Annisquam Lighthouse in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is one of my favorite places to photograph. No matter what the time of year, I frequently return to this location with camera and tripod in hand.

I’m often asked by new photographers how is it that I never tire of shooting the “same place.” My answer is simple. “It’s never the same place twice.”

Distant view from along the coastline's edge

Capturing A Mood

As with all landscape photography, weather can greatly influence the mood or feel of an image. Bright blue skies, puffy white clouds, a storm front moving in, lightning, or fog can all add drama to the mix.

But there’s something you actually control that can change things up quite a bit — it’s your shooting perspective. How many different ways can you see and capture a single scene? Experiment. Try from a high angle and then from a low one. Move in close and then try from a distance. Watch for the subtle changes in light, shadow and texture as you move, and incorporate new elements that come into view as part of your composition.

Coastline Variables

The coastline offers a few additional variables that influence an image. Let’s start with the obvious — the tide. Depending on the time of day, you may encounter high tide with the beach nowhere to be seen. That can be a good thing! If it’s a stormy day and the ocean is feeling feisty, you might get some waves crashing against the rocks.

On the flip side, low tide can create — or reveal — all sorts of things. I often discover interesting patterns formed in the sand by the retreating tide. Sometimes when the sun is at the right angle, there is a reflection of Annisquam Lighthouse in the shallow water or in the wet sand itself.

Combine the tide with the ever-changing New England weather and there you have it — Annisquam Lighthouse is never the same place twice.

Shot from down on the beach

Shoreline Terrain

I love the rocky shoreline of Cape Ann. Annisquam Lighthouse itself stands upon a rocky ledge at the north end of the Annisquam River. Access to many of the large rocks along the beach appears and disappears as the tide comes in and out. With each visit, I love discovering a new perspective from which to shoot.

Shot from on top of the rocks

Time of Day

Sunset at Annisquam Lighthouse is one of my favorite times of the day. It’s important to note, however, that the angle of the setting sun changes throughout the year. I use The Photographer’s Ephemeris program (both on my computer and iPhone) to check the sunset’s angle on any given day. During November, the sun sets over the mainland near Wingaersheek Beach. In the summer, however, the sunset angle shifts to over the ocean.

Capturing the sunset in November

As you can see in the sunset shot above, I had low tide, clear skies, the beach and a few rocky ledges to work with when composing my shot. The orange light was beautiful that day. It was what I chose to showcase as it filled the horizon, hit the lighthouse/keeper’s cottage, and bathed the rocks.

If you look at the very edge of the receding tide, you can see a hint of the lighthouse’s reflection. Just think how different this might have been if the tide was high, the sky featured some dramatic cumulus clouds, or the waves were crashing against the rocks.

All the reasons to come back again and again. As you can see, it’s never the same place twice.

~ Liz Mackney

Website

Editor’s Pick Gallery

New England Photography Guild Gallery

When you live by the coast, you never know what the incoming tide may leave behind before it retreats back out to sea. A few weeks ago I was dumbfounded. I never imagined that the carcass of a huge finback whale would come to rest on my town’s shoreline.

Finback Whale Illustration by LG Design

It didn’t take long for me to become spellbound by this magnificent creature. Little did I know that we would soon form a very special relationship. Let me explain…

October 8th… First Spotted

The whale’s carcass had first been spotted in Boston Harbor on Oct. 8th. Nature had its own plans, however, and the carcass was pulled back out to sea. It then traveled — for almost two weeks — all the way to Rockport, Massachusetts, before becoming stuck on a rocky stretch of beach off Penzance Road. Needless to say, the finback became an instant attraction.

Finback whale comes ashore near Penzance Road

A nearby footpath provided viewing access for fascinated residents and visitors, but the whale’s beachfront location proved inaccessible to large machinery. Removing the carcass from that location was next to impossible, so Town Officials had little recourse other than to let nature take its course.

October 26th… My First Encounter

Once I learned of the whale’s exact location, I set off with camera in hand. When my eyes first caught a glimpse of the carcass, I was amazed. Finback whales are far from tiny. This whale’s carcass was reported to measure somewhere between 54-70 feet in length — a truly jaw-dropping site to see.

