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Cape Egmont Lighthouse


Cape Egmont Lighthouse
Photo Information
Copyright: Ralph Starck (HapiSnapa) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 148 W: 5 N: 205] (1613)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-04-06
Categories: Architecture
Camera: Nikon D-70s, SIGMA 18-200/3.5-6.3 DC, 62mm CPL
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-05-02 0:26
Viewed: 181
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This photo of the Cape Egmont Lighthouse in Taranaki is the first of three photos of this scene I will post. The photo was taken just before sunset with the setting sun behind me but fully lighting the lighthouse. The light house is situated on a small hill and to get a good POV requires you to take the photo some distance from the hill, in this instance a paddock full of bulls. On this particular day they were friendly and paid me little attention as I wandered around in their paddock. My wife who was carrying the tripod declined my invitation to join me for some strange reason.

Notes:

By day, the Cape Egmont Lighthouse visibly marks the western-most point of the Taranaki coast. By night, it flashes white light once every eight seconds, telling ships up to 22 nautical miles away exactly where they are.

The lighthouse was built in London in the mid-1800s. In 1865, the cast-iron segments were shipped to New Zealand and assembled on Mana Island, north of Wellington. However, this spot proved unsatisfactory. Several shipping accidents later, it was thought that the Mana light was being confused with the lighthouse at Wellington Heads.

In 1881, the tower was dismantled and carried in sections to Cape Egmont. The huge, cast iron sections would have been ferried ashore by surfboats, then dragged up to the site by bullock teams.

Just a few miles away was the settlement of Parihaka, which at the time was the centre of a Maori non-violent movement led by Te Whiti O Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi.

Using passive, but effective, resistance the people of Parihaka managed to delay the erection of the lighthouse. In reply, the colonial authorities stationed about 40 members of the Armed Constabulary at the tower to ensure its completion. The light finally shone on 1 August 1881.

Cape Egmont lighthouse was built for a cost of £3,353.17.11 and lit for the first time on 1 August 1881. Despite its site on low-lying land, Cape Egmont had its fair share of construction issues. Existing bridges had to be strengthened to carry the large loads, and large boulders were removed from some of the streams. The road was so soft that bullock teams could only drag three tons at a time.


To find the lighthouse, which was automated in 1986, follow State Highway 45 from New Plymouth to Pungarehu. Just south of town, turn right on Cape Road. Drive five kilometres to the lighthouse which is at the end of the road.
Sharpshooter, Royaldevon, eosnut has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Dawn: ThanksHapiSnapa 1 05-02 21:39
To eosnut: ThanksHapiSnapa 1 05-02 21:37
To Royaldevon: ThanksHapiSnapa 1 05-02 21:36
To szekelykristof: ThanksHapiSnapa 1 05-02 21:35
To Sharpshooter: ThanksHapiSnapa 1 05-02 21:35
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Critiques [Translate]

Perfectly placed within the frame Ralph, the dark FG works well against the soft blue sky. Interesting cloud formations, and what a note! Very clear and well lit

TFS,
Scott.

Hi Ralph,
Simply composed, but very nice shot of this lighthouse. Light is well handled, perfectly sharp and detailed image. I also like the white stripe on the sky made by an airplane. :) Fine POV, well done! TFS.
Greetings,
Kristof

Hello Ralph,

A well composed shot, where the lighthouse gains stature from the upward pov.
Great clarity and interesting trails across the soft blue of the sky.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Nice clean and simple landscape Ralph, well worth risking life and limb for.
Regarding your tripod....you just can't get good 'Gophers' anymore ;)
Cheers,
Pete.

  • Great 
  • Dawn Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1139 W: 100 N: 3357] (17508)
  • [2009-05-02 2:32]
  • [+]

Hi Ralph... very lovely light in this photo, and great composition..I do like that red door... very eyecatching, and also the cloud formation.

Interesting to read your notes, and I dont blame your wife for not wanting to go near those Bulls I wouldnt either!

Not that long ago I was at Wenderholm, and trying to take some photos of the cows near the gate entrance.. and up stormed a Bull.. wow I thought he was going to jump the fence.. he was most unhappy with me being there!..so frightening..I rushed back to the car.. lol

TFS
Kind regards
Dawn

Hello Ralph
Great exposure, a well composed shot, I like the whispy clouds also. The lighthouse stands proud in this capture, very well done.
Regards
Jim

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