Emmanuel’s journey to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
My journey to Nova Scotia began with a picture. A photograph of Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse had etched itself into my mind, igniting a desire to explore this rugged coastline. With the image of that iconic lighthouse and a couple of other scenic spots in mind, I decided to visit this beautiful part of Canada.
Knowing that places like Maine and Nova Scotia hide countless treasures for photography, I was determined to capture images few had seen before. I embarked on a 10-day adventure, eager to uncover and document the region’s natural beauty.
As soon as I arrived, I felt like a child in a candy store. Everywhere I turned, there was a potential photograph. However, capturing the essence of Nova Scotia required more than just snapping pictures; it demanded the right compositions and subjects to bring something unique and different to my followers.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. The weather was unpredictable, and the light conditions often posed problems. Nevertheless, I remained hopeful. With some luck and good lighting, I was confident I could produce great photographs.
One thing that caught me by surprise was how early it got bright. By 4:30 AM, the sky was already beginning to light up. To make the most of the beautiful pre-dawn blue light, I left my room by 4 AM every day.
Despite the early starts and the occasional setbacks, the experience was immensely rewarding. Each morning, as I stood by the rugged coastline with my camera ready, I felt a deep connection to the land and its history. The photographs I captured weren’t just images; they were stories of a place that felt both timeless and untouched.
From the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse to the hidden coves and windswept beaches, Nova Scotia offered a photographer’s paradise. The images I brought back with me are a testament to the region’s stunning beauty and the magic that happens when preparation meets opportunity.
I think my biggest challenge was the lighthouse, for a few reasons. The weather was very windy, and in professional photography, there’s no room for a blurry photo. I had to make sure I was as low as I could get while still keeping the light reflecting off the small waterhole in front of me. I was there for a few days, and I think the hardest thing to do was work around the people; the place was filled with tourists, all of them coming to watch the sunset.
After a few tries, I knew I wasn’t going to get a photo without people, and if I did, it had to be late after sunset when everyone was leaving. I waited and waited, with my heart pumping with stress—it’s a bad feeling to want something so bad and not be able to get it. Finally, on the last day, everything worked out as I had planned. I got the nice light coming after the sunset on the right and kept the clouds above the lighthouse without people. It was a moment of pride and happiness.
Finally, I can put this trip to rest by capturing this moment in time, where I will have it for many years to come and enjoy it. And who said it was easy?
5 Responses
Beautiful!!
Absolutely gorgeous lighthouse ❤️
I absolutely love what you captured in these photos. Stunning.
Most of us see a sunset, a city moving from dusk to twilight, or a lighthouse overlooking a cove as the tide rolls out and aren’t prepared to snap that picture. We feel it is a lost opportunity. An artist has a picture in his mind and prepares himself to capture it by choosing a location to get the proper angle, waiting patiently for the perfect moment, and using lighting to his advantage. You are the artist, Manny. Great job!
Loved reading your description of the thought process, your patience and expertise in capturing this truly lovely picture. A snap of a lifetime. I’m glad it worked out for you, thanks to your perseverance.