Determined to be a young, adult male, the finback’s decaying aroma was what I would politely describe as… “memorable.” I quickly learned to hold my breath when standing down wind. Still, nothing was going to deter me from studying the physical details of this fascinating creature.

A fin is still clearly visible

Even though the whale had been deceased for quite some time, my photographic eye could see much waiting to be captured with my lens. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, how many times does a finback whale practically land in your own backyard?

He Deserves A Name

After seeing this magnificent creature with my own eyes, I felt an instant connection. Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that I felt he deserved a name. Naturally, I gave him one.

I saw his eye and a connection was born

Had I discovered him when he first appeared in Boston Harbor, perhaps I would have named him “Finnegan.” A good Irish name for a finback whale washing up in Bean Town.

However, it was here in Rockport that I discovered him resting on this rock-covered stretch of beach. Only one name could therefore do him justice — “Rocky.”

October 28th… The Day Before Hurricane Sandy’s Arrival

This year’s Hurricane Sandy will be remembered for a long time. As the storm barreled its way up the coast and was forecasted to converge with another weather system and form a Super Storm, I knew Rocky’s future was questionable. As I saw it, the waves would either throw his carcass further up onto the nearby resident’s property, or the storm’s force would carry him away never to be seen by me again.

Early waves from Hurricane Sandy pack a punch

On this day, Oct. 28th, several photographer friends were visiting me. As part of my tour of the area, I took them over to see Rocky. We were not alone. There were many visitors simultaneously saying both “hello” and “farewell” as time was limited and the hurricane was quickly approaching.

What condition would Rocky be in after the storm? Only time would tell.

October 30th… Sandy’s Aftermath. What Happened?

By now everyone knows the devastation Hurricane Sandy brought to the East Coast. I feared for Rocky’s condition. The ocean’s power was certainly formidable during the storm. As soon as Sandy had passed, I grabbed my camera and headed off to learn Rocky’s fate.

As I walked down the footpath to the beach, I kept my fingers crossed that he was still intact. However, when I reached the end of the path, I heard myself gasp. He was… gone. Hurricane Sandy had taken him with her.

Rocky disappears after Hurricane Sandy

October 31st… A Solitary Hour

The next morning I went into town to the Red Skiff — my favorite breakfast joint. While chatting with the staff, I mentioned Rocky’s disappearance. That’s when the miracle happened — I was told he was still in Rockport!

It had been reported that he had washed up on Cape Hedge Beach near South Street. Needless to say, I grabbed my camera equipment and headed off to find him.

Our Special Time Together

When I found him, I was startled to see that he was all alone. No residents. No visitors. No crowds. No one — except for me. I think that’s the way it was meant to be. I spent the next hour with him, up close and personal. Hurricane Sandy had definitely battered him up quite a bit, but this was now my third time photographing him and he was decidedly familiar to me.

Rocky comes to rest on Cape Hedge Beach

Although decomposition had continued since I had last seen him, it was not at all disgusting in any way. I didn’t even notice a smell this time. Instead I felt incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to be alone with him. It allowed me to really study him in-depth and to photograph a great deal of intricate detail. Such a fascinating creature packed into… 50 tons!

Remains further battered by Hurricane Sandy

It was through the newspaper that I discovered Rocky’s impending fate. His relocation to Cape Hedge Beach meant that heavy equipment would now have access to him.

Incredible flesh detail still remains

As reported in the Gloucester Daily Times, Tom French, a scientist from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries planned to extract the whale’s bones for a museum exhibit at the Seacoast Science Center of Rye, New Hampshire.

Physical details abound long after the finback's death

The 6-hour extraction process was to take place the next day, Nov. 1st, beginning at 8:00 a.m. I knew I had to be there. I couldn’t abandon Rocky now.

November 1st… Farewell

I arrived at Cape Hedge Beach first thing in the morning. From a distance I could see a front loader and group of people already at work. Rocky’s dismantling had begun.

