Bodie Lighthouse
Nags Head, NC
BODIE LIGHTHOUSE
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF BODIE LIGHTHOUSE
While Bodie Lighthouse is not on the ocean on the Outer Banks, it is situated on a nice body of water with a large clear area that makes it ideal for sunrise or a pretty good location for sunset shots. It is also in a relatively dark area that makes astrophotography very compelling from March-October.
The distinctive horizontal black and white stripes run from the bottom to the observation deck around the lantern room and it is topped with a black cupola for an overall height of 156 feet. Along with the keepers house (now a museum), the two structures make for a great minimalist scene with no wires, poles or other obstructions.
Photos and location summary by David Long. David is a landscape and travel photographer based in New England and provides both workshops and a series of self-guided e-books to help find the best locations to shoot in the Northeast US. David’s portfolio along with information on his workshops and self-guided e-books can be found at davelongphoto.com.
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This trail is a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most difficult). Parking is right at the lighthouse and there are trails around the light and out a boardwalk that stretches 1/5 of a mile into the salt marsh. Perfectly flat and simple to walk and move around the whole scene.
I like this location for sunset shots and my favorite season is in the winter with the sun in the southern sky. Hiking out the boardwalk provides the best view as well an opportunity to use the boardwalk as a leading line into the lighthouse. Winter also provides some great color on the dormant sea grass. For astrophotography, you have the ability to walk over the entire property to give yourself just the right angle for the Milky Way regardless of the month you decide to shoot. Lastly, there are some great minimalist scenes with this lighthouse and keepers house that you don't see very often on popular locations like this.
I would suggest bringing lens that range from 16mm to 35mm. The above shot was taken at 24mm.
Sea Level Ft. Elevation
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LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
