Freefalling

A seagull in freefall, wings poised against the sky, eyes locked on a prize slipping away. Just moments ago, it had struck the surface of Lake Michigan with precision, emerging with a small alewife, a common fish in these waters. But fate—or gravity—had other plans. The fish, momentarily secured, had wriggled free, beginning its descent back toward the lake. In an instant, the gull folded its wings and dove again, snatching its meal midair in a display of pure instinct and reflex.

This dramatic moment played out along the shores of Portage Park in Sturgeon Bay, a place where the vastness of Lake Michigan meets the edge of Door County. Capturing such a scene required both timing and the right tools. Holding down the shutter for just a few seconds preserved the entire sequence—a story told frame by frame, each image a fraction of a second apart. Without that speed, this fleeting act of skill and luck would have vanished as quickly as it unfolded.

Wildlife photography is often a balance of patience and preparation, of anticipation and reaction. Some moments are sought after for hours, even days. Others, like this one, happen in an instant, demanding instinct and quick reflexes. This image freezes that rare, split-second triumph—the gull’s determination, the fish’s last struggle, and the unspoken drama of survival playing out above the waves of Lake Michigan.

All prints are of museum quality and printed in The USA. Canvas Prints are wrapped around a hardwood frame to prevent long-term wrapping and utilize a 0.75" thick wrap. Metal Prints are glossy, vibrant, and of course are ready to hang.  These prints make a statement and bring Door County home to your wall.