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Pictured Rocks through the lens of its Artist in Residence

Photographer Bryan Mitchell stayed at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as its 2016 Artist in Residence from Oct. 1-17. Follow along as Mitchell describes his experience via his favorite photos, including this one of the North Country Trail overlooking Grand Portal Point. It's about a 3.5 mile hike to this location from the Chapel Basin trailhead and part of a 10-mile loop -- one of the best hikes in the state.
Photographer Bryan Mitchell stayed at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as its 2016 Artist in Residence from Oct. 1-17. Follow along as Mitchell describes his experience via his favorite photos, including this one of the North Country Trail overlooking Grand Portal Point. It's about a 3.5 mile hike to this location from the Chapel Basin trailhead and part of a 10-mile loop -- one of the best hikes in the state.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
A Northville resident, Bryan Mitchell is a professional photographer as well as an avid hiker and camper who has a lot of experience in the Upper Peninsula. The National Park Service chose him to be the Artist in Residence for the 50th anniversary season of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which stretches along Lake Superior between Munising and Grand Marais.
A Northville resident, Bryan Mitchell is a professional photographer as well as an avid hiker and camper who has a lot of experience in the Upper Peninsula. The National Park Service chose him to be the Artist in Residence for the 50th anniversary season of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which stretches along Lake Superior between Munising and Grand Marais.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Mitchell begins his adventure: I arrived at Sullivan's Creek Cabin, where I stayed for my two weeks, on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. After unpacking I walked down to Twelve Mile Beach, where Sullivan Creek flows into Lake Superior, hoping the clouds might break for the sunset. This is one of the first photos I made. I felt I was off to a good start.
Mitchell begins his adventure: I arrived at Sullivan's Creek Cabin, where I stayed for my two weeks, on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. After unpacking I walked down to Twelve Mile Beach, where Sullivan Creek flows into Lake Superior, hoping the clouds might break for the sunset. This is one of the first photos I made. I felt I was off to a good start.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Be prepared to get wet when photographing Elliot Falls, aka Miners Beach Falls, close up. I like the splashes on the lens, though, as it adds a nice touch and reminds me that when I pushed the shutter I slipped and fell, sliding toward Lake Superior. All part of the adventure of taking photos in the park.
Be prepared to get wet when photographing Elliot Falls, aka Miners Beach Falls, close up. I like the splashes on the lens, though, as it adds a nice touch and reminds me that when I pushed the shutter I slipped and fell, sliding toward Lake Superior. All part of the adventure of taking photos in the park.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
On one clear night I made the 1.5 mile hike to the Au Sable Light Station to photograph the Milky Way. A tripod is a must for night sky photography. For this shot I decided to get close to the lighthouse and shoot straight up, with a 17-35 millimeter lens set at 17mm, a wide-open f2.8 aperture and a shutter speed of 25 seconds.
On one clear night I made the 1.5 mile hike to the Au Sable Light Station to photograph the Milky Way. A tripod is a must for night sky photography. For this shot I decided to get close to the lighthouse and shoot straight up, with a 17-35 millimeter lens set at 17mm, a wide-open f2.8 aperture and a shutter speed of 25 seconds.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
A cloud bank was rolling in while I was photographing the Northern Lights around midnight. With not enough light to silhouette this driftwood against the sky, I decided to do some light painting. I put the camera on my tripod and set the shutter speed to a long 30-second exposure. I turned my headlamp on using the red light, tripped the camera with a remote trigger and walked through the frame.
A cloud bank was rolling in while I was photographing the Northern Lights around midnight. With not enough light to silhouette this driftwood against the sky, I decided to do some light painting. I put the camera on my tripod and set the shutter speed to a long 30-second exposure. I turned my headlamp on using the red light, tripped the camera with a remote trigger and walked through the frame.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Where the rocks start to rise east of Miners Beach makes a great location to photograph the sunset. This spot is much easier to access when Lake Superior is calm but might be impossible or dangerous when the lake really gets churning. Tip: Find an interesting foreground for your sunset photos. As sunset approaches watch for breaks in the clouds. It sometimes happens fast and you get amazing texture in the sky.
