The Tower
Cape Florida Lighthouse located at Bill Baggs Cape State Park, Key Biscayne
Cape Florida Lighthouse located at Bill Baggs Cape State Park, Key Biscayne
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Dec, 2013Views
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Contest Finalist in Spiral Photo Contest
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blairwacha
November 14, 2015
I've been to this lighthouse but got there before it was opened and couldn't stay. I don't think I've seen another lighthouse whose stairway didn't attach to the wall. Nicely captured and composed!
Lunieri
November 15, 2015
Thanks Blair. Got lucky the Ranger let me shoot after it closed and I asked him to shut off the lights after I set up this shot. Love your work !
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Bill Baggs State Park of the interior of the Cape Florida Lighthouse during a trip visiting family in November.Time
It had been raining all morning and I wanted to get to the Lighthouse before it closed. I was actually able to talk the Ranger into letting me stay after closing to get this shot! At about 5:00 p.m. the rain stopped and the sun came streaming through the windows and I was able to get this photo.Lighting
I knew I only wanted ambient lighting coming through the upper windows as I was doing multiple exposures. So I took a test shot first with the lights on to make sure I had the right camera angle. Then I had the Ranger turn the lights out...and man was it dark at the bottom of the stairs.Equipment
I was using my very first camera a Canon EOS Rebel. I had just purchased a Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX11 wide angle and was anxious to try it out. I always bring a tripod with me whenever I am out shooting, because my hand held photos never turn out as sharp. At the time this photo was taken I was using a Manfrotto tripod. I also use a 2 second timer on the camera to stop any shake.Inspiration
I had just finished climbing the 109 steps of the staircase and was on my way back down. When I reached the bottom the Ranger was there and said it was time to lock up the lighthouse and turned out the lights while I was still inside the landing. I looked back up and saw this amazing light coming through the upper windows and casting shadows across the brick and knew I had to take the shot.Editing
I love the look of HDR so I always take multiple exposures even if I don't always use them. I processed this photo first in Lightroom for lens correction, clarity and vibrance and then imported all three exposures into Photomatrix Pro to merge, align and tone map. I only shoot in RAW because it gives me a higher quality image.In my camera bag
I am currently using a Canon 70d body. My favorite lens is my prime a Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 but I always have my Tokina wide angle as well for landscapes. If I am shooting wildlife, the big lenses go with me. I always carry my polarizers and a small bag containing my Lee ND filters as well dust removal brushes, spare fully charged camera battery and extra SD cards.Feedback
When you see something amazing and want the shot, as in my case- the Lighthouse was closing, don't be afraid to ask if you can stay a few more minutes and get the shot. The worst that can happen is they say no. Always look up and down not just straight on. Explore the light from different angles to see what looks unique and don't be afraid to shoot in the dark using multiple exposures...the smallest bit of light will shine through!
