Miscellaneous Images

I kept an eye out for a Christmas scene on my drive to Manistee, Michigan tonight. I passed by this nativity scene, and thought with the right exposure and angle, I could hide the house from the background, and it could make a very emotional image. I stopped on my way back home and worked the scene until I achieved that goal.

Snowflakes have been flying in downtown Ludington and it is beautiful. In a couple weeks there will hopefully be over 10,000 people near this spot at the clock tower to witness the largest New Year's Eve ball drop in Michigan. F6.3 at 1/500, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Ron and Donna Sanders are Betsy and Sean’s next-door neighbors on Riverview Drive in Ludington. After having dinner with Betsy, Sean, and the kids, I was getting ready to drive home when I noticed this family of snowmen in Ron and Donna’s front yard. With my tripod, I was able to capture this festive image.

For years I have loved this simple yet unique wooden fence along North Lakeshore Drive at the Warrick property in Ludington. Today, with snow adding its own patterns, I find the fence especially interesting. F8.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

My son, Ethan, and his stepbrother Aiden both used Christmas money and bought themselves each Traxxas RC cars. I think I have had more fun playing with Ethan’s car than he has. This thing really rips! I had Ethan do several donuts with his in the snow today so I could get my photo of the day.

I picked the kids up from their dad, and we headed to visit with Brad’s family for a bit at his house. This church is always so beautifully decorated at Christmas. The air was cold, and my fingers were frozen by the time I was happy with my composition.

Winter in Ludington is what you make of it. Sarah Holmes and her trusty sidekick Webber pass by as I am trying to make a picture at City Park. Instantly I recognize they should become the subject and the park the backdrop. F6.3 at 1/400, ISO 400, 12-24 mm lens at 16 mm

For years this Nativity scene has been visible during the Christmas season along Ludington Avenue near the Pelter Apartments. I have always enjoyed looking at it as I drove past. Today I decided to get a closer look with my camera. F5.0 at 1/25, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Merry Christmas! I woke up early today to go out and plow snow for the first time this winter. Then I drove down the street to Keith and Courtney Hanson’s house to photograph a lit cross on top of their home on Washington Avenue. Keith and I caught up for a bit and then I headed home to get ready for Christmas morning.

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!

Three of my grandchildren

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!

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

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

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

I have already made several images of the exterior of the famous Ada Covered Bridge in Ada, Michigan. Now, after moving inside, I find myself loving the geometric shapes of the bridge interior and the way light and shadow plays upon the timbers. Originally built in 1867, the bridge was restored in 1941. I think it is a work of art. F22 at 4 seconds, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

I have thought for months that the steeple of Calvary Baptist Church on Jebavy Drive stands out simply and beautifully at night. Tonight I am photographing the cross-crowned spire at twilight to provide a blue background. F8.0 at 4.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 80 mm

I have always been proud to say I am from Ludington. So why not a "Ludington" picture for the 365 project? This sign above the front door of the old fish market at the carferry dock screams "Ludington." F16.0 a 1/20, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

My cousin Ryan Reed and his girlfriend Erica Karmeisool had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the downtown building they bought on Ludington Avenue. When all the family arrived, they surprised us with a romantic wedding. Ryan's best friend, Pastor Chris Pedersen, flew from South Dakota to marry the couple on New Year's Eve. F5.0 at 1/8, ISO 1600, 18-55 mm lens at 40 mm