Maine Photography Article
Maine Photography Locations
Are you looking for a place near you to do photography in New Jersey? Pamela Goodyer, an internationally acclaimed and renowned photographer, has curated the best photography locations and brings you all of the first-hand details.
We delve into outdoor details here at Sandy Hook, exploring this exceptional location to create dynamic pictures. This isn’t just about nature and getting great shots; it’s a journey to travel to the best places.
Pamela Goodyer has been guiding photographers to the best locations in the world for over fifteen years.
Sandy Hook is a Great Photography Spot
SUNRISE AND 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 getting good shots during sunrises, with some dynamic rocks forming a foreground that helps to complete the composition. You’ll get a fantastic view of the NYC skyline here, but at a distance.
You can climb up the lighthouse stairs for a tour and take some exciting shots. Also noteworthy are the Gunnison barracks, which make excellent 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 here, so be sure to bring your zoom lens.
FEES:
Go directly to their site link.
The parking fee increased from $15.00 to $20.00, but there is no fee during the off-season. See below for more details. We prefer to visit before or after the season to avoid crowds and higher costs. The beaches will be packed during the summer months, but the park’s birding areas and lighthouse area will remain uncrowded.
The Snowy Owl at Sandy Hook
RESPECT THE SNOWY OWL
The Snowy Owl comes to New Jersey in the winter months. This 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 see 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. Photographing the snowy owl 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.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE SNOWY OWL
When taking photographs of the Snowy Owl, a fast shutter speed is recommended, as the Snowy Owl is a fast-moving bird. Even though you may be getting your images when the snowy owl 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’s a bright, sunny day, go a little higher.
Additionally, a large aperture can help create a shallow depth of field, separating the owl from its surroundings and making it stand out. (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 or mirrorless camera with a high-quality zoom lens is recommended. See our Recommendations in our Store. A lens of 600mm or longer is ideal for the bird details. 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.
WHEN IS BEST TIME TO GO?
The best time to go to Sandy Hook is at any time. We like the sunrise and sunset, which create dramatic lighting. In addition to the beautiful views, this location is a haven for birdwatchers. So if you like birds it depends on the season.
But our favorite times are spring and fall, when there are no fees to enter the park and no crowds.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PHOTOGRAPH?
From the tall and proud lighthouse and the crashing waves to the shoreline dotted with colorful seashells, pebbles, and birds, there is endless beauty. And if you venture beyond the sandy shores, you’ll find even more photo-worthy scenes in the surrounding area. Whether it’s the vibrant wildflowers swaying in the breeze or the majestic birds soaring overhead, every step on a hike leads to new opportunities for shots.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Sandy Hook is located off Route 36 in Highlands. Its GPS address is 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732.
IS THERE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY?
Yes! Plenty. Twin Lights Lighthouse is right next door.
Address
2 Light House Rd
Highlands, NJ 07732
Also, visit our New Jersey hotspot page to see all the locations.
HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?
The areas for photography don’t get too busy most of the year, but keep in mind that this is a New Jersey Beach town, and of course, it will get a little busier on the weekends during the summer months.
RESTAURANTS, CAMPING & WEATHER – SEE BELOW
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR LIST
- A wide-angle lens will help you fit the majestic lighthouse and the surrounding area into your frame.
- Bring a telephoto lens and a monopod to help stabilize your camera if your focus is on birds.
- Pack an array of filters, from UV to polarized, to reduce glare on the water and neutral density filters for long exposures to achieve milky water effects.
WHAT ELSE TO BRING – A PACKING LIST
- Organic bug repellent. (Non-organic is very toxic)
- Organic Sun protection. (Non-organic sunscreen is a cancer cause.)
- Durable hiking boots for any trail or terrain you may encounter.
- Have a waterproof backpack or rain cover to protect your equipment.
- Packaging a rain jacket and long pants.
- A hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the elements.
PLEASE SHARE
At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
SANDY HOOK PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
SHUTTER PRIORITY:
You have moving subjects here, such as birds, you will want to shoot in shutter priority to ensure your shutter speed is high enough to have your subject in sharp focus. For More Details, see our Shutter Priority Page.
MANUAL MODE:
You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots if you have moving water at the location. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and the neutral density filter you use. You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always set to 100 or as low as your camera allows. The aperture is f/22, or the highest f-stop your camera will allow. Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Refer to our Waterfall Photography page, as long exposure beach water shots utilize the same settings as those for waterfall photography.
You can buy an ND filter here. We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. Long exposure to moving waters makes all the difference between lifeless images and outstanding, dynamic images.
APERTURE PRIORITY:
Aperture Priority is often used to blur the background of your images and control your depth of field (how much from the subject to the background is in focus). For more information on this, see our Aperture page
ISO:
The higher you set it, the more light comes into the camera when exposing an image. The higher the number, the more digital noise, so stay below 800. If you need to go higher to get the shot, you can use Topaz Denoise to filter out the digital noise later. See the ISO page here.
WHITE BALANCE:
Be sure to set your white balance each time the lighting changes. Auto mode is not always accurate on many cameras, and we prefer to set it manually. It’s one of the more straightforward basics of photography to master. If you need further assistance, you can find more details here. See the white balance page here.
Sandy Hook, N.J. Information 2026
They still have thier 2025 info up, so double-check the link for updates.
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 or $100 per season. Parking fees are from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment. Parking at Fort Hancock is always free.
- We tell them at the gate that we are going to the back of the park to photograph, and we have never paid a fee.
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
Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook 2026
Reserve your site early. There aren’t very many camping spots here. It’s winter. We’re updating our article for this coming year, and there’s nothing up there yet to book. They’re not ready.
FOOD & DINING
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
Some food stands are here, but you might not find them when driving around. It’s a long island. Bring some snacks and drinks.
WEATHER
N.J. Photography – Check out the weather for this area today and all week by clicking here>>SEE THE WEATHER FORECAST
Learn from Award-Winning Photographer Pamela Goodyer – New Jersey Photography Classes