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

Winter in Ludington is what you make of it. Sarah Holmes and her trusty sidekick Webber pass by as I am trying to make a picture at City Park. Instantly I recognize they should become the subject and the park the backdrop. F6.3 at 1/400, ISO 400, 12-24 mm lens at 16 mm

For years this Nativity scene has been visible during the Christmas season along Ludington Avenue near the Pelter Apartments. I have always enjoyed looking at it as I drove past. Today I decided to get a closer look with my camera. F5.0 at 1/25, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Three of my grandchildren

Ethan and I took an early morning drive today looking for the sunrise. The clouds blocked most of the sunshine and color, but the fog and atmosphere made for a beautiful morning. This old farm on Victory Corners Road looked especially peaceful in the cold, crisp dawn. F8.0 at 1.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Winter is just ducky at the Gustafsons' pond along Iris Road south of Ludington. Flowing water keeps the pond open and the ducks swimming. The ducks are a beautiful sight for the Gustafsons and passers-by. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 185 mm

Photographing ice formations has always been one of my favorite things to do with my camera. The bright sunlight to the east this morning, combined with the dark clouds to the west, made for a glorious opportunity to create strong images along the channel inside Ludington Harbor. F22.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 160 mm

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. A deer adds to the beauty of snowy woodlands this morning as I stop on my way to work to appreciate the scene and capture this 2010 moment for others to see. F2.8 at 1/100, ISO 500, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

My kids, Julia and Ethan, along with my niece Rachel and my nephews Ty and Austin, all love it when their uncle is home to play with them. We had our family Christmas party today and these six silly birds where having a blast. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 32 mm

After making this picture and several other strong images this morning, I walked back into my dad's house with a big grin on my face. My sister-in-law, Stephanie Reed, wanted to know what the smirk was for. I showed her the back of my camera and told her that I love winter along Lake Michigan. F8.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 24 mm

I have chased these birds and a hundred others for several blocks, taking pictures periodically, but knowing I was not making a strong picture. Now I finally have a handful of them right where I want them. F5.0 at 1/500, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I have really enjoyed buying Christmas ornaments for Julia and Ethan every year to add to our tree. Someday when my kids are grown, I hope they enjoy seeing these ornaments on their parents' tree as much as I enjoy seeing my old ornaments on my parents' Christmas trees every year. F2.8 at 0.3, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 22 mm

Sitting in my living room during a family Christmas gathering, I noticed how these icicles looked like a hand and fingers. I set the camera to a slower shutter speed to capture the dripping water coming off the pinky finger. F16.0 at 0.3, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I took a Christmas Day drive to the southern region of Ludington State Park today to find my photo of the day. I feel this is a photo I would not have been able to make a year earlier because I didn't really see the world in photographs as well as I do now. The 365 Project has made me a much better photographer. F10.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

The rich blue winter sky and brilliant sunshine are making my day as I venture with ice cleats out the ice-coated Ludington South Breakwater. The South Breakwater Light looks like a white candle this morning. F7.1 at 1/800, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

My uncle, Rod Marble, has a beautiful log home along the Lincoln River northeast of Ludington. This view is on his property and is one of my favorite spots near his home, especially in the winter months. F22.0 at 0.6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I have thought for months that the steeple of Calvary Baptist Church on Jebavy Drive stands out simply and beautifully at night. Tonight I am photographing the cross-crowned spire at twilight to provide a blue background. F8.0 at 4.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

The last couple of nights before sunset I have seen large God beams in the sky. Tonight I had to rush to my Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl's house on Lake Michigan in order to line up the Ludington North Breakwater Light with the gorgeous God beams behind it. F22.0 at 1/8, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

I have always been proud to say I am from Ludington. So why not a "Ludington" picture for the 365 project? This sign above the front door of the old fish market at the carferry dock screams "Ludington." F16.0 a 1/20, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

The amazing God beams were back tonight and even more defined. I waited for the sun to peek through a hole in the thick cloud layer. When the sun finally broke through, the light show was even better than I predicted it would be. F6.3 at 1/200, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 70 mm

Brad called early this morning to report heavy frost a few miles inland from Lake Michigan. Sure enough, pine trees four miles east of Ludington are coated with frost. This is just what I was looking for. F8.0 at 1/100, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 185 mm