“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”
— Don McCullin
Lighthouses are symbols that have spanned generations, cultures and eras. Standing tall, they signify a way forward, a guide for those in need. In my mind, they also represent energy, comfort and hope – a place to find solace.
As a photographer, I am drawn to them. Moreover, it’s my practice to create whole trips around photographing lighthouses. To learn of their past, to explore the earth they stand on and quietly borrow photos of their beauty.
First, I’d like to introduce you to the lighthouse I love most. Along with that, this particular blog post gives tips on making photos of these giant structures using the Out Wandering photography approach.
This particular lighthouse, located at Port Washington, WI, was first introduced to me as a child during a family vacation. Then, years later, while on an adventure with a cherished friend, I was reintroduced to her again.
Each time I travel back, a noticeable energy exists, that changes with each visit. I see and feel into the distinctive angles and contrasting shadows she makes; then, using the sun’s position, movement of clouds, even the changing seasons allows brand-new ideas for the imagery to be made.
Wandering
It seems my parents were wanderers too. Early on, I vividly remember trips in the car to faraway places – Niagra Falls, Rock Port, MA and the Rockie Mountains, to name a few.
Every summer, mom and dad would pack up our blue and white Ford Conversion van with a two week supply of clothes, camping gear and bicycles for six. We would all pile in, not knowing much about the trip. Off we’d go, out to experience life and the grand adventure!
We spent many of those family vacations along the shores of Lake Michigan. I have fond memories of hiking and playing on the miles and miles of sandy beaches, exploring State Parks and small towns and biking backcountry roads.
I would sit on the bench seat behind my dad and listen to my mom as she co-piloted, telling him when and where to turn next. Even as a child, I found this practice fascinating. It seemed bizarre to me it could be someone’s job to make a book of each state, denoting all of the highways and byways for us to follow to get anywhere in the United States.
Traveling now with technology like Google Maps, it amazes me how they so wonderfully planned those fantastic two-week excursions just by pouring over an Atlas to determine the route we would take and places we would see.
Port Washington Lighthouse
During my 2019 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Circle Tour, I discovered Port Washington, WI, has two lighthouses.
The original, The Port Washington Light, sits high above the city almost hidden within a neighborhood. This lighthouse was constructed and fully operational from 1849 – 1935, then converted into a home after The Port Washington Breakwater Light was built.
My childhood experience of exploring this lighthouse is, um, foggy at best. I only remember a feeling of freedom as we jumped the big crevasses between rocks along the path as we made our way out to the light.
Even so, as I continue to visit, camera in tow, that feeling of freedom, joy and bliss still plays out in my heart. I travel back here as often as possible – maybe as my soul destination or an unexpected detour along a journey to somewhere else.
The Out Wandering Approach To Photography
Now, back to the point of this article. I want to make some suggestions on how to photographing these symbolic, sometimes elusive but always artistic figures using a wanderer’s approach.
Photography Is Subjective
It should be noted; photography is a uniquely personal experience. If we were together at the Port Lighthouse, what we see may be the same, but how we see it will be very different. You will find an angle or view that completes the photo for your taste. Conversely, I will need something entirely different for mine. It’s this personal compilation of ingredients that makes the design of photography so appealing. And, in addition to this, each photo made so special.
Let's Go Together
In this case, anticipation starts as soon as I turn north out of Milwaukee. The twenty-minute drive allows me to visualize how the day or weekend will play out. There are butterflies in my belly as I turn onto West Grand Avenue. Happily, I drive past the local businesses and schools only to slow as I reach the crest of the hill that will subsequently hand me over to the quaint downtown area and the port below.
Stopping at the top the hill to peer out over the city below – I love observing the lighthouse as it stands with noble purpose at the end of the breakwater. Standing strong with a sense of knowing that she is the protector of this small town and the people who reside there.
It’s essential to see what has changed since my last visit. So before I make my way out to the light, I first drive around town, visit the parks and finally, take a stroll along the main street. During this time, I also have a chance to make supporting photos as a way to document the journey.
B-Roll
Along with the main photo(s), the secondary images are like the tiny details that bring a story together. Compelling and essential, they help support the bigger picture. Observation is critical, so I also apply my philosophy of being curious and look up, down and all-around to find them.
Making my way closer to the harbor, I fill with excitement. The energy coming from the lighthouse is palpable. As a result, I use what I am feeling and start searching for ways to create.
Often, potential appears with the prevailing weather. Sometimes, it’s in the spray from the waves as they crash over the seawall. And other times, it’s found in the people present with me there.
The fishermen intent on their daily catch; families together playing and having fun, or lovers who stroll along holding hands, a quiet understanding between them, that they will conquer anything as long as they do it together.
Feeling Your Way
Feeling your way to the image you eventually make is sometimes counterintuitive. To demonstrate, when we set out to create a photo, it might be because you are documenting an event. In contrast, when you are creating something to hang in your home, it should have an emotional attachment.
Using this approach will seem strange at first. With this in mind, practice, and you will soon be creating beautiful and meaningful images. Moreover, as you continue with determination, new ideas will soon come too.
Often, visual ideas appear in the prevailing weather; additionally, in the spray from the waves crashing over the seawall. And other times, inspiration will be found in the people that surround you. Just like the fisherman intent on their daily catch, families playing together, or lovers who stroll along holding hands.
Composition
The only rule is to remember there are no rules. In this case, when creating through feeling is the goal, let go of judgments, be curious and have fun.
Seven Ways To Practice
1. Get down on your belly for a new perspective.
2. Walk down the beach and make the photo as you look back.
3. Use props or other objects to provide depth and help to build your story.
4. Use shadows or other elements around the lighthouse as a way to frame your photo.
5. If you’d like the sunrise or sunset to be apart of the image, take some time to find the best place for its presence in the photo.
6. Bring people into the photo as another way to add humor or spirit.
7. Another favorite, to make photos from the subjects’ point of view. As if seeing what the lighthouse is seeing.
When people ask me what equipment I use to make my photos,
I tell them I use my heart.
Photos Made With An Open Heart
Altogether, when the sea of life becomes rough, close your eyes and breathe. Visualize yourself as that sturdy lighthouse. Trust and gather the strength available within. Know we are built to weather all storms, shining our light for all to see.
Likewise, when you want to develop photos of a lighthouse, try using the Out Wandering approach. Just open your heart and feel your way.
Lighthouses symbolize the strength within each of us. We are built to weather all storms, stand sturdy, shining our light for all to see.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.