DeWitt photographer's 14-foot nature photos featured in NAIAS exhibit

It's not unusual for Lansing talent to be on display at the North American International Auto Show. Usually, however, those talents are squarely in the automotive realm. This year, visitors to the NAIAS' Pure Michigan Ride and Drive track will come face-to-face with Lansing's fine art side.

DeWitt photographer Michael McPeak's nature photography is a centerpiece to the interactive exhibit, which features the opportunity to drive electric vehicles. The four feet-wide and 14 feet-tall photos provide the scenery for the track.
"It's the Pure Michigan exhibit, so they really wanted to give off the idea of driving through Michigan," says McPeak.
 
Fortunately for organizers, McPeak has been photographing nature throughout the state for fifty years. Along with his wife, he owns McPeak Media in DeWitt. According to McPeak, the NAIAS exhibit wasn't only an opportunity for visibility, but also a chance to have his work viewed in a new way.
 
"It's nice," he says, "because for the most part people only see my images on a computer monitor. It's rare for people to walk up to it and see how much information is there."
 
In addition to McPeak Media and his fine art photography, which can be viewed at the new Peckham building and Jackson National Life building, McPeak uses his talents to benefit the greater Lansing area. His "Faces of Caring" project raises money for area non-profits by taking portraits in exchange for donations. Last year McPeak raised more than $5,000 for area charities.

Photo - Dave Trumpie