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Three of my grandchildren

Growing up, I didn’t realize how unique it was to have two Christmas trees in our house, especially one that was 15 feet tall. There is nothing better than stepping into the warm farmhouse, walking in the hallway, and seeing this sight. Christmas was different this year due to COVID-19, but I am glad we were able to spend it with Mom and Dad at the farm. Merry Christmas to all!

Ethan and I took an early morning drive today looking for the sunrise. The clouds blocked most of the sunshine and color, but the fog and atmosphere made for a beautiful morning. This old farm on Victory Corners Road looked especially peaceful in the cold, crisp dawn. F8.0 at 1.0, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Dynamic angles make photographs more exciting and interesting. They also often create triangles. I photographed this mostly frozen tree along the Lake Michigan shoreline tonight and purposely tried to compose it in a way to show off the dynamic angles and the large triangle at the base of the photograph.

Winter is just ducky at the Gustafsons' pond along Iris Road south of Ludington. Flowing water keeps the pond open and the ducks swimming. The ducks are a beautiful sight for the Gustafsons and passers-by. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 185 mm

We are feeling the Christmas letdown today. It was a day for rest and relaxation. As I was snuggling with the kids on the couch, I noticed that when the light hit our Christmas bulbs, it reminded me of a solar flare. I decided to try and capture it.

Photographing ice formations has always been one of my favorite things to do with my camera. The bright sunlight to the east this morning, combined with the dark clouds to the west, made for a glorious opportunity to create strong images along the channel inside Ludington Harbor. F22.0 at 1/10, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 160 mm

Today Rachel and I took all five kids out to the cabin for some family fun. We hooked a sled up to our side-by-side and we all took turns doing some hot laps out in the fields. Joshua is a speed demon and a thrill seeker. I know for sure by Ethan’s grin, he was loving finally being able to drive the side-by-side without an adult next to him. I think Ethan and Joshua together could be trouble for years to come!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. A deer adds to the beauty of snowy woodlands this morning as I stop on my way to work to appreciate the scene and capture this 2010 moment for others to see. F2.8 at 1/100, ISO 500, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

What a fun afternoon we had! We met Brad and the kids at their cabin. Brad took the kids and me sledding behind the Ranger, which we all loved! The sun was shining, and we had blue skies. You can’t ask for much more than that.

My kids, Julia and Ethan, along with my niece Rachel and my nephews Ty and Austin, all love it when their uncle is home to play with them. We had our family Christmas party today and these six silly birds where having a blast. F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 32 mm

I have successfully captured “The Triple Trees” in three seasons so far, and I am running out of days in our project. Brad and I were up north shooting today when we could see that tonight was the night for the winter shot. We raced back to the farm to set up. My camera was acting up, and I had to grab Brad’s camera to make the image before the light faded. I was thankful he happened to be there!

After making this picture and several other strong images this morning, I walked back into my dad's house with a big grin on my face. My sister-in-law, Stephanie Reed, wanted to know what the smirk was for. I showed her the back of my camera and told her that I love winter along Lake Michigan. F8.0 at 1/100, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 24 mm

The Sauble River Outlet at the Ludington State Park was half frozen this morning. We are always looking for s-curves in nature to include in our photographs. The outlet can change shape drastically by the day. Today the ice helped define the s-curve I was looking for.

I have chased these birds and a hundred others for several blocks, taking pictures periodically, but knowing I was not making a strong picture. Now I finally have a handful of them right where I want them. F5.0 at 1/500, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

My dad helped the kids make these yule logs for their parents. It was very sweet to see their excitement as they handed me this gift.

I have really enjoyed buying Christmas ornaments for Julia and Ethan every year to add to our tree. Someday when my kids are grown, I hope they enjoy seeing these ornaments on their parents' tree as much as I enjoy seeing my old ornaments on my parents' Christmas trees every year. F2.8 at 0.3, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 22 mm

We are so blessed to have the Ludington State Park in our backyard. People often ask us where our favorite to place to shoot photographs is. Without hesitation, I always say the Ludington State Park. These 5,300 acres are diverse, natural, and beautiful.

I have shot “The Triple Trees” from the opposite direction four times for this project. It seemed fitting to capture the lane and favorite spot from this view. The kids and I have walked this lane many times in our lifetime. We are so blessed to have the farm to explore and create memories.

Sitting in my living room during a family Christmas gathering, I noticed how these icicles looked like a hand and fingers. I set the camera to a slower shutter speed to capture the dripping water coming off the pinky finger. F16.0 at 0.3, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm