Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, Rhode Island USA ©lifeasjack.com All rights reserved.
Stretching a mile out into the ocean, Point Judith would earn a nickname among mariners as “the graveyard of the Atlantic.” While this moniker has been shared among many locations along the Atlantic seaboard, the Point’s conditions often include heavy seas and dense fog. Navigating the nearby shoals in these conditions was fraught with danger. Early beacons at the site predate the American Revolution. In 1810 the first lighthouse was completed.
I wanted to photograph the lighthouse, but it’s no simple task. The light is an active Coast Guard station, and off limits to the public. The coastline speaks for itself- rocky shoals and rough waters. After poring over maps and satellite images, I fired up the motorcycle and made several recon trips to scout the best location.
Point Judith Light, Narragansett, Rhode Island USA ©lifeasjack.com All rights reserved.
First, there was the image of the entire station. This required some art to remove fencing and structures at the location that marred the landscape of the property. Then above, there was the “close up” Photographed with a long lens, it was more documentary than the previous, and rather unsatisfying.
Back in the Saddle
In mid September I would make one more attempt. The air was chilly in the morning for the ride out to the coast, but warmed as I guided the motorcycle down the gravel road to parking near the sea.
“Coffeebreak ” ©lifeasjack.com All rights reserved.
Fortifying myself with a cup of coffee from the saddlebag, I surveyed this new location and a different shot. This final image would not be so much about the lighthouse itself, but the Point.
The lighthouse would be part of the image but not the focus.
Point Judith, Narragansett, Rhode Island USA ©lifeasjack.com All rights reserved.
I would walk a distance for the image (this photo is as I took it, without any manipulation.) Satisfied after waiting for the right breaking wave, I remounted and rode away.
Which do you prefer?
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 