Aerial view of a snowy forest with a winding river running through it, the Cedar River near Bellaire, Michigan. This drone photograph was taken by James Manning and is titled "Opal Island".

Aerial view of a coastal area with a dense forest, a rocky shore, and clear blue-green water. This rocky feature is called Fossil Ledges and it's on Drummond Island in Michigan. Taken with a drone by James Manning.

Crystalline ice patterns and emerald green open water taken over Lake Michigan with a drone near Charlevoix, Michigan by James Manning in a piece titled "Lake Stasis"

An aerial view of a sandy beach at sunset with some beach grass, leading into the clear turquoise water of Lake Michigan.

A drone photograph of Torch Lake in Northern Michigan titled "Lake Strata" by James Manning featuring green and turquoise water as the sandbar drops off.

"Sky Watcher" — Harbor Springs, MI, 2024

Black and white photo taken in Michigan's Upper Peninsula of the night sky with the Milky Way galaxy visible over Lake Huron, over a rocky lakeshore with trees.

Black and white long exposure photo of star trails in the night sky above a lighthouse on a calm beach.

Black and white photo of a starry night sky over a Lake Michigan with rocks at the shore and trees in the distance in this photograph taken by James Manning titled "Into the Quiet Wild Whisperings"

Long exposure black and white photo of star trails in the night sky over a Lake Michigan and the Breakwall in Petoskey, Michigan in this photograph taken by James Manning

A winter landscape with the Cedar River flowing through snow-covered trees and forest in Northern Michigan, with the moon rising over a distant forested horizon in this drone photograph by James Manning titled "Cedar Moon"

Aerial view of a lush green forest with a meandering stream running through it, under a partly cloudy sky in this drone photograph by James Manning titled "Verdant" taken in the Jordan Valley of Northern Michigan

Aerial view of the winding Cedar River through a snowy forest landscape at sunset, with the sun shining in the sky taken with drone by James Manning near Bellaire, Michigan in this photograph titled "Sun Catcher"

Aerial view of a forest edge along the shores of Lake Michigan with changing colors and patterns in the water in this drone photograph titled "Morning Discovery" by James Manning

Photographer James Manning in a brown hat using a camera on a tripod in a lush green forest surrounded by ferns.

Hi, I’m James Manning, fine art photographer, native Michigander, & wilderness wanderer.

The Collections

Black and white photo of a forest with tall cedar trees under a starry night sky, featuring the Milky Way galaxy, photograph taken in Northern Mchigan by James Manning.

Stars

Starry skies captured using long exposure techniques to illuminate Northern Michigan’s landscapes. This series unites the modern art of astrophotography with the timeless look of black and white. Featuring milky way shots and multi-hour star trails, discover the world beyond.

An aerial view of a sandy beach on Lake Michigan with clear turquoise water, photograph taken in Charlevoix by James Manning.

Landscapes

Lake bottoms telling colorful tales and rivers receding to the horizon, this collection lies somewhere between the calming patterns of nature and the wonder of exploration. Using drone and traditional photography techniques, each photo draws on the magic of fleeting moments.

Black and white trillium photograph by James Manning, a wildflower with rain droplets on its leaves, against a dark background.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers photographed in their habitat, in a style like they are the queens of the woods. Each portrait is captured in black and white using macro photography techniques to show off the classic elegance of these native Michigan treasures.

The Photographs

I believe a photograph doesn’t become art until we can hold it in our hands. That’s why I’ve invested in my own printing capabilities, so that I can oversee the photographic process from camera to fine art print. I follow the standards established by the Fine Art Trade Guild to ensure that every print is a true giclée that will last a lifetime. Each limited edition piece is signed, numbered, and embossed with a seal of authenticity.