Winter scene on a Lake Michigan beach

The severe cold weather has created both havoc and beauty as it descended on the Midwest, and prompted a trip to the beach to see Lake Michigan.

waves crashing on the beach with ice and snow, Lake Michigan
The beach sand mixed with snow leads to piles of snow and ice formed from the waves coming ashore. Larry Shapiro photo

The bright sunny day in the image denies the viewer of the frigid air coming from the lake and the sub-zero temperatures.

waves crashing on the beach with ice and snow
Ice continues to form further from the shoreline as spray from the waves freezes quickly. Larry Shapiro photo

Moving closer to the water masks the true location where beach meets the water because of all the ice that has accumulated from the water’s spray.

waves crashing on the beach covered with ice and snow
Larry Shapiro photo

The narrow range of colors from sand, snow, ice, water, waves, and sky creates an subtle mixture of blue, green, white, and brown.

waves crashing on the beach covered with ice and snow
Larry Shapiro photo
waves crashing on the beach covered with ice and snow
Larry Shapiro photo
waves crashing on the beach covered with ice and snow
Larry Shapiro photo

After doing my due diligence of venturing out into the cold to capture some interesting images … I high-tailed it back to the car and cranked up the heat!