Stony Point Lighthouse
Perched on a rocky peninsula jutting into the Hudson River, this 1826 stone lighthouse is the oldest on the Hudson and makes for a compelling subject with its compact white tower, keeper's cottage, and sweeping water views in multiple directions. You can work the lighthouse from several angles, shooting tight with a short telephoto to isolate the tower against the sky, or wide to include the rocky shoreline and river in the foreground. Golden hour light from the west catches the white masonry beautifully in the late afternoon, while overcast days soften shadows and bring out the texture of the old stonework. The lighthouse sits within Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, so parking and walking access are straightforward via the park trails. A 24-70mm range covers most compositions well, and low tide exposes more of the rocky foreground for added interest. (Stony Point, New York, United States)
