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My dad taught me a long time ago to look for repetitive patterns. On Tuesday when he and I were driving home from Petoskey, we both spotted this field at the same time. I love how the clouds in the background look like a mountain range. You have to see this photograph large to really appreciate it. F11.0 at 1/125, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

It is cold but perfectly still this morning as horses catch the rising sun in their pasture at the West Shore Equestrian Center near Sugar Grove, Michigan.

When I pulled my truck off the side of the road and came up to this horse, I felt like the horse was asking me to set it free. I made my images and then quickly left so I did not disturb the quiet little farm.

A Beautiful evening Rainbow during a Sunset

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

Squeezing in for a better view and perhaps looking for a handout, curious calves check out a couple visitors on the other side of their fence line at the Walter Farm north of Marshall. I can drive rural Michigan roads "till the cows come home" searching for views and experiences like this.

It is not very often you see cows grazing in a swamp, but if you drive to the corner of Conrad and Meyers Roads in Ludington, you will see several cows enjoying the low lands near the Pere Marquette River. This cow stood still long enough for me to get into position and capture it, its reflection, and the barn all in one photograph. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 30 mm

I find the "real deal" far more impressive than any fake lawn ornament I have ever seen. Even the placement struck me as ideal as I stopped my truck along a country road near Twin Lake to make a still-life image while the farmyard attraction stays still. Stopping also gives me time to truly appreciate the tender loving care the owners of the Ponderosa have given to their fine old barn.

Sheep can be skittish but curious as well. This sheep chooses to check me out while other sheep continue to graze at a farm east of Hesperia. I am grateful my new acquaintance stands still long enough that I can microcompose my composition ensuring my camera's view of its eyes are not blocked by the fence. Thanks, pal!

Rachel’s Day 84 We raise Shorthorn cattle on our family farm, Weldon Creek Farms. This young steer was particularly cute today as we did chores. The kids and I are staying very close to home so that we can still safely be at the farm daily to help and visit with my mom and dad.

Wednesday

Conrad and Hawley Road December

Horses, horse ranches, and equestrian clubs appear left and right as Brad and I travel one of the country lanes through the rolling hills of Metamora horse country. This is definitely some of the most beautiful Michigan countryside we have seen. During a lunch break in Metamora, we are told there are more horses in Metamora Township than there are people.

I pass by this horse every week on my way to and from West Shore Community College. During the winter, Julie Schroeder's Arabian Aadaraan (aka Casey) tends to stay in the barn or close to the barn at the corner of Fisher and Peterson Roads. Today, I am glad to find the 29-year-old Arabian chestnut gelding basking in the sunshine close to the road. F3.2 at 1/800, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

This rooster on Morton Road, owned by Mark and Katie Cooper, is definitely the cock of the walk! He thinks he is hot stuff and wanted me and the rest of the world to know it. F2.8 at 1/1000, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

When I was born someone gave me a little white stuffed lamb that I later named Lambo. It was always my favorite. The bright white lamb at Shoup's farm that I photographed today for Week 15 of the Tuesdays Project brings an extra big smile to my face. F2.8 at 1/800, ISO 400, 70-200mm lens at 200mm

My kids love our chickens. This is one of David Benjamin’s favorites. He suggested I make a portrait of the two of them for my photo of the day. How could I resist those beautiful faces?

After chasing the rooster that had gotten loose all around the yard at Shoup's farm, I set my focus on this beautiful hen. I loved the contrast between her gorgeous black and white feathers and her bright red face. By getting my 200mm telephoto macro lens right up against the fence of the chicken coop and setting my aperture to F2.8, I was able to make the fence in the foreground totally disappear and the shallow depth of field made the fence in the background very soft and not nearly as distracting. F2.8 at 1/320, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 200mm

Cow Lick

A few years ago my wife Betsy got me hooked on Country Dairy Milk. The dairy is located in New Era, Michigan and they sell the best tasting milk I have ever had. When you visit the dairy you can go to Moo School and also eat in their family restaurant. My favorite part of every visit is the one dollar cup of chocolate milk with free refills. F7.1 at 1/500, ISO 800, 70-200mm lens at 200mm