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This year, as I drop off or pick up the kids from their visitation with their dad, I try to take different routes looking for photo opportunities. I didn’t have to drive far when I saw this field and shade tree on South Custer Road.

Tonight at Waterfront Park in Ludington we had a Calvin College Alumni picnic. About 20 local Calvin graduates showed up for the event. At the end of the evening Betsy and I took Julia and Ethan to the playground to burn some energy before bedtime. F2.8 at 1/250, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

We had a dramatic sunset tonight in Ludington. I knew I might get drenched making this image at the end of the North Inner Pier by the green light, but it was worth the risk. Luckily, the storm light appeared and the rain was only a light sprinkle.

Lake Michigan is angry this morning. It looked rough from my house. But now, up close to the waves at the base of the Ludington South Breakwater, I can really sense the power of this Great Lake. F3.2 at 1/1600, ISO 400, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

We were eating dinner at the farm when I could tell through the window that it was rainbow weather. I rushed outside to see a huge double rainbow to the east. I composed my photo to include each of the bright red colored trees on either side of the photo.

Kelly Lenius from Nader's Lakeshore Motor Lodge on Lakeshore Drive finished her scarecrow display today for the Mason County Scarecrow Competition. She made the entire cast of the Wizard of Oz. It is worth a drive to Ludington just to see her creation. F10.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 23 mm

My dad, Tad, Sean, and I went to Crystal Mountain today to play 18 holes of golf. I found these birch trees reflected in one of the beautiful ponds that are spread out around the course. Luckily, the water ripples, caused by my horrible shot, had gone away and the reflections were back in time for me to make this image.

September 25, 2010” “Glorious,” I was thinking as I saw this scene through my viewfinder. While chasing the light at Ludington State Park with weekend photo workshop students, I remembered this nearby interdunal pond just in time. These less traveled spots in Ludington State Park have provided me with some of my favorite landscape views. The sands, water and plant growth are ever-changing. The always-changing light and clouds magnify the difference. Sometimes, all of nature’s parts come together; this was one of those times.

All summer the kids talked about Old Blue – a 6’ blue racer that lived up by the shop on the farm. As much as I despise snakes, I have tried to look for him several times with camera in hand. As we were up by the shop tonight, the kids called out to me. There he was. In all his glory. I used the full length of my lens shooting him so I could stay as far away as possible!

My dad had told me about this barn and American flag he had spotted on East Conrad Road the other day so tonight I drove that way to find it. My timing worked out great because the golden light before sunset was hitting the barn and flag perfectly.

It is a quieter time of year on the waterfront. And while I miss watching a lot of boats plying in and out of the harbor, there is something to be said for the stillness and the simplicity of the view. F4.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 17 mm

The clouds all day today were magnificent! I had allergy testing in Muskegon in the morning; when that ended, I had to pick up the boys from school and head to Mesick for one of Kasey’s meets. I was focused on cheering on the teams and not shooting. When we arrived home, the clouds to the east were still there and they had turned bright pink.

I have had some fans of the 365 Project ask me why I have included so many pictures of my kids in the project. My answer is that I choose the best photo I take each day and sometimes the clear winner is a photo of my family. I shot some other nice photos today, but this one of Ethan was by far the best. F2.8 at 1/1250, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

While dropping Julia and Ethan off at school this morning, the sunrise and clouds made it appear as if the trees east of the high school were on fire. I couldn’t get out of my truck fast enough with my camera in hand!

It is hard to beat the magic light and clouds of fall. Soon, our cattle will be moving from the front field. It seemed time to make a final image of our front yard view.

Standing with a group of people who were salmon fishing off the bridge over the Sable River at Ludington State Park tonight, I witnessed one of the most dramatic sunsets of 2010. Just as the light peaked, a salmon jumped in the distance and I captured it with my camera. F8.0 at 1/20, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 70 mm

Sean and I, and about 26 of Sean’s friends from all over the country, met in Lansing today for the start of the annual golf outing that Sean organizes. Today, while playing Timber Ridge, the light got really good for a few minutes so I put my golf clubs down and grabbed my camera. This decorative grass was near one of the tee boxes. I lay on my back on the golf cart path and made this image.

Using trees for cover, I have stealthily made my way to within 15 yards of this great blue heron. Fortunately for me, the heron's attention is primarily focused on the water and his quest for dinner. F3.5 at 1/500, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Todd and Brad have each made images of this tree line on Fountain Road. I’ve never seen a shot to be made before this day. It is that time of year when the fields start to be harvested and the looks start to change. Fortunately for me, this corn was still standing.

Today was the most difficult day so far this year for me to find a photograph that I was proud of. After driving around frantically for over an hour, I found this leaf on my friend Gary Ferguson's property. What a re-leaf. F8.0 at 6.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm