial crop centered primarily on the Netherlands. Today narcissi are popular as cut flowers and as ornamental plants in private and public gardens.
Like other members of their family, narcissi produce a number of different alkaloids, which provide some protection for the plant, but may be poisonous if accidentally ingested. This property has been exploited for medicinal use in traditional healing and has resulted in the production of galantamine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia. Long celebrated in art and literature, narcissi are associated with a number of themes in different cultures, ranging from death to good fortune, and as symbols of spring. The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and the symbol of cancer charities in many countries.
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Beyond the Harbor
This is a panoramic view at the mouth of the harbor at Algoma, WI; on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
A couple of weeks ago I set out to capture a sunrise, but as you can see, the sun was blocked by the thick clouds on the horizon. The best feature of the morning were the lighter clouds, highlighted by the hidden sun, that filled the sky above.
To capture this wide-angle view, I took four separate photos and combined them for the final image you see here.
I don’t often post panoramic images because of the width limitations of most websites, including my own. To get the best view of this one, you should click on the photo. When you do, a larger version will open in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Not Ready to Wake
With the sun trying to break through in the background, the Algoma lighthouse and piers seem content to sleep in a little longer. Lake Michigan seemed just as reluctant to rise and greet the day. (Algoma, Wisconsin is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan.)
Take in more of the beauty by clicking on the photo. When you do, a larger, full-screen version will open in a new browser window.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Sudden Outburst
I had the opportunity to capture a sunrise in Algoma last Saturday. Low clouds couldn’t hold back the morning sun as it rose over Lake Michigan, beyond the lighthouse and pier.
There have been few days, recently, where the sky hasn’t been overcast and grey. There have been fewer days when I’ve had the time to get out and shoot.
This is an HDR image – where I combined five different exposures of the same shot to provide a greater dynamic range.
You can view this image in a larger, more detailed version by clicking on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Preview of Coming Attractions
The true magic happens just before the sun breaks the horizon. It usually only lasts a few moments, but it’s worth the effort to catch it. This magical moment arrived behind the Algoma, Wisconsin lighthouse and pier, on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
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All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Peace Unto You
A beautiful September, Lake Michigan sunrise as viewed from the Algoma, Wisconsin harbor.
This is actually three individual photos I “stitched” together to make a wider, panoramic view.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to catch a nice sunrise behind the Algoma lighthouse. When I looked out the window and realized the sky might be cooperative, I packed up and headed out. I got there just in time and get several good images. Watch for more in the future.
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All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Misty Morning Boardwalk
As dawn begins to break over the Crescent Beach boardwalk in Algoma, WI, a light fog mutes the colors and quiets the light.
I left home by 4:30 to catch the sunrise at Algoma. But, as you can see, the sunrise was not to be seen. Well, not as I was expecting, anyway.
You can view a full screen version of this image by clicking on the photo.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Morning Smoke Signals
The dark, wispy clouds reminded me of puffs of smoke hanging over the Algoma, Wisconsin lighthouse and pier. This view was photographed last Sunday morning just before the sun emerged from behind the bank of low clouds to rise over Lake Michigan.
As always, I encourage you to click on the photo here to view a larger version in a new browser tab.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Flash of Brilliance
Life of the Party
This fireworks burst certainly provided a festive atmosphere. It was part of the fireworks show that is the traditional finale of the Shanty Days celebration in Algoma, WI.
This year’s event was added fun because I was joined by a other photographers, sharing tips and techniques. All came away with some great shots.
This is one of those photos that it pays to view the larger, full-screen version. To do so, click on the photo.