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After following this same snowy owl the entire day, I was finally able to sneak close enough to the mystical creature to capture all the intricate details of its feathers and magnificent eyes. The beautiful side lighting made the eyes of this snowy owl look even more dramatic and powerful.

On those glorious winter mornings in Michigan when the air is crisp and the light is sharp, it is a joy to be outdoors. On this ice-cold morning I was especially blessed because upon arriving at Big Sable Point Lighthouse I discovered some of the most unique and beautiful ice formations along the Lake Michigan shoreline that I have ever witnessed. Many of the ice creations looked to me like crystal sculptures. It was an amazing sight on an amazing morning.

Legends Ranch

Looking out from the Rock River Canyon Ice Caves, better known as the Eben Ice Caves, I am thinking that the rock ceiling and ice look like a winter sunflower with "petals" of ice emanating from the center of the "flower." Any way you look at them, these caves at Eben Junction near Chatham in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are impressive.

Cameras do lie! This lawn ornament is a small, but working, windmill at the Greene Farm on Conrad Road. The super dramatic sky and cool blue light this morning really added the drama I needed to get the feeling I wanted for this image.

When I spotted this wintry scene south of Ludington, it immediately reminded me of a famous picture long used to promote Steamboat ski resort in Colorado. I always loved that picture and I loved the one that was in front of my eyes just a few miles from my home.

Often times while I am photographing an extraordinary light show, I ponder what our human ancestors must have felt when they witnessed similar sights thousands of years ago. On December 14, 2006, as I stood on a dune inside the Ludington State Park and photographed the Aurora Borealis and an incredible meteor shower, I was overcome by a rush of emotions. The light show was so intense that it evoked a sense of fear in me. I knew nothing horrible was actually happening, but the sky was so turbulent that it still made me feel a bit uneasy. I imagine that our ancestors might have felt true fear because they didn't have the knowledge of modern science to explain what they were seeing.

This is one of the more well known and photographed trees in Ludington. It is just north of the north concession stand at Stearns Park beach. I find this tree beautiful all year long. F22.0 at 1/30, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 30 mm

We like to immerse ourselves in a scene. On this February afternoon, my camera and I are very close to the ice-covered shoreline and waves breaking inside the Pentwater pierheads.

After following this same snowy owl the entire day, I was finally able to sneak close enough to the mystical creature to capture all the intricate details of its feathers and magnificent eyes. The beautiful side lighting made the eyes of this snowy owl look even more dramatic and powerful.

Point Betsie Light Station looks brand new following an exterior restoration project. The interior of the lighthouse is also being restored but on this bright winter afternoon I am delighted to see the outside looking so good.

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed

Eben Ice Caves

This is one of the last old-time fishing boats still used in the Ludington area. My dad's love of old boats has been passed down to me. I love how this photograph looks like a fish's eye. F8.0 at 1/15, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The Ludington House looks especially pretty today. Owners Kris and Bill Stumpf recently repainted the 1878 lumber era mansion, which they operate as a bed and breakfast. The new color scheme makes the Victorian home look grand. The icicles add a beautiful touch to the painted lady this morning. F11.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 86 mm

As a team-building exercise to kick off the busy summer selling season, my dad and I took many of our staff members out shooting with us today. We started the morning shooting the sunrise at Bass Lake, then we shot sailboats on Pentwater Lake. Now we have moved to Christofferson Farms on Morton Road south of Ludington. As I am composing this photograph, I am certain I will be back in the fall to pick the fruit off these same trees with my wife and kids; we enjoy going there every fall.

This forest along US31 near the Manistee County and Benzie County line stopped me in my tracks tonight on my way north to photograph the Mackinac Bridge in the dark. The absence of color in this scene is what really excited me. My kids love this image because it reminds them of the movie Frozen. D800, F22 at 0.3, ISO 100, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

Using a shutter speed of only 1/200 of a second with a 600mm telephoto lens allowed me to partially freeze the body of the snowy owl, yet still show the movement of his wings. However, if this scene unfolded in front of me again, I would shoot it at 1/320 of a second in order to have the owl's face a bit sharper. Experience is the best teacher.

Tuesdays With Todd and Brad Reed

Eben Ice Caves