Beachy Head Sunset: Capturing the Beauty of Belle Tout Lighthouse

Inspiration can strike from the unlikeliest of places, and this time it came from a stunning sunset image shared on social media. With that captivating image as my muse, I felt compelled to return to Beachy Head, armed with my camera and an eager spirit, ready to capture my own rendition of this awe-inspiring scene.

The Focal Point: Belle Tout Lighthouse

My primary focus was set on Belle Tout Lighthouse, a picturesque structure that stands proudly amidst the undulating hills of this breathtaking south downs landscape. As the sun descended toward the horizon, casting its warm, golden hues, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to create a great image.

Navigating with Photopills

To plan my shot meticulously, I turned to Photopills, a valuable tool for any landscape photographer. Initially, I contemplated using my trusty 400mm telephoto lens to capture the sun setting right behind Belle Tout Lighthouse. However, there was a minor challenge – the map within Photopills didn’t include landmarks like the lighthouse. Undeterred, I made an approximate guess using the available features. Photopills served as an excellent starting point, allowing me to get a rough idea of the alignment. Yet, I soon discovered that the final adjustments required some good old-fashioned footwork in the field that took me as far as I could go to the cliffs edge.

Perfecting the Composition

My composition needed to encompass not only Belle Tout Lighthouse but also the surrounding landscape, stretching out to the setting sun over the sea, with Seaford Head in the distance.

I carefully positioned my tripod right on the cliff edge of Beachy Head, a spot that would give me the ideal vantage point. Thankfully, the winds cooperated, allowing me to maintain stability.

A Magnificent Sunset

As the sun began its descent, the conditions were nothing short of magnificent. The sky adorned itself with moody, medium-high clouds, creating a dramatic backdrop.

A gap in the clouds allowed shafts of golden light to stream through, casting a mesmerizing glow over the undulating layers of the South Downs hills. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn’t have asked for a more stunning setting.

Camera Lens Settings

With my composition locked in, I switched to my 70-200mm lens, opting for an aperture of F16, an ISO setting of 100, and a 2-second timer.

Now, all that remained was to savour the moment and press the shutter button. I continued my practice of shooting bracketed shots, capturing one for the highlights and another for the shadows, ensuring that I would have all the elements needed to craft the best image.

In the end, my journey to Beachy Head for this sunset shoot proved to be a rewarding adventure. It reminded me once again of the power of nature’s beauty and the endless possibilities that await the curious photographer’s lens.