Castle Hill Lighthouse by Mike Dooley

Captured during a tranquil summer evening in Newport, Rhode Island, this image of the Castle Hill Lighthouse was taken during the soft glow of twilight, roughly 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. By positioning himself low on the shoreline rocks, the photographer utilized a wide-angle perspective to emphasize the lighthouse's prominence against the darkening sky. A deliberate 15-second long exposure at f/16 ensured deep depth of field and sharp detail, successfully balancing the lighthouse's illumination with the ambient coastal atmosphere. This thoughtful composition transforms a familiar landmark into a serene, award-worthy study of light and maritime architecture.