Michigan’s Lighthouses stand beautiful, tall and proud on our beaches and harbors throughout the state. Historically, over 240 lighthouses protected our ships and shores. Today there are over 100 lighthouses, each with a view of blue waters rivaling the Caribbean and Aegean Seas.
It’s no wonder why people and photographers visit their favorites many, many times. We’re sharing resources, images and a few photography tips to consider while watching our guardians.
Check out Pure Michigan’s Lighthouse Lights for a map, historical information and more. There’s so much to see (and photograph in Michigan) year round. The Pure Michigan website shares locations, history, maps, facts, trip ideas for our amazing state.
The image featured above? Visit Grand Haven! Then, take a brisk walk, safe walk on an icy pier if you’re wearing the right foot gear (I keep cramp-on ice spikes in my car just in case). Plus, make sure conditions allow for safe walking. Michigan’s winds and waves go from calm to downright dangerous quickly.
The naturally diverse state of Michigan fills our lenses and our senses with so much beauty of light, waters and nature. And, all of these surround our lighthouses.
During my trip to the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this past fall, the lighthouse in Manistique shares her sunset magic.
Michigan’s Lighthouses: Change is Constant
No two Michigan’s lighthouses are the same. Each holds their own character and feeling. Some stand stoic, next to the water with colors complimenting Michigan’s blues. Others with their vintage houses reside away from the waters edge as in Marquette, Michigan below.
In the fall, the jewel tones of fall gleam and glow. Then spring? Bundle up to watch spring’s weather elements as they burst through the ice.
Plus, with our interesting and ever-evolving seasons and light, our lighthouses change with each visit.
Take Point Betsie for instance, visit in the summer and you’ll breathe in the fresh scents of lilacs. In the winter? Well, it is Michigan so bundle up and enjoy Betsie’s icy canvas.
I don’t travel to photograph them as often as I should. When I do, what I find is that there’s more to photograph than the amazing, historical structures.
The Possibilities: Endless Creativity
What am I referring to? Pick a season, select a lighthouse or two and go with an open mind. And an open eye.
The image below captured at Point Betsie Light near Frankfort, Michigan shares my recent experience. Instead of photographing the traditional view, the calm liquid jade calls.
Using a long exposure, the evenings colors float together to frame one of Betsie’s support walls leading to the depths of Lake Michigan.
Muskegon’s Lighthouse gives a color burst moment. After driving a couple of hours from Northport, Michigan to Muskegon, the day turns bright and bold with winter sunshine.
With cramp-on ice spikes, the safe walk across the icy pier takes me to a pillar of red. Sometimes image ideas just happen and this was one of them. The icicles leading to the sky serves as inspiration, from underneath. After finding a comfortable spot on the hard ice, I was horizontal on the ground looking up. What a view!
Michigan’s Lighthouses: Before You Go Tips
Before trekking over to visit and photograph our lighthouses, here’s a few fun and serious tips to make the most of your visit.
- Go with an open eye and mind – Many of us love our blue and golden hour moments. However, lighthouses give amazing views and images in the middle of the day and the depths of the night. Take in the view any time of day.
- Photograph what interests you – There’s more than ‘just the lighthouse’ when you arrive. Take in the sites. The beaches, the water, waves, patterns in the sand. If you’re there on a windy day, you might even want to photograph those playing in the elements. Wind surfers, wave surfers, crazy photographers. It’s all there.
- Plan to shoot wide – When visiting our lighthouses, the up close views are stunning. As they are very tall and there’s a lot of leading lines, wide angle lenses are your friend. (14 – 35mm)
- Distance images – Our weather, like many states, is unpredictable at times. Even with the most accurate weather forecasts, surprises happen. Our piers while beautiful are also very, very dangerous. In case it’s not safe passing, beautiful imagery of the light, skies, and lighthouses call for mid range to short telephoto distances. (24 – 200mm focal lengths)
Safety First
Our beautiful Great Lakes glisten year round. Just as they host many amazing moments and memories, the reverse is true. Every year, sad cautionary events happen. There’s never an image or up close moment worth risking your safety. Wear the right gear if trekking on ice.
If waves are splashing across the pier, stay off as they are stronger than you are. Enjoy photographing the elements from safe distance. Clark Most (check out his terrific work and website!), the seasoned and very talented photographer above keeps a distance from danger, while getting a bit drenched.
Cramp-on ice spikes are for ice. These are a must for walking on an icy pier, ice photography and trekking. For snowy, slippery conditions Yaktrax are great for running in the snow.
From traditional imagery to making the views your own, lighthouses illuminate (pun intended) images and imagination!
For another travel photography blog: Go Greyhound: An Arkansas Hidden Treasure
