
I was so lucky to spend twenty-two days in the northeastern corner of Michigan as part of the Good Hart Artist Residency. It is one of the most stunning places in the world, and very different from Silicon Valley.
The change of scenery inspired my creativity in different directions, and I wanted a way to capture the magic. Every day, I took a photo and turned it into a writing prompt to help keep the memory alive and add inspiration in my journal writing.

I love photo prompts. They challenge a different part of my brain. And depending on my mood, that challenge can either excite the competitive side of me that loves a new adventure, or bring out the inner artist who is inspired by color, texture, composition, and the promise of something new.
If you're feeling like you need a challenge or could benefit from some visual inspiration to spark your creativity, maybe these photo prompts can help! I've gathered all twenty-two (yes, 22!)of them here.
You can simply scroll down the page to view them (they're posted chronologically) or use the descriptive list below to find the right one to suit your needs!
DESCRIPTIVE LIST: 22 PHOTO PROMPTS FROM MICHIGAN
Daily Photo Prompt No. 4: Mesmerizing Driftwood & Metal Sculpture
Daily Photo Prompt No. 6: Close & Personal with Lake Michigan's Rocky Shore
Daily Photo Prompt No. 11: Pebbles Nesting Between Lake Michigan Stones
Daily Photo Prompt No. 12: First Day of Autumn in the Tunnel of Trees
Daily Photo Prompt No. 13: Historic Church Overlooking Lake Michigan
Daily Photo Prompt No. 16: Peek-a-Boo Dune Trail to the Lake
Daily Photo Prompt No. 21: Lake Sunset on the Last Day of Summer
Enjoy!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 1
I'm excited to be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks, and I thought I'd share a little part of the amazing experience by posting a writing prompt each day using a picture taken during my time here.
I'll be posting the daily photo prompt here on my blog each day, but you can also follow along on XÂ or Facebook!
Here's the first in the series, taken from the plane as we descended over Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 2
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Here's the second in the series, a photo of the heart stone and its shadow at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 3
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Here's the third in the series, a photo of the Lake Michigan's colorful shoreline, just across the street from the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 4
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Here's the fourth in the series, a photo of a stunning wood and metal sculpture on the property outside the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 5
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Here's the fifth in the series, a photo of the cairn--crafted with detailed and interesting rocks--off the patio of the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 6
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Here's the sixth in the series, which shows off the shells and small stones before a large, black rock on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps away from the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 7
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
This weekend, I was lucky enough to get a tour of part of Northwest Michigan, from Good Hart and up and OVER the Mackinac Bridge, which connects Lake Huron on the east and Lake Michigan on the right.
The color of the bridge, the white limestone shores, the many hues in the waters of the lakes... I felt creative inspiration soak into my cells. It was hard to capture with a picture, but I did my best in the seventh prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 8
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Take a look at the eighth prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken from the top of one of the AMAZING freshwater dunes off Lake Michigan during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan. They move when the winds are strong!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 9
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Check out this moody sunset over Lake Michigan in the ninth prompt in the daily photo prompt series. The colors were breathtaking and the reflection of light inspiring.
I feel lucky to be able to see these sunsets and can't resist sharing one of the photos I took during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 10
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
One of my favorite things during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan as been sitting on the porch to write and sharing the beautiful natural setting with the many woodland creatures that are always busy here. I find thinking about and connecting with other animals always inspires my writing.
For this tenth prompt in the daily photo prompt series, I wanted to show off one of my many new chipmunk friends, who usually join me for breakfast:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 11
In case you missed my first post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency for the next three weeks. I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
For the eleventh prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, I had to share this image of smaller rocks caught between two large stones in Lake Michigan. I watched the water come in and over them, then go back out, over and over. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 12
Happy first day of fall!
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2. It's hard to believe my time here is more than half over.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
For prompt #12 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, I wanted to capture something that represents the first day of the new season. The leaves are just starting to turn:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 13
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
For the 13th prompt in the daily photo prompt series, I am sharing the peek-a-boo view of St. Ignatius Church in Middle Village by Lake Michigan. This photo was taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 14
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
I snapped a photo of a father and child on the shore of Lake Huron. In the distance, you can see Mackinac Island. My mind can't help but make a story out of this 14th prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 15
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
On my morning walk today, my attention caught on this massive mooring buoy. The colors, the angle, the fact that this retired boating equipment was at rest on land, got my imagination going into overdrive.
I hope this 15th prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has your creativity doing the same!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 16
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
I love this trail winding to the dunes over Lake Michigan, the way it appears to stop and the turquoise waters appear below. I could write a poem or story every day based on this view.Â
I hope this 16th prompt in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps spark your creativity, too!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 17
In case you missed my initial post, I'll be a Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency until 10/2.
I thought I'd share a part of this amazing experience and beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
Sometimes I'm inspired to write by the most simple image. In this case, a bench under a tree overlooking a beautiful garden (see photo below the prompt), the woods, and peek-a-boo views of Lake Michigan.
My mind starts turning, and I can't help but wonder:
What stories might this bench under the tree tell?
Enjoy prompt no. 17 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan!