The dismantling team at work

I approached cautiously, as I didn’t want to interfere with their process in any way. I began taking photos from a reasonable distance before gradually moving closer. After shooting for a bit, I was approached by Jim Chase, VP of the Seacoast Science Center. He had noticed me photographing the dismantling process and asked if I would be willing to share my photos with them. Without hesitation I told him I would be happy to do so. Rocky deserved no less from me.

Removal of the jawbone proves labor intensive

I reviewed all of my photos from my multiple days of shooting and selected 88 shots that I thought best represented Rocky and the work of the diligent volunteers. Those photos have been shared with the Seacoast Science Center as promised.

Blubber is very thick and removal requires a true team effort

Front loader gives size perspective to the finback's jawbone

Rocky’s New Life…

Whether the bones will be in good enough shape to reconstruct the skeleton is yet to be seen. Regardless, that which has been salvaged will be on display in one form or another next year at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire.

Both jawbones successfully removed

All I know is that one way or another, I will see my pal Rocky again!

~ Liz Mackney

Website

Editor’s Pick Gallery

New England Photography Guild Gallery

As a resident of Rockport, Massachusetts, I love living in this quaint coastal town. As a photographer, I simply adore it!

Rockport Harbor

Rockport is located approximately 25 miles north of Boston at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, Rockport is an ideal location for a scenic drive along the coastline. I’m happy to share with you my favorite route and to offer suggestions of things to see and places to visit.

Drive the coastline!

Let’s Get Started…

Most visitors come to Rockport via Route 128 and take it to the very end, which is the town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. From there, continue going straight to the second traffic light and then make a left onto Route 127A.

Important! The southern half of your drive will be on what’s known as Route 127A. The northern half, however, will be on Route 127. It’s important to note that these are two distinctly different route numbers right from the start.

Okay, once you make that first left onto Route 127A, you are on your way. At this point you are still in Gloucester, but in no time will be crossing over the town line into the southern end of Rockport.

Welcome to Rockport!

While traveling from south to north (Route 127A to Route 127), there are the places I think every visitor should see for themselves. Here are some suggestions…

While Traveling North Along Route 127A…

• Cape Hedge Beach - Turn right at the Cape Hedge Inn and then follow South Street to the very end. The beach will be right in front of you.
• Loblolly Cove/Thacher Island/Twin Lighthouses – Located off of Penzance Road, which is also off of South Street but immediately after the Cape Hedge Inn. You can see Thacher Island’s Twin Lighthouses from Loblolly Cove.
• Downtown Rockport – Park the car and take a stroll. The entire downtown area is walkable. Things to see include numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, T-Wharf, Motif #1, Lula’s Pantry Viewing Deck, Rockport Harbor, Bearskin Neck, Straitsmouth Lighthouse, and the state-of-the-art Shalin Liu Performance Center.

Thacher Island at dawn from Loblolly Cove

 

Iconic Motif #1 in downtown Rockport

Mini Detour…

• Front Beach – Sea glass hunters, beach lovers and sun worshippers flock to this convenient in-town beach.
• Back Beach – A very popular location for scuba divers. Though rocky along the shoreline, as the tide goes out, more and more beach is revealed.

Sailboat Sunrise

Okay, Now North Onto Route 127…

At the end of Beach Street, make a right onto Route 127. The scenic drive north continues…

• Granite Pier – Turn right onto Wharf Road and follow the paved road down the winding hill and then up onto the dirt and gravel road of the pier for a great view of the town coastline.
• Pigeon Cove Harbor – Look for boats in the small harbor and the building with the lobster on it!
• Emerson Inn By The Sea & Cathedral Ledge – Turn right onto Phillips Ave. and follow the road down to the water. Sometimes off of Cathedral Ledge you can spot memorable waterfowl such as Mergansers, Eiders and Harlequin ducks.
• Halibut Point State Park – Hiking trails, a historic granite quarry, scenic vistas, a birders’ paradise and more!
• Lobster Pool Restaurant – End the day with a tasty lobster and enjoy a beautiful sunset at the northern end of town.

Harlequin Ducks

There you have it. An easy, straightforward drive featuring a beautiful scenic route with lots of things to see and do along the way. Makes for a perfect day trip in my book.