Where the rocks start to rise east of Miners Beach makes a great location to photograph the sunset. This spot is much easier to access when Lake Superior is calm but might be impossible or dangerous when the lake really gets churning. Tip: Find an interesting foreground for your sunset photos. As sunset approaches watch for breaks in the clouds. It sometimes happens fast and you get amazing texture in the sky.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
This is one of my favorite photos from my Pictured Rocks trip. There isn't a trail to this waterfall and you won't see it mentioned on the park's website. The stream falls at least 30 feet over a large recessed cave. The spot is breathtaking and calm. But getting there means bushwhacking about a mile or so off the trail leading to Miners Falls.
This is one of my favorite photos from my Pictured Rocks trip. There isn't a trail to this waterfall and you won't see it mentioned on the park's website. The stream falls at least 30 feet over a large recessed cave. The spot is breathtaking and calm. But getting there means bushwhacking about a mile or so off the trail leading to Miners Falls.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
On Oct. 8 the weather forecast called for cloudy skies and a 15-to-20 mph west-northwest wind. With this information I knew I wanted to photograph waves on Lake Superior hitting the rocks near Mosquito Beach. I stayed for awhile, hoping for the clouds to break. My patience paid off as the sun started to break through the cloud cover, shining on the cliffs.
On Oct. 8 the weather forecast called for cloudy skies and a 15-to-20 mph west-northwest wind. With this information I knew I wanted to photograph waves on Lake Superior hitting the rocks near Mosquito Beach. I stayed for awhile, hoping for the clouds to break. My patience paid off as the sun started to break through the cloud cover, shining on the cliffs.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, is seen over Lake Superior by the mouth of the Hurricane River around 3 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2016. When the aurora is active I don't get much sleep.
The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, is seen over Lake Superior by the mouth of the Hurricane River around 3 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2016. When the aurora is active I don't get much sleep.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall color is on full display along the cliffs east of Miners Beach on Oct. 17. The leaves change color later along the shore, and this year the color was late by a week or so. I was lucky enough to extend my stay a few days and get some nice fall color photos on my last two days.
Fall color is on full display along the cliffs east of Miners Beach on Oct. 17. The leaves change color later along the shore, and this year the color was late by a week or so. I was lucky enough to extend my stay a few days and get some nice fall color photos on my last two days.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Sun filtering through other trees creates highlights and shadows on a peeling birch tree. I spent a good 30-40 minutes watching the light hit this tree, photographing it from many angles. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell/Special to Detroit News)
Sun filtering through other trees creates highlights and shadows on a peeling birch tree. I spent a good 30-40 minutes watching the light hit this tree, photographing it from many angles. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell/Special to Detroit News)
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
This unnamed waterfall is away from the main trail but not hard to find. Some refer to it as Potato Patch Falls as it flows over a recessed cliff just below the backcountry campground of the same name. Backlit by the late afternoon sun it looked like a tunnel of rain on a warm, sunny fall afternoon. When climbing the ridge from the eastern Miners Beach trailhead look for a well-worn side trail that skirts along the cliff.
This unnamed waterfall is away from the main trail but not hard to find. Some refer to it as Potato Patch Falls as it flows over a recessed cliff just below the backcountry campground of the same name. Backlit by the late afternoon sun it looked like a tunnel of rain on a warm, sunny fall afternoon. When climbing the ridge from the eastern Miners Beach trailhead look for a well-worn side trail that skirts along the cliff.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
I like using backlight when I can. When I see light filtering through the trees and shadows on the ground I get excited to make a nice image. Then all I have to do is wait for someone to walk into my frame and I have my photo. These hikers are taking the path out to the Log Slide overlook.
I like using backlight when I can. When I see light filtering through the trees and shadows on the ground I get excited to make a nice image. Then all I have to do is wait for someone to walk into my frame and I have my photo. These hikers are taking the path out to the Log Slide overlook.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
On one clear night I made the 1.5 mile hike to the Au Sable Light Station to photograph the Milky Way. After awhile I noticed a glow to the north and was happy to see the Northern Lights become active.
On one clear night I made the 1.5 mile hike to the Au Sable Light Station to photograph the Milky Way. After awhile I noticed a glow to the north and was happy to see the Northern Lights become active.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
While looking for a different spot to photograph the Northern Lights I noticed clouds moving in. As you can see, the cloud bank arriving from the south was very thick and covered the whole sky. It takes quite some time for the clouds to move across Lake Superior, so the glow from the aurora was still visible as a strip between the clouds and lake. The simplicity and moodiness are why I like this photo.
While looking for a different spot to photograph the Northern Lights I noticed clouds moving in. As you can see, the cloud bank arriving from the south was very thick and covered the whole sky. It takes quite some time for the clouds to move across Lake Superior, so the glow from the aurora was still visible as a strip between the clouds and lake. The simplicity and moodiness are why I like this photo.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall color in Pictured Rocks was not exactly popping early on in my trip, so one sunny day I decided to explore Grand Sable Dunes. I find the landscape extremely fascinating. There are sandy areas, however the dunes and forest intermix. At this particular spot I could see 360 degrees and the texture of the landscape was like a dream.
Fall color in Pictured Rocks was not exactly popping early on in my trip, so one sunny day I decided to explore Grand Sable Dunes. I find the landscape extremely fascinating. There are sandy areas, however the dunes and forest intermix. At this particular spot I could see 360 degrees and the texture of the landscape was like a dream.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The branch of a Jack pine is seen in a stand of trees near Grand Sable Dunes. Jack pine forests are drier with a soft forest floor. I could sit in them, or nap in some cases, for hours. On a calm day the sights, sounds, touch and smell are like a massage for all your senses.
The branch of a Jack pine is seen in a stand of trees near Grand Sable Dunes. Jack pine forests are drier with a soft forest floor. I could sit in them, or nap in some cases, for hours. On a calm day the sights, sounds, touch and smell are like a massage for all your senses.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The forest floor is its own little world among the towering trees. There are mosses and mushrooms, pine needles and leaves. I isolated this lone mushroom in a bed of moss and positioned myself to shoot into the light, darkening the forest in the background and rim lighting the mushroom. Using a shallow depth of field helps the mushroom pop out of the scene.
The forest floor is its own little world among the towering trees. There are mosses and mushrooms, pine needles and leaves. I isolated this lone mushroom in a bed of moss and positioned myself to shoot into the light, darkening the forest in the background and rim lighting the mushroom. Using a shallow depth of field helps the mushroom pop out of the scene.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Rock cairns out in the wilderness are traditionally used to mark a trail, especially in the mountains above the tree line. As I'm out hiking I've been seeing more of these man-made rock-stacking sculptures. This one was at the top of Spray Falls, about three feet from the edge before plunging 70 feet straight down to Lake Superior.
Rock cairns out in the wilderness are traditionally used to mark a trail, especially in the mountains above the tree line. As I'm out hiking I've been seeing more of these man-made rock-stacking sculptures. This one was at the top of Spray Falls, about three feet from the edge before plunging 70 feet straight down to Lake Superior.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
When hiking along the cliffs on the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks I'm continually amazed how trees hold on to the edge with their roots. The aqua blue water of Lake Superior can be seen far below.
When hiking along the cliffs on the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks I'm continually amazed how trees hold on to the edge with their roots. The aqua blue water of Lake Superior can be seen far below.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Going to Elliot Falls, aka Miners Beach Falls, at sunset is popular among park visitors and photographers -- not just for the sunset across the rocks but for how the color of the rocks changes into golden-brown tones.
Going to Elliot Falls, aka Miners Beach Falls, at sunset is popular among park visitors and photographers -- not just for the sunset across the rocks but for how the color of the rocks changes into golden-brown tones.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
After the sunset, stick around for 30 minutes or so. If clouds dot the sky, the 10 or 15 minutes after sunset can be the best part. This shot was taken along the rocks east of Miners Beach.
After the sunset, stick around for 30 minutes or so. If clouds dot the sky, the 10 or 15 minutes after sunset can be the best part. This shot was taken along the rocks east of Miners Beach.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
After getting a sunset photo along the rocks east of Miners Beach one night I packed up and started hiking back to my car. I then found several photographers on a large rock still trying to catch the last bit of light of the day. The scene was just screaming at me to be photographed. I took several frames but like this shot of a lone photographer the best.
After getting a sunset photo along the rocks east of Miners Beach one night I packed up and started hiking back to my car. I then found several photographers on a large rock still trying to catch the last bit of light of the day. The scene was just screaming at me to be photographed. I took several frames but like this shot of a lone photographer the best.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
It had been a mostly cloudy and sometimes drizzly day. The clouds never really broke apart but before sunset there were some gaps with sunrays shining through. Mix that with waves picking up from a northwest wind and a nice photo came together.
