NJ Milky Way Photography, East Point Lighthouse
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East Point Lighthouse, New Jersey Milky Way
We have traveled to the lighthouse multiple times during the Milky Way season to photograph it. The lighthouse is located in a picturesque setting, and we have gathered many details about it.
EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
The East Point Lighthouse in New Jersey is one of the best places to photograph the Milky Way. There are limited locations in New Jersey for Milky Way photography. This article will give you tips on getting the best night sky photos. You can make star trails if it is not the Milky Way season.
PHOTOGRAPHING EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
We had the excellent opportunity to photograph the New Jersey lighthouse. We wanted to share some tips for anyone interested in this beautiful location. First, this location is very dark, making it ideal for Milky Way viewing. There are minimal light pollution sources near the lighthouse so that you can take advantage of the dark skies.
DAYTIME AND SUNSET
If you’re interested in this location, we recommend getting there early for sunset.
WHEN TO GO
Any time of year is suitable for general photography, but to photograph the Milky Way at East Point Lighthouse, you must go at a specific time to ensure the Milky Way is visible. Midweek is the best. People come here to watch the sunset and most leave, but if you want the best chance of having the place to yourself at night, go in the middle of the week. It doesn’t get that busy at all. Be sure to shoot it during the daytime, too.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
Brush up on the basics of daytime photography before you follow our instructions for shooting the Milky Way.
Shutter Speed – Find out more about it on our full page of information.
Aperture – Shooting in aperture priority allows you to focus on your depth of field. It is mainly used for still subjects.
ISO – Check out the page on these settings.
White Balance – Color temperature. Cloud, shade, sun, and also custom settings.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE
If you are looking for a Milky Way photography spot in NJ, look no further than East Point Lighthouse. This location offers night sky views, and with a bit of planning, you can create some truly incredible images. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience.
1. Plan your shoot around the moon cycle—The moon’s brightness can wash out the Milky Way in your photos, so it’s best to plan your shoot for when the moon is either not visible or in its new moon phase. Here are more details.
2. Arrive early to scout out the best shooting locations—It’s a good idea to arrive just a few minutes early, well before sunset, to have time to find the perfect spot. There is a good Sunset spot just down the road. See the images below.
3. Use a tripod – Night photography requires long exposures, so a tripod is essential for keeping your camera still and ensuring sharp images.
4. Set your camera to manual mode – This will give you complete control over your camera’s settings and allow you to experiment to find the perfect exposure for the conditions. See below for full details.
LOCATION – HOW TO GET TO THE LIGHTHOUSE
East Point Lighthouse is located in Heislerville, Cumberland County, New Jersey. It’s west of Cape May and Avalon, other Milky Way photography hot spots. From the north, take Route 55 south to Exit 28A. From the south, take Route 47 north to Exit 16B. Once you’re on Route 49, follow the signs for the Lighthouse. The drive takes about an hour and a half from Philadelphia.
DAYTIME PHOTOGRAPHY
This location is good to shoot twenty-four hours a day. We love this lighthouse and have photographed it many times since we are from New Jersey.
ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSE
The East Point Lighthouse is a dazzling display of history and maritime beauty, located on the Southern Bayshore in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Built in 1849, it remains an active navigational aid, serviced by the United States Coast Guard and managed by the non-profit Maurice River Historical Society. This society has fully restored and furnished the lighthouse with its beacon, which serves as a year-round museum and a spectacular light at night. The two-story Cape Cod-style building is the second oldest lighthouse in New Jersey and one of only a few land-based beacons on the Delaware Bay. It’s also registered on the National Historic Registry.
It is known for its views, sunsets, and history, allowing tourists, artists, photographers, and nature lovers to appreciate its natural beauty. A picnic area and ADA ramp can be found on the premises. To learn more about this stunning site, visit its website.
EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE EROSION – THEY NEED YOUR HELP
Help Save East Point Lighthouse – Contact the Governor of New Jersey and the Commissioner of the NJ DEP and let them know you care about history and want to see preservation before it’s too late. #saveeastpointlighthouse
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AREA INFORMATION:
There are no fees to visit East Point Lighthouse in New Jersey. Limited tours are inside, and the lighthouse is open during the hours below. You can visit at any time on the outside to photograph it. There is no regular staff or tour guide to accompany you, so be sure to plan your visit around the hours. The closest hotel is about 20 minutes away. There is a port-a-potty here. This lighthouse is very charming. It has bright white walls and a red roof that makes it stand out from the other lighthouses.
For those wishing to visit, the grounds and beach are open to everyone free of charge all year round. However, to tour the Lighthouse Museum and gift shop, please check the schedule for available dates and times.
Fees to tour & climb East Point Lighthouse Museum are:
- $8 for adults
- $4 for students 11 – 18 years old
- Free for children 10 & under
Hours:
January – April
In January, February, March & April the lighthouse & gift shop are open every 1st & 3rd weekends, both Saturday & Sunday – 11:00-4:00.
May – December – Starting in May and running through December, the lighthouse & gift shop are open every weekend, both Saturday & Sunday – 11:00-4:00.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Cape Harbor Motor Inn Information
715 Pittsburgh Avenue • Cape May • New Jersey • 08204 • Reservations (609) 884-0018
Complimentary trolley service into the Center of Cape May and its beaches – Motel rooms and suites are available – All rooms are non-smoking – Cable TV – Daily maid service – Swimming pool Spacious sundeck – Barbecue area – Shuffleboard – Ice cubes for your convenience – Parking for one car per motel room – Outdoor bike rack (bring bike lock) – WiFi
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