Local photography book is finalist in two national book awards

LUDINGTON — Todd & Brad Reed Photography’s recent book “Tuesdays with Todd & Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute” recently received two national book publishing awards.

The book has received a Silver Award and is one of four finalists for a Gold Award in the Independent Book Publishers Association’s 2014 Benjamin Franklin Awards’ Interior Design: 3 or more Color category.

The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards, which includes 55 categories recognizing excellence in book editorial and design, are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.  A single Gold Award winner will be announced for each category at a ceremony on May 28 at the annual BookExpo America in New York City.

“Tuesdays with Todd & Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute” is also a finalist in The Book of The Year Awards for the category of Photography. The Book of the Year Awards (BOTYA) is presented by “Foreword Reviews”, a trade review journal that showcases independent publishers.

Foreword’s BOTYA were established to bring increased attention from librarians and booksellers to the literary achievements of independent publishers and their authors. Winners will be announced during the American Library Association Annual Conference in Las Vegas on June 27.

“The Ben Franklin is the most coveted book award in the country for independent publishers.” said Brad Reed.  “Winning one of four of the Silver Awards in the entire county is a huge honor.   Winning the gold Benjamin Franklin Award is like winning an Oscar for an actor.  I am still in shock!”

“Our Tuesdays book was a huge undertaking by the entire Team Reed staff,” said Todd Reed. “Our manager, Sarah Genson, and assistant manager, Rachel Gaudette, were especially involved in assisting Brad and me in the design of the 400-page book honoring our great state of Michigan.”

Todd and Brad Reed are a father-son outdoor photography team based out of their downtown Ludington gallery. Todd and Brad, along with their team members, have designed and self-published five hardcover art books. “Tuesdays with Todd & Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute” was published in 2013 and is a 400 page book encompassing a year of travel throughout the state of Michigan, it includes 1,014 images and a two-disc DVD set.