Sankaty Head Lighthouse Print - Nantucket Photography | Fine Art

It was 5:30 AM on an October morning on Nantucket. The alarm went off and I thought about skipping the sunrise at the iconic Sankaty Head Light, but decided I’d be more mad if I slept in. I was right - I had the lighthouse to myself and was able to capture the beautiful sunrise colors behind the red-striped beacon. I spent over an hour photographing the lighthouse, capturing the lighthouse as the sky changed behind it. This sunrise photography print captures that peaceful moment at one of Nantucket's most beloved landmarks.

THE HISTORY 

Sankaty Head Lighthouse has stood watch over Nantucket's eastern shore since February 1, 1850. Built for $10,330, this 70-foot brick and granite tower was one of the first lighthouses in the United States to receive a second-order Fresnel lens from Paris, a lens so brilliant it could be seen 25 miles out to sea.

The lighthouse's distinctive appearance, white with a broad red central band, has made it one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. Located at the easternmost point of Nantucket in the village of Siasconset (known to the locals as 'Sconset), Sankaty Head Light has guided countless ships safely along the island's coast.

In October 2007, the ‘Sconset Trust literally picked up the entire lighthouse and moved it to safety. Erosion along Nantucket’s coast has become a massive issue and the 405-ton lighthouse was on the edge of disaster. The move brought the lighthouse 400 feet inland. The island continues to lose 3 feet per year to erosion and now stands 267 feet from the bluff’s edge. The light continues to flash every 7.5 seconds, just has it has for more than 175 years.

The name "Sankaty" comes from the Wampanoag Native American word meaning "highland", the perfect name for a lighthouse that sits atop one of Nantucket's highest coastal points.

THE SHOT

This fine art photography print captures Sankaty Head Lighthouse during that magical golden hour just after sunrise. While the October air was a bit chilly, the warm morning light perfectly lights Sankaty’s iconic red stripe. Walking around the grounds of the ‘Sconset Trust property, I was able to capture the lighthouse in its natural setting: peaceful, timeless, and quintessentially Nantucket. 

While most visitors see (and photograph) Sankaty Light during the harsh midday light, I was able to capture it with the magical soft light only found during sunrise. Getting up before sunrise on vacation is never my first choice, it’s always worth it when I can capture some iconic coastal images.

This is “Sankaty Sunrise I”, one of my absolute favorite shots from Nantucket.

___________________________________________________________

PERFECT FOR:

• Nantucket homeowners and seasonal residents
• Siasconