Tom Buckard
January 2025 - Portland Head Lighthouse
About the Image(s)
Portland Head Lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In my estimation this is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in New England. As you look out over Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, you can also spot four more lighthouse towers. To your left is the Spring Point Ledge Light. Directly in front of you is the Ram Island Ledge Light. About 10 miles out, and visible only on a clear day, is the Halfway Rock Light Station and If you look to your right (South), you'll see the Cape Elizabeth Light.
This is a nine shot HDR and processed with Photomatix Pro. Slight adjustments in Photoshop. It was color but I thought the monochrome was more dynamic. Nikon D300S, Nikkor 18-200, ISO-200, F-8 and a focal length of 27.
10 comments posted
Your choice to adjust the color image to a monochrome was a great idea that resulted in a dramatic effect, reminiscent of the black-and-white masters of the 1930s and 40s. You left the right amount of sea and sky that works to provide the lightroom with a context for where it stands. Perfectly exposed and sharp throughout. Posted: 01/01/2025 19:27:45
Mike, thank you for your comments. This gorgeous light house is normally shot from the other side and in color where you have a half moon sweeping shoreline that takes you right to the lighthouse. From this not so photogenic side I just happen to convert it to Monochrome and I think it is more dramatic and works better. Posted: 01/02/2025 00:21:23
Wonderful photo Tom. I agree with you and Mike that this monochrome version is more impactful. The structure and the lines of the house makes it a appealing monochrome image. Your composition is spot on too. I was there a couple of summers ago and photographed it from the other side like you mentioned. I think a monochrome version of slow shutter speed capture from this angel would be interesting, with some motion of the clouds and stillness of the water. Posted: 01/07/2025 01:33:10
Spring, they also get violent storms in this area and as many times as I have been there my timing has always been off. Would like to catch it from both side with huge waves breaking and lots of spray. Maybe next time. Thank you for your comments. Posted: 01/09/2025 14:18:39
I like the composition of this but more than that, the mono conversion. There's good use of tonal range especially in the foreground rocks. It needs a re-visit at a suitably stormy time to capture water action. Maybe phone the lighthouse and ask them to tell you when a storm is brewing! Posted: 01/09/2025 15:51:53
Thanks Nigel, I think the mono conversion works also. Years ago I had a dark room in my home and just loved B&W. Posted: 01/09/2025 16:05:23
Tom, this is an excellent image and I agree it works well in monochrome. Can't say if this is better of the color because you did not show the color one... (-: However, since I am not a fan of HDR images, I am sure I would prefer this one. To be picky I think you have the horizon in the middle of the image and the lighthouse is almost in the middle. While this is barely a problem since the lighthouse is clearly the subject, I think the image could be stronger by having more sky and less foreground. I also found the very bright plants on the right a little distracting. Maybe you can consider to dark them a little to make less evident. I took the liberty to crop your image a little to show what I think. Let me know what do you think
best wishes
Posted: 01/12/2025 00:15:42
best wishes
Posted: 01/12/2025 00:15:42
Thank you Michele for your comments and suggestions for creating a more interesting image. Posted: 01/12/2025 00:37:05
Like your crop Michele. Posted: 01/12/2025 12:13:25
Me too! Posted: 01/12/2025 13:26:00