Photographing Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Visiting Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

For the past 14 years I have been able to visit Jupiter Florida each March.  One of my favorite activities there is to visit the lighthouse and to photograph it from various locations.  I have posted some of these photos on this blog in the past and now I want to share some updated photos from this year.  The photo above was taken on the boardwalk across the inlet from the lighthouse.  I love watching the boats passing in front of the lighthouse.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Facts

• Completed in 1860
• Built on a hill
• 105 ft tower
• Light can be seen 24 nautical miles
• Lighthouse museum in adjoining park where you can purchase tickets to climb to the top for a great view of the area.

More Photos of Jupiter Lighthouse

This view of the lighthouse was taken from the park that is in front of the museum.

Here is a view of the lighthouse taken from the end of the inlet just before it enters the ocean.

This photo of the lighthouse was taken through a crystal photography ball that I set on a pier across the inlet.  I have fun shooting from various angles and using new techniques.

Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Ceramic Ornament
by lighthouseenthusiast

Lighthouse Photos- Using Guide Book

Photographing  Lighthouses

I am an avid photographer and photographing lighthouses is one of my favorite retirement activities.  When I travel to a new area I want to make sure that I find the best places to photograph and the best vantage points from which to photograph.

I have found that the best way to make sure I accomplish my goal is to look at photographs from other photographers that have been to the area.  In the photograph below, I captured this lighthouse off the coast of Maine.  I had seen the photo in a guidebook and I went off to capture the lighthouse from the same point of view.  I found it in the section of the book from the Boothbay area of Maine and I was really fortunate to find that there was a little boat docked in the foreground that I could get in my photo.

The link below shows the guidebook that I used on our trip to Maine.  I found it very helpful in finding places to photograph and in supplying directions to get to each of the locations.  The book is divided into  sections on each area of the Maine coast.  It is easy to follow and full of great photographs.


Here is another photograph I took after following the directions in the guidebook to arrive at Pemaquid Point  Lighthouse.  I love the rock formations leading up to the lighthouse.

To see more about my travels to Maine stop by my blog post at Review This.
Photographing BoothBay Harbor Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article.

Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse

Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse

On a recent trip out east we made a stop at Old Fort Niagara lighthouse.  This lighthouse is located about 15 miles north of Niagara Falls in New York State.  It is on the Niagara River at the south shore of Lake Ontario.  We found the lighthouse on the edge of the parking lot of what is now the Visitors Center for Old Fort Niagara.

The original lighthouse on the site was constructed in 1782 on top of the "French Castle"  In 1872 the current lighthouse was established.  It is octagonal in shape and has a black lantern.  It is constructed of limestone and I found it to be one of the most attractive lighthouses I have visited.

Here is a view of Old Fort Niagara that spans a history of more than 300 years.  At different times in the history of the fort it was held by the French, the British and the USA.  The last armed conflict at the fort was the War of 1812. It was used as a training center for American soldiers throughout both World Wars.  The last army units were withdrawn in 1963.  Today it is held by the Coast Guard.

Old Fort Niagara Postcard
by lighthouseenthusiast

Fairport Harbor Ohio

First View of Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

We were taking a trip out east and on the way I wanted to stop at a few lighthouses along the way.  The first stop was for the Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse and we followed the directions that led us to a park along Lake Erie.  The lighthouse was not visible from the park, so I took a trail that led through the dunes and was rewarded with the beautiful sight of the lighthouse as seen in the photo above.  It is a square building with the light tower along the far side.  The lighthouse was constructed in 1925 and is currently undergoing a major makeover.

The photo below is one I took from the beach. I like the way the driftwood in the foreground leads your eye up to the lighthouse.

Here is another view of the lighthouse taken from the other side.  We got to it by driving to the little town of Fairport Harbor where the original lighthouse sits.

Below you see the original lighthouse in Fairport Harbor.
It was first put into use in 1825 and was used until the lighthouse
above was  put into use in 1925.

Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light Card
by lighthouseenthusiast

Big Bay Lighthouse- a Unique Bed and Breakfast

Wonderfully Unique Experience

If you love lighthouses you might want to consider the ultimate treat for a lighthouse enthusiast, spending some time at a lighthouse bed and breakfast. I have visited many lighthouses and climbed to the top of a few, but I can tell you nothing quite gives you the true lighthouse experience like spending the night in a lighthouse.

We had stayed in a lighthouse in Minnesota and enjoyed the experience so when we decided to take a trip to the UP ( Upper Peninsula of Michigan) I looked into lighthouse bed and breakfasts in the area. I found there were three different ones available: Sand Hills, Jacobsville and Big Bay. Although all three lighthouses looked great we decided to spend two nights at Big Bay lighthouse. It best fit our needs and travel plans.

