Growing up in southwest Michigan, I developed a deep love for the serene beauty of Lake Michigan. From swimming in its warm summer waters to enjoying the breathtaking sunsets and fishing from its incredible piers, the lake has always had a special place in my heart.
My passion for photography began in 2010, when I purchased my first point-and-shoot camera. I used it to photograph both my fishing adventures and the stunning scenery around the area. The positive feedback I received after posting my photos on social media inspired me to take the plunge and invest in my first full-frame DSLR camera two years later.
After teaching myself the fundamentals and overcoming many trial-and-error moments, I started my business, Michigan Native Photography, in 2014. I chose the name as a nod to my Michigan roots and my Native American heritage with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. As the years passed, I explored different photography styles; eventually long-exposure night photography became my favorite.
One summer I visited South Haven on a warm July evening to fish for steelhead off the South Haven South Pier. (Its lighthouse was first lit in 1872 and still is operational today.) As I often did, I brought my camera gear along, intending to photograph the sunset. As night approached, the calm lake created the perfect opportunity to capture some remarkable reflection photos. I set up my Nikon D810 with a 24-70mm lens on a tripod along the shoreline and began snapping away.
In this photo, the 30-second exposure enhanced the reflections of the pier and lighthouse lights on the water’s surface. This technique also blurs the figures of people moving on the pier, creating a ghostly effect. Combined with the leftover glow of the sunset on the horizon, this photo easily became my favorite from that evening. I used a 30-second exposure at f/8 and ISO 100.
Whenever I see this image, it transports me back to that unforgettable evening on Lake Michigan.
Clyde Brazie Jr. lives in Watervliet, in Berrien County. You can see his photography at michigannativephotography.smugmug.com/. He’s also on Facebook at Michigan Native Photography, and on Instagram at michigan_native_photography.
