A Photographer’s Location Guide to Chania, Crete: Capturing the Venetian Lighthouse

Crete is a paradise for photographers, offering a stunning blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. One of the most picturesque spots is the Venetian Lighthouse in Chania, located in the heart of the old harbour. Built-in the 14th century by the Venetians, this architectural gem is a magnet for photographers, thanks to its timeless charm and scenic surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual traveller with a camera, this guide will help you capture the lighthouse and its setting in the best possible way.

Why Photograph the Venetian Lighthouse?

The lighthouse stands proudly at the end of a causeway that extends into the harbour. Framed by the surrounding old town and distant mountains, it’s a scene rich in historical ambience. The area offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from sunrise shots that emphasize the dramatic Mediterranean skies to long-exposure images that smooth the sea and enhance the reflective qualities of the water.

Nearby, the vibrant old harbour brims with additional points of interest, including a historic mosque, colourful Venetian buildings, and boats gently bobbing in the water. Together, they form a compositionally rich environment for photography.

When to Visit

The best time to photograph the Venetian Lighthouse is early morning. At dawn, the harbour is quiet, the light is soft, and the colours in the sky can be stunning, ranging from deep oranges to delicate pastels. This time also allows you to avoid the crowds, which can swell later in the day as the old town comes alive with tourists.

Evenings offer another option, with the lighthouse illuminated against the backdrop of a glowing sunset or the soft hues of twilight. However, you may encounter more people at this time, making it harder to find uninterrupted shooting opportunities.

What Gear to Bring

To capture the Venetian Lighthouse and its surroundings, the right gear can make all the difference:

• Lenses: A versatile lens kit is crucial for this location. A 24-105mm lens works well, offering flexibility for both wide-angle and mid-telephoto shots. Wide-angle lenses like 16-35mm are perfect for incorporating dramatic foreground elements, while a 70-200mm lens can isolate the lighthouse and compress the background.
• Filters: A polarizing filter is essential to cut glare off the water and enhance the sky’s contrast. A soft neutral density (ND) filter, such as a 0.9-stop, is useful for creating long exposures that smooth out the sea and add an ethereal quality to the scene.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is necessary for long exposures and focus stacking, ensuring sharpness throughout the frame.

Photographic Compositions

The Venetian Lighthouse offers countless compositional possibilities, depending on your vantage point and the time of day.

You can frame the lighthouse against the open sea from the harbour wall, with the old town and mountains as a subtle backdrop. For a more dynamic perspective, explore the rocks along the left side of the harbour. These provide excellent foreground interest, mainly when photographing with a wide-angle lens. The rocks' worn textures and natural patterns contrast beautifully with the smooth water and elegant lines of the lighthouse.

Experiment with long exposures to create a sense of tranquillity. Using an aperture of f/9 and an ISO of 50, you can achieve exposures of 10-15 seconds, smoothing the water and capturing the movement of clouds. This technique works exceptionally well in the soft light of dawn or dusk.

Try focus stacking and high dynamic range (HDR) techniques if the light is uneven. This involves taking multiple shots at different focus points and exposure values. For example, focus first on the foreground rocks, then the midground, and finally on the lighthouse itself. Blend these images in post-processing to achieve sharpness throughout the frame and balance the exposure between dark foreground elements and bright skies.

Challenges and Tips

One challenge in photographing this area is the lack of tidal movement in the Mediterranean, which limits dramatic wave action around the rocks. To compensate, focus on the textures and shapes of the rocks, using them to guide the viewer’s eye toward the lighthouse.

Another consideration is timing. In the early morning, you’ll encounter revellers returning from a night out, but they rarely linger on the harbour wall, giving you brief windows of solitude for your shots. In the evening, you may need patience to work around the crowds.

When planning compositions, keep an eye on the sky. The light and colours behind the mountains can change rapidly at dawn, providing an ever-evolving backdrop to the scene. Use this to your advantage by adjusting your framing and exposure settings as the light shifts.

Beyond the Lighthouse

While the Venetian Lighthouse is the star attraction, don’t overlook the surrounding area. The old town of Chania is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities, with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant local life. The nearby mosque adds an intriguing architectural contrast, especially when bathed in soft morning light.

Conclusion

Photographing the Venetian Lighthouse in Chania is a rewarding experience for any photographer. With the proper preparation, gear, and creative exploration, you can capture images that reflect this iconic location's unique beauty and history. Whether shooting wide-angle landscapes with dramatic foregrounds or intimate close-ups highlighting architectural details, this guide will help you maximise your time in this stunning part of Crete.

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - Wall Art and Framed Prints and our European wall art

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography