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Portrait photographers often use this old building near the corner of James and Melendy in Ludington as a backdrop for senior photos. The brickwork, windows, and varying textures lend themselves well to photography. F8.0 at 0.3, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 35 mm

Lately, I have been looking at a lot of old black and white photographs of my great grandparents and other ancestors. I often imagine what their world was like living in Michigan in the late 1800's and early 1900's. For some reason, I always imagine that world in black and white. When I was making this image today on Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City,

My dad and I always like to have strong immediacy in our photographs. With my wide-angle lens, I got very close to this frozen fruit tree and then made the barn a much smaller part of the composition. The final photograph is an environmental portrait of Cherry Basket Farm near Omena, Michigan in Leelanau County.

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed

You never know what you will find in the Meijer parking lot. This great blue heron was hanging out in the drainage ditch on the west end of the Meijer parking lot. Luckily, I always have my camera and big lens with me. What makes this image pop is the incredible morning light hitting the majestic bird.

I love the coldest mornings; they often render Lake Michigan waterfront scenes in incredibly sharp and colorful ways. The setting moon and rising steam made this a picture that warmed my soul. I live for moments like this when my camera takes me where my heart wants to go. I tell my photo students, follow your heart with your camera.

Rugged ice and towering waves define the Lake Michigan shoreline in the coldest winter months. On cold, clear days when the sun graces us with its presence, the ice displays different shades of blue and white. On this day, my friend, Rob Alway, and I made our way out on the ice and we each came away with some powerful photographs.

Triangles of snow-covered ice line a creek near the corner of Meyers and Conrad Road. I am en route to West Shore Community College to teach photography. I am cutting it close on time but I stop to make this picture. I rest easier knowing that I always tell my students the only valid excuse for being late for class is stopping to make a good picture. F7.1 at 1/200, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

The architecture of this barn was simply exquisite when it was built more than a century ago just north of the Village of Omena near Northport, Michigan. Now the barn serves as the centerpiece of Cherry Basket Farm, which hosts weddings, private parties, and other events. As an outdoor photographer and lover of classic Michigan barns, I am grateful that the creative use of the barn and other structures on the site enables the owner, Epicure Catering, to maintain the farm in such pristine condition.

Legends Ranch September 24 2015 Black and White

My dad and I have taken many beautiful photographs at the end of Ludington Avenue. On rough days, that location allows you an unobstructed view of the Ludington North Breakwater, while still offering some protection from the blowing sand and water.One risk still present is thin ice. Just after I captured this photograph, the ice beneath me gave way. Luckily, only my feet got wet.

When I came out of the gallery tonight the sky in the west looked like it had potential to be spectacular. I checked my phone for the sunset time and knew I had about an hour to kill. Just before six I headed out into the cold. I made this photograph at three minutes after six. It was one of the most colorful sunsets I had ever photographed. F22.0 at 3.0, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Grand Traverse Lighthouse probably looks as good as when the Coast Guard first put it into service in 1858. Its "squared away" appearance makes me wonder how many men and women have had

Clarity

It is always fun when the ice balls start to show up along the Lake Michigan shoreline every winter. They look particularly cool with magic light hitting them at the first curve inside the Ludington State Park.

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.

Some trees have personality. I love movies like Lord of the Rings where trees come alive and walk. This tree appears to be striding through the dunes at Ludington State Park. I like its posture. F8.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 92 mm

Ice lines the Lake Michigan shoreline where Grand Traverse Light has helped guide mariners past Cathead Point since 1858. Winter is a quietly beautiful time at the light.

The Riverside Park in Scottville, Michigan, is a popular spot for many. I love that stretch of the river. On this particular day, I climbed down the bank right next to the bridge. The twists and turns of the shrubbery along with the calm river were a fun pairing

I was deer hunting near the Pere Marquette River in Amber Township with my camera, waiting for Whitetails to appear in front of me and fall color behind. The deer never appeared where I needed them to, so I decided to switch gears and frame some of the color I had been looking at for several hours.