Top lighthouses
LighthouseSankaty Head Light
LighthouseBrant Point Light
LighthouseGreat Point Light
LighthouseNantucket Harbor Range Lights
LighthouseNantucket Cliff Range Lights
LighthouseNantucket Beacon
LighthouseNantucket Range Rear Light
LighthouseNantucket Reef Range Front Light
LighthouseNantucket Cliff Front Range Light
LighthouseNantucket Aero Light
Map
How to photograph lighthouses
Lighthouses work at both ends of the day: blue hour when the beacon is lit, and golden hour when white towers take on warm tones.
- During blue hour, use 5–15 second exposures to capture the beam; check whether the light is still active.
- Shoot from the beach or a jetty to place the tower against open sky and sea.
- Stormy weather and crashing surf add drama; keep a safe distance from waves on rocks and piers.
- A telephoto from across a bay compresses the tower against cliffs or the moon.
- Many lighthouses are on private or Coast Guard property — check public access and opening hours.
Season: Summer brings open towers and tours; autumn and winter offer storms, fewer crowds and lower sun angles.