Search

I have tried to make a photograph of the grapes up in Bespop’s grape arbor for several years. Either I was too late, or the animals had already eaten them when I have tried before. This year, I was determined. I made almost daily visits to the arbor and finally decided the time was right.

My Grandpa and Grandma Reed had a fishpond built in their backyard and transplanted their goldfish from their house on the Pere Marquette River in Walhalla to their new pond at their house in Ludington. Now my brother and his family live in that house and they have become the keepers of Grandma’s fish. With our underwater housing, I got in the pond and made this image in honor of our grandma.

I know I have mentioned our family’s front field before. Tonight, I visited it again. The golden magic light and the field were mesmerizing!

Seagulls are beautiful birds. A lot of people don't like them and I have even heard people call them "flying rats." Personally, I love seagulls and I never get tired of watching them adapt to the weather throughout the year on the shores of Lake Michigan. F5.6 at 1/2500, ISO 400, 600mm lens at 600mm

We spend most evenings working with the fair animals. Several of my nieces and nephews house their animals at the farm too, so it is usually hard work but fun to spend time with cousins. And how can you beat this view?

My dad had done the legwork on getting permission from the owners for Team Reed to be able to photograph these sunflowers on Conrad Road near Amber Elk Ranch. Julia, Ethan, and I waited until just before sunset to head out to shoot because I had previsualized this type of photograph. Within a few minutes, I had made this image and then proceeded to take portraits of my kids with this beautiful backdrop.

The woods on our family farm always brings peace to my heart. Fair preparation was in full force this Thursday evening, and I needed a break from the organizing, planning, and packing. I took a walk down one of our lanes, breathing in the quiet air.

After leaving the funeral in Fremont for our friend Lawrence Monfils, who had been the head chef at Legends Ranch for many years, my dad and I spotted this old barn and farmstead. My dad helped me get on top of his truck to make this image. I needed to be higher to get the vantage point I wanted because the corn was so tall. I waited for the clouds to get into the right locations for my image to sing.

The Ludington Municipal Marina has recently expanded its capacity by converting its north edge into a day dock and seawall. One of the many benefits of the recent expansion is that the new wall has allowed the marina to better accommodate large boats. This week, the 80-foot Burger named Chateau Thierry was trying out the new dock. F8.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 27 mm

A visit to the Lavender Labyrinth at Cherry Point Farm & Market has been a tradition since I discovered it several years ago. The light was striking when I decided to make the drive south for a visit. I had the labyrinth almost to myself as I peacefully wandered through. The bees were especially attracted to this lavender. Quickly, I composed this hard-working bee. I loved the sunlight on the wings.

My dad and I decided to try a new adventure and see if we could get our little Boston Whaler from his house at Crosswinds on Lake Michigan to our cabin a few miles up the Pere Marquette River. After several attempts, we found a path that was deep enough. Along the way, we each were able to make a few good photographs. F2.8 at 1/1250, ISO 1000, 300 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 450 mm

While at a Westmaas family gathering today near McBain, Michigan, a friendly snake came slithering by to greet us as we were setting up the picnic tables in the front yard of the family homestead. I couldn’t wait to show Rachel. She hates snakes with a passion. I had to get her back for her Day 206 photo of the giant yellow and black spider she made a few weeks earlier.

Driving along a dirt road at Gun Lake in eastern Mason County I encounter a slower form of transportation. I stop the car and lie down on the ground to get face-to-face to better see and show the beauty of this creature before he finishes crossing the road. Since I have interrupted his journey across the road, I make certain he makes it all the way across before I drive away. F4.5 at 1/250, ISO 320, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

I have watched many storm clouds over the years. I have seen the sky change colors. Never have I ever seen a sky turn purple like tonight. I was so in awe I almost missed the photograph!

What should appear inside the window of an old house but two fawns that look far less surprised than I. I have stopped at the old dwelling while looking at flowers in the yard of the building I thought to be vacant. I am laughing out loud as I make this image of the new tenants. F5 at 1/800, ISO 800, 300mm lens at 300mm

One of my greatest pleasures in outdoor photography in Michigan is watching the world come to life throughout the spring. Two days before the end of spring a fast-growing fawn hides in grasses that have sprung to life in the Michigan outdoors. F6.3 at 1/100, ISO 800, 300mm lens at 300mm

It was another busy day between work and fair. It is difficult to make any photographs during the fair shows, because I am helping the kids and do not have time. I knew these flowers had started to bloom in the yard, and I liked the dark tones of my dining room table. I knew the two would work well together.

A newborn bison and its mother share time together in their pasture at Gleason Farms & Pheasant Preserve near Scottville, Michigan. I appreciate that bison are being raised at more Michigan farms than ever before. The massive animals present a picture of America's past. F6.3 at 1/2500, ISO 800, 300mm lens at 300mm

Newborn elk calves are guarded and watched over by their mothers at the Amber Elk Ranch between Ludington and Scottville, Michigan. The guided tours and other activities at the Conrad Road ranch have become a very popular West Michigan family attraction. F8 at 1/1600, ISO 800, 300mm lens at 300mm

My niece, Lucy, and my daughter, Kasey, spent time washing and walking their steers together in the show arena. Tomorrow is the big day! All the kids’ hard work with their beef and sheep comes down to the show.