It had been a mostly cloudy and sometimes drizzly day. The clouds never really broke apart but before sunset there were some gaps with sunrays shining through. Mix that with waves picking up from a northwest wind and a nice photo came together.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The leaves in the forest on Oct. 8 were mostly green; the trees change color later along the shore of the Great Lakes. So when I see red maple leaves that fell from the tops of the trees covering the trail I stop to take a photo. This one leaf lying on a pine tree branch gave me some nice contrasting colors.
The leaves in the forest on Oct. 8 were mostly green; the trees change color later along the shore of the Great Lakes. So when I see red maple leaves that fell from the tops of the trees covering the trail I stop to take a photo. This one leaf lying on a pine tree branch gave me some nice contrasting colors.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
A bald eagle sits possibly stunned in the woods about 15 feet off the trail on Oct. 8. Rangers went looking for the bird the next day but were unable to locate it. Some thought it might have been fighting with another eagle and was just stunned for awhile, but nobody knows.
A bald eagle sits possibly stunned in the woods about 15 feet off the trail on Oct. 8. Rangers went looking for the bird the next day but were unable to locate it. Some thought it might have been fighting with another eagle and was just stunned for awhile, but nobody knows.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Mosquito Falls on an early fall afternoon. Although the trail is often muddy and has many tree roots, the hike to this falls is only one mile.
Mosquito Falls on an early fall afternoon. Although the trail is often muddy and has many tree roots, the hike to this falls is only one mile.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The Northern Lights are seen around 4 a.m. on Oct. 9 as clouds clear out over Lake Superior along Twelve Mile Beach where Sullivan's Creek flows into Lake Superior.
The Northern Lights are seen around 4 a.m. on Oct. 9 as clouds clear out over Lake Superior along Twelve Mile Beach where Sullivan's Creek flows into Lake Superior.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Chapel Falls is seen on an the afternoon of Oct. 10.
Chapel Falls is seen on an the afternoon of Oct. 10.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Backpackers hike across the sandy top of Grand Portal Point. The cliff is among the tallest in the park, rising some 200 feet above Lake Superior. It's one highlight on a 10-mile trail loop from the Chapel Basin trailhead, with the Chapel Beach to Mosquito Beach section possibly the best section of trail to hike in Michigan. I like to hike it counterclockwise and make sure to see Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls along the way.
Backpackers hike across the sandy top of Grand Portal Point. The cliff is among the tallest in the park, rising some 200 feet above Lake Superior. It's one highlight on a 10-mile trail loop from the Chapel Basin trailhead, with the Chapel Beach to Mosquito Beach section possibly the best section of trail to hike in Michigan. I like to hike it counterclockwise and make sure to see Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls along the way.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
It's a three mile hike out to the famous Chapel Rock. The tree on the rock stays alive as the roots stretch across to other rocks where they can reach soil.
It's a three mile hike out to the famous Chapel Rock. The tree on the rock stays alive as the roots stretch across to other rocks where they can reach soil.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Lake Superior is about 300 feet down these sandy banks textured with footprints. The area is called Log Slide, since it was used during Michigan's lumber days to slide logs down to the lake. You can walk down and climb back up if you have the time and the urge.
Lake Superior is about 300 feet down these sandy banks textured with footprints. The area is called Log Slide, since it was used during Michigan's lumber days to slide logs down to the lake. You can walk down and climb back up if you have the time and the urge.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The fall color change starts to show itself in the forest leaves on Oct. 11 in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The fall color change starts to show itself in the forest leaves on Oct. 11 in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall colors from the Beaver Basin Wilderness overlook and trailhead near Munising, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. The three mile dirt road out to the overlook can be rough at times but its worth it.
Fall colors from the Beaver Basin Wilderness overlook and trailhead near Munising, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. The three mile dirt road out to the overlook can be rough at times but its worth it.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall color starts to show around the upper section of Sable Falls on Oct. 11. There are several named waterfalls in the park and a few unnamed falls as well.
Fall color starts to show around the upper section of Sable Falls on Oct. 11. There are several named waterfalls in the park and a few unnamed falls as well.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The leaves are starting to fall along the road leading to Log Slide, a sandy bank plunging about 300 feet down to Lake Superior. The area is called Log Slide because it was used during Michigan's lumber days to slide logs down to the lake.
The leaves are starting to fall along the road leading to Log Slide, a sandy bank plunging about 300 feet down to Lake Superior. The area is called Log Slide because it was used during Michigan's lumber days to slide logs down to the lake.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Miners Falls is seen from the base of the waterfall a short distance downstream. The Miners River drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, creating the waterfall.
