North Carolina Lighthouse Photo Workshop 2020 Review
Lerro Photography hosted the North Carolina Lighthouse photo workshop from July 22-26, 2020. The workshop was originally scheduled for May, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay. Once things started to calm down, we were able to reschedule for July, providing we were able to follow social distancing rules set by the State and National Parks.
During the trip we were surrounded by lightning storms but the skies above us were clear and offered us a great view of the Milky Way as well as the Comet NEOWISE. The first part of the photo workshop featured the lighthouses and scenery in the upper half the Outer Banks. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Bodie Island Lighthouse were our main photo subjects. We also spent time at Ocracoke Lighthouse, as well as some of the local beach scenes. Some of the participants stayed in hotels, while the others stayed at a campsite near Bodie Island Lighthouse.
During the instruction time, the photographers learned how to photograph the lighthouse with the Milky Way, as well as different techniques on how to create effects with the spinning and blinking lights of the lighthouses. We also had lighthouse keeper reenactors pose for several photos. Luckily for us, there was enough wind to keep the mosquitos to a minimum so we could enjoy our time taking pictures.
We took the ferry over to Ocracoke Island to photograph the Ocracoke Lighthouse. While we were there, we got to meet Thurston the Cat, also known as the lighthouse cat. He used to hang out every day at the lighthouse and greet all the guests while hanging out in the shade. Of course, all of us had to stop and pet him. We just learned that he passed away on August 13th. Rest in Peace, little keeper.
The 2nd part of our photography workshop was spent camping at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Located on the South Core Banks, it is isolated from the mainland and is only accessible by boat. The photographers took the passenger ferry over while the reenactors and I took the car ferry in order to carry the heavier equipment over. It’s 13 miles on the sand so only 4WD vehicles can make the trip. Once we met up on the island, we set up camp right on the edge of the ocean and had dinner on the beach each night. That evening, the clouds came in and thunderstorms put on quite a show over the ocean, so we spent most of our time photographing the lightning as well as some time at the bonfire. Friday morning gave us a few photo opportunities with storm clouds and lightning behind the lighthouse. With our shutter releases locked, we shot away with hopes of capturing a few lightning bolts with the lighthouse. We were all very lucky and were able to get some unique lightning shots. After a good breakfast, we hung out around the beach swimming, fishing, and exploring the area around the lighthouse.
Saturday evening’s weather forecast was much more favorable. Unlike Friday, the sunset on Saturday evening had dramatic clouds and a sun beam that lined up perfectly with the top of the lighthouse. Our reenactors also posed for us at the lighthouse and keeper’s house with various props. As it got darker, our lighthouse keeper posed with a lantern and his pipe, which allowed us to create some amazing portraits. We also did some backlighting to silhouette him against the pipe smoke. Once we finished with our lighthouse keeper, we spent the next two hours photographing the Milky Way with the lighthouse from various locations. By midnight, we were satisfied and went back on the beach for a bonfire.
Sunday morning’s sunrise provided us with blue skies and plenty of sun to work with. We also found a reflection area in the bay during low tide. After sunrise, it was time to pack up and go home. Despite the threat of poor weather and the challenges that COVID-19 posed, we were able to have another successful workshop.
North Carolina Lighthouse Photo Workshop 2020 Review
