Lighthouses have been a beacon of safety and a symbol of maritime history along Lake Michigan’s shores for over a century. Scattered along the coastline, these iconic structures guided sailors through treacherous waters and remain beloved landmarks today. One of the most recognizable is the Holland Harbor Lighthouse, known as "Big Red," which sits at the channel entrance to Lake Michigan. Its vibrant red color and classic design make it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the Midwest.

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I was fortunate to be just a 30-minute drive from two incredible lighthouses. One of my favorites, "Big Red," stands proudly across the river from Holland State Park. One evening, I decided to create an instructional video on light painting, and with two of my brothers as my film crew, we set out for the lake. This final image is a composite of multiple photographs, each blended together to create a truly magical scene. The process of carefully lighting different parts of the lighthouse and surroundings made this one of my most cherished images of "Big Red." 

Randy Van Duinen’s fine art photography captures the essence of these incredible locations, bringing their beauty into your home, office, or any space where you want to be inspired by the wonders of nature and history.