Photographer’s Guide to Kermorvan Point: Capturing Brittany’s Iconic Lighthouse

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Brittany, France, Kermorvan Point Lighthouse is a treasure trove for photographers. Known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping views, and iconic lighthouse, this location offers endless opportunities to create breathtaking compositions. Whether you’re a seasoned landscape photographer or just starting your journey, Kermorvan Point is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel list. This guide provides everything you need to know to capture the beauty of this extraordinary location.

Why Kermorvan Point?

Kermorvan Point stands out for its photogenic qualities. With its classic revolving light, the lighthouse is perched at the end of a rocky outcrop surrounded by the Atlantic. A stone walkway leads to the lighthouse, providing a leading line that can anchor your compositions. Adding to the charm are the rugged cliffs, tide patterns, and, depending on the season, wildflowers scattered among the rocks.

This location isn’t just about the lighthouse. The surrounding area boasts additional lighthouses and dramatic coastal scenery. These elements make Kermorvan Point a playground for landscape photographers seeking variety and drama in their shots.

Best Time to Visit and Shoot

For the most captivating images, plan your visit around sunrise. Arriving at least 30 minutes before the sun comes up allows you to set up and capture the serene blue hour with soft light and deep colours that enhance the textures of the cliffs and sea.

Morning light behind the lighthouse creates a compelling contrast, with shadows and highlights playing across the stone. The clouds can add dramatic definition even on overcast days, and a polarizer can help emphasize their patterns. Rainy weather, while challenging, often results in moody atmospheres and vibrant skies post-storm.

Essential Equipment

• Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm): A must for capturing the expansive views and incorporating foreground elements like rocks, wildflowers, or the stone walkway. Shooting at around 18mm balances wide coverage and minimizing distortion.
• Graduated ND Filters: These are invaluable for balancing the bright sky with darker foregrounds, especially during sunrise.
• Polarizer: Use this to reduce glare off the water and enhance colour contrast, giving the sea a soft, pastel-like quality. It also helps emphasize the separation between the lighthouse and its surroundings.
• Tripod: Necessary for long exposures that capture the motion of the waves and clouds with crisp detail.
• Weather Protection: Given Brittany’s unpredictable weather, bring lens covers and waterproof gear to protect your equipment.

Photographic Compositions

Kermorvan Point offers countless angles and perspectives. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

1. The Stone Walkway as a Leading Line
   Position yourself along the stone walkway leading to the lighthouse. This creates a natural guide for the viewer’s eye, pulling them into the frame and emphasizing the scale of the scene.
2. Foreground Interest with Wildflowers and Rocks
   For added depth, incorporate foreground elements like the wildflowers that grow near the cliffs. Position your camera low to the ground to frame the lighthouse against these natural details.
3. Cliffside Perspectives
   Explore different elevations along the cliffs. You can capture the lighthouse surrounded by the swirling tides and sprawling coastline from higher vantage points. Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the scale of the landscape.
4. Long Exposures of the Waves
   Take advantage of the motion of the sea. A long exposure (15-30 seconds) smooths out the water, creating a dreamy effect that contrasts beautifully with the lighthouse’s rugged cliffs and solid structure.
5. Rainbow and Post-Storm Skies
   Brittany’s dynamic weather can lead to rainbows after showers, especially in the morning light. While tricky to photograph in heavy rain, post-processing can help enhance these rare and dramatic captures.

Challenges and Tips

Rain can be a frequent companion in Brittany, which can complicate your shoot. Keep your camera covered and ready to shoot quickly between showers. Protecting your filters is crucial to avoid streaks and water spots.

While the walkway to the lighthouse is picturesque, it can become slippery in wet conditions. Take care when moving around, especially on uneven terrain.

Timing is another challenge. The most vibrant colours and light often occur briefly during sunrise or sunset. Arriving early and scouting compositions beforehand ensures you don’t miss fleeting moments.

Beyond Kermorvan Point

While the Kermorvan lighthouse is the centrepiece, the surrounding coastline is equally rewarding. Nearby static lighthouses offer additional photographic subjects. The beaches and cliffs provide a wealth of textures, patterns, and colours that change with the tide.

Futher around the corner at Brest you will find the iconic Petit Minou Lighthouse

Final Thoughts

Kermorvan Point is more than a lighthouse; it’s a location that invites exploration and creativity. This spot is a dream for photographers, from the interplay of light and shadows at sunrise to the captivating details in its rugged surroundings.

Although weather conditions can be challenging, the unique opportunities for composition and mood make it worth the effort. Pack your wide-angle lens, be prepared for changing conditions, and let the beauty of Kermorvan Point inspire your next masterpiece.

 

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 French Landscape Prints

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography