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Like a giant teapot in a tempest, the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse is almost completely engulfed in a roiling sea at the height of a November 1, 2020, storm. I observed this storm for more than three hours, photographing during times of peak waves and peak light. The light in particular changed dramatically. This was one of the rare moments when the waves were the brightest and the storm clouds the darkest. I watch and wait a lot, yet try to remain always ready to trip the shutter.

A tip from a Pentwater area resident that had observed a lone sailboat in the mist on the way to work leads me to Long Bridge this morning to see if I can see what they have been seeing. Oh yeah! Thank you. F2.8 at 1/1250, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 112 mm

As fishermen taking part in the national ice fishing tournament held in Ludington head toward their fishing grounds on Hamlin Lake, one of the most unique and artistic fish shanties I have ever seen catches my eye. I decide to make the shanty the subject of the picture and the fishermen the added ingredients. F7.1 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 112 mm

Our workshop students were up to their waists in dewy grasses before sunrise and many of them were on their knees getting their cameras immediate to the wildflowers, grasses and weeds in a field near our Pere Marquette River property. I got down low beside them to immerse myself in the tapestry of spring growth. Six a.m. never looked better to me.

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed

Brad and I put on another of our annual photography tips programs at Big Sable Lighthouse this evening and within a half-hour of its conclusion nearly everyone is gone. Brad and his daughter Julia head up to the top of the light to check out the view from the top while I stay below and wait for the sweet light. Here it is! F16.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

I have appreciated these grasses for several years in the Pere Marquette River Flats near the former city dump site. They look splendid to me tonight rising above the marsh, backlit by the setting sun. I am glad I took this route home after a long day teaching photography at West Shore Community College. F11.0 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 86 mm

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed

I am drawn to the Pere Marquette Lake side of the sculpture "Reflections" where the side and back lighting provided by its floodlights play beautifully upon the metal sail of the sculpture. I love studying this simple yet amazing sculpture donated by Lee and Joan Schoenherr to the city's waterfront sculpture park. F10.0 at 30.0, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 19 mm

The shrill sound of coyotes howling on the opposite side of the river breaks the silence as my oldest son Tad and I appreciate the winter beauty of the Pere Marquette River in the twilight. This view of the meandering river is our reward for trekking by foot and ski to our family cabin, "Daylight In The Swamp," to enjoy a winter getaway. F6.3 at 30.0, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

I can see clearly that this is a picture waiting to be taken. I can't help but chuckle looking at the "face" of these binoculars standing alone on the Ludington waterfront. They remind me of a recent television commercial depicting faces in everyday objects. I like this face. F13.0 at 20.0, ISO 100, 12- 24 mm lens at 24 mm

On my way to a goodbye gathering for our oldest son Tad, who is returning to duty in the U.S. Army, I spot the perfect picture of the day. This shot is for him and for all of the brave men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. The Stars and Stripes fly proudly above the United States Post Office in downtown Ludington. F2.8 at 1/6, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

A shark in Ludington? This large "fin" protruding from the icy surface of Ludington Municipal Marina immediately takes me back in time to the movie Jaws. F13.0 at 1/400, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

My wife Debbie is busy studying for one of her nursing classes so I decide to take a Sunday drive northeast through the countryside. Forty-five minutes later, near Natahka in the southwest corner of Lake County, I am attracted to a birch tree and rustic wood structure that have beautifully grown old together. F14.0 at 1/80, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

Winter sunrises can occasionally be amazing. Early indications are that this morning's sunrise could be one of those. I quickly set up the camera on the tripod on the deck of our home at Crosswinds. After a few minutes waiting for peak color, presto! F8.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I have been photographing seagulls on the Ludington waterfront the past few weeks. Today I like the gray-blue sky that makes the falling snow stand out. I just need a cooperative gull to glide past. This one is soaring beautifully. Thank you, bird! F8.0 at 1/1000, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed