May in Door County is cherry blossom season, and it’s a magical time to walk the orchards – especially for a photographer like Luke Collins, a full-time shooter based in Baileys Harbor. We asked him about this stunning shot.
Where was this photograph taken?
This image was taken in May 2017 at a cherry orchard just north of Sturgeon Bay. I don’t remember exactly which one, but the great thing about Door County is how many orchards we have up and down the peninsula. In the springtime, they all come alive as they bloom.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
What is your favorite thing about this photo? What “makes” it?
In my opinion, there are three things that really bring this photo together. The first is the soft light – the late-day sun comes through the trees, backlights the blossoms and makes them seem as if they are glowing. The light also warms up the landscape and brings out the beautiful, soft, almost pastel colors of the grass and sky. The second thing is how the rows of trees create leading lines that draw your attention from the sunburst all the way to the horizon. The third thing I like about this photo is the sunburst, a really neat effect that adds a little pop to the photo. (Sunbursts such as this one are created when the light hits the lens and isn’t the result of any digital trickery.)
What do you remember about that day – was there anything special about it?
I live in Door County, so I am lucky to be able to explore and photograph all what the peninsula has to offer. We have beautiful shorelines, parks, rural scenes. Every season brings something new, and springtime is blossom season. The cherry blossoms are one of my favorite things to photograph in Door County. They only last one, maybe two, weeks, so it’s important to get out there as much as you can during that time. When I took this photo, I did what I always do when photographing the cherry orchards: I simply took a walk and enjoyed the time – the warm spring air, the smell of the flowers, the sound of the bees hurriedly taking advantage of the abundant pollen, and the beautiful evening light that ties everything together.
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I am a full-time professional photographer. I am based in Baileys Harbor, Door County but travel often to photograph scenes all over the U.S. and beyond. My first love when it comes to photography is getting out in the natural landscapes such as national parks or anywhere you can find mountains. I love photographing lake scenes, which is why Door County, and Wisconsin generally, is such a great place to be. I also love traveling and photographing the sights away from home. During the summers, I travel all over Wisconsin photographing weddings, engagements, high school yearbook photos and real estate photos. I have a gallery in Baileys Harbor where you can view and purchase prints.
