Fresnel lens

Behind the Lens at the Iconic Nauset Lighthouse

 

Introduction

 

Nauset Beach Light

I like photographing lighthouses! On a recent trip to Cape Cod, MA, I visited the beautiful Nauset Beach Light on the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham. A bold red-and-white tower, it sits on a hill for maximum visibility. I captured the lighthouse in the early-morning light, then returned for a tour of the interior, which was very cool.

Originally built in 1877, the tower was moved to its current location in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tower's exterior is a cast-iron plate shell lined with brick, standing 48 feet tall. An adjacent brick oil house has been restored. The lightkeeper’s home is adjacent to this.

 

History

 

Nauset Beach Light

The Nauset Light was originally built in 1877 as one of two towers in Chatham. It was moved to its current location in 1923 to replace the Three Sisters of Nauset. The Three Sisters were three small wooden lighthouses relocated 1000 feet west of the Nauset Light. The original Nauset Light was uniformly white, but the top section was painted red in the 1940s, giving the tower its iconic appearance.

 

In 1981, the Light’s Fresnel lens was removed and replaced with aerobeacons. These bulbs were later replaced with 400-watt metal halide bulbs.

 

Coastal Erosion

 

By the 1990s, the Nauset Light was less than 50 feet from the edge of a 70-foot cliff due to coastal erosion. When the Coast Guard considered decommissioning the lighthouse, a strong public outcry followed, prompting the formation of the Nauset Light Preservation Society. As a result, the society arranged to relocate the tower and brick oil house to a safer location.

 

The Interior

 

With a group of photographers, we were given access to the lighthouse’s interior. Never having been in a lighthouse before, I found what I saw very interesting. As I stepped in and looked up, I saw a spiral staircase extending to the top. I repeatedly tried to get a good photograph looking up from the ground floor with my mirrorless camera. That did not work very well, so I eventually switched to shooting with my iPhone, which came out better.

 

Conclusion

 

The Nauset Light is a quintessential symbol of Cape Cod. It stands as a testament to the region's maritime heritage, guiding sailors with its distinctive red-and-white tower. If you are planning a trip to Cape Cod, visiting the Nauset Light offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of Cape Cod’s nautical history.

The Nauset Lighthouse in Early Morning Light

It’s 6:00 AM this mid-October morning, and Bob, my fellow outdoor photographer, picks me up at home. Today, we are venturing out in the dark to capture the best light at the Nauset Lighthouse. This trip to Wellfleet, Cape Cod, will take about an hour, but photographing this iconic structure at sunrise will be well worth it.

We park the car just as the sun peeks from the horizon. The Lighthouse is the first thing that comes into view in all its glory. In addition to the allure of its presence at the top of a moderately steep hill, this red and white monolith looks out over the ocean, a serene site to behold.

Built in 1838, the Nauset Lighthouse has stood sentinel over the Cape Cod coastline for nearly two centuries. Originally constructed to guide mariners safely past the treacherous waters, the lighthouse has grown to embody the region’s spirit. However, the story of Nauset Lighthouse is not simply one of standing tall against stormy seas; it’s also about resilience and preservation.

The coastline has been steadily eroding, and the lighthouse faced the threat of being washed away. In a monumental relocation effort, Nauset Lighthouse was moved 1500 feet inland in 1996. This engineering feat preserved the historic structure and ensured it would continue to serve as a navigational maritime traffic beacon.

With its iconic red and white color scheme, adopted in 1955, Nauset Lighthouse has become an emblematic symbol of the Cape Cod landscape. Today, the lighthouse, operating with its original third-order Fresnel lens, glows brightly for mariners, visible from approximately 13 nautical miles. Furthermore, its listing on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its significance as a lighthouse and a piece of American maritime heritage.

While standing before the Nauset Lighthouse, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to the tales of those who lived and and worked here. Local lore speaks of the “ghost” of a former lighthouse keeper who is said to roam the grounds, perhaps keeping watch over the seas he once guarded. Whether accurate or simply the result of an overactive imagination, these stories deepen the lighthouse’s charisma and charm.

Nauset Lighthouse has certainly weathered its fair share of storms, literally and figuratively. During fierce winter storms, waves crash dramatically against the cliffs, often sending sprays of water up toward the lighthouse. Photographers over the years have captured these explosive moments, as the juxtaposition of nature’s fury with the steadfast lighthouse creates breathtaking imagery.

The reach of Nauset Lighthouse extends far beyond its physical location. It has appeared in various films, artwork and photography. The lighthouse has been part of Cape Cod’s cinematic landscape in films such as The Finest Hours, which depicts the bravery of the Coast Guard during treacherous rescues.

Nauset’s picturesque setting has long enamored artists and photographers. As depicted in the this post, many famous paintings and photographs showcase the lighthouse, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Its striking silhouette against vibrant skies serves as an enduring image of the Cape.

One intriguing aspect of lighthouse lore is the Great Lighthouse Debate, which stems from Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks. Some enthusiasts speculate whether the emotional ambiance of Hopper’s diners was inspired by the isolation often associated with lighthouse life. This debate adds another layer to the connections between lighthouses and American art and culture.

As I wander around the base of Nauset Lighthouse, I reflect on the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. These guardians of the sea lived in relative isolation, dedicated to the upkeep of the light and often dealing with the challenges of culinary and domestic life amidst the unpredictable weather. Many local accounts describe the close-knit communities formed around these lighthouses, creating a unique culture centered on maritime traditions.

At this point, the good light for photography is gone, and it is time to travel a short distance to the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for bird photography. The hope is that many of the migratory birds have not yet left for the season. It’s windy today, which could also hinder our chances for getting good bird photographs. Nevertheless, as long as we’re here, it’s certainly worth a try. Not to worry; if no luck, I know I’ll be back here in the future.

Early Morning at the Scituate Lighthouse and Harbor

It’s 6:15 AM on this cool and crisp October morning in Plymouth. MA. I pick up Bob, my friend and avid outdoor photographer for a trip up Boston’s south shore to the Scituate Lighthouse and Harbor. It’s after Labor Day, and the tourists are nowhere to be seen. We’re excited!

I park the car, and the first order of business is to stroll around the lighthouse looking for good light and perspectives for optimal compositions. We grab our equipment and split up while we capture our images.

Nestled along the rugged Massachusetts coastline, this stunning landmark tells the story of maritime navigation and serves as a cherished symbol of the community. In this post, we’ll explore the the Scituate Lighthouse’s history, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere at dawn.

Built in 1810, this structure is a testament to America’s maritime heritage. Commissioned by the federal government, its primary purpose was to enhance navigation along the Massachusetts coastline and guide vessels safely into Scituate Harbor. The lighthouse, constructed from locally sourced granite, was strategically placed atop a rocky outcrop to maximize visibility for approaching ships.

As the harbor became increasingly vital for trade and commerce, this lighthouse reduced maritime accidents and ensured safe passage. Over the years, maritime trade flourished, thanks partly to the steadfast light from the iconic tower.

Over its two centuries of service, Scituate Lighthouse has been a silent witness to significant historical events. During the War of 1812, it served as a lookout point against potential threats, ensuring the safety of the coast. In 1933, the lighthouse was automated, marking a shift towards modern navigation and systems that reflected technological advancements. Despite these changes, the lighthouse has preserved its charm and historical significance, remaining a beloved landmark for residents and visitors alike.

The architectural design of Scituate Lighthouse is a classic representation of early 19th-century lighthouse construction. Standing tall at 70 feet, its cylindrical shape tapers slightly as it ascends, providing both structural integrity and an aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Made of durable granite, the lighthouse is a robust landmark resilient to relentless coastal elements.

Above the tower, the lantern room houses the beacon, traditionally illuminated by a Fresnel lens, which allowed for efficient and far-reaching illumination. The light has been modernized today, but it continues to serve as a vital navigational aid. The rotating light can be seen from miles away, guiding sailors safely to shore as they navigate the challenging waters of the Atlantic.

Across from the lighthouse is Scituate Harbor where boats are just starting to take off in this early morning hour. The shoreline is a striking landmark that symbolizes resilience, history and community pride. The sandy beaches and historic homes create a picturesque coastal

environment that draws tourists, artists and photographers. At sunrise, the lighthouse emerges from the morning haze, casting a long shadow across the rocks and illuminating the serene waters below.

The sun is getting higher in the sky now signalling the end of the good light for creating stunning images filled with depth and warmth. Bob and I wrap it up, and we head back to Plymouth. I love lighthouses, and I have accumulated an impressive list of sites worthy of a visit. I keep my fingers crossed for good weather as winter approaches.