FROZEN HOPE

South Portland, ME

Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com

 
 

Willard Beach is a beach and neighborhood located in South Portland, Maine. It has become popular with photographers due to the fishing shacks located on what is known as Fisherman's Point, on the south end of the beach.

The beach also features a view of Portland Head Lighthouse from Fisherman's Point, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse can be seen from the beach, and a short walk over the beach to the north leads to Fort Preble, an old fort which was built in 1808, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. From the north end of the beach, facing south, Portland Head Lighthouse is visible behind the fishing shacks.

Photos and location summary by Rick Berk

IMPORTANT NOTE: the Willard Beach fishing stacks were destroyed in a storm in the winter of 2023. The city is planning to rebuild them. However, not time frame is set.

Trail Difficulty - EASY

It's a short walk from the parking area to the beach, transitioning from pavement to soft sand. Once on the beach, the shacks at Fisherman's point lay to the right (south), and Spring Point Ledge and Fort Preble are to the left (north).

What Lens(es) Do You Need

Standard length zoom such as a 24-70 and telephoto zooms such as a 100mm-400mm or even a 150mm-600mm will be useful here. A longer focal length is particularly useful for the compressed perspective of Portland Head Lighthouse behind the fishing shacks, as seen in the red sunrise image.

The above image was taken at 143mm focal length.

Photography Tips

For the sea smoke shot, simply walk out onto the beach and choose a composition you like. Both the images of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and the sea smoke image of the shacks were taken along the beach. The red sunrise image was captured by walking along the beach to the north end, and climbing steps up to the Southern Maine Community College campus to get ..

Other Images From This Location

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Our location summaries are written by experienced photographers - with practical information for planning your adventure - and with tips to getting the best shot

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

xx°27'5.80"N xxx°50'16.64"W

Sea Level Ft. Elevation

Directions

CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Willard Beach

From the Willard Beach parking it is an easy 1/4 mile walk to Willard Beach (transitioning from pavement to soft sand). Once on the beach, the shacks at Fisherman's point lay to the right (southeast), and …

Equipment Needed

All you need is a …

Weather

Current Weather

Weather can be very pleasant to cool in Fall and Spring. Hot in Summer but generally perfect sunset weather. Winter can be extremely cold and bring snow and ice. The ocean water even in the summer is very cold in Maine. Take extra care in dress and safety precautions if going in the winter.

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KNOW THE DETAILS BEFORE YOU GO

  • Best Time of Day to Shoot

    It is all about the light! We help you plan your trip and let you know if the location is a sunrise, sunset or anytime shot.

  • Best Time of Year

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  • Direction of Shot

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