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

I have always wanted to salmon fish along the Sable River in Ludington State Park, but have never taken the time. However, I do get great joy from photographing the skilled fishermen who frequent the three rivers near Ludington. F8.0 at 1/1000, ISO 200, 70-200 mm lens at 86 mm

I photographed this maple tree in an asparagus field along Conrad Road on Day 209 in a very different way, showing the whole tree with its green summer leaves, green asparagus and cloud-filled sky. Today I see a different picture

This is the same forest on North Peterson Road in Hamlin Township that I photographed on Day 53 of 365. It is beautiful all year long. The selectively cut forest was gorgeous on this warm October afternoon. I love days with weather like today. F22.0 at 1/8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I am hunting this evening for the two big bucks I photographed in July at the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant when their antlers were in velvet. I think these big guys might be the same ones. F8.0 at 1/15, ISO 1250, 500 mm lens with 2X extender at 1000 mm

Just before I went into Foster School in Ludington tonight to play basketball, I got my big lens and tripod out of the truck and photographed the moon. The sky was clear and the moon was bright, allowing me to get a sharp, detailed photograph of the moon. F5.6 at 1/320, ISO 100, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

The color and patterns of these maple leaves in front of a birch tree on Hawley Road caught my eye a week ago. Today I am back to see if the leaves have peaked. They look great. F2.8 at 1/160, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Ahhhhhh! Cory Case of Ludington and his family really get into decorating their yard on North Washington Avenue. I drive by this face everyday on my way to work and it finally dawned on me that it would make a surprising photo of the day. F8.0 at 6.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 40 mm

Soaring on a brisk autumn wind, a seagull passes overhead as I am looking for pictures along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Fortunately, I am prepared to make the shot of the graceful bird. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

Several tom turkeys passed in front of my truck as I turned the corner from Conrad Road onto Meyers Road this morning. I threw on a larger lens and ran after the birds. The fall leaves on the ground add to the composition. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 500, 70-200 mm lens at 120 mm

October is the time for drama on the Lake Michigan shoreline. This afternoon I am so glad I made the decision to head to Little Sable Point to try to catch a peak moment of light, clouds and waves at the historic lighthouse. F4.5 at 1/800, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

After being seconds too late to photograph the magic light at sunrise this morning and also missing great light hitting the Ludington North Breakwater Light with a giant rainbow, I finally got my prize at Big Sable Point Lighthouse this afternoon. Lake Michigan in October is cold, but worth it for the composition I wanted. F14.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 22mm

I photographed 19 of these birch trees in January at Merdel Manufacturing on Day 12 of 365. Today I zero in for a closer shot featuring just three of the line of trees in fall color. F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 112 mm

A fire hose snakes down Rath Avenue, delivering water from a hydrant to a house fire. Luckily, nobody was injured, the owner's dog was rescued, and the fire was extinguished. F7.1 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The narrow bridge that carries cars over the channel from Bass Lake to Lake Michigan has a sign that says "No Fishing." There are not any signs saying "No Photographing." I am glad of that as I make this sunrise picture. F4.0 at 1/30, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

A new Ford Mustang Cobra GT 500 was parked behind the gallery this morning. I couldn't resist photographing the iconic snake emblem and its reflection on the front grill of my dream car. F10.0 at 1/40, ISO 1250, 18-50 mm lens at 35 mm

Local knowledge can be very valuable. I can't help but take seriously this sign made by a resident of the area along South Lakeshore Drive. I also appreciate the eye-catching design of the homemade sign. F2.8 at 1/80, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 138 mm

Lake Michigan had an eerie glow over it tonight as I drove through Stearns Park while looking for my photo of the day. As the sun set lower on the horizon, the gold shafts of light became even more apparent. F9.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 23 mm

Acting on a tip from my son Brad, I head for Jagger Road east of Jebavy Drive to check out one of the few remaining stands of birch trees in the area. I like what I see, especially with the fall color leaves of nearby maple trees providing the backdrop. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Local fruit farmer Roy Hackert and his family and several other locals donated the newest sculpture at Waterfront Park in Ludington. The sculpture is named "Fruits of Farming," and depicts a farmer and his son worn out after completing the long, hard harvest. I am certain that many farmers feel this way every fall. F2.8 at 0.6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 46 mm

The Ludington South Breakwater Light is enveloped by a wave during the second day of the big Southwester that has stirred Lake Michigan into a frenzy. This is my kind of day. Oh to be back out there driving a self-righting Coast Guard motor lifeboat right now! F4.0 at 1/1250, ISO 200, 500 mm lens at 500 mm