CLIENT: SPEC WORK FOR MOUNTAIN HARDWARE, PERSONAL PROJECT
TALENT: MATHIEU MAYNADIER
LOCATION: MUNISING, MICHIGAN, USA
DELIVERABLES: STILLS
Driving from Chicago to Munising, just before reaching town, the road passed through dense forest on the left and Lake Superior on my right. An American bald eagle flew overhead. Sounds like a cliche, but it did feel like a fitting welcome.
I had seen photos from Michigan Ice Fest for years, and it made me want to experience it for myself. The brown water seeping through the sandstone was something I had seen many times online, and it was exactly as I expected. This winter, Lake Superior was frozen enough for us to make it across and it felt surreal, like walking across an open, frozen desert. You could hear the ice constantly moving and making sounds beneath our feet.
I am grateful for the many people I met or at least had a chance to shake hands with. Jesse and Kim for giving us the ride and climbing support. PK, the climbing legend and demolition derby driver in his spare time. Mathieu Maynadier who stayed motivated to shoot despite being jet lagged. Bill, for letting me stay around with my camera. Katie Stylos for the original school meeting. Conrad Anker for the kind exchange and the energy he brought to the stage. And many others who share the same passion for ice and the places it forms.
I will definitely have to be back. I heard that HMR only forms when the beaver ponds above are filled. I need to talk to them about their next year’s urban development plans. plans.
