You were tremendously lucky. If I remember 40 percent or more don't get to see the mountain due to the cloud cover. I saw it and it is impressive. Next time we take a flight!

great information here. Experiment and enjoy. I have used basic colored construction paper as backdrops. Have a variety of colors as you don't want your subject to disappear into the backdrop. Ruby gemstones don't show well on a red backdrop and emeralds show poorly on green. Also be aware that colored backdrops may add color to your subject particularly if it is reflective or translucent. When I photograph gems I usually use a white or black backdrop depending on how dark or light the stone may be and use the contrasting color. Of course if you are wishing to make an artistic rendering use whatever color strikes your fancy. And, again, enjoy the experiments.

Hi Gator. I recognized the skyline and bridge. I am right across the river from you in Louisville.
Best,
Tom

Jeeze! How long was that ride!

Looks Like Petosky, MI.

Mikael Barisnikoff (SP?) Russian ballet dancer I think.

I am seeing what appears to be lights on the mountain. I see red near the summit and another just a bit lower and to the right. I also see white lights in various places. At first I thought these might be artifacts or noise. I throw it out there for expert Hog opinion/analysis. Lights or noise?

The story of Kodak's decline and fall is a case study for the problem of "group-think" in highly cohesive groups. I will include it as an example along with the Challenger disaster, Bay of Pigs, and Pearl Harbor.

What, nobody swimming in the lake photo??? When I was a kid we took a big loop around Lake Michigan and then across the Mackinaw bridge to the UP. I was a swimming fool and was all excited to get to swim in Lake Superior! I mean I was motivated. I fancied myself a young Mike Nelson from the TV show "Sea Hunt" and had my mask and fins in hand. I kept bugging my Dad about it and how it was going to be so fantastic. I remember commenting to him as to why all the motels had swimming pools with this great lake right at their doorstep. Fools I thought. So after the family was firmly ensconced in a motel room Dad followed me down to the beach for my inaugural swim in the lake. Now you must understand this was mid-summer and it was hot out. I noted a few other things in my rush to the water. First, I was the only person in swim shorts (and gear)and second, the beach was not my expected sand but rather very smooth rocks and pebbles. Folks, I got about knee deep in that water before it dawned on me that the water was cold. By cold I mean ice cold. Being bull-headed I waded in deeper until my unmentionables convinced me that further exposure was a very bad idea. I know inside my dad was laughing his ass off but he simply handed me a towel, my shoes and took me back to the motel and that ridiculous swimming pool...

You are at least eh second to NOT recommend the variable ND filter. Coherent reasons. I will be crossing them off the list. Thanks.

Contemplating diving into the ND filter photographic world. Saw this kit on B&H's site and thought to ask y'all for opinions. No, it is not the vaunted B&W filter brand but will it provide acceptable results??? The product is at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1271052-REG/cokin_ch3ho25_p_series_graduated_neutral.html
Just noted these are graduated... Thoughts on Cokin ND filters in general? Tiffen?
Also... What is your opinion of the variable ND filters???
Thanks

If you are going to the UP be sure to try the pasties. The locals will know you are a Troll, or worse if you pronounce it as it is written there. These original Cornwall "hot pocket" pastries should be pronounced pass-tees then the local women will not be offended by your mispronunciation. we found particularly good ones in Musining at http://www.muldoonspasties.com/
Have a light breakfast if anything before going there. It is a hearty meal.

at least he has good taste in whiskey...

great example of the blue hour.

yes Whitney is the wedge-shaped peak to the right of center. "The Needles" are situated immediately to the left. Been up there and the view from up top is spectacular. great photo.