Cape Porpoise Reflection
CAPE PORPOISE REFLECTION
Near Kennebunkport, ME
Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com
The Cape Porpoise Fish House is a bit of an oddity along the Maine coast. Located in the fishing hamlet of Cape Porpoise, part of Kennebunkport, the current shack was built in 2016, replacing a similar fish house that had stood on the site for decades and collapsed in the early 1990s during a storm.
Since the newer incarnation was erected, it's become a popular location for photographers. So what is it? Much like its original iteration was used as a fish shack by local fishermen bringing in their catch, it is still used today as a workshop for lobstermen working on traps and gear, but also as a place to relax at the end of the day. It stands on the muddy ground near the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor, with the municipal pier across the water and the local lobster fleet. While the building is relatively new, it harkens back to simpler times and perfectly captures the feeling of Maine's lobstering roots.
Photos and location summary by Rick Berk
Trail Difficulty - EASY
The trail is an easy walk along Langsford Road, with various vantage points along the way. The fish house is in a residential neighborhood with waterfront businesses such as Langsford Road Lobster & Fish. Parking along the road is fine, but remember to respect the community's residents and property. There is a muddy path that will lead you to the fish house and the water's edge for a lower vantage point.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
Sea Level Ft. Elevation
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Cape Porpoise Fish House
From Kennebunkport - drive on State Rte 9 E for 2.0 miles and then turn right on Main St, and then take a quick right onto Langsford Rd. Drive on Langsford Rd. for about 1/4 mile, and the destination will be on the left.
Photography Tips
This shot was taken slightly zoomed in from a position on the street between two fish houses. The Cape Porpoise Municipal Pier and Goat Island Lighthouse can be seen in the distance.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 53 mm
Exposure – 1/8th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Dec 22nd
Time – sunrise
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This spot is decidedly a sunrise location. In the early morning, before human activity creates turbulence in the air and water, the house reflects perfectly if the tide is in and the water is still. The water is more turbulent in the afternoon, and the light is less pleasing.
Best Time of Year
In the fall and winter, the sun rises behind the house if facing it from Langsford Road, making for a more dramatic image, but even in spring and summer, with the light coming from the left of the house, it makes for an excellent location.
The above image was taken on December 22nd
Lens(es) Needed
Zooms such as a 24-70mm are perfect here, as you may want to zoom in to isolate the fish house from a more distant vantage point, but also be wide enough to include surroundings.
The above image was taken at a 53mm focal length.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is south, around 170°.
Equipment Needed
Other than your camera - you will need a sturdy tripod and potentially a polarizing first. A neutral density filter may also be needed to help reduce the movement in the water.
If you are walking in the mud, it would be helpful to have muck boots or waders.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
This location can have a few photographers on a busy day.
Weather
Cell Service
I have Verizon, and cell phone service is available at this location.
Nearby Restaurants
Kennebunkport is a classic Maine fishing town with many great places to eat and relax.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Old Vines Wine Bar
(978) 483-0715
173 Port Rd Kennebunk, ME
Mabels Lobster Claw
(207) 967-2562
124 Ocean Ave Kennebunkport
Area Guides and Workshops
Rick Berk (25 years as a landscape photographer) - offers private group, 1 on 1 and group workshops (BlueHour Photo Ventures) for the Maine and other northeast US area. Rick lives Freeport, Maine and has traveled and photographed the NE for most of his adult life. His outstanding work can be found at www.rickberk.com