West Michigan-based freelance writer TAI ALEXANDER is an avid fan of Michigan’s award-winning wines, culinary experiences and agricultural tourism offerings. She writes for a variety of regional publications.

CAROLYN J. BECK is a food and wine writer and consultant dividing her time between California and the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan. Her most recent past life included an olive ranch and a thriving business in olive oil and specialty foods.

Grand Rapids-based, MICHAEL BUCK extends his seasoned photographic talents into myriad categories, from commercial and corporate work to weddings and editorial features, www.mbuckstudio.com.

W. PATRICK CHAMBERS specializes in architectural photography and has frequently been published in Log Home Living, Michigan History and Builders Journal.

Award-winning photojournalist and Metro-Detroit resident CYBELLE CODISH focuses her instinctive eye and penchant for artistic expression in numerous arenas, particularly the music industry; she also incorporates international advertising assignments into her dynamic portfolio, as well as editorial projects, www.cybellecodish.com.

Based in Metro-Detroit, graphic and advertising designer MEGAN DEKOK is also a self-described “redhead who likes to bake” and style food (which she did for this month’s cover). She shares personal culinary adventures and inspirations as well at www.takeamegabite.com.

A Traverse City resident, JERRY DENNIS is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, the most recent of which is “The Windward Shore — A Winter on the Great Lakes” (U of M Press). His work has appeared in The New York Times, Audubon, Smithsonian, Grey’s Sporting Journal and numerous other publications, www.jerrydennis.net.

Internationally recognized outdoor writer and author JIM DUFRESNE has written more than a dozen wilderness and travel guide books. Last year the Clarkston-based adventurer became the main contributor to www.michigantrailmaps.com, an online resource for trail users in Michigan.

Based in Sterling Heights, photographer JEFF GARLAND has earned renown for his commercial, corporate, editorial, residential, landscape and travel imagery. Recently, Jeff has embarked on a photographic project that captures essential details of great Detroit buildings and landmarks, www.jeffgarlandphotography.com.

Midwest freelance writer LINDA HASS has lived near water all her life, from a beloved family cottage tucked between Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan to her current residence on Brown’s Lake in Jackson. She enjoys bicycling along Falling Waters Trails and fishing with her husband, Ed.

Chicago-based CHRIS LAKE specializes in lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture for advertising, editorial, higher education and corporate clients, www.chrislakephoto.com.

Writer CYNDI LIESKE was raised in Grand Rapids and has fond memories of her family’s cottage on Wolf, north of Baldwin. Based in Howell, her articles have appeared in many newspapers and business publications in Michigan.

SHAWN AND BRIAN MALONE specialize in landscape and event photography in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and surrounding Lake Superior region, www.LakeSuperiorPhoto.com.

Renowned for his realistic portrayals of the Great Lakes, Holland-based GARY W. ODMARK's fine quality limited edition prints and originals in oils, watercolors and acrylics can be viewed at www.gwodmark.com.

Ludington-based, father-son photography team TODD AND BRAD REED are renowned for their magically-lit, coastal Michigan photography, which is available through their gallery, in self-published books including “Lake Michigan: Point to Point,” “Ludington State Park: Queen of the North” and their 365 Project 2012 Calendar, www.toddandbradreed.com. 

COREENE SMITH specializes in photographing events and portraits and producing commercial photo shoots. The Traverse City resident owns Tavla Studio, www.tavlastudio.com.