Focus Editor Philip shares his technique and process on how he captured a Blue Hour lighthouse seascape
The shot below is one of my personal favourites from 2021. I arrived just as the Blue Hour was setting in and the conditions for a long exposure shot were ideal - the weather was calm and there was a light cloud coverage which added some beautiful pink hues to the sky.
Generally, when I arrive at a location, I like to take some time to explore and find the best places to set up a shot. On this occasion, I knew I wanted the lighthouse to be the focal point of my shot. I walked along the causeway and found a slab which was taller than the others which looked idea as a spot to set up. Here, I climbed up and placed my camera, mounted on a tripod looking towards the lighthouse. Being slightly above the rest of the causeway meant I could fit more in the frame, and also created a fantastic vantage point to guide the viewer toward the main subject of the scene.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/61fb1783a495a1d669c9b7d6_Shot%20Standalone%20(3).jpg)
Below you'll see the settings and processes I used to get the final shot, which I hope will inspire you with your own photography too:
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/61fb18cf596e84c45d0fc12d_Simplified%20%E2%80%94%20Picfair%20%E2%80%94%20Depth%20of%20Field-1680.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/61f2dc57c6f31a5aae693740_Simplified%20%E2%80%94%20Picfair%20%E2%80%94%20Depth%20of%20Field-1680.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f58a077d654db1a689fd95b/61fb1d6494d73f7d703ce587_Simplified%20%E2%80%94%20Picfair%20%E2%80%94%20Post%20Production.jpg)
Further reading:
- Learn more about ND and GND filters with our guide to camera lens filters.
- Find more long exposure tips.
- Learn more about how to apply gradients to your images in Lightroom and Photoshop.
- See more stunning examples of leading lines in image compositions.
Stay tuned for more 'How I got that shot' features, where we break down techniques on how you too, can get stunning results!