Sandy Hook is a Great All-Around Photography Spot
Sunrise & Sunset Photography
At this sunset spot, you can witness the dazzling hues of the sunset reflecting off the ocean waters in the west. The beach is also suitable for photographing sunrise, with some dynamic rocks forming a foreground which helps to complete the composition. You won’t be able to capture any docks in your photos at sunrise, but you’ll get an amazing view of the NYC skyline.
You can climb up the lighthouse stairs for a tour to get some interesting photos. Also noteworthy are the Gunnison barracks, which make for great subject matter.
Bird lovers, rejoice! We have spotted snowy owls here in the wintertime, and there are plenty of osprey nests at the end of the island before the lighthouse on the left. For convenience, there’s a parking lot across from the osprey nests, found on the right side of the main road just before reaching the fork. There are many species of birds to photograph here, so bring your zoom lens.
Fees at Sandy Hook
Go directly to their site link.
It went up from $15.00 to $20.00 for parking, but there is no fee off-season. See below for more details. We like to go before or after the season to avoid crowds and costs. The beaches will be packed in the summer months, but the park’s birding areas and lighthouse area won’t be filled.
The Snowy Owl at Sandy Hook
Respect the Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl comes to New Jersey in the winter months. Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is a favorite place for the Snowy Owl. The Snowy Owl is one of the most captivating birds found in North America. It is not very common to sight the snowy owl. We recommend visiting in the winter months when you hear the snowy owl has been spotted in the area.
A large zoom lens of 600mm and up is ideal. Photographers should respect the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures. Capturing the snowy owl through photography is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. When photographing the Snowy Owl, it is important to be patient and quiet. These birds are easily disturbed, and any sudden noise or movement can cause them to fly away. Approach slowly and quietly, and try to blend in with your surroundings as much as possible.
Winter Weather at Sandy Hook
It is also important to dress warmly, as winter temperatures can be challenging. I recommend wearing layers, thermal underwear, and a good winter jacket. A pair of warm gloves and sturdy boots are also essential.
How to Photograph the Snowy Owl
When taking photographs of the Snowy Owl, it is best to use a tripod to stabilize your camera and prevent unwanted movement, and it’s easier than hand-holding it. A fast shutter speed is recommended, as the Snowy Owl is a fast-moving bird and can be challenging to capture in flight. Even though you may be photographing the snowy owl while he is sitting still, it may take flight at any moment—be prepared with a shutter speed of at least 1000 and adjust your ISO accordingly. If it is a bright sunny day, go a little higher. It will be a scarce opportunity to get the snowy owl in flight as we did in the above picture.
Additionally, a large aperture can help create a shallow depth of field, separating the owl from its surroundings and making it stand out in your photographs. (The lowest aperture number is the largest aperture. Hint: Remember, it seems backward. F2.8 is a wide-open large aperture. F22 is closed, small aperture).
A Good Quality Camera
Regarding camera equipment, a full-frame DSLR camera with a high-quality zoom lens is recommended. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or Nikon D850 are excellent options for capturing stunning photos of the Snowy Owl. A 600mm lens or longer is ideal for capturing the bird in detail. If you don’t have access to a long-zoom lens, consider renting one for the occasion at the Photo Center in Brick, New Jersey.
Also, we buy all of our equipment at the Photo Center in Brick. They are family run and extremely knowledgeable. We have been using only them for over ten years.
Extra Eyes Photo Tours has an Acadia National Park Private Jet Tour that flys out of New Jersey
Photography Information for Sany Hook, N.J. Photography
Lens: A wide-angle lens is a must for this location. There is a lot to shoot in this area. There are a lot of birds, so having a zoom lens with you is a good idea. You might get lucky in winter and find a snowy owl as we did. But that would mean you are fortunate. The photography Gods love us. We get lucky almost everywhere we go.
Gear: Bring your tripod and your circular polarizing filter. The circular polarizing filter will make your white puffy clouds burst and deepen the blue around them. It will also remove the glare from the water and replace it with reflection. Bring your tripod, and don’t forget your neutral density filter. There is moving water to shoot in manual mode and get the motion blur effect.
Gear List at a glance: Wide angle lens, zoom lens, circular polarizing filter, neutral density filter, tripod, shutter release.
AREA
INFORMATION
Sandy Hook, N.J. Information
Visitors Center – 732- 872-5970
- The park is open daily from 6 am through 9 pm, except by permit.
- There is a $20 daily charge for beach parking from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment. Parking at Fort Hancock is always free.
It says the preferred method of payment. Next time we are in the area, we will investigate this. We are fighting back against the CBDC takeover and will boycott if we can’t use cash.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse: Open Friday-Monday from 1 to 3:30 pm. Tours are first-come, first-served.
Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and Visitor Center: Open Friday-Monday from 10 am to 4 pm starting May 5.
History House: Open Friday-Monday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
The Inlet Side of the island is Dog-Friendly, but there is no food on this side.
CAMPING
Where to Camp Near Sandy Hook
Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your campground to stay during their ghost-hunting trip? Put your campground information here. We will put a picture of your establishment, the website link, the phone number, and the information on your campground to make it easy for our photographers and ghost hunters to find you. They are good at getting there in the dark.
Would you like to be featured in an article as a place to stay while doing photography or ghost hunting? If so, please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.
FOOD & DINING
Restaurants & Food Near Sandy Hook
Food: Some food stands are in the area by the crowds near the beach. Be prepared to park and walk and stand in line here. If you are there for photography, I recommend bringing snacks and water to avoid the crowded sections’ madness.
Seed to Sprout Avon & Fair Haven, New Jersey. Our Favorite Organic Restaurant.
Address: 560A River Rd, Fair Haven, NJ 07704
Phone: (732) 268-7533
Address: 410 Main St, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717
Phone: (732) 774-7333
Add your restaurant here for as little as $50 per year on our Sandy Hook, N.J. Photography Page.
Some food stands are here, but you might not find them when driving around. It’s a long island. Bring some snacks and drinks.
HOTELS
Add Your Sandy Hook Area Hotel Here
Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your hotel for their photography or ghost-hunting trip? Put your hotel information here. We will put pictures of your hotel, the website link, the phone number, and hotel information.
Would you like to be a featured hotel like this article or this one? Please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.
WEATHER?
Weather at Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook, N.J. Photography – Check out the weather for this area today and all week by clicking here>>SEE THE WEATHER FORECAST
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