365 A Year in the Photographic Lives of Todd and Brad Reed

This is the perfect ending to an 80-degree-plus day. This is one more example of why people who have traveled the world are not exaggerating when they say the Ludington area is the best place in the world to experience sunsets. F3.2 at 1/1250, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The Plaza Skate Park of Ludington is a popular hangout for teenagers and kids. Driving down Lakeshore Drive, I noticed a skateboarder who was definitely an experienced rider. I pulled in and asked Mark Grant if I could photograph him catching some air. He was up for the challenge. F6.3 at 1/400, 100 ISO, 70-200 mm lens at 70mm

The atmosphere in the sky tonight is creating an interesting golden aura around the moon. This is the second time I have seen such a distinct aura this year. I had never noticed them in past years. F4.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 500 mm lens at 500 mm

This beautiful rhododendron plant on Gaylord Avenue in Ludington caught my eye as I was driving to work this morning. I loved how the bright light seemed to be focused on one small section of the giant bush. F2.8 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I think Iris Road got its name because so many Iris flowers grew there before the Pere Marquette Township road was named. This morning on my way to work this particular flower looks picture-perfect from a distance. A closer look confirms my hunch. F4.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

I stumbled upon a paper wasp nest in my neighbor's front yard tonight. For some strange reason I decided to take my macro lens and stick it extremely close to the wasps in order to make this photo. Luckily I did not get stung and the pictures turned out well! F6.3 at 1/200, ISO 1250, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The "Baby Badger" stops at Waterfront Park to allow the children aboard its train of toy boats to watch the real Badger dock. This celebration of the Badger's start of the sailing season showcases three great things about Ludington

The sunshine is so intense tonight that I can't shoot towards the setting sun in the west without my photograph looking washed out. But I really want to document the great beach weather. So I find a Harley Davidson motorcycle and make my photograph in one of its handlebar mirrors. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

Like clockwork, it is the end of May and I find a mute swan at its usual nest site with her newborn cygnets near Long Bridge on Pentwater Lake. I shoot quickly so I don't scare them. F3.2 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

A trio of fox kits is living near Buttersville, south of Ludington and we got a tip on where to find them. These kits are very curious and slowly came to get a closer look at my camera and me. F5.6 at 1/200, ISO 1250, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

A trio of fox kits is living near Buttersville, south of Ludington and we got a tip on where to find them. These kits are very curious and slowly came to get a closer look at my camera and me. F5.6 at 1/200, ISO 1250, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

This is at least the 40th year I have attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the veteran's monument at Stearns Park. The importance those attending place on this Ludington tradition is one of the reasons I love living in a small town. The American Legion Honor Guard fires the ceremonial salute to veterans every year. I admire their patriotism. F9.0 at 1/100, ISO 320, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

Every Memorial Day, you can count on watching Dale Shimel march in the Memorial Day parade in Ludington. Dale is a Vietnam Veteran and I am proud to say he is my shirttail relative. F2.8 at 1/640, ISO 800, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

It is one of those soft light evenings; there is a glow from the bright overcast sky instead of the golden light of a clearer night that might appear better for shooting. I like this kind of light and so does my Fuji S5 camera. I point it southward from the Ludington South Breakwater and wait for just the right breaking wave to complete the picture. F4.0 at 1/100, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

In October of 2009 I had stood in the same spot and made a photograph showing the South Bayou of Hamlin Lake during the peak of the fall color. Tonight, I want to show the same view with the beautiful late spring flowers and lush green leaves. I intend to return for a summer and winter shot as well. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I have my eye out for a fox kit or a fawn, neither of which comes my way this evening on the Buttersville peninsula. But along comes this rabbit, which within five minutes is nicely in range of my telephoto lens. F3.2 at 1/400, ISO 200, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Tonight I headed to my Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl's house on Lake Michigan to photograph their beautiful flower garden. I manually exposed for the sky and set that exposure about two stops of light to the minus side because that would bring detail back into the sky. I then used fill flash to illuminate the flower, creating a moody photograph. F20.0 at 1/250, ISO 1000, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

I am photographing a boat in Harbor View Marina when I see a more unique view. The sheet steel wall of the marina is reflected beautifully in the water. I love the color and the undulating patterns on the water. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Maude's Garage in downtown Ludington has quickly become one of the most photographed spots in all of Ludington. Shirley Reeds, who owns Maude's, has an amazing ability to make art out of other people's junk. I love the old Ford truck she has placed in front of her store on Ludington Avenue. F22.0 at 0.6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Whitetail deer are beautiful by themselves. This one looks especially pretty amidst cow vetch and green grasses. The doe glances my way momentarily after spotting me. I make two exposures and leave. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 400, 300 mm lens at 300 mm