Tyler Leipprandt, the Traverse City–based content creator and certified drone pilot behind Michigan Sky Media photography, is known for hanging out of helicopters and exploring our state in all seasons to get jaw-dropping shots that awe his nearly 70,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram. We asked Tyler to share some of his bucket list moments and a behind-the-scenes look at how he got the perfect shot. Sit back and soak in these unbelievable views.
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From the Heavens on Old Mission Peninsula
On March 23, 2023, the heavens exploded with one of the biggest solar storms in 10 years. I made a last-second decision to head to Mission Point Lighthouse on Old Mission Peninsula and captured this photograph. The northern lights are usually found in the northern sky, but this night’s solar storm was so big that they were seen in the southern sky, too (this photo is looking directly south).
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Cherry Blossoms at Black Star Farms
One of the most magical times of the year has to be when all of the cherry blossoms bloom on Old Mission Peninsula. They don’t last for long, so I made sure I took the time last year to take some aerial photos.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Blue Angels Over Downtown Traverse City
Ever since I was a child, jets have always excited me, and the airshow at Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival is one of my favorite summer activities. I am crossing my fingers that I get to experience a ride in a jet one day.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Don’t Look Down
On a sunny morning in March 2018, I captured one of my favorite and best-selling images to date. The ice was melting and flowing through the Straits of Mackinac, which makes it so abstract looking.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Hot Air Balloon at Cherry Festival
On a warm morning during the Cherry Festival, I decided to take some photos at sunrise. To my surprise, a hot air balloon slowly floated in from the distance, giving me time to get my drone into position.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
A Winning Pit Spitters Sunset
Many times while traveling or going out with my family, I have to tell them, “Hey, I’ll catch up with you in 20 minutes.” Typically, that’s code for me leaving quickly to take photos. Last summer, I was able to capture a beautiful sunset over a Pit Spitters game. And yes, they won!
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Autumn at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
While shooting photos for a client, I was treated to an unbelievable view of Sleeping Bear Dunes in the fall. Platte Lake can be seen in the foreground and Lake Michigan is surrounding the dunes.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Tamarack Trees
While driving down a road near Traverse City, I caught a glimpse of a forest of golden tamaracks and green evergreens. Of course, I had to stop, made friends with the property owner, and now it is an annual late-autumn visit for me.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
From a USCG Jayhawk
I have been known to hang out of helicopters to take wild photos, but flying with the Traverse City Coast Guard last fall was the icing on the cake. The colors of the blue water, the array of fall color foliage and a crisp breeze from hanging out of the MH-60T Jayhawk is an experience I will never forget.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Sleeping Bear Beauty
The glow from this particular sunset was one for the history books. There is nothing more rewarding than walking the Empire Bluff Trail to be welcomed with this view.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media
Awaking Bear at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Before driving to the Mackinac Bridge for the 2022 Labor Day Bridge Walk, I decided to swing over to Sleeping Bear Dunes as the aurora forecast seemed promising. Once I got to the first overlook at Empire Bluff Trail, I was greeted with the most incredible show I’ve ever seen.
Photo by Michigan Sky Media