If you want to enjoy a delightful secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Big Bay Point is a perfect place to stay. It sits high atop the bluffs on a cliff that juts out over Lake Superior. I enjoyed climbing the lighthouse tower whenever I wanted, relaxing in front of the fire in the cozy bedroom, walking the grounds and enjoying the scenery and waking up to a wonderful country style breakfast.

On this page I will share with you some information on Big Bay Point lighthouse and my experience at this delightful bed and breakfast.

all photos are my own-mbgphoto

Experience a Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

When we arrived at the lighthouse we were met by one of the owners, Jeff, and given an orientation tour of the lighthouse. Jeff showed us around the main floor. In the kitchen we were shown the guest refrigerator to keep any of our supplies and where we could find glasses and ice. In the dining area was a beverage area where we could help ourselves to coffee and other hot drinks and light snacks. The living room area included a cozy sitting area around a fireplace and bookshelves full of books. I noted there where many books about lighthouses and also a lot of travel books.

Jeff told us how to get to the lighthouse tower and we were told we were free to climb to the top of the tower whenever we wished. At the base of the tower there is a sauna which is available to the guests and also a small library. The library has a TV with both satellite reception and DVD's that we could watch. It also has a wide selection of books that can be borrowed or traded.

Next Jeff took us to our room. Our room was on the main floor and was beautifully decorated in lighthouse decorations. It had a queen size bed, a gas fireplace, and two comfortable chairs to sit and read or enjoy the views of Lake Superior from the three large windows. It also had a private bath.

After our tour we felt very comfortable with our surroundings. Jeff then told us that his wife would give a talk on the history of the lighthouse and some information on places to eat and things to do in the area later that day.

Historic Lighthouse on the Bluffs overlooking Lake Superior - background on the lighthouse

At 5 we went to the sitting room to join the other guests to hear about the history of the lighthouse and the area from Linda.

The lighthouse was originally put into operation in 1896. Ships had often wrecked along the shores of the dangerous waters just to the north of the Huron Mountains so the government established the lighthouse at Big Bay Point to help guide the ships. The original 3rd order Fresnel lens filled the entire light room and could be seen by ships from 18 miles away.

Linda gave us information about the keepers of the lighthouse through the years and what their lives must have been like on this remote point. The lighthouse originally was set up as a duplex for a lighthouse keeper and an assistant keeper and their families. There were many children raised at the lighthouse and at one point between the two families their were 14 children.

There was no electricity at the lighthouse until the 1940's so oil had to be brought up to the lantern to light the lamp. Each of the families at their own outhouse on the property.

Enjoy an evening in Spacious Sitting Room

Enjoy an evening in Spacious Sitting Room

Dining Area for Guests - breakfast family style

Linda told us that she and her husband Jeff have been running the lighthouse bed and breakfast for 22 years.

The lighthouse was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1986 and is found on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse has 7 guests rooms with private baths and some also have fireplaces. There are two bedrooms on the first floor and 5 on the second floor.

Breakfast is served family style each morning from 8-10 in the dining room. The breakfasts we had were wonderful. On the first morning we had raspberry scones, fresh fruit, Florentine scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits. The second morning we had coconut muffins, fruit and yogurt cups and banana pancakes. There was also an array of drinks, cereals and yogurt available. Everything was delicious!

There are also fresh baked cookies available to snack on throughout the day.

The Bedrooms and Library at Big Bay - beautifully decorated with lighthouse decor

This pretty room has light blue and white colors with lots of lighthouse décor.

Hike along the Bluffs

On our first afternoon at the lighthouse, I took a walk on the trail that goes from the lighthouse along the bluffs of Lake Superior and then circles through the woods back to the lighthouse. It is about 1/2 mile trail that gives you some beautiful views of the lake and bluffs as seen in the photo above.

I was by myself when I took the walk and this photo, but I'm sure if someone saw me it would have been quite comical. I was a bit intimidated by the steep bluffs, so I held on tight to a birch tree with one hand and maneuvered my camera with my other hand to get this photo. I tend to get quite involved in my photography and I could just see myself stepping too close to the bluffs if I hadn't clung to the tree.

View from the Tower - short climb to the top

One of the joys of staying all night in the lighthouse is being able to climb up to the top of the tower whenever you wish. The steps up to the tower ascend from the second floor library room. From there you climb a spiral iron staircase that leads you to the top of the tower. I found the climb to be an easy climb and the view up top to be stunning. In this photo you see the view looking to the east. You see the grounds of the lighthouse and Lake Superior.

I am told that sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning from up on the tower. Both evenings were too cloudy to enjoy a good show when we stayed so I didn't get that experience. It was also mentioned that seeing the Northern Lights from the tower could be quite spectacular.

