Hendrick's Head Lighthouse
Out on a rocky point at the mouth of the Sheepscot River, the Hendrick's Head Lighthouse marks the western shore of Southport Island and looks straight out over open water. The whole area is the classic lighthouse setup. A short white brick tower sits beside a two story keeper's house, with the bay and passing boats behind it. The buildings date back to 1875, and the white tower stands out cleanly against both blue sky or grey storm clouds. Since the lighthouse and house are now privately owned you will need to shoot from either the water or Hendricks Head Beach. Sunset is the ideal photography window. The point faces west over open water, so the sun sets out beyond the lighthouse and lights up the sky over the bay. Low tide opens up more foreground rock to anchor a composition, while a long lens pulls the tower in tight from along the beach. Foggy and stormy days suit this spot too, with surf breaking on the rocks below the point. Bring gear that can handle the spray if the swell is up. The beach has limited parking, so be sure to arrive early in summer. (Southport, Maine, USA)
