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Before making the five mile round trip hike to photograph a remote area of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, I had grand visions of encountering a world-class multi-colored Lake Michigan sunset that would paint the dunes, sky, and water in neon colors. Unfortunately, we did not have a such a sunset tonight. But the long hike was worth it for this photograph, which was made in a soft, subtle light. F8 at 1/60, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm

These cows along Countyline Road are a bright spot in a sad day for me. I am on my way home from Manistee, where one of my best Coast Guard friends, Tom Rau, died today. I taught Tom how to take better pictures for his boating safety articles. Hopefully, he would approve of this shot. F4.0 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 135 mm

Timing in photography is everything. Three weeks earlier on a Wednesday this farm field near Yuba, Michigan, northeast of Traverse City was filled with sunflowers in full bloom. I made a good image that day but really wanted to return during one of our Tuesdays Project shoots. Today, my son Brad and I return to find only a handful of sunflowers still in bloom. We make the most of the late bloomers. F18 at 1/500, ISO 800, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

My step-grandpa was the late Dwight "Scotty" Scott. He was married to my mom's mom, Linda Scott. Together they ran Wren's Roost on the Middle Bayou of Hamlin Lake. After Wren's burned down, they opened Scotty's Restaurant in Ludington. I shot this photo near where Wren's Roost stood. F5.6 at 1/1250, ISO 400, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

With the bright sun overhead, I positioned myself so that I could photograph the sunlight coming through this beautiful little sunflower, while still having the farm and clouds in the background. This photograph makes me feel warm and happy. F22 at 1/250, ISO 400, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

A Pere Marquette Rail engine switches tracks in the Ludington rail yard on a cold November evening. I always enjoy seeing the trains as you look west while driving over the viaduct on Pere Marquette Highway. F2.8 at 1/160, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

I have driven by this barn a hundred times on US31 north of Traverse City, but never stopped to make photographs of it. With today's beautiful clouds and fall-like quality of the light, I knew it would be worth my time to stop and get my camera out. I am so glad that I took the time to make this photograph. F8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 20mm

While sitting in my truck waiting for the rain and snow to subside, I noticed a puddle on M-116 near the First Curve at Ludington State Park that was reflecting the beautiful blue sky and dark storm clouds. I turned the truck off, rolled down the window, and shot this photograph. It made my day brighter. F8.0 at 1/200, ISO 400, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Keeping on keeping on, a man and his horse and buggy made their way through a snowstorm during a long, hard 1980s Michigan winter. Fruit trees on a farm in Riverton Township of Mason County were barely visible as they traveled Schwass Road. I admired the perseverance of both the man and the horse

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas this morning. Snow coats the Christmas trees being grown along Hansen Road by Needlefast Evergreens. Like most people, I am feeling it is too early for winter or for the Christmas spirit. F8.0 at 1/5, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

Did you know that Michigan has more horses than almost any state in the Union? These particular riders and horses were photographed on US31 on the way into Traverse City, Michigan. They are actually part of a giant iron gate at the entrance of the Walton horse ranch. Cameras do lie! F8 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 46mm

I was shocked to awaken to a snow covered woods this morning. I knew it would be great for photos though. Dick and Kathy Bourgault's beautiful red house looked inviting nestled in the white snow and colorful fall leaves as I drove past on my way to the gallery. F9.0 at 1/5, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

One of the most unusual looking Michigan farm animals I have ever seen poses statuesquely atop a hill as Brad and I are driving down a country road northeast of Elk Rapids, Michigan. The stout Boer goat's body looks big enough to be a calf or small pony but the long ears let us know it is indeed a goat. I can't resist making this image to share with our "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute" followers. F7.1 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

Shadow sits statuesquely looking out the window of our son Willie's home, hoping to catch sight of a bird. Cats are beautiful creatures that maintain their wild animal instincts no matter how tame they have become. F5.0 at 1/200, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 145 mm

The backlighting on this American flag made the stars and stripes pop with color and contrast. I think the American flag is one of the prettier national flags around the world and I enjoy making photographs of it. F10.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

Today is shaping up to be a good day to see the unusual. This unexpected view greeted me at the south end of Torch Lake. I wonder if the boathouse doors were painted in place or painted and then erected. Either way, the paintings and their reflections look fascinating. F7.1 at 1/400, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 185mm

I am driving along Fountain Road when a sunlit grain storage building and barn on Dennis Road attracts my attention. I turn around to check it out. I love the patterns of the structures as well as the patterns created by the evening light and shadow. F6.3 at 1/60, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

I have photographed these trees three times in the last few weeks, but never felt satisfied with the results. Luckily, the trees are very close to our new house on Riverview Drive so I drive by them often. Tonight the light was soft and the bark on the trees was dry, which was the combination I needed. F22.0 at 1.3, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

This was a very curious little female mallard duck enjoying today's sunshine on Torch Lake. She kept swimming right up to me as if she were looking for a friend to play with. I think people must feed her treats because she seemed annoyed that I didn't give her any of my protein bar. F7.1 at 1/250, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm