A Morning At Dovercourt Lighthouse Essex

Some photographs stay with you long after the shutter has clicked, not just for the image itself but for the story behind it. This is one such capture, taken in August 2021 on the quiet coastline at Dovercourt, near Harwich, famous for its historic lighthouses. 
 

Setting Out at Dawn 
I left early that morning with a clear goal in mind: to photograph the two historic Dovercourt lighthouses and the causeway that connects them. The weather was not promising when I left, however as every seascape photographer knows, conditions can change quickly, and I was hopeful for a burst of colour at sunrise. 
I arrived near the caravan park and began the long walk towards an empty beach, where the scene began to unfold. Surprisingly, I noticed one lighthouse stranded out at sea while the other stood firmly on the beach, thanks to the tide. It was a striking contrast that at once sparked my creativity and offered the perfect setting for long exposure lighthouse photography. 
 

Composing the Shot 
After assessing the best composition, I decided to focus on the distant Dovercourt lighthouse standing proudly in the water. The groynes stretched out towards it, adding rhythm and depth to the scene, and I knew a long exposure would transform the moment into something more than just a record of place; it would capture the atmosphere and timelessness of this historic maritime location. 
Using my Canon camera, I set up carefully and patiently waited for just the right light. To my delight, I was able to bring a touch of soft colour into the frame, which balanced beautifully with the textures of the sea and sky. The result was an image that not only documented the lighthouse but also conveyed the quiet strength of the North Sea coast. 
 

From Personal Capture to Published Work 
At the time, I did not imagine where this photograph would eventually take me. A year later, I came across a competition run by History Hit Magazine and decided to enter. Given the strong historical significance of the Harwich and Dovercourt lighthouses, this image felt like the perfect fit. 
Much to my surprise, I soon learned from my good friend and fellow photographer, Loren Brand (Lorenbrand.com), that my image had been shortlisted. Loren had noticed the article where, it was published in the March 2023 edition of Digital Camera Magazine. This was a significant moment of real pride in my photographic journey and a highlight in my work with lighthouse photography throughout the UK. 
 

A Timeless Subject 
The Harwich lighthouses at Dovercourt are more than just navigational markers; they are reminders of a maritime past and enduring guardians of the Essex coastline. Capturing them that morning was both a technical and an emotional experience, and I hope this fine art seascape conveys the same sense of quiet history that I felt while standing there. 
 

Available as a Fine Art Print 
This long exposure photograph of the Dovercourt lighthouse is now available in the Mark Roche Photography store as a fine art print. Whether you have a connection to Harwich, a love for historic coastal structures, or simply an appreciation for seascape photography, I hope this piece brings a touch of history and serenity into your home. 
 

Thank you for reading and for sharing in this journey. Each image has a story, and I am always grateful for the chance to tell it. 
 

Mark Roche

Long Exposure of Dovercourt Lighthouse