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Trying to find a good vantage point to make a picture featuring a horse, fall color, and an old barn; I could not find a way to balance the composition or remove clutter. As I was walking away, milkweed stole my attention from the pastoral scene. I learned a long time ago to be alert for pictures other than the ones you anticipate taking.

Visitors at the Ludington State Park often give my dad and me tips on where to find certain flowers, birds, and animals. On this hot August afternoon I was busy trying to make a photograph of a robin when I heard someone whistle behind me. When I turned around I was face to face with a spotted fawn. I don't know who was more surprised, the fawn or the photographer. Needless to say, all the helpful hints were priceless.

The Lunde name has been associated with boats and boat building in Ludington for more than a century. I love the simple yet artistic way this sign was painted many years ago on one of the Lunde Boat Co. buildings close to Pere Marquette Lake. F7.1 at 0.5, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

An old barn and old tree hang onto life together in a farm field along M46 in Michigan's Thumb region. I am struck by the contrast between the old farm structure and adjacent gnarled tree and the shiny new farm structures and manicured young spruce trees in the distance.

Local Shoreline

365 Week 15

Kinney Road Beauty

Rachel, Julia, Ethan, and I spent the day in Northern Michigan playing outdoors. I skied for free today at Schuss Mountain because my name is Brad! Every four years on Leap Day, they let Brads ski for free. After I skied, the four of us went tubing down the mountain. Then we drove to Mackinaw City to make these images.

Few creatures in nature stand out like mute swans. This proud bird was finding winter refuge in some open water on the Pere Marquette River. Mute swans have become a common sight in northern Michigan but one that continues to rivet my attention.

Deer are one animal that you can count on seeing during almost every visit to the Ludington State Park. I made this photograph deep in the park just off the Coast Guard Trail.

Today I was really struggling to find a good photograph. I ended up at the south end of Ferry Street overlooking Pere Marquette Lake. When I got out of my truck I noticed a bright red spot of color in the distance. I used the snow on the ground to isolate the rose hip against a clean contrasting background. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 1000, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

While my son Brad was focusing on Northern Lights over Big Sable Point Lighthouse, I have concentrated my attention on the Milky Way decorating the Aurora sky.

Our gallery manager, Sarah Genson, has been telling my dad and me for years that we need to go to Frankenmuth, Michigan and get a famous chicken dinner from Zehnder's. Today, for Week 9 of "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute" we saw a road sign informing us that we were only six miles away from Frankenmuth. Now we know why Zehnder's chicken dinners are world famous.

Loving July

Ludington North Pier Light

Listers Orchard

I was walking through a field south of Ludington en route to a blind to try to photograph some deer when it struck me that I was already in the presence of a good picture. I hunted for a few minutes for the best vantage point, set up the tripod, and shot.

My photography partner Brad loves this image. My middle son has a very keen eye and I respect his opinion that this picture must be in this book. He loves how pretty the doe looks standing on a grassy dune crest on a summer evening. But I think most of all, the deer's beautiful face and expression make us feel respect and affection for the deer. Photography is so much about feelings and connotations.

Sometimes possums can look quite homely, but I am thinking this one looks rather cute huddled under a pine tree near Dennis Road eating an apple. I stop quickly and try to capture a good moment. The possum doesn't seem to mind, perhaps thinking I cannot see it. F4.0 at 1/200, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

It is kind of scary standing on the Jebavy Bridge while taking photographs because the bridge isn't very wide and the cars are flying past. However, it was totally worth it this morning because we had such a beautiful sunrise over the Lincoln River. I would do it again tomorrow to photograph a sunrise this nice!