So, there I was, standing on the shores of Ludington, camera in hand, eagerly framing the iconic lighthouse. The image I had in mind was minimalistic, with hues of blue dominating the scene and pinkish hues in the sky, creating a breathtakingly tranquil atmosphere.

I took a long exposure photo so I could blend the sky and water seamlessly, obscuring any visible horizon. It also made the water so smooth and calm that you can practically feel the serenity. What started as a straightforward, long exposure photograph quickly evolved into a work of artistic expression. Unsatisfied with the images I came home with, I blended a couple of them together to fully express the beauty I felt while watching the scene unfold around me.

In this long exposure photograph, I attempted to portray what's impossible to see with the naked eye. It freezes time while also conveying a sense of perpetual motion. The water is so smooth and calm and yet you can almost feel the peaceful waves lapping at your feet.

But what truly transformed this image into something more than just a photograph was the lone figure standing on the pier beside the lighthouse. The juxtaposition of human presence against the vast expanse of water and sky added a profound depth to the composition. That solitary person seemed to embody the theme of the image – "Solitude."

Believe it or not, this is about a 60 second exposure and the man stood still that entire time. At first, I thought that was odd. Later, the stillness he experienced spoke to me.

Solitude has lots of benefits. We all need time for self-reflection, to recharge, and to understand ourselves better. This time alone can lead to more authentic and fulfilling connections with others.

In our quest for constant connection and bustling lives, we often overlook the value of solitude. So, take a moment, immerse yourself in the "Solitude" captured in this photograph, and consider the benefits of embracing moments of peaceful introspection.