thomaszakowski
FollowA different view of the lighthouse in south haven michigan. It's part of a series I've worked on through several winters for several years. This parti...
Read more
A different view of the lighthouse in south haven michigan. It's part of a series I've worked on through several winters for several years. This particular vantage point was dedicated to the imagination. As a point of inspiration to that part of us that simply goes wow. Without any rhyme or reason. It's that childlike perfection that is there before we are indoctrinated into what life means. 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
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
6541
Likes
Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in HDR Only Photo Contest
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Jaw Dropping
Virtuoso
Exceptional Contrast
One Of A Kind
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Categories
Beautiful-Breeze
March 27, 2014
Amazing Photograph. WOW!!!!! Love everything about it.
Really well done. :-)
Really well done. :-)
SheilaDraper
May 28, 2014
Still think this is absolutely amazing :) Million likes from me on all your captures!
lidiabudzinska
February 09, 2015
you are so lucky to be in the right place in the right time , who knows maybe big freeze comes to UK one winter to :)
ChixPixPhotography
May 25, 2015
The contrast between the red and white on this one really make it sing. Love it.
Cynthia_Lee_Photography
July 27, 2015
Your work is beautiful and I love your talent in your edits! This is superb!!
ChezA
May 17, 2017
Your captures of the ice are absolutely amazing! love each and every one of them.
redsponge
February 18, 2022
Thomas would you mind sharing location of your absolutely fantastic image of the lighthouse in winter? Barbara
Magical_Exposure
November 19, 2023
Absolutely outstanding beautiful capture of the lighthouse in South Haven, Michigan!!! Michigan is where I live, Grand Rapids to be specific.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in South Haven Michigan, but that is not where the adventure began. I had a friend contact me that morning and we agreed to meet in Michigan City Indiana, which is several hours south west of this location. We started off by checking out the lighthouse that was there. From a distance that one appeared to look like a frosty treat against the deep green waters and cloudy skies which were present that day. After that, we agreed to explore the next lighthouse in St Joseph Michigan which was even more impressive than the last. It was after that experience that we moved onto South Haven.Time
By the time we 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. This one was created using multiple layers, and merged manually, with a few minor adjustments for details.In my camera bag
My camera body, several len's, an assortment of filters, extra batteries, a charger, lens cloth and an extra memory card.Feedback
Photography, while it might seem intimidating to some, in it's simplist 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.