Making movie magic, Mickey Matson; Manistee photography

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

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undefined Above, shooting on Manistee Fifth Avenue beach. Below, Cronk, left, talks with Struble during filming in Manistee.

 

Cruising on the S.S. Badger – Ludington photography

One of the perks of being a photographer and owning a photography business in Ludington is that you get to photography for the Lake Michigan Carferry Service. Every year I try to make a couple trips across the Big Lake on the S.S. Badger, the last great carferry of the Great Lakes. During the summer the Badger makes two trips across Lake Michigan from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It’s a great trip and I would highly recommend it. Here are some of the shots I took during my recent crossing.

– rob

Reflections

undefined I was walking out of a building the other night after a photograph assignment for the Ludington Daily News. The sun was setting but I wasn’t going to make it to the beach. Instead, I caught the setting sun reflecting in the large window that dominates the Ludington Center for the Arts.  – rob

21-0

My niece Jennifer plays on the Manistee Catholic Central girls varsity basketball team. This is also her senior year. Tonight, Catholic defeated Brethren in the first round of district tournaments, 50-42. Here is a sequence of Jennifer making a basket. They’ll play again Friday night for the district finals. Also, they were not only the conference champs, but they are also 21-0 in the season!

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New and improved website

Welcome to our new and improved website. I have started to lose track how many times alwayphotography.com has been upgraded. In the beginning, back in 1999, I designed this site from scratch using Microsoft Front Page. Over the years it has evolved to meet the latest trends of Internet users. A few years ago we introduced our blog to the site, which was located at a different address. Today, we have launched our new and improved site with an integrated blog. We hope you enjoy it!

– rob

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