How to Capture Great Lighthouses Photos

Lighthouses are iconic structures that have long intrigued people. They are symbols of hope and perseverance in the face of unforgiving seas, and their dramatic scenes make them emotionally engaging subjects for photographs.

The best lighthouse photos have a combination of the following elements:

A good starting point is to consider what type of lighthouse you want to photograph and what will be in your frame. Then, plan your shot to maximize the potential of those factors. For example, you may choose to focus on the lighthouse and include a striking sky or seascape, a detail of the structure itself, or a more artistic, abstract composition that allows you to tell a story about the lighthouse.

If you want to capture a photo with the lighthouse encapsulated in the sky, sea, and surrounding structures, use a wide-angle lens. However, if you want to get close up and see the details of the lighthouse itself, a telephoto lens is likely a better choice.

In addition, you might consider experimenting with different lighting conditions and compositions to capture the lighthouse in a variety of ways. For instance, if you’re looking for a wash of warm color, shoot at sunrise or sunset when the low angle of the sun paints the sky, seascape, and lighthouse in warm hues. Or, try shooting during a storm for a dramatic, more turbulent look.

Another way to expand your options is to utilize a drone to shoot from new and interesting angles. This can be a particularly useful tool when you’re trying to capture a lighthouse that has a lot of trees or other objects in the frame that could distract from the subject.