Miners Falls is seen from the base of the waterfall a short distance downstream. The Miners River drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, creating the waterfall.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
County Road H-58 is a popular scenic drive for a fall color tour. It runs east to west between Munising and Grand Marais and connects the different parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
County Road H-58 is a popular scenic drive for a fall color tour. It runs east to west between Munising and Grand Marais and connects the different parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
I enjoy getting off trail and wandering pine forests, searching for fall color from the deciduous trees scattered among the tall pines.
I enjoy getting off trail and wandering pine forests, searching for fall color from the deciduous trees scattered among the tall pines.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Small waves wash up and swirl on the rocks in an area known as the coves. This is in the Beaver Basin Wilderness Area of the park and a 1.5 mile hike from the Little Beaver Lake Campground.
Small waves wash up and swirl on the rocks in an area known as the coves. This is in the Beaver Basin Wilderness Area of the park and a 1.5 mile hike from the Little Beaver Lake Campground.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Waves splash against the rocks in the coves of the Basin Wilderness Area.
Waves splash against the rocks in the coves of the Basin Wilderness Area.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The woods near Little Beaver Lake show plenty of yellow, gold and orange on Oct. 16.
The woods near Little Beaver Lake show plenty of yellow, gold and orange on Oct. 16.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The sun sits low in the sky over Lake Superior at the mouth of the Hurricane River on Oct. 16. This is my favorite place in the state to watch a sunset, and without a doubt my favorite campground in the U.P.
The sun sits low in the sky over Lake Superior at the mouth of the Hurricane River on Oct. 16. This is my favorite place in the state to watch a sunset, and without a doubt my favorite campground in the U.P.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The waves of Lake Superior have carved small little rock sculptures among the large sandstone formations at Mosquito Beach.
The waves of Lake Superior have carved small little rock sculptures among the large sandstone formations at Mosquito Beach.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Behind the cliffs on a rainy, foggy day, the rock formation called Lovers Leap can be seen in the background.
Behind the cliffs on a rainy, foggy day, the rock formation called Lovers Leap can be seen in the background.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Just up-stream from where Bridalveil Falls cascades over the cliff edge is this small, unnamed waterfall. It's an off-trail hike but not difficult if you follow the stream.
Just up-stream from where Bridalveil Falls cascades over the cliff edge is this small, unnamed waterfall. It's an off-trail hike but not difficult if you follow the stream.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The forest floor seems to be rolling along the North Country Trail east of Miners Beach.
The forest floor seems to be rolling along the North Country Trail east of Miners Beach.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The North Country Trails are seen on a sunny fall day on Oct. 16. Grand Sable Banks can be seen in the distance, rising some 300 feet above Lake Superior.
The North Country Trails are seen on a sunny fall day on Oct. 16. Grand Sable Banks can be seen in the distance, rising some 300 feet above Lake Superior.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall colors mix in with pine trees around Kingston Lake near Munising. While not part of the national lakeshore, the lake sits in the buffer zone of Pictured Rocks which also includes the Superior State Forest and some private land.
Fall colors mix in with pine trees around Kingston Lake near Munising. While not part of the national lakeshore, the lake sits in the buffer zone of Pictured Rocks which also includes the Superior State Forest and some private land.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
Fall colors and dead tree skeletons reflect in a pond in the Beaver Basin Wilderness, created in 2009 inside the park as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The act provides permanent legal protection for this 11,740-acre section of the lakeshore.
Fall colors and dead tree skeletons reflect in a pond in the Beaver Basin Wilderness, created in 2009 inside the park as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The act provides permanent legal protection for this 11,740-acre section of the lakeshore.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News
The National Park Service provides a cabin for its Artist in Residence at Pictured Rocks. In return, the artist is asked to contribute an example of his work and conduct interpretive programs at the park.
The National Park Service provides a cabin for its Artist in Residence at Pictured Rocks. In return, the artist is asked to contribute an example of his work and conduct interpretive programs at the park.
Bryan Mitchell, Bryan Mitchell
Watching the Northern Lights in solitude is a wondrous experience, just one of many during an unforgettable visit to Pictured Rocks.
Watching the Northern Lights in solitude is a wondrous experience, just one of many during an unforgettable visit to Pictured Rocks.
Bryan Mitchell, Special To Detroit News