Storm force winds pound the Grand Haven Breakwater Lighthouse
in this October , 2010 scene. My favorite time to photograph lighthouses is in the fall when the strong low pressure systems blast through pushing strong storms and north winds. Grand Haven is one of my favorite places during these events
For me the best way to capture these big waves crashing is to use a mono-pod or take your tripod but don't open the legs, extend them but just leave them together. You can move around easier that way plus 45 to 65 mph winds don't agree with tri-pod legs much. Hold the camera steady, compose a good shot, watch through the viewfinder and wait for a nice big wave crashing into the lighthouse and then let the shutter fly a few times.