Picture a day where the wind held a symphony of power, clouds painted a moody canvas, and the sun played a game of hide-and-seek with the horizon, creating the perfect stormy backdrop.

I arrived just after sunrise, navigating the gusty winds and unpredictable weather. The sun, shy and elusive, peeked through the clouds sporadically, casting an ethereal glow over the turbulent scene. It was a dance of elements, a photographer's dream set against the dramatic South Haven coastline.

Employing the technique of long exposure, I attempted to capture the essence of the conditions without sacrificing the raw, untamed beauty of the crashing waves. I carefully adjusted the exposure to allow the waves to remain visible and in motion as a testament to the storm's unyielding energy.

The resilience of the lighthouse is frozen in time as it absorbs a substantial wave colliding with the end of the pier. My goal for this dynamic element adds a visceral touch to the composition, capturing the intensity and unpredictability of the wind-whipped waves.

While taking this photo, I had to battle gale winds, fine-tuning the camera settings to maintain stability and precision. Every click of the shutter was a calculated risk, capturing the essence of a storm that would otherwise be fleeting.

My hope is that this image not only showcases the South Haven lighthouse in all its strength and stoic beauty but also allows viewers to feel the wind, hear the crashing waves, and stand in awe of nature's power.