View to the West

View to the West

Anatomy of a Murder - takes place in Big Bay

In the 1950's a murder took place in the Lumberjack Inn in Big Bay. This murder became famous when the accused was found not guilty by reason of insanity. That was the first time the insanity plea was used successfully in the state of Michigan. This true story was written in a book by Robert Traver and later producer and director Otto Preminger made it in to a film starring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Remick. It was filmed in the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay.

Both the Lumberjack Inn and the Thunder Bay Inn are still in business in Big Bay. We had pizza and beers at the Lumberjack Tavern our first night at Big Bay and dinner at the Thunder Bay Inn on the second evening. Both are very popular eating establishments in the small town.

Enjoy the Beautiful Flowers on the Grounds - Springtime in mid June

This Columbine was photographed just after a rain shower.

Big Bay Lighthouse Website - stay a night or a week

Are you ready to book your stay in a lighthouse? The link below provides all the information you need to book your special lighthouse adventure.

Thomas Rock Overlook - nature trails

If you enjoy nature you will love the opportunities at and around Big Bay. This photo was taken at the Thomas Rock overlook which is just a few miles outside of the town of Big Bay. The overlook has a great accessible path that is 1/4 mile long and leads up to the overlook. From here you can see several lighthouses, and a wonderful view of both Big Bay and the Huron Mountains.

There are also several waterfalls to explore in the area. About 6 miles away you will find Yellow Dog Falls and a short distance further down the road will be a trail to Big Pup Creek Falls. These are wonderful plays to explore and you may even see some otters playing near the falls.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

St Augustine Lighthouse-through the eyes of the camera

Historic City

I love photographing lighthouses, so I went to St. Augustine specifically to photograph the lighthouse. I was pleasantly surprised by a wonderful, historic ciy with many wonderful attractions. We were only there for one day so we really only touched the surface of all of the sites to visit. I spent quite a bit of time photographing the lighthouse and touring the lighthouse museum.

Afterward we went to the Castillo de San Marcos, an old Spanish fort that is right on the inlet. We also spent some time walking around the downtown area and taking in the many historic buildings. St. Augustine is truly a historic treasure. It was settled 55 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and is full of hundreds of years of fascinating history.

This page will give you a photographic tour of the lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos.

photographs by Mary Beth Granger

St Augustine Lighthouse - from the Parking Lot

Here is the first photo I took of the lighthouse from the parking lot. The way the lighthouse is surrounded by trees it is hard to get a good shot of the lighthouse without being right on top of it. In this lens you will see my challenge at trying to get a good shot of the lighthouse.

I moved around to various spots within the lighthouse grounds and even tried to shoot from across the way in a park. If you have a favorite view I would love to hear from you. Just let me know in the comment section at the end of the article.

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St Augustine Lighthouse is a beautiful sight with it's black and white stripes spiraling up the lighthouse.

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Fourth Order Fresnel Lens - in lighthouse museum

The lighthouse has a wonderful museum that tells the history of the lighthouse and shows a great timeline of the history.

The museum has several fresnel lenses. This photo shows a Fourth Order Fresnel Lens

Lighthouse and Keepers House

Taken from the Museum porch

This photo was taken from the porch of the museum, directly across from the lighthouse. It was one place I could get an unobstructed view of the lighthouse with the little house in front of it. I'm still a bit close for comfort and it gives a distorted look to the tower.

St. Augustine lighthouse has a 165 ft tower. Visitors are welcome to climb the 219 steps to the top.

An Artists point of View

Up Close section of Lighthouse

While we were visiting the lighthouse, there was a local artist painting an oil painting of the lighthouse. When I finished touring the grounds and museum I stopped to look at what he had been painting. I snapped this photo from the same angle the artist was using to paint the picture. It gives a closeup point of view. Interesting...although I will admit it looked much better in the oil painting.

A view through the Trees

The grounds of the lighthouse have trails through the woods that go up and down hills. I explored one of the trails looking for a view of the lighthouse. This photo was taken of the lighthouse through the trees.

Photo from Park

There is a park not far from the lighthouse where you can get some great views of the lighthouse. With my telephoto lens, I was able to capture the lighthouse framed in palms. You can even see a few tourists enjoying the view from the top of the lighthouse.

Nighttime View

We stopped by St. Augustine on another trip to Florida and I was able to capture the lighthouse at night. The lighthouse is surrounded by buildings and trees so to get a good shot of the light at night I went to a nearby park and set up my tripod.

St Augustine Lighthouse at Night by lighthouseenthusiast
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Castillo de San Marcos

This wonderful old Spanish fort was constructed between 1672 and 1756. It was made from coquina, a local shell-rock formation.

Old Spanish Fort