Cape May is the southernmost point in New Jersey and a year-round destination for families, photographers and nature enthusiasts. This coveted destination is the nation’s oldest seaside resort and a perennial favorite for many people. Some things just get better with age, and charming Cape May is no exception. The peninsula situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, became known as Cape May, named after Dutch Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey in 1611. Cape May was known as the “Presidents Playground” during in 1800s and Conde Nast Traveler has included Cape May as one of the “Most Beautiful Towns in America” list. Whether you are a historian, a surfer, a shopper, a foodie, or an avid photographer, Cape May offers something for everyone. We had a blast here this summer!
DJI Drone; 1/70 sec.; f/2.8; ISO 104
Beautiful Beaches
Cape May is a beach-lovers’ paradise with 2.5 miles of beach. There are a multitude of beaches to choose from but the sunrise photos are superb down around the Cape May lighthouse on the southernmost point of New Jersey. Year after year, Jersey Cape beaches are ranked among the top in New Jersey and the nation.
16-35mm lens; 1/30 sec.; f/13; ISO 160; AV mode
Cape May Lighthouse
In the lush wetlands of Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 lighthouse gives a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Built in 1859, the Lighthouse is still an aid to navigation and visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top of this 157ft. lighthouse to get a majestic view over the beach. This whole area around the lighthouse and the state park makes for great photo ops at sunrise.
16-35mm lens; 1/100 sec.; f/13; ISO 100; AV mode
Bunker At Cape May Point
On the beach, not far from Cape May Lighthouse, sits a WW2 concrete bunker that has been there for almost eighty years. With seven-foot-thick concrete walls, it is a testament to the pilings that have supported this structure for decades. The bunker was built to protect the coast from Germans should the United States be invaded during WW2. After the war, the bunker was decommissioned and used as a military radio center during the 1950’s.
70-200mm lens; 1/160 sec.; f/11; ISO 125; AV mode
Surfing
Cape May is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque views, but it is also renowned for its consistent and clean waves, which makes it a popular destination among surfers. From the surfing to dolphins playing in the waves to the sea birds soaring overhead, there’s lots to see and photograph down here. Broadway Beach by the Sunset Pavilion is the most popular spot for surfing in Cape May. Hang out here for some great photos!
iPhone 13; 1/400 sec.; f/1.6; ISO 50
Fishing
There are several spots along the shoreline of Cape May Harbor where fishermen can fish. The jetties, docks, piers, and bulkheads are popular locations for anglers. This photo was captured down by Broadway Beach by the Sunset Pavilion, where the surfers are on one side of the rocky divide, and the shoreline fishermen are on the other side at sunrise.
iPhone 13; 1/320 sec.; f/2.4; ISO 32
Cape May Historic District
Away from the beach, you can take in the sights of Cape May Historic District, with one of the largest collections of late 19th century frame buildings left in the United States. There are over 600 buildings and photo opportunities abound around every corner. The area has many well-kept, brightly colored 19th-century homes, many of which are now inns and hotels. The colorful façade reminded me of something from a storybook.
iPhone 13; 1/1250 sec.; f/1.6; ISO 50
Harpoons on the Bay
I love Cape May because you can get great sunrise shots in the morning near Cape May Point State Park, and 17 minutes across the peninsula, you can get great sunset photos on Delaware Bay. Situated directly on the Delaware Bay you’ll find Harpoons on the Bay restaurant. The sunsets here just are fabulous and across the street from the restaurant is a gorgeous beach with lots of unique abandoned piers that go out into the bay. So much to photograph and the food was excellent at Harpoons.
iPhone 13; 1/350 sec.; f/1.6; ISO 50
Wildwoods Boardwalk
The world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk has to be experienced to be appreciated. This two-mile long boardwalk holds 5 gigantic piers filled with rides, shops, games and restaurants. Each summer evening, the American dream is lived out along the boardwalk’s more than 70,000 wooden planks. So much to see and photograph here!
Conclusion
There’s so much more you could do and photograph down here, from the whale and bird watching to the people watching. Cape May is a special place, designated a “National Historical Landmark” in 1976. Cape May is like no other seaside town! Well worth putting in your travel bucket list.
The Finishing Touch
Once I captured these wonderful “Cape May” images, I just had to share them with family and friends. The Hahnemühle Photo Cards were a perfect way for me to do this! These cards are a perfect way to print out a mini-portfolio of my favorite photos of the trip and share them. Hahnemühle has four Fine Art paper types to choose from in the photo card selection: Photo Rag® 308, Museum Etching, FineArt Pearl and Photo Rag® Baryta. I decided to go with the high-gloss, 100% cotton, 315 gsm Photo Rag® Baryta. They were gorgeous – give them a try!
Happy Shooting & Printing!
Items Discussed
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. Peter offers photo workshops in southern Ontario and can be reached at info@photographyAdventures.ca
Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter – PhotographyAdventures.ca and PeterDulisPhotography.com
