Summer

A runner enjoys the warm sunset this evening along the Ludington North Breakwater. The waterfront in Ludington is a great place to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. F2.8 at 1/2000, ISO 100, 70-200 mm lens at 200 mm

My dad and I each photographed this barn in a snowstorm for Week 7 of "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed." We made our way back to the tiny Northern Michigan town of Omena this afternoon to photograph the majestic white barn with the fruit trees in blossom. F22 at 1/40, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

My son Brad and I knew this winter when we photographed this barn north of Omena, on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, that we had to return to reshoot the grand old structure during other seasons. Spring at the Cherry Basket Farm is turning out to be a far different but equally good visual treat. F22 at 1/30, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 112mm

Tonight I headed to my Uncle Budde and Aunt Sheryl's house on Lake Michigan to photograph their beautiful flower garden. I manually exposed for the sky and set that exposure about two stops of light to the minus side because that would bring detail back into the sky. I then used fill flash to illuminate the flower, creating a moody photograph. F20.0 at 1/250, ISO 1000, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

The kids and I drove with my dad to the front field looking for a jack-in-the-pulpit that he had seen earlier in the week. Unfortunately, it was past its prime. On our way back, a shelf cloud rapidly came upon us. I asked my dad to get us back to the farm as fast as he could. I knew the spot I needed to be to capture the massive cloud over the farmhouse and maples. We don’t typically get shelf clouds that big this far inland. It was fun to witness!

The clouds were spectacular today and the sunlight danced off the bright blue sky creating the perfect backdrop for almost any subject. I choose to make Little Sable Point Lighthouse the star of my photograph. F16.0 at 1/250, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 20 mm

I am dedicating this photo to my wife Betsy because she is always commenting on how beautiful a Michigan forest is in the springtime. The forest along Conrad Road near the Pere Marquette River flats is very layered and dense. I loved how the light was hitting the trees in the foreground and then appeared to slowly fade into the background. F22.0 at 0.8, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Turkey vultures are one of the ugliest birds on the planet when seen up close while perched or on the ground. But when they take flight, wow, are they beautiful fliers. This one soars over my head while I am searching for the $500 pair of glasses I lost yesterday while stalking deer and coyotes at our river property. F3.2 at 1/4000, ISO 320, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

With this 365 project I have been trying to shoot more atmospheric photographs. This is forcing me to shoot more on foggy days and hazy days. This scene is near the bird lookout on the corner of Conrad Road and Old US 31. F8.0 at 1/160, ISO 800, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

This softball-size wonder of nature stood out like a white stop light in the green grass along the roadside south of Ludington. I stopped my vehicle for a better look. The close-up view is far more impressive than the one from behind the steering wheel. F8.0 at 1/250, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

Flowers along the border of Harbor View Marina sway to the tempo of the brisk breeze. A long exposure allows the camera to paint the movement of the flowers. F11.0 at 1/5, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 165 mm

Every time I visit Clarksville, Tennessee, I make time to take a walk with my mom along the Cumberland River. Today, Rachel, my mom, and I, had perfect clouds, blue skies, and sunshine to make this image.

This fawn was born near my home recently and I have been trying to get a good picture of it for days. Now here it is, right in front of me on the Buttersville peninsula in a beautiful quality of light with a nice wooded background. I savor the view and make the picture. F2.8 at 1/60, ISO 800, 80-200 mm lens at 138 mm

Just after we rounded one of the many bends in the Pere Marquette River tonight, a mature bald eagle landed in a tree less than 50 yards away from our drift boat. Our guide, Josh Mead, stopped the boat long enough for me to get my 70-200mm lens on so I could make this photograph of the beautiful river hunter. F3.5 at 1/500, ISO 800, 70-200mm lens at 200mm

I have had my eye on this tree in the Pere Marquette River flats south of Ludington for years. This morning, in the fog, the curved design of the trunk and branches stands out against the soft, muted background. F5.6 at 1/500, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 120 mm

Bald eagles in Michigan are becoming so prevalent now that my dad and I have spotted at least one on almost every Tuesday of this year while traveling the state for "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed." When I was a kid, if you saw a bald eagle in Michigan, it was a big deal and you couldn't wait to tell everyone. I am so glad the eagles are making a strong comeback nationally. F3.5 at 1/500, ISO 800, 70-200mm lens at 200mm

A pontoon ride with Todd and Debbie for an early Father’s Day celebration on Hamlin Lake was just what we needed today! I don’t get to explore the dunes as much as I would like. It was fun to visit one of Todd’s favorite spots to photograph with him today.

Wild mustard grass grows all over Michigan and is one of our favorite "added ingredients" in our photographs. Today I wanted it to be the "special of the day," so I got in close and isolated one plant that looked particularly beautiful. F2.8 at 1/500, ISO 800, 18-50mm lens at 44mm

Sweet peas still wearing the morning dew create a colorful pattern along Iris Road. I make the picture and then discover my Suburban has a dead battery. Oh well, more time to smell the flowers while waiting for a Good Samaritan. F5.6 at 1/320, ISO 100, 500 mm lens at 500 mm