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Winter Delicacy

These are by far the biggest living maple leaves I have discovered in Michigan so far this April. Perhaps the abundance of water being supplied to the shoot they are growing from in this creek is causing the leaves to flourish. I marvel at the symmetry of their arrangement on the surface of the water. I photograph them exactly as I discovered them. F22 at 1/13, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 185mm

This tree located at the north entrance to Stearns Park beach has given my dad and I so many great photographic opportunities the last 40 years. We have made dozens of beautiful images of this quiet giant and tonight it looks even more magnificent than usual. This cottonwood tree just keeps on giving joy, beauty, and shade to thousands of passersby every year. F10 at 1/250, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

I have always wanted to stop along US10 about 20 minutes east of Evart, Michigan and photograph these amazing woods, but had never taken the time to do it until this morning. The mist and fog were making the trees seem even more mysterious and elegant than usual. This photograph is dedicated to the famous National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. Sam loves making "quiet" and "sensitive" photographs. When I met Sam, I discovered his personality is similar to his photographs. F11 at 1/50, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

I have watched these red pine trees on our land grow for several decades. They were already tall then. Now they tower several stories above me as I look up at them. The woodlands of Michigan are a marvel and I love hiking slowly to more fully take them in. That often means pausing to look up for a different visual experience and appreciation.

We took country back roads all the way to Lansing today for Week 18 of "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed." When we were near St. Johns, Michigan, we pulled off the road so I could make this photograph of a lone tree in an immense farm field. I can only imagine how many farmers have pulled their tractors into the shade of this tree for a cool rest on a hot summer day. F11 at 1/80, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

Willow trees are mystical and beautiful. This morning I found this willow tree and its reflection south of Ludington and stood on the roof of my truck to make this photograph. I had to get up high so that the entire reflection showed up in the water. F11.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 46 mm

Growing up, some of my best memories are in the orchard at our family farm. Whether it was picking apples, playing baseball, or swinging on the tire swing, there was always activity amongst the apple trees. Joshua loves to climb this tree in my backyard, and while watching him one day, I noticed this specific clump of apple blossoms. I knew I had found my photo of the day.

I have used this same tree to frame pictures in both fall and winter. This morning

My dad, Sean, and I went golfing today at Hemlock Golf Course in Ludington. While we were golfing, a storm rolled in and it looked like we were going to get a lot of rain. Luckily for us, the rain held off. And luckily for me, I had my big camera with me in the golf cart.

Roots reach outward and downward, expanding the feeding and support network for a beech tree on the Michigan State University campus. I find the exposed roots more fascinating than the rest of the tree, which presents for me an attractive but far more familiar appearance. My grandmother taught me at a young age to look for the beauty beneath my feet. F22 at 1/5, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

My neighbor two doors down, Tom Nelson, has this beautiful tree blooming in his front yard. I pulled my truck into the mouth of my driveway, got out, and made this image with my telephoto lens. The light rain and diffused light really added to the atmosphere of this image. Greens, reds, and pinks always pop more in the rain.

The tropical blue waters of Glen Lake never cease to amaze me, especially when viewed from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The white billowy clouds and gorgeous sunshine made this view even more spectacular than usual. F8 at 1/160, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

This is the second day in a row that I have been up at 5:00 A.M. to be in position to photograph the sunrise around 6:15 A.M. It was totally worth it. This photograph was taken in the farm fields on our hunting property along Conrad Road near the Pere Marquette River. Again, I used a huge telephoto lens to isolate the most intense part of the sky. F10.0 at 1/5000, ISO 100, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

I am dedicating this photo to my wife Betsy because she is always commenting on how beautiful a Michigan forest is in the springtime. The forest along Conrad Road near the Pere Marquette River flats is very layered and dense. I loved how the light was hitting the trees in the foreground and then appeared to slowly fade into the background. F22.0 at 0.8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

With this 365 project I have been trying to shoot more atmospheric photographs. This is forcing me to shoot more on foggy days and hazy days. This scene is near the bird lookout on the corner of Conrad Road and Old US 31. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

I have had my eye on this tree in the Pere Marquette River flats south of Ludington for years. This morning, in the fog, the curved design of the trunk and branches stands out against the soft, muted background. F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

I have just finished attending the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, during which one of my heroes, tennis coach Howard Jensen, was inducted. I have not driven a half-mile when I see Mount Epworth silhouetted against the afterglow sky. Sweet. F14.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The Lister family is always so gracious to Brad and me when we ask to photograph their farmland. Based upon their recommendation, I headed to Blundell Road this evening to photograph tart cherries. Wow do these cherries look great to me in the viewfinder. I could almost eat the picture! F3.2 at 1/25, ISO 200, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

Vern Collins has the most spectacular silver poplar trees in his yard near the corner of Sixth Street and Old US 31. I have always wanted to try making a photograph that could show the beautiful contrast in the silver and green leaves. Today the light and clouds are perfect to showcase the magnificent trees. F3.2 at 1/800, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm