Elberta Bluffs Lake Michigan Overlook view of Frankfort Harbor

I took this photo at the Elberta Bluffs parking lot, which overlooks Lake Michigan and Frankfort Harbor. To get here, it's best to drive. Take Frankfort Avenue off of M22 in Elberta, then drive past the Cabbage Patch. The road name will change to Furnace Ave, but doesn't visibly change otherwise. Near the end of the road, take a left onto Bye St, following small signs pointing "to the beach". The GPS will then guide you to a parking area at the top of the hill where you'll see this view.

You can get a similar shot year round, but from November through January the sun sets farthest to the south with the sunlight coming through the waves and illuminating the surface of the water.

Late-afternoon and sunset provide the most directional light that can illuminate the breaks of the waves.

A long focal length of at least 400mm is needed to shoot here. I used a 600mm focal length, which provided the close up view. And a small aperture (f/9) helped to keep everything in focus.

This kind of scene is best captured with at least 20mph winds out of the southwest. A tripod will help keep steady heavy lenses, though you can rest lenses on fence structures as well.

A quick shutter (1/800 sec) is necessary to prevent blur from lens shake and also to keep waves and spray in sharp focus.

The spray takes on many shapes; wear your warmest winter gear and shoot for a while. You'll leave with lots of similar shots, but some will stand out as favorites!

The Cabbage Patch restaurant in Elberta is always worth a visit, and so is Stormcloud Brewery in Frankfort.

I also suggest visiting Frankfort Light — a historic lighthouse that was built in 1912.

And, always consider a root beer float at the classic A&W on the east side of Frankfort.