Starting a Long-Term Photography Project: Lake Michigan’s Duality
How I found my inspiration for the next photography project.
When I moved to Chicago, Lake Michigan immediately captivated me. It quickly became a place where I could clear my mind, find inspiration for my art, and simply enjoy the outdoors.
As one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, it has shaped the lives of people for centuries. Native Americans once regarded it as a sacred source of life and spirituality. Over time, the lake played a vital role in the economic development of the region, helping Chicago rise to become one of the world’s most iconic cities. Today, it’s a popular spot for recreation, drawing people who come to relax, sail, or escape into the serene natural habitats along its shores.
But Lake Michigan is also unpredictable and dangerous. Its brutal winters and sudden weather have claimed many ships and lives.
This contrast is what draws me in—the lake is peaceful and blissful one moment, violent and unforgiving the next.
This year, I’m setting out to photograph this duality of Lake Michigan and its complex relationship with humanity. My goal is to visit the lakeshore—whether in Chicago or the surrounding areas—each week to explore its many moods. The calm and the drama. The romance and the horror.