Lake Michigan Point to Point

I love the coldest mornings; they often render Lake Michigan waterfront scenes in incredibly sharp and colorful ways. The setting moon and rising steam made this a picture that warmed my soul. I live for moments like this when my camera takes me where my heart wants to go. I tell my photo students, follow your heart with your camera.

My dad and I have taken many beautiful photographs at the end of Ludington Avenue. On rough days, that location allows you an unobstructed view of the Ludington North Breakwater, while still offering some protection from the blowing sand and water.One risk still present is thin ice. Just after I captured this photograph, the ice beneath me gave way. Luckily, only my feet got wet.

On fire with the light of the setting sun, waves explode like fireworks against rocks lining the Ludington South Breakwater. Lake Michigan's energy never ceases to amaze and excite me.

As I lay on my stomach at the end of the inner North breakwall, an icy cold wave crashed over my head. I braced myself for the cold shock and pressed the shutter button at the same time. It all happened so fast, that I was not sure if I captured the moment. I continued to lie in the snow and shoot, but another wave never came. Fortunately, my first shot turned out.

Seas roiling like a cauldron of churning, boiling water are bathed in storm light during one of the most spectacular Lake Michigan gales of November I have ever seen. Gulls soar above the Ludington lighthouse, on the lookout for fish churned with the waves.

Jagged icicles in the foreground create a unique look at the Lake Michigan shoreline. The ice formation changed before my eyes with each powerful wave that pummeled the shore.