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Underwater Lincoln River

Underwater at Kitchitkipi

On fire with the light of the setting sun, waves explode like fireworks against rocks lining the Ludington South Breakwater. Lake Michigan's energy never ceases to amaze and excite me.

High Above Pentwater

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.

My son, Tad was the first to see that this empty dock ought to be included in night shots we were taking of Pentwater from the opposite side of Pentwater Lake. I learned long ago, from National Geographic photographer Sam Abell, that compositions with a triangular shape at the base of a picture tend to lead viewers strongly into the scene and provide a stronger sense of depth. Tad was operating more by instinct. He knew the picture felt good. Rules, tips, and guidelines are fine, but feelings are the most important ingredient in making decisions about the quality of a potential picture.

Rushing Water

The Hurricane River Outlet looks like a boiling caldron tonight as melted snow dramatically increases the flow of water downstream to Lake Superior. This spot between Munising and Grand Marais is one of my favorite places in Michigan's fabulous Upper Peninsula. F4 at 1/640, ISO 400, 24-70mm lens at 26mm

Waves generated by a fresh spring breeze rush ashore along the Lake Michigan shoreline north of the Ludington city beach. The seasonal cottagers at Epworth Heights have not yet arrived and are missing a spectacular day on the waterfront. F8 at 1/800, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 100mm

The ripples in the water, combined with the reflections of the sky and clouds make this photograph of Hamlin Lake look like blue and silver grains of wood. I never tire of making compositions like this one. Someday I hope to do an entire book on ripples and reflections on water. F2.8 at 1/400, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

By using my external flash unit, I was able to partially freeze the motion of the small breaking wave right in front of my camera while using a slow enough shutter speed to show motion in the water in the distance. The flash also allowed me to shoot at F22, which in turn, allowed my photograph to be sharp from front to back. F22 at 1/4, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

These are by far the biggest living maple leaves I have discovered in Michigan so far this April. Perhaps the abundance of water being supplied to the shoot they are growing from in this creek is causing the leaves to flourish. I marvel at the symmetry of their arrangement on the surface of the water. I photograph them exactly as I discovered them. F22 at 1/13, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 185mm

We arrive back on terra firma at Mackinaw City just in time to photograph a cloud front passing over the Mackinac Bridge and through the Straits of Mackinac. There is nothing Brad and I enjoy more photographically than being on the bright side of a passing front. F13 at 1/100, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 24mm

The main way to get to Mackinac Island is by ferry. The Shepler's ferry, The Hope, cruises abeam the ferry Brad and I are shooting photographs from as we travel back to Mackinaw City. In the background an Arnold Line ferry heads for Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel stands out on the island. F4.5 at 1/500, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 24mm

I have spent very little time in salt water. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Naples, Florida and in the Pacific Ocean near Maui a few times is the extent of my time spent in salt water. The fresh waters of the Great Lakes are one of the world's best-kept secrets. Everyday people come into our gallery in downtown Ludington, Michigan and are shocked to see photos of Lake Michigan with 20 foot breaking surf. Yes, Lake Michigan gets big waves, but you can swim with your mouth open and laugh and talk to your friends around you without getting a nasty taste of salt water. F7.1 at 1/1250, ISO 400, 10-17mm lens at 12mm

The man-made colors of the fireworks on the Fourth of July are always fun to watch, but they can't compare to the nature-made colors of the "waterworks" that are created every day of the year on Lake Michigan. Everyone should try, at least one time in their life, to experience the rush of keeping your eyes open and studying the intense colors of the water of Lake Michigan just before the giant wave smashes into your face. It is totally worth it! F7.1 at 1/1250, ISO 400, 10-17mm lens at 12mm

When you are boating it is never a good sign to see "green water" coming into your boat because it means it is really rough. This photograph clearly demonstrates how the surface of the water is blue, but the water beneath the surface is often green. F8 at 1/640, ISO 400, 10-17mm lens at 10mm

I am struck while watching this duck swim on Round Lake in Charlevoix how much it seems as if the female mallard is floating over a sea of giant emerald gems. Round Lake is certainly one of the most beautiful harbors in Michigan. I never tire of spending time here. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

Today while taking aerial photographs for "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed," I noticed that Pentwater Lake is similar in shape to a sea horse. Pentwater has to be one of the most charming and romantic villages in all of Michigan. F7.1 at 1/800, ISO 400, 18-50mm lens at 46mm