Step into Adventure
Paddle the Lake.
Watch as life slows for a little while. Enjoy the summer and take it all in. Take time to invest in yourself and the amazing memories you are making with your family.
Notice the stars reflecting in the water, and let your mind discover the little ways these adventures can reflect in your everyday life.
This lake has so much meaning to me, to my family, and to my photography journey. The skies are not super dark here, being in Central Florida, Orlando, and other light polluting cities are just to the south. The progression of detail I have been able to get in the southern sky taking photos of the Milky Way has been mind boggling to me as my night photography skills have improved. Practice is so important for art.
When I was first learning about Milky Way photography, and all the planning you can do before even touching the camera, I learned that my family’s beloved lake was lined up great with the Milky Way. Because the latitude is low enough, it is actually beneficial that trees surround the lake. They help to block out some of the light pollution to the south. And the Milky Way hangs above the lake like a mobile singing a lullaby.
My first images of the Milky Way over the lake were great at the time, because I actually successfully took and processed images of the stars in this special place. The second images of the Milky Way over the lake were better because I learned, and successfully executed, new skills to bring out more detail in the photos. I took a foreground image at blue hour, accomplishing more detail in the foreground, therefore being able to tell a better story about the importance of the lake. I also stacked the sky images to reduce noise. The third time is the charm as they say. These images of the Milky Way over the lake (my Paddle the Lake image) were the best yet because in these 3 years I have learned even better techniques to show the detail and magic in the night. This time I had learned how to use a star tracker, which means I was able to use longer shutter speeds to get more signal in each image and then stack them to reduce noise. The lake was still, so I was able to get a small amount of reflection, and the dock lights from neighbor’s yards help bring drama and dimension to the treeline.
Practice is so important for art.
My first image of our lake in 2022, shortly after starting my Milky Way photography journey.
My second Milky Way photo at the lake in 2023 after learning more skills to make the best of my gear.
My third image of our lake in 2025, utilizing my star tracker, and newest skills for image processing. The color and drama blow my mind.
On this star photography outing I was super glad to have my sister with me, because there was an alligator in the distance, hiding in the lily pads. Alligators eyes shine red in a flashlight. We kept watch over that red shine the whole time.
After each exposure, and while the shutter was open if we felt it necessary.
Lucky for us, it moved farther away as the night went on, not closer.
Company is always a good idea when outside at night.
We had seen the alligator during the day as we paddled around the lake in my uncle’s kayak- he was a little guy, probably just venturing out on his own recently, which means the mom could still be around as well. We didn’t let that deter us from going to the lake that night, it was the last chance for clear skies that trip, but we were extra cautious to check the shoreline with strong flashlights after each frame was finished.
Paddle the Lake is at my family home in Florida. I swam in this lake when I was a kid, and my kid learned to swim here as well. Now I kayak and paddle board around the lake with my siblings and our children, and continue making lifetime memories.
This is a reminder that even the regular places you visit frequently can have a strong impact on your psyche.
Purchase Paddle the Lake here.
Click on the add to cart button below, Click on the image to open the sales page, or visit my Summer Collection Store under the Shops menu.
A 16×20 inch photo print showing the Milky Way above a serene lake surrounded by pine trees. The water is calm with light star reflections, a simple metal fence, and dock lights from the neighbors lighting the tree line. There is a passage through the trees that leads to the next lake, increasing the mystery and kayak adventures of the people who visit the lake. The sky has captivating colors and a contrast not easily achieved in the light pollution of Central Florida. The image as a whole has a calming energy that would be perfect in your home, a friendly reminder every day to stop and appreciate the wonders of the universe.
Printed on archival metallic paper, this print will last many years.
This print will be ready to be matted in a standard 20×24 inch mat cut for a 16×20 picture, inserted in a 20×24 inch picture frame, and hung on your wall. Or simply framed as is in a 16×20 inch frame. Go with what feels right to you. Just know that whatever you decide, the framing job will be simplified due to the standard sizing of the art.
It is my thought that easier framing means you will be able to hang and enjoy your art much sooner.
Step into Adventure
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Walk the Shore
Share the waves with the stars. Find the perfect rock that will remind you of this adventure long after it's over.
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Paddle the Lake
Watch as life slows for a little while. Enjoy the summer and take it all in. Take time to invest in yourself and the amazing memories you are making with your family.
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Explore the Land
Meander the forest looking for firewood. Think back to the smell of the campfire warming your face on cold summer nights under the stars.
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Fish the Pond
Take some time to slow down and find patience. Soak in the summer air and the comfort of familiarity.
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Climb the Rocks
Like a kid on an epic camping adventure, remember the feeling of triumph reaching the top of the hill.
Learn about these 16x20 fine art photography prints.
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Image size and paper type are 2 ways artists can truly share their art with you the way they want it to be seen and experienced.
Printed on certified archival metallic paper, these prints will last for 100+ years on home display. The ultra-bright background, and shiny metallic finish make these night time images pop. Art that shines like the stars.
The 16×20 print size is big enough to be impactful, but small enough that it will fit in most places you may want an impactful piece of art. It is a standard size that is easy to frame, meaning you will be able to get it up on your wall to fully enjoy and experience quickly.
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I named this collection Step into Adventure because it really explores the type of fun we like to have on summer vacations shared with our families.
This art can stir up feelings of epic road trip adventures to once in a lifetime places. Even though none of these images are actually of iconic places, they can instill the same feelings when we let the art speak to our minds, souls, and memories.
Step into adventure can remind you that the regular places you maybe visit(ed) every year are just as important as those once in a lifetime places, as they leave a lasting legacy for your family.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my Artsy Fartsy heart for being here, and stepping into my adventure!
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These prints will be produced in a Midwest, USA lab and flat packed for shipping.
You can choose if you would like your print signed and checked by me for quality assurance, or if you want it straight from the lab.
If you choose to have me sign it, it is likely you will get a small freebie as well. I like sending surprises when I have them to offer!