As for you photographers, I can tell you first hand there are photo ops everywhere you turn.

Motif #1 at midday as seen from the viewing deck at Lula's Pantry

Hope to see you around town!

~ Liz Mackney

Website

Editor’s Pick Gallery

New England Photography Guild Gallery

Disappointment Turns to Delight

Recently I took a friend over to Annisquam Lighthouse for a sunset shoot. That location is a prime spot for some nice coastal shooting. From time to time dramatic clouds appear almost out of nowhere, and the colors of the setting sun have been known to cast a spectacular hue on the lighthouse.

On this day, however, neither of those desired photographic attributes were at hand. Instead, the sky was a milky gray and the sunset colors muted. To further disappoint, a man and his young son were climbing all over the rocks surrounding the lighthouse. I stood there patiently waiting for them to move out of view. No such luck. Little did I know this irritation would actually soon make my shot.

As I stood there studying the surrounding area and considering my next shot, I saw the young boy run behind the lighthouse and out of view. The man quickly ran along the rocks to keep tabs on the boy. Then, the moment happened.

The man suddenly stopped on top of a rock next to the lighthouse. His parallel stance and small physical size in relation to the lighthouse were perfect. He then tilted his head down in what appeared to be deep contemplation. I knew that was my shot.

Solitary Perspective

It’s A Dog’s Life

On that same day, just as the sun was slipping away for the night, it cast a gold sheen across the water. The ocean was pretty calm, so although a shimmer was visible, it was not dancing. The light upon the water made for a “nothing special” kind of shot. That is until a furry four-legged friend entered the scene out of nowhere.

The dog’s size, tail position and overall silhouette, coupled with the angle of the soft waves rolling into the beach, turned the ordinary into a memorable shot. Capturing the small splash made by the dog’s feet sealed the deal.

Silhouette Sunset

What I learned from this day is that sometimes the shot you think you want is not nearly as interesting as the shot you get when something unexpected enters the scene.

Bonus! To see an example of the dramatic clouds that can showcase Annisquam Lighthouse, click here. No matter what, they’re always worth seeing!

~ Liz Mackney

Website
Editor’s Pick Gallery
New England Photography Guild Gallery

This past December I set out to explore the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Winter’s chill had not yet taken hold, and I was curious to see what I might encounter there at this time of year. Positioned along the Atlantic Coast, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge attracts a variety of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. It didn’t take long for me to bump into some of our northern neighbors.

Canada Geese

Canada geese take flight

Soon after arriving, I crossed paths with a large group of Canada geese. They were all congregated in the salt marsh. I watched them for awhile so that they could get used to my presence. In no time at all they decided to put on a show for me.

Flying towards the sun

At first they played coy; then they began to scatter. I soon discovered that while some Canada geese take flight in groups, others take off in a pairs, and still others are solitary fliers.

Going solo

One thing they all shared, however, was a strong determination to get to their next destination. I could hear their focused energy with very flap of their wings.

Trails and Boardwalks

Two things that make exploring the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge an exceptional outing are the hiking trails and boardwalks. There’s no better way to see the diverse wildlife found throughout the refuge. Observation stations are also scattered about and offer the best view of the expansive landscape.

Boardwalk through the dunes

Among the shrubs, trees and thicket might be something with no apparent rhyme or reason for being there. I stared at this single section of fence for quite awhile trying to figure out its purpose. That answer eludes me to this day.

Solitary fence

Along the edge of the beach and up in the dunes I stumbled upon some driftwood interestingly placed by Mother Nature. It made me wonder how far the pieces had traveled before resting together in that spot.

Driftwood

A Sun Lover

While Canada Geese were plentiful that day, my eyes were constantly scanning the salt marsh for other visitors. Just as the sun managed to break through the clouds, I saw it catch something in the distance. My zoom lens confirmed my suspicion. It was indeed a solitary egret enjoying the afternoon rays.

Solitary egret

Regardless of the time of year, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to visit. What you may encounter changes with the seasons. That’s reason enough to visit year round.

~ Liz Mackney

Website
Editor’s Pick Gallery
New England Photography Guild Gallery