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The sunshine is so intense tonight that I can't shoot towards the setting sun in the west without my photograph looking washed out. But I really want to document the great beach weather. So I find a Harley Davidson motorcycle and make my photograph in one of its handlebar mirrors. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

My Great Grandma Benson always told us to make sure we looked down at the little things in life while we were walking outside. She spent the last 20 years of her life confined to a bed inside a nursing home. I shot this photo for her. F7.1 at 1/160, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 112mm

We always try to help as many turtles travel safely across the roads as we can. After we helped this little guy, I captured him in the safety of the grass.

Like clockwork, it is the end of May and I find a mute swan at its usual nest site with her newborn cygnets near Long Bridge on Pentwater Lake. I shoot quickly so I don't scare them. F3.2 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

One of my don't-miss stops in charming Sutton's Bay is the Michigan Artists Gallery. This fish sculpture, by Michigan contemporary folk artist Jesse Hickman, lures visitors to see a myriad of Michigan artistic creations inside the always exciting, always surprising gallery. F20 at 1/60, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 19mm

Vertical God beams that are this distinct are a rare sight along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I can’t get out of my truck fast enough! Luckily, my gear is organized and I was able to get set up and capture this image at the first curve before the God beams went away.

A trio of fox kits is living near Buttersville, south of Ludington and we got a tip on where to find them. These kits are very curious and slowly came to get a closer look at my camera and me. F5.6 at 1/200, ISO 1250, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

There are a lot of beautiful wineries in Leelanau County, but I think Black Star Farms is hands down the most spectacular looking winery in Michigan. It reminds me of a smaller, red version of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Today was perfect lighting, especially with the dramatic Michigan sky in the background. F7.1 at 1/500, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

My backyard is full of wildflowers. The kids and I love exploring each and every one. Today, these vetch plants stood out to me.

A trio of fox kits is living near Buttersville, south of Ludington and we got a tip on where to find them. These kits are very curious and slowly came to get a closer look at my camera and me. F5.6 at 1/200, ISO 1250, 600 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 850 mm

My dad and I each photographed this barn in a snowstorm for Week 7 of "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed." We made our way back to the tiny Northern Michigan town of Omena this afternoon to photograph the majestic white barn with the fruit trees in blossom. F22 at 1/40, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

I was driving in my old neighborhood on Lewis Street near Lakeview School when I spotted these unique flowers. With my macro lens, I was able to isolate the background and quickly made this image.

This is at least the 40th year I have attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the veteran's monument at Stearns Park. The importance those attending place on this Ludington tradition is one of the reasons I love living in a small town. The American Legion Honor Guard fires the ceremonial salute to veterans every year. I admire their patriotism. F9.0 at 1/100, ISO 320, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

My son Brad and I knew this winter when we photographed this barn north of Omena, on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, that we had to return to reshoot the grand old structure during other seasons. Spring at the Cherry Basket Farm is turning out to be a far different but equally good visual treat. F22 at 1/30, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 112mm

In a small ravine on our property, dame’s rocket grows brilliantly. They can be considered invasive, but for me, they are stunning.

Every Memorial Day, you can count on watching Dale Shimel march in the Memorial Day parade in Ludington. Dale is a Vietnam Veteran and I am proud to say he is my shirttail relative. F2.8 at 1/640, ISO 800, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Red admiral butterflies have been invading Northern Michigan this spring. This is one of dozens taking a liking today to an orchard on the Leelanau Peninsula. Butterflies are small and so my challenge is to find one willing to sit still on a blossom long enough for me to get close and in just the right position to make a good shot. F11 at 1/160, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

This evening after work, I took Julia and Ethan pike fishing near the dam at the Ludington State Park. On Julia’s second cast, she hooked into this young pike. Using my iPhone, I made this image as the sun was setting below the tree line.

It is one of those soft light evenings; there is a glow from the bright overcast sky instead of the golden light of a clearer night that might appear better for shooting. I like this kind of light and so does my Fuji S5 camera. I point it southward from the Ludington South Breakwater and wait for just the right breaking wave to complete the picture. F4.0 at 1/100, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

After emphasizing its detail in a much closer shot, I decide to create a looser image of a Red Admiral butterfly. In this case, I am attracted by the dynamic diagonal pattern of the branches and the oriental feeling conveyed by the branches and blossoms. F7.1 at 1/160, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm