366 Days of Beauty in the Year 2020 by Brad Reed and Rachel Gaudette

This cardinal fluttered about above us in Kay’s backyard for most of the afternoon. He was quick, and only paused for a split second here. We enjoyed his company.

Every time I visit Clarksville, Tennessee, I make time to take a walk with my mom along the Cumberland River. Today, Rachel, my mom, and I, had perfect clouds, blue skies, and sunshine to make this image.

Kay, Brad, and I took a walk along the Cumberland Riverwalk in Clarksville today. We shared lots of stories and laughter. This blooming bush was too lovely to pass! I knew it had to be my photo of the day.

For years I have driven past the Grissom Air Museum on the way to and from visiting family in Clarksville, Tennessee, but have never taken the time to stop. Today, Rachel and I stopped on our way back home to Michigan. I made this image of an F-14 Tomcat in honor of my favorite movie of all time, Top Gun. Since I was a young kid, I have dreamed of flying one of these fighter jets

On our way back from Clarksville, we stopped at the St. Joseph lighthouse. I have only photographed this lighthouse covered in ice. It looked very different on this warm June day!

This moth was almost invisible while resting on a foundation brick of my garage in my backyard today. Luckily for me, the moth allowed me to get my camera, tripod, and macro lens in super close to make this image.

I never get tired of my backyard view. The late afterglow allowed for a simple silhouetted framing.

One of the best parts of summer in Ludington for me is to go boating on Hamlin Lake. Today we took the boat out to find some photos and these two bald eagles flew low right over us. I was glad I had my big lens already on my camera ready to make this image.

A pontoon ride with Todd and Debbie for an early Father’s Day celebration on Hamlin Lake was just what we needed today! I don’t get to explore the dunes as much as I would like. It was fun to visit one of Todd’s favorite spots to photograph with him today.

After a fun Father’s Day celebration, I was riding in the truck with the kids and my dad up to the shop, when my nephew Abe got my attention. He had spotted a fawn in a nearby field. I hopped out of the truck and followed him. While we did get eyes on the fawn, it quickly hid from our view. We noticed a family of raccoons waddling into nearby trees. We followed them and I was able to photograph this little guy.

I could hear this little chipmunk inside of a huge downed tree in my side yard, but I couldn’t see it. I positioned my camera and tripod near one end of the hollowed-out log and had my focus and exposure already set. Then I used my iPhone and Googled chipmunk sounds. It didn’t take long for the chipmunk to come and take a look to see where that enticing sound was coming from.

The kids were working hard with their 4-H steers and couldn’t let a little rain shower stop them! We try to play hard in the summer, but we work hard too. The kids each pick their 4-H animals and spend all summer working with them for fair.

Sometimes simple sunsets can be the most peaceful. This calm, warm night was just what the doctor ordered.

Today was a busy day. It wasn’t until late tonight that I could come up for air! The kids’ new fun toy is slime. This slime has beads in it. It is very weird feeling to me but made for a fun photo and the kids love it.

In my rush to capture this intense rainbow and magic light over the Badger tonight, I almost fell off the rocks at the Ludington Municipal Marina and into Pere Marquette Lake. My lens cap did end up in the lake, but luckily it was shallow water, and I was able to retrieve it after making this image.

Years ago, my brother and sister in-law took in an exchange student from Germany, Johanna. Little did we know that she would instantly become part of our family! She stayed in the U.S. to receive her BA and MA from MSU. We have spent many years and holidays with her. Today, we say goodbye for now as she heads to her new career and home in Romania. As we were leaving, a gorgeous sunset and rainbow joined in our celebration.

Daisies make me smile. This little cluster in my backyard made me happy tonight as I searched for my photo of the day.

I am drawn to this tree. It brings me peace.

I can’t wait to see how big this buck in my backyard gets in the next few months. It always amazes me how close the deer in my yard allow me to get to them.

These bright red lilies lining my brother’s driveway were beautiful tonight!