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

The waves were rocking out on Lake Michigan today. I wanted to get in the water to shoot this wave, but it was too rough and too cold. I have been inspired lately by the photography of Clark Little. He shoots photos of waves from in the water; however, he has a waterproof system and lives in Hawaii. F5.6 at 1/2000, ISO 100, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

A strong current keeps this offshoot of the Pere Marquette River from freezing today but I know it will eventually ice over. Today I am enjoying the beauty of branches turned into ice sculptures. F16.0 at 1/8, ISO 1000, 80-200 mm lens at 155 mm

Among the most overlooked beautiful places at Ludington State Park are the dunes on the inland section of the park east of M-116 and south of the Sable River. This evening the view as I see it is spectacular. F4.5 at 1/125, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 13 mm

While enjoying the sunshine today as I was taking a hike through our property near the Pere Marquette River, I stumbled upon this assortment of leaves in a creek. Some of the water had frozen overnight and was barely moving, which allowed me to make a sharp photograph. F8.0 at 1/200, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The sky is on fire this morning as I scramble to the shore of Pere Marquette Lake. I prefer to move more slowly first thing in the morning, but the dawn of this day has jolted me awake and into high gear. This click of the shutter feels really good; I can savor the digital image over coffee. F4.0 at 1/30, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 17 mm

When Julia, Ethan and I walked outside this morning to head off to daycare and work, Julia pointed up at the pink clouds and told me that I should go shoot the sunrise. I quickly loaded the munchkins in my truck and we headed for the Pere Marquette River flats on Conrad Road. F8.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 20 mm

After stopping at Ludington State Park to congratulate retiring Park Manager Dan Flaherty on his fine career, I have headed further into the park to look for a picture on a dark, rainy day. I like the view looking straight down while standing on this leaning tree trunk. F4.0 at 1/40, ISO 400, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

With its snowplow leading the way, a freight train barrels eastward through the countryside between Ludington and Scottville. Soon the plow will be needed to keep the Marquette Rail line clear. F22.0 at 0.25, ISO 400, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

For several years this pine tree near the corner of Tinkham Avenue and James Street in Ludington has been lit up for the Holiday Season. This year it has blue lights with a giant white star and it is stunning. A long exposure on a tripod turned the entire scene blue. F8.0 at 20.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 23 mm

The warm glow of the holiday season radiates from Andy and Rosie Sloan's Lakeshore Drive home. The holiday spirit exhibited through lighting displays at so many area homes this year definitely brightens my days when daylight turns to darkness so early. F11.0 at 30.0, ISO 100, 24-70 mm lens at 46 mm

It is that time of year again when Mother Nature makes fudge ripple ice cream along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. At least that is what I always thought it looked like as a kid. Now I need to go to House of Flavors and get some of that yummy ice cream! F11.0 at 0.8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 38 mm

Santa passes by the Todd and Brad Reed Photo Gallery upon arriving in Ludington for the annual Holiday Parade. Ron Soberalski's team of horses, decked out with harness bells, pulls Santa down Ludington Avenue. F4.0 at 1/125, ISO 125, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

Downtown Ludington was abuzz tonight during the Holiday Parade on Ludington Avenue. This was my daughter Julia's favorite float because she loves "real" princesses, not just "cartoon" ones. Rachel Bogner was the 2010 Scottville Harvest Festival Queen and tonight she was dressed for the season. F2.8 at 1/50, ISO 800, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Adverse weather doesn't deter Norm Dwyer from fishing for steelhead on the Pere Marquette River. Norm is used to dealing with adversity; he fought fires for nearly 30 years as a Pere Marquette Township fireman. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

Lake Michigan and the Sable River outlet at Ludington State Park were eerily calm this afternoon. With the water being so still, it was reflecting the blue and turquoise colors from the storm clouds above. F6.3 at 1/40, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 22 mm

The Manistee National Forest has been transformed overnight into a winter wonderland. After driving to the Walhalla area, I discover these snow-coated red pines on a two-track road east of Weldon Creek. F22.0 at 0.4, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

Tom and Yvonne Beatty have one of the most beautiful barns in all of Mason County. Trillium Creek Gardens is the name of their magnificent red barn located on Conrad Road between Ludington and Scottville. We have photographed the barn several times and today I went for a closer look. F11.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The artistry of Mother Nature and the craftsmen who did such fine work on the wood trim of this stately old home complement each other today. I have returned to Scottville this morning to re-shoot this picture in better light. F22.0 at 1/8, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

This is my first year as a mentor in the STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) program at Ludington High School. Drew O'Neal is my student and today all of the STRIVE students and mentors went cosmic bowling at Country Lanes Bowling Center. We had a blast. F2.8 at 1/5, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 40 mm

Seven years ago this ice-coated railing at Pentwater pierheads was the subject of my very first digital photograph. Today I am back shooting the railing and newly formed icicles with my Fuji S5 digital camera. F22.0 at 1/8, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm