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On our return trip to Ludington after putting on a photography program in Petoskey for the Crooked Tree Art Council, Brad and I cannot resist stopping at Crystal Mountain to get in a few runs on the ski slopes. Plus it gives me the opportunity to capture a moment that shows Brad's intensity and speed while skiing his favorite run

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

Todd Reed 7-29-2018

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

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

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

A section of the starboard side of the carferry Spartan forms the backdrop for wind-blown dune grass and snow. I was looking for detail shots on a Sunday afternoon drive when this one leaped out at me. F3.5 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I am running out of daylight when my 365 Picture of the Day appears right before me at the intersection of Iris Road and South Lakeshore Drive south of Ludington. To my eyes, this gated view looks heavenly. F22.0 at 25.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The light has been great since before sunrise today and I have made several good images already. Now at 4:00 P.M. I see the most unique view I have discovered today. Never pass up a good cloud; this one looks delicately different. F5.6 at 1/200, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

On my way to West Shore Community College, I cannot pass up taking a closer look at the frosty branches along the Pere Marquette River. I know it won't get any better than this today. I like the S-curves and dynamic angles of this branch. I like the matching repetitive pattern of the background branches that I keep out of focus to create layers. F3.5 at 1/5000, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The sky is filled with color this morning so I have hustled to get to the waterfront at Crosswinds to make a photograph of the harbor and sky. Steam from the co-generation plant looks from this vantage point like it is coming from the carferry Badger's stack. Ducks provide another added ingredient to the picture. Looks good. F16.0 at 1/13, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 175 mm

Frost coats almost everything along the Pere Marquette River this morning. I make a picture of a frost-covered bush with the river as background. Then, following the "twice-as-close rule" Brad and I teach, I start looking for closer pictures. Just a few footsteps closer to the river I find it. Queen Anne's Lace laced with frost looks like a Crown Jewel. F22.0 at 1/160, ISO 400, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

Talk about a traffic stopper. Responding to a tip about some cool looking cows pastured along 72nd Avenue north of Hart, I had no idea they would be this impressive. As I slow to a stop on the side of the road, I attract their attention. I am far more excited and impressed than they are. F6.3 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

I have passed this pasture on Iris Road almost daily for 10 years. But it is not until today that I notice the beauty of this lone tree. Fog and melting snow make the tree stand out like never before. Still I wonder why I never noticed it. F4.0 at 1/320, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 17 mm

I have been watching these mallards at Ludington Municipal Marina all winter. Bubblers have maintained some open water for them. Today, finally, I see a unique picture of them I like. Reality and reflection make an interesting illusion. F2.8 at 1/400, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Most of us are savoring the sunshine this week. As a Michigander, I know the stretch of days where we can see the sun can't last much longer; so I savor the sun this morning as it rises dramatically through a cloud-streaked sky. F2.8 at 1/8000, ISO 100, 300 mm lens at 300 mm

Brad and I are both searching for flowers today. The unseasonably sunny weather is sure to have brought them out. He finds some right away. It takes me a couple hours. This tiny gem

Daylight is fast fading away when I finally find a picture that feels good. The combination of the diverse patterns and textures of the log, feather and sand make for a good mix. F32.0 at 20.0, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

Earlier in the day Brad and I were shown this Charlevoix spot and thought it had good potential for an evening shoot with students taking part in our photography workshop. Now at 6:39 P.M. I can hardly believe the glorious light as I make this picture after helping some students make some strong images of their own design. F9.0 at 1/15, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

I have to laugh and smile looking at the face I see on the trunk of this birch tree. We take some pictures just for the fun of it. F11.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm