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A 600-millimeter lens and camera appear to be floating in a sea of tulips. Actually, it is such a gorgeous, warm April afternoon that my son Brad (whose head is barely visible) could not resist catching a catnap between rows of flowers after finishing a shot. F5.6 at 1/1000, ISO 200, 500mm lens at 500mm

Hallelujah Sky - panoramic

We are driving to Calvin College in Grand Rapids to see an exhibit of famous National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry's work and hopefully to hear him speak. Heading south on Pere Marquette Highway I sight my first dandelions of the year in an apple orchard. This one looks perfect; it brightens my day. F16.0 at 1/60, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

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.

Shooting at ground level is one of Brad's favorite techniques for getting close to his subjects. Using a big lens to magnify his subject and make it become the only thing sharply focused is another of his favorite techniques for photographing small objects like these tulips in Holland. F5.6 at 1/640, ISO 200, 500mm lens at 500mm

Earlier today I got to meet one of my greatest idols in the photography world, Mr. Steve McCurry. Steve came to speak at Calvin College for the Festival of Faith & Writing and we went down to meet him. After one of his talks, Steve noticed a tattoo of one of his famous photographs on the leg of our friend, Shelby Dusseau, and he photographed it. F2.8 at 1/100, ISO 1000, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Winter had transformed Munising Falls from a rushing torrent of water to a motionless ice sculpture. The quietness on this windless January morning put me at peace and added to my enjoyment of one of my favorite Michigan waterfalls

This is the first photograph I have made of Holland's "Big Red" Lighthouse. This is a decent daytime photograph, but I can't wait to come back to this spot to shoot a glorious Lake Michigan sunset. F8 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 50mm

Halloween Horror

For the second time in less than a week I am back at Summit Park rock hunting along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I am looking for that picture perfect wet rock to photograph in the golden light just before sunset. I find two I really like but this one stands out as the clear choice. F3.3 at 1/30, ISO 100, 105 mm lens at 105 mm

Brad and I are always trying to discover different spectacular vantage points from which to view Michigan. Tonight we have hiked to the Empire Bluff for the first time. I stop short of the bluff at this overlook spot because I just can't resist making an image of the view northward toward Empire, South Bar Lake, and Sleeping Bear. I am content here but can't help wondering what Brad is seeing from the bluff's edge.

Tunnel of Trees Conrad Road in Winter

I attended Lakeview Elementary School from kindergarten through sixth grade and now I live across the street from the school. Even as a young child, I remember loving this tree that is located next to the playground. F7.1 at 1/320, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 18 mm

Guests can arrange to bring their horses with them when they stay at Bedrock Stables in Metamora. Manager Kyle Kedzierski leads a horse out of the stable at the country bed and breakfast in the heart of Metamora horse country.

The stanchions supporting the catwalk to the Grand Haven lighthouses look to me like a line of Star Wars mechanical soldiers. After making this composition and locking the camera in place on the tripod, I wait to push the shutter button at peak moments when seagulls are prominent and well placed in the scene. F14 at 1/400, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 145mm

Todd's Day 209 of 365

Big Clouds - panoramic

I love seeing the red-winged blackbirds in the Pere Marquette River flats south of Ludington. This male sings what I imagine is a springtime love song while swaying in the breeze atop a cattail. F5.6 at 1/2500, ISO 800, 500 mm lens with 1.4 extender at 700 mm

Looking out from the Rock River Canyon Ice Caves, better known as the Eben Ice Caves, I was thinking that the rock ceiling and ice looked 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.

Pier catwalks are a photographer's friend. They add interest to lighthouse photographs and sometimes can be an interesting main subject. Standing close to one of the catwalk stanchions, I compose a picture that has immediacy, dynamic angles, and leading lines. It is also a fresh view of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouses. F5 at 0.3, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 24mm