About the Boca Chita Lighthouse Photograph

The morning was damp, the air laden with salt and anticipation. The weather was uncertain, the sky a tumultuous canvas of gray. I boarded the boat bound for Boca Chita Key, the mainland receding behind us as we cut through the choppy waters.

The sea mirrored my restlessness, swells rising and falling as we neared the island. As if on cue, the clouds retreated, revealing the proud Boca Chita Lighthouse. It stood tall, bathed in sunlight that seemed to have been waiting just for this moment. The stark white tower contrasted against the darkened sky, urging me to capture its beauty.

I spent hours photographing the lighthouse from various angles on land, but the image I truly desired remained elusive.

As the day waned, it was time to depart, and I found myself yearning to photograph the lighthouse from the water. With the boat pulling away from the dock, I positioned myself at the stern. I grasped my Canon R5 firmly, adjusting the aperture to f11 and the shutter speed to 1/500th of a second, ensuring the rocking of the boat would not affect the exposure. I held my breath, waiting for the perfect moment to capture the scene I had envisioned. The lighthouse, now framed by the sea and sky, seemed to possess a newfound gravitas. I reviewed the image on my camera's display, and there it was: the photograph I had been chasing all day, the embodiment of the Boca Chita Lighthouse's stoic beauty.

As we journeyed back to the mainland, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, my quest fulfilled.

About Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park, established in 1980, is a watery wonderland – within sight of downtown Miami, Florida. It protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. From pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents, some 10,000 years of human history can be found here. Outdoor enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax and enjoy.