Blog

Notes on photography, design, and life in the Upper Peninsula

Green curtains of the aurora borealis above Lake Superior, photographed by Forbes Robertson from his rooftop in Houghton, Michigan on the night of May 16, 2026. May 16, 2026

Shooting the Northern Lights in the Keweenaw

When and where the aurora shows itself in the Keweenaw, the camera settings I trust for it, and the cold-weather dangers that catch night photographers off guard up here.

Photography Landscape Gear Night Sky
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A female Common Merganser swimming on calm water with a brood of six ducklings tucked behind her, photographed by Forbes Robertson in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. May 15, 2026

Canon 90D and the 100-400L II: A Working Kit for Bird Photography

Why I shoot Manual with Auto ISO, the shutter/aperture/ISO settings I trust for birds, and the autofocus and technique habits that turn the 90D and 100-400L II into a serious bird kit.

Photography Wildlife Gear
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A bald eagle lifting off from the top of a spruce, photographed by Forbes Robertson in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. May 15, 2026

Birding the Keweenaw: A Photographer's Field Guide

A season-by-season guide to the birding spots I keep coming back to in Houghton and Keweenaw County, from the warbler waves at McLain to the hawk flights off Brockway Mountain.

Photography Wildlife
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