Willow trees in fog droop heavily. The fog was so dense that it entirely obscures the lake that should be in view. Instead of lake waters stretching out from the edge of the grass, a wall of fog obscures the world beyond.
Willow trees in fog, On my way to the lake
There is always such a beauty in these mornings. The way the water condenses on the willow trees in fog has always struck me as beautiful. Forming on the branches, dripping off of the tips on to the cold ground beneath. I kept passing these trees on my way to the lake. Studying their form, seeing them in changing light and weather. Occasionally stopping to photograph them. Taking time away from the lake to study these trees led to this photo of willow trees in fog.
The Shore series began out of my trips to the lake to photograph the Lake Series. I had started taking photos of the surrounding landscape adjacent to Lake Michigan. While the Lake Series is fairly rigid in terms of how photos are taken, In contrast, the Shore is expansive in it’s subject. The beach, rock walls, the rising waters, birds, wide landscapes, and the presence of humans in many forms fill this series. Buildings are apparent, temporary structures, bike rental stands and photos like this one of willow trees in fog, exist side by side.
What connects all of these photos is their over-arching investigation into the relationships between humans and Lake Michigan. Another recent photo from The Shore series can be found here, on my instagram. I’ve come to realize the importance of this series in relationship to the larger Lake Series collection. It provides yet another way to understand the landscape of Lake Michigan. To better see how it exists today, constantly changing and always in relationship to the presence and impact of human beings.