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

This eagle looked a little rough today as it soared over us on the boat. We all commented on how it seemed to be missing several feathers. Bright summer sun and clear blue skies are usually not a photographer’s friend, but today they worked in my favor for this image.

It has been a while since I was able to make it to the lakeshore for sunset. Tonight, I needed the sound of waves and the sun on my face.

I love playing with light and shadows. Using part of the background to help a subject stand out and become the star is always fun for me as an artist.

Some images will always have a special place in my heart, and this is one of them. While having a blast golfing tonight with my brother Tad and Sean at Golden Sands Golf Course near Silver Lake, Tad spotted this large toad in the grass. I quickly grabbed my cell phone and lay on my stomach and got face to face with this prince. Lots of laughs and jokes went along with this moment that will always make me happy.

Every year these birds make nests above my mom and dad’s chairs on their porch. They fly in and out preparing the nest and caring for their babies. It has become a tradition to watch them in the summertime.

Blue has always been one of my favorite colors. Today, I couldn’t resist making this image with my iPhone of these brilliant blue rocks at the Giving Tree Garden Center.

I was leaving my brother Paul’s house when I saw this small buck in the corn field across the road. I laughed when I checked the back of my camera and saw that he was sticking his tongue out!

It is so strange not rushing to get ready for the West Shore Art Fair this year. Normally this time of year we are super busy at work getting ready for the summer rush and for the art fair season. This year has helped us all slow down a bit and enjoy simple sunsets like this one.

I don’t believe I have ever made an image at Lincoln Lake. I left Ludington later than I had planned, and sunset was fading fast. I parked past the bridge on M-116 and walked quickly in between cars to capture this sunset over Lincoln Lake.

I worked hard following this butterfly all over my backyard. Usually, butterflies sit longer and are easier to photograph. This one was super active in my yard and didn’t sit still for more than a few seconds at each landing spot.

My mom always has fresh flower bouquets on her tables in the summer. Her gardens keep her happy!

It is that time of year when all the hay fields are being baled. I love the smell of fresh cut hay! This field in Custer was picture-worthy tonight!

The family and I spent the morning playing golf at Golden Sands Golf Course near Silver Lake on this 4th of July. On the way home, I found these wildflowers at the corner of 56th Avenue and Deer Road. The amazing clouds and gorgeous light made a wonderful backdrop for this scene.

We had a great day visiting with my sister Julie and her family at their cabin in Luther. On our way home, we could see fireworks in the distance near Baldwin. As we got closer to Wolf Lake, I could tell there were several different people shooting fireworks off. We drove around the lake several times before finding a public place to park and shoot. I was happy my kids were able to watch them, even if they were not Ludington’s!

Tonight, Julia, Ethan and I were on the way to Rachel’s house to have dinner with her, her kids, and several of her relatives. Julia spotted this bald eagle on East Hansen Road not too far from Rachel’s house. This was one of the best “eagle trees” I had ever seen, and it was so cool actually witnessing an eagle sitting in it.

There is beauty all around us. Sometimes it appears hidden, or not easily spotted. I have always thought this candle holder was neat. It would always grab my attention as I sat at my patio table, so I decided to focus on it tonight.

My son, Ethan, and I have always been obsessed with Italian sports cars, especially Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Tonight, I photographed this Lamborghini Aventador in Ludington. It just happened to be 1:64 scale.

Our family raises Shorthorn cattle. The white roans are my favorite. On my walk around the farm this evening, a young calf chased after her mama to join the herd.

I was awestruck with the beauty of this fawn and its surroundings in my backyard this morning. My dad is always teaching our workshop students to build “layered cake” photographs with distinct foregrounds, middle grounds, and backgrounds. This might be my best fawn “layered cake” photograph.

Joshua is looking forward to showing at fair! Kasey is letting him use “his” ewe, Lady Glitter Sparkles. We had such a fun night working with all the animals at the farm.