SEASCAPE :: Lighthouse Morning Light

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Hillsboro Lighthouse at sunrise by Chip Bunnell Photography

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For years, I have had a fascination with lighthouses. They have stood as a beacon for seagoing explorers to find their way safely back to shore through the centuries, They act as the single point that connects hundreds or thousands of miles of open water to our firm, dry land. Most are now completely automated, but their vital and purpose still remains true.

My morning adventures took me to the Hillsboro Lighthouse in Pompano Beach. Shocked that I had not taken the opportunity to capture this icon previously, I resigned myself to correct that wrong. The day before, I scouted the area to find an entry point to make my art. Like most waterfront areas, this inlet was boarded by magnificent mansions and high-rise condos with no way for the public to access the beaches. Finally, I did discover a small city park where I could make my morning entry.

I arrived in darkness, lit only by dim lights surrounding the walkways. The lighthouse stood in the distance as a humble giant, sending its powerful light eastward to the on coming vessels. The inlet was calm with only a very few small boats headed out for a morning of fishing. Every 30 seconds the light beam would rotate over my head, light the top edges of the surrounding buildings and then return to the sea. Just as the morning sun broke through the thick morning cloud bank, the towering sentinel extinguished its light. It was as if it knew its job was complete and it passed the security and safety of the awaiting vessels to a much more powerful heavenly light source. It had done its duty and was ready for a well deserved rest, only to again awaken when the sunlight moves on to other oceans around our world.

3 Frame HDR Image, Processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com

Sturgeon Bay Canal Pierhead

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Chip Bunnell Photography Architecture Lighthouse

As summer has arrived and I look forward to the adventures that will come, I also find myself reflecting on activities from last year as well. In just a few weeks will mark the 1 year anniversary of my 1st visit to Door County, WI, a tourist hotspot for those in WI and Chicago. The weather was wonderful and the family fun-loving as always. During this trip my mother was able to join us. Much to her delight, we would spend a period of time visiting the local lighthouses and enjoying their different looks and architectural details. This is an image I made of one such lighthouse – The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead.

Located on Lake Michigan, there was a need for ships to have a long distance marker to show the entry to the canal leading to the protection of Sturgeon Bay. Construction on the 1,100’ long pier and the smaller 150’ adjacent pierhead was completed in November 1881. The wooden structure was completed in March 1882. May 15, 1882 marked the first night the red glow of the newly built light could be seen. Today, the lighthouse remains in operation and immaculate condition thanks to the Coast Guard personnel stationed in the lighthouse complex.

3 Frame Hand-held HDR, Processed in Photomatix Pro, LR and PS

www.ChipBunnell.com