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Searching for an autumn sunrise on Emerson Lake, in Eastern Mason County. I spotted mist rising through the trees on the opposite side of U.S. 10. Walking about 20 yards into the woods I came upon a lake. According to Stanley Gerybo, owner of the adjacent Fox Lake Resort, the tiny lke is Fox Lake. He and his wife, Justine, have owned it for 33 years. Fox Lake typifies the myriad of sumptuous places, between Big and Little Sable Points, that most people never see. These spots are special to those who own them, or those privileged to see them.

Michigan's official bird appears out of place after one of the heaviest snowfalls of the winter. I am thankful for the robin's decision to head north early and to pick such a beautiful perch this morning. My West Shore Community College photography students and I photograph the cool bird for several minutes while it stays frozen in place. F13.0 at 1/160, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 165 mm

At 5:05pm tonight when I left work from our downtown Ludington photo gallery, I looked up at the sky and knew I needed to go shoot the sunset and waves a few blocks away. I parked next to the south concession stand inside of the Ludington City Beach and walked to the edge of the water inside the pier heads. The wind was kicking and the sunset was incredibly intense. After only a few minutes of shooting, I knew I had made my shot. The drive to continually push on a get better as a photographer was ingrained in me by my father. He was right next to me shooting and making his own art. Life is good!

This winter has been one of the mildest winters on record for West Michigan. Normally on January 31st, the channel in Ludington would be frozen. Unfortunately this winter we have had very little snow or ice. Hopefully Jack Frost will reappear soon.

Looking through my viewfinder, my mind sees a picture-perfect Victorian mansion on the main street of St. Louis, Michigan. My heart, though, keeps seeing visions of one of those collectible ceramic gingerbread-trimmed houses that are part of a ceramic Christmas Village. This looks like a dollhouse for sure. The architecture and pastel trim give the grand home a most uplifting feeling. I feel privileged to see this Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society Historic Site for the first time.

Lake Michigan Muse

Todd Reed 7-29-2018

Iced

A tree along the nature trail at West Shore Community College stood out from the others because of the artful pattern of fungus on it.

I don't consider myself a great wildlife photographer. When I think of some of the all-time greats, I think of Carl Sams, Jim Brandenburg, and Franz Lanting. I was excited this morning when I watched over twenty bald eagles fight over a couple of dead deer north of Custer. I came home with one photograph I was proud of. F5.6 at 1/1600, ISO 800, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

With just seconds remaining in 2014, I click the shutter and capture this image of the New Year's Eve ball drop from the rooftop of Snyder's Shoes in downtown Ludington. The sky was filled with streamers and the crowd was roaring with excitement. What a way to end a great shooting adventure with my dad and the rest of Team Reed.

While driving east across the state of Michigan on M46, my dad and I passed through many quaint little farming communities. St. Louis, Michigan was one of our favorites. This mansion, on the corner of M46 and Delaware Street, greets visitors as they approach downtown St. Louis. The home is known as Colonel Elwell's Castle. I couldn't resist making a photo of this castle guardian.

Sunset at Ludington State Park

Laughing All The Way

Aerial Photos Crosswinds Full Frame

Indigo Bunting

This project has helped me explore a lot of places I haven’t been in a while. Driving along Tallman Lake tonight is just one example.

A November gale shook my Jeep, as if one of those coin-operated kiddy rides, when I pulled into the Ludington beach. I knew I was looking at a great picture; making it would be the challenge. A bean bag on the roof of my rocking vehicle was out of the question. The 35-millimeter camera and telephoto lens shook like Jell-O on my heavy tripod. Searching for a solution, I spotted a sturdy lifeguard tower. I climbed it, lay on the floor with the camera and lens braced in the top of my soft camera bag, and shot away.

A leaf shaped like a Gingerbread Man jumped out at me as I was photographing frost-covered leaves between Ludington and Scottville.

Earlier today in our gallery we were discussing with a Bass Lake couple how fleeting the peak moments of magic light or atmosphere are when they do appear in front of us. Now as I stand on the Ludington Waterfront along with "The Mariner" a drab winter sunset turns into a momentarily electric afterglow. F22.0 at 4.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 145 mm