Bodie Lighthouse
Bodie Lighthouse
Nags Head, NC
Image by David Long @ www.davelongphoto.com
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.
Trail Difficulty - EASY
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.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
Sea Level
Photography Tips
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.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Bodie Island Lighthouse
From Raleigh, NC - drive on US 64 for 99 miles (crossing over Alligator River, Croatand and Roanoke Sounds) until you come to Bodie Island. Once on the island, take a right on North Carolina HWY 12 for 5.8 miles and turn right onto Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd. and drive for about a mile to the parking lot.
From the parking lot it is a simple walk to the lighthouse. The shot above was taken next to the pier walkway just north of the lighthouse.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm
Exposure – 1/3 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Feb 17th
Time – 7:25am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location can be photographed at sunrise / early morning and other times. It is also a great location for astrophotography during the months of March thru October.
Best Time of Year
This location can be photographed anytime of year. However, February to April is my favorite.
The above image was taken on Feb 17th.
Lens(es) Needed
I would suggest bringing lens that range from 16mm to 35mm. The above shot was taken at 24mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
At the time of this writing (April 2023) permits were not required to visit/photograph Bodie Lighthouse.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is south around 200°.
Equipment Needed
Other than your camera - all you will need a sturdy tripod.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This is a popular location for tourist and photographers. Off season, you will see fewer that 5 other. However, during the summer months - there can be upward of 20 other folks there.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is strong
Lodging & Camping
The lighthouse is close to downtown Nags Head, NC and lodging of all kinds is abundant.
Nearby Restaurants
There are plenty of good restaurants in Nags Head (just up the road from Bodie Island lighthouse.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Blue Moon Beach Grill
(252) 261-2583
4104 S Virginia Dare Trl, Ste 16 Nags Head, NC
Miller's Waterfront Restaurant
(252) 441-6151
6916 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
Woo Casa Kitchen
(252) 715-0089
5000 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
Area Guides and Workshops
David Long 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.