Bonus photo of the garden this bench overlooks:

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 18
My time as Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency is winding down, and it's bittersweet; I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at home, but I'll miss this place of respite and creativity and focused work.
It's been a wonderful experience, and I'm happy to sharing part of beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
This morning, I captured the rising sun as it first hit Lake Michigan. The water and rocks and creatures seemed to come alive, and it got me wondering...
What might the rising sun awaken in this great lake?
I hope prompt no. 18 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps you write something today!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 19
My time as Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency is winding down, and it's bittersweet; I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at home, but I'll miss this place of respite and creativity and focused work.
It's been a wonderful experience, and I'm happy to sharing part of beautiful place by posting a writing prompt using a picture taken during my time here.
I went for an early morning walk today before heading into the town of Harbor Springs for the final day of the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book.
The colors of the sky, the leaves, the lichen and moss, caught my eye. It was an almost surreal setting. I jotted down some initial observations on the spot, and I know this will definitely show up in a poem or short story.
What does this photo, or the colors and images in it, inspire for you?
I hope prompt no. 19 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps you write something today!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 20
My time as Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency is almost over! But it's another gorgeous fall day here, and I'm determined to make the most of my remaining time.
I'm inspired by the natural setting. On my mid-morning walk today, my eyes were drawn to the changing colors, especially with the coordinating bird houses in front of the turning autumn leaves.
What stories hide in these houses among the turning leaves?
I hope prompt no. 20 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps you write something today!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 21
My time as Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency ends tomorrow. :( But that means I still have today to enjoy, and I plan to make the most of it!
On the last day of September, I watched a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan. The waves were gentle, the air warm, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was a moment of peaceful reflection and respite, like my time in residence here.
I captured this photo with sunlight streaking across the sky and water, and I had to stop and write while sitting on "my rock" on the shore.
What does this sunset over Lake Michigan on the final day of September call to mind for you?
↓↓↓↓↓ BONUS! Please enjoy a timelapse video of the final 5 minutes of sunset on the last day of September, 2024, posted below the prompt. ↓↓↓↓↓
I hope prompt no. 21 in the daily photo prompt series, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps you write something today!

Residency in Focus: Daily Photo Prompt No. 22
My time as Writer-in-Residence at the Good Hart Artist Residency is over today, and I'm on my way back to California. What a wonderful experience. I'm leaving feeling lighter and fuller creatively.
Even from the air, this part of the world holds inspiring beauty. I snapped this picture through the window of the plane as we took off this morning.
Day breaking over the lake creates a definite mood. How can you use it in a poem, story, or journal entry?
I hope the final photo prompt, taken during my time at the Good Hart Artist Residency in Harbor Springs, Michigan, helps you write something today!

Write something using the prompts? Share it with me here or join me at Community Poetry and Prose Night at the Cupertino Library on 10/15/24 at 7PM - 8:30PM and read it during open mic!
Happy writing!

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