Maple City-based chef educator NANCY KREK ALLEN belongs to the New York Association of Culinary Teachers, Slow Food, and resides in Northern Michigan.

Aerial photographer MARGE BEAVER has for more than 25 years produced artful images of harbors, marinas, lighthouses and a variety of scenic highlights across Michigan; her work appears in pictorials “Above West Michigan” and “Above the North” (University of Michigan Press) and has graced the covers of more than a dozen books and magazine. She operates her business, Photography Plus, out of Muskegon.

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

Internationally recognized outdoor writer and author JIM DUFRESNE has written more than a dozen wilderness and travel guide books. The Clarkston-based adventurer promotes Grand Marais in Michigan’s U.P. as the best place to get away.

Based in Metro Detroit, photographer GEOERGE DZAHRISTOS is established internationally in commercial, corporate and editorial circles.

Chicago-based, prolific freelance writer and author MEGAN FRANCIS is a regular contributor to regional and national publications.

Marine City-based BYRON GOGGIN is a veteran journalist whose acclaimed career includes stints with NBC and Fox Sports. He is a multiple Emmy Award winner for his work in photography, field production and program creation.

Recognized as Michigan Professor of the Year in 1995, GAIL GRIFFIN is the author of two nonfiction books, poetry, essays, and other works that have appeared in journals and anthologies. Recently, she completed a book about a student murder-suicide at Kalamazoo College, where she teaches English, writing, and women’s studies.

While Berkley-based photographer MAUREEN ELECTA MONTE’s corporate and commercial clients range from the Detroit Red Wings and American Greetings to La-Z-Boy and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she is especially sought for children’s portraits.

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.

AARON PETERSON is a freelance writer and photographer residing in Chatam. Editorial clients include National Geographic Adventure, Road & Track, Cabela’s and Wenonah Canoe.

Ludington-based, father-son photography team TODD AND BRAD REED are renowned for their magically lit, coastal Michigan photography; their published works include “Lake Michigan: Point to Point” and “Ludington State Park: Queen of the North.”

Having written for and performed on stage, screen and television, Leland-based REBECCA REYNOLDS writes for HBO and has performed at The Improv in New York and on Broadway.

KATHLEEN “BIRDIE” SHERIDAN is a Troy-based food stylist whose myriad talents include advertising, marketing and public relations; her extensive list of clients ranges from Bon Appetit and People Magazine to Martha Stewart Everyday Inc. and The Food Network.

As the president of Promote Michigan, DIANNA STAMPFLER blends her years of print and broadcast media experience with her passion for marketing her home state. Editorial credits include Midwest Living Magazine’s 2006 Michigan Travel Ideas.

Traverse City-based PATTY LANOUE STEARNS authored “Cherry Home Companion,” a cookbook, and “Good Taste: A Guide to Northern Michigan Cuisine.” The long-time food columnist and former Detroit Free Press restaurant critic is now a contributing editor to many local, regional and national publications.

Troy-based MEGAN SWOYER contributes to a variety of regional newspapers and magazines, covering everything from homes and gardens to entertainment and the arts. She spends free time with her husband and two sons at Northern Michigan cottage.

Michigan BLUE welcomes story suggestions from our readers, freelance writers and photographers. Submit ideas via e-mail to ljensen@geminipub.com.