Photographer’s Location Guide: Start Point Lighthouse, South Hams

Nestled on the rugged South Devon coastline, Start Point Lighthouse is a dream location for coastal landscape photographers. With its sweeping cliffs, dynamic skies, and rich maritime history, this spot offers year-round opportunities for photographers of all levels. This guide explores the best times to visit, techniques to capture stunning images, and how to make the most of this iconic location.

Getting to Know Start Point Lighthouse

Start Point Lighthouse sits atop a dramatic peninsula that juts into the English Channel, offering panoramic coast views. The lighthouse adds a unique architectural feature to the area’s rugged natural beauty. While some photographers may lament the loss of the revolving beam, the static light provides its charm, especially when juxtaposed against the moody tones of the coastal environment.

The lighthouse’s position, perched high above the cliffs, provides excellent vantage points for both wide-angle and zoom compositions. The combination of jagged rocks, grassy ridges, and the endless horizon creates dynamic layers in your images.

When to Visit

Sunset and Blue Hour

Sunset is a magical time to photograph Start Point. The warm hues of the setting sun often cast dramatic light over the cliffs, adding depth and texture to your shots. Even on evenings when clouds obscure the vibrant colours of the sunset, the transition to blue hour offers a moody and atmospheric palette of cool blues and purples.

Blue hour is particularly special here. As the natural light fades, the static lighthouse beam begins to stand out, adding a focal point to your compositions. Photographers can experiment with long exposures to capture the water’s soft glow against the cliffs’ sharp lines.

Milky Way Nights

For astrophotographers, Start Point is an exceptional location. With minimal light pollution and clear skies, the Milky Way often makes an appearance during the right seasons. Using tools like Stellarium to plan your shoot can help you pinpoint the perfect time for celestial compositions. The lighthouse is an anchor in the foreground, providing scale and contrast to the vastness of the night sky.

Sunrise

If you’re an early riser, the sunrise at Start Point is just as rewarding. The eastern-facing cliffs catch the first light of the day, illuminating the rugged textures of the landscape. Mornings tend to be quieter, offering a peaceful atmosphere and fewer interruptions.

Gear and Techniques

Lenses

• Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm): Ideal for capturing the dramatic ridgelines and sweeping vistas. This lens allows you to include foreground elements, like the rocky cliffs while showcasing the expansive horizon.
• Standard Zoom (24-70mm): Versatile for mid-range compositions, perfect for isolating the lighthouse with some environmental context.
• Telephoto Lens (70-200mm): Great for pulling the lighthouse closer, compressing the background for a more intimate composition.

Filters

A hard graduated neutral density filter can be invaluable, especially when shooting during golden hour. It helps balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker cliffs without overly darkening the lighthouse. A circular polarizer can also enhance the texture of the water and reduce glare, though it may become less useful as the light fades during blue hour.

Camera Settings

• Aperture: An f-stop of f/11 to f/14 ensures sharpness throughout the scene for wide-angle landscapes. For Milky Way shots, lower the aperture to f/2.8 or f/4 to let in more light.
• ISO: During the day, use a low ISO (50-100) to minimize noise. For night photography, bump it to ISO 800 or higher, depending on your camera’s low-light performance.
• Shutter Speed: Adjust to suit the desired effect. Use longer exposures (5-30 seconds) to smooth water textures or shorter ones to preserve detail.

Compositions to Try

Classic Lighthouse Shot

Position yourself along the ridgeline leading to the lighthouse. The natural curvature of the cliffs creates a leading line that draws the viewer’s eye directly to the structure. This composition works well with both wide-angle and telephoto lenses, depending on how much of the surrounding landscape you wish to include.

Panoramic Stitch

Start Point’s expansive vistas are perfect for panoramic compositions. Set your camera to manual mode, lock your focus and exposure, and sweep from left to right, capturing overlapping frames. These stitched images allow you to showcase the grandeur of the location while preserving fine details.

Blue Hour Drama

As daylight fades, focus on capturing the cool tones of the blue hour. Use a tripod and longer exposures to add motion blur to the waves while keeping the lighthouse crisp. The static light becomes a subtle yet striking feature in these compositions.

Night Sky Magic

For Milky Way shots, position the lighthouse in the foreground and angle your camera to include the stars above. Light painting can gently illuminate the lighthouse without overpowering the night sky. Be mindful of others in the area and avoid overexposing the foreground.

Textures and Patterns

Don’t overlook the more minor details. The rocky outcrops and grassy ridges offer interesting patterns and textures that can serve as compelling foregrounds. These elements work particularly well when paired with the softer hues of a sunset or the moody blues of twilight.

Practical Tips

• Plan Your Visit: Check the weather and tide times for safe and optimal conditions.
• Scout the Area: Arrive early to explore potential compositions and familiarize yourself with the terrain.
• Pack Light: The walk to the lighthouse involves uneven paths, so carry only essential gear.
• Stay Safe: The cliffs can be slippery, especially after rain. Avoid getting too close to the edges.
  
  

Conclusion

Share your captures and let the world see the magic of Start Point Lighthouse!

 

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 Devon Seascape Photography

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography