Several years ago, we had the honor of photographing Dan and Kara’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony on the shores of Lake Michigan. We recently photographed their first child, Alexis. She was quite adventurous around our studio but really enjoyed our retro children’s couch. Winter is a great time to bring the kids in for their annual portrait. Remember, they are only little once. Trust those precious memories to a professional.
In the world of photography, not everything is as it seems. Morgan is a high school senior at Ludington High School. She was on the cross-country team, which took up a good chunk of her fall. By the time the season got done, the temperatures dropped. However, she wanted some outdoor pictures, including the beach. So, on a brisk fall day we headed outdoors and created some wonderful pictures around Ludington, including beach pictures. Though the temperatures were in the upper ’40s, Morgan was a trooper and did great. Us Michigan people are just pretty tough when it comes to the weather!
Sunday was a great autumn day. The light was perfect, the temperatures were comfortable and Chris and Heather Vander Haag and their boys Jack and Cole were ready for a great family photograph session in their own backyard. I have to give a little disclosure here: Chris is my first cousin. Since we are only two years apart, we’ve known each other for quite awhile.
The boys (and mom and dad) did a great job getting their pictures taken and the setting was perfect!
– rob
The school year is almost halfway done and we are happily still photographing Class of 2012 high school seniors. But, we also wanted to take advantage of the fall weather to hold our first modeling session. Jessica is a junior at Ludington High School and will be representing Alway Photography this year. As our student model she will serve as a liaison between her classmates and us. We got some great pictures of her during a recent visit to downtown Muskegon.
As many of you are aware, I am not only a photographer but I am also a writer. Most of my stories are human interest stories that appear in the Ludington Daily News. They are typically stories of local people. I love these types of stories.
One of my very first interviews back in 1989 — when I was a stringer for the Daily News — was of Edgar Struble. Edgar is from Scottville and at that time he was Kenny Rogers’ music director. What I admired about Edgar then and now, is that he never forgot where he came from. During that time he owned several buildings in Scottville and Ludington and he returned frequently to visit his father. Even with his father gone, Edgar still returns to Mason County often. In California, where he now lives and works, he writes and produces music. Often, he will hire musicians who also have Mason County roots, including Luke Rangel (a producer) or drummer Brian Burwell. When he comes home in the summer, he puts on free concerts in Scottville and Ludington featuring several local musicians.
Another person who I admire is Harold David Cronk. Cronk grew up in Scottville and majored in art in college, earning an education certificate. But, the teaching gig wasn’t his thing. He wanted to create movies. So, he and his wife, Amy, moved out to California. After-all, that’s what you have to do if you want to make movies, right? Wrong. After several years there, the Cronks made their way back to Mason County and Dave and a business partner opened 10 West Studios in Manistee (reference to U.S. 10 highway that runs west to east through the heart of Mason County). It hasn’t been easy, but 10 West has produced a few films in this area and is committed to filming more.
The last few days I have had the privilege to observe, photograph and write about the filming of 10 West’s latest production, “Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy.” This movie is being exclusively filmed in Mason and Manistee counties. Once again, Edgar has seen something in a “local boy” and has invested in the film, giving him the title of Executive Producer. A wise investment, indeed.
As a writer, I need a quiet, neutral place to sit and create. For me, that place is often Redolencia Coffee in Ludington. It is also one of Cronk’s creative outlets. This past spring he pitched the movie idea to me over a Diet Coke and latte (I had the latte, can’t stand Diet Coke). It is a great story. I won’t give too much away, but pretty much imagine “National Treasure” meets “The Goonies.”
The crew on the set, most whom are basically freelance or contracted, are saying this movie is going to be the big time for 10 West. I got to see a trailer today and I have to agree.
Good job guys! I can’t speak for everyone but I am proud of our Scottville boys.
– rob
Above, shooting on Manistee Fifth Avenue beach. Below, Cronk, left, talks with Struble during filming in Manistee.