thomaszakowski
FollowWhen I created this photo, which was part of an ongoing series, it wasn't about following the crowd, or traveling hundreds of miles to see something that h...
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When I created this photo, which was part of an ongoing series, it wasn't about following the crowd, or traveling hundreds of miles to see something that has been seen and photographed by hundreds of others. It was all about discovering and uncovering my own unique voice, my own unique vision and definition of beauty. I had given myself a challenge to find this unknowable thing within my own back yard, without even knowing what it was other than having the certainty I would succeed in my mission.
When I originally uploaded the other version I was in the middle of transferring files from my backup drive to the new computer, by the time I realized it was the wrong version, it was too late. anywhoo here is the correct version.
The lighthouse in St Joe Michigan. This was part of a series of winter lighthouse shots I worked on and followed for several years. Simply stated, I was following my fascination. This particular phenomenon only happens under certain conditions. So I patiently wait and watch to see how well the ice builds, and once it does, I go, and hope to capture it at it's peak. Thanks for taking the time to view, favor, and comment, I hope you enjoy the view as much as I did.
As an interesting side note, not only has certain photo's in the frozen lighthouse series won awards through other competitions, I was also represented by a global media company who arranged publishing through their global contacts.
Read less
When I originally uploaded the other version I was in the middle of transferring files from my backup drive to the new computer, by the time I realized it was the wrong version, it was too late. anywhoo here is the correct version.
The lighthouse in St Joe Michigan. This was part of a series of winter lighthouse shots I worked on and followed for several years. Simply stated, I was following my fascination. This particular phenomenon only happens under certain conditions. So I patiently wait and watch to see how well the ice builds, and once it does, I go, and hope to capture it at it's peak. Thanks for taking the time to view, favor, and comment, I hope you enjoy the view as much as I did.
As an interesting side note, not only has certain photo's in the frozen lighthouse series won awards through other competitions, I was also represented by a global media company who arranged publishing through their global contacts.
Read less
Views
31938
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
People's Choice in Capture Lighthouses Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in My Best Shot Photo Contest Vol13
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
2020 Choice Award
Contest Finalist in Change Of Seasons Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in 80 Stays Around the World Photo Contest
Winner in Nature Created Ice Sculptures Photo Challenge
Featured
People's Choice in Pure Michigan! Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in The Lighthouse Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Impactful Images Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in The Four Seasons Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Force Of Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Ice Is Nice Photo Contest
Runner Up in Image of the Year Photo Contest by Snapfish
Contest Finalist in Image of the Year Photo Contest by Snapfish
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 25
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Love it
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Categories
jamesseward
November 30, 2015
I was there in July. Didn't look like that then. Home town is Kzoo, now in CA.Nice work.
alexjevon
December 01, 2015
Every time I see a photo of this lighthouse it seems colder and colder! Excellent work!
pgg161
December 01, 2015
It looks like a forgotten lighthouse, difficult to believe all that ice will disappear so quickly!! I'm Michigan born & raised. :)
Badgrandad
December 02, 2015
Though I had given this superb image a tickle before, anyhow well done absolutely superb image.
Rod
Rod
dereksouter
December 18, 2015
that looks a little bit chilly - but my god! what a shot! truly fantastic
Jillybean56
December 29, 2015
Another awesome shot of the power of Lake Michigan. Congrats on being a finalist for photo of the year.
beverleypohlner
December 29, 2015
Your patience was well rewarded in this fantastic image. Congratulations!
richgreene
January 05, 2016
One of my photographic goals is to shoot all the lighthouses of Lake Michigan. Don't think I'll ever get one this cool. Superb.
pedronunoferreira
January 06, 2016
Very impressive and outstanding masterpiece of photographic art. Congratulations on winning Runner Up, Contest finalist and in photo contest by Snapfish and contest finalist in covers photo contest vol 25
fernveda
January 23, 2016
This is absolutely incredible. I zoomed in and it looks like cotton wool not like ice. Fascinating.
CWphotos5
February 23, 2016
I can't even find the words to tell you how this image effects me! Perfection!
barbaramillesrobinson
March 14, 2016
I agree with all of the comments...nothing left to say but, 'WOW!"
barbaramillesrobinson
March 26, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS, Thomas! I would have been really disappointed if this incredible photo did not win!
sarahdarvill
May 22, 2016
You should enter this in my 'Shapes in Nature' photo challenge! The link is...
viewbug.com/challenge/shapes-in-nature-photo-challenge-by-sarahdarvill#promote
viewbug.com/challenge/shapes-in-nature-photo-challenge-by-sarahdarvill#promote
Ritasphotography
August 23, 2016
I'm speechless......How could a picture be so beautiful and so many other things at the same time...eerie, magical, mysterious...it makes me speechless once again....
DebJay
November 04, 2016
Incredible photo. It reminds me of an image that one would see in a Sci-Fi film, just superb!
Patty1948
December 07, 2016
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
adavies
January 07, 2017
Incredible image! Beautifully captured! If you haven't done so already, please consider joining my Pure Michigan! challenge:)
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/pure-michigan-photo-challenge-by-adavies
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/pure-michigan-photo-challenge-by-adavies
adavies
February 22, 2017
Congratulations! You are the People's Choice Winner of my Pure Michigan challenge! Fantastic image....really well done! :)
BarbL
March 13, 2017
This is such a great image! Would be a perfect entry in my challenge "Nature Created Ice Sculptures"
JimMonty
April 23, 2017
Holy smokes - this looks like it should be from a Marvel movie. Even better! Amazing image.
TillyRR
May 13, 2017
Magical. There are wondrous things all around us and many times in your own backyard.
Paul39
March 21, 2018
My wife and I took our own little tour of the lighthouses around the lake a few years ago. It was in the summer. Now I think I should have done it in the winter. Fantastic shot!!
kirstenswackhamer
July 31, 2019
Stunning! Michigan lady born and raised. I've been here..but in much warmer weather!
theamazingexposure
September 20, 2019
This looks so Beautiful! My Mission this winter is to follow your Mission!!
#thanks #gratitude #inspiration
#thanks #gratitude #inspiration
HuaweiP30Lite
May 18, 2022
Did you risk freezing to death to take this picture? It looks straight out of a movie set!
Eddieuuu071
July 19, 2022
Outstanding photo! Congratulations on your runner up trophy in the Lighthouse Contest!
debbiespeed
November 14, 2022
Another fabulous photo!!! I love photos with frozen subjects, this is beyond beautiful!!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in St. Joseph Michigan, on a cold winters evening.Time
By the time I arrived it was around 5 pm and getting rather close to sunset. 45 minutes later the sun had finally set.Lighting
Since it was near sunset I took advantage of the angle of the sun. I would guess that it was roughly at 30 degrees left of the actual lighthouse which added a nice illumination to the ice hanging from the upper walkway. Using light to your advantage can make an ordinary image extraordinary.Equipment
This was taken on a Canon 40 D, on a tripod, with no other special equipment.Inspiration
I've always been a bit of a explorer, treasure hunter and nature lover. Combine that with a core fascination for life and lighthouses and there you have it. I prefer to capture things that are unique or that have a unique quality about them that you don't normally see. In this instance the end result of the ice buildup only happens when the conditions are right. While patience is key, my original intent was not just to step outside the box, but to throw the box away when it came to defining beauty. I also looked at the typical definitions surrounding landscapes, as well as nature and used those 2 ideas in the broadest sense when I originally created the theme for this series.Editing
The processing I do is highly intuitive and never really the same. The result I'm after is. It is my intention to recreate the feeling I had at that precise moment in time, and transfer that into the final result. I believe in keeping things as simple as possible.In my camera bag
My camera body, several lenses, an assortment of filters, extra batteries, a charger, lens cloth and an extra memory card.Feedback
First of all I would have to say, follow your fascinations when it comes to choosing your subject matter. Photography, while it might seem intimidating to some, in it's simplest form, is all about capturing light and manipulating light. Get to know your equipment and all the features and options you have available. Look at the various software editing programs on the market and pick a system that is right for you. Last but not least, keep it, and your photos simple, by eliminating elements that don't support your subject matter. From a foundational standpoint photography is all about learning the basics and mastering the basics and applying those skills to create something you'll be proud to share. For me I also have to say the words “Know Thyself”. Follow your fascinations despite what anyone else thinks because you never really know where they will lead you. If your really good at it, you may just find many treasures along life's path.