Bass Harbor Head Light at Sunset, Acadia National Park

This photo shows Bass Harbor Head Light, found in Acadia National Park on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island in Maine. The lighthouse stands above steep granite cliffs that drop into the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1858, it is one of the park’s most famous landmarks and still helps guide ships along the Maine coast. Warm sunset light reflects in thin clouds near the horizon, and the ocean appears smooth due to a long exposure. The pink and orange hues in the sky stand out against the cool grays and rusty tones of the granite cliffs. The lighthouse and its glowing lantern draw the eye near the top of the photo. You can reach this viewpoint by taking a short trail from the Bass Harbor Head Light parking lot. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park. Many photographers stand on the rocks below the cliff to capture the lighthouse above the rugged shore. Using a moderately wide-angle lens helps show the cliff leading up to the lighthouse. At sunset, side lighting brings out the granite’s texture and keeps the sky and water balanced in the shot.

44.22177666666666, -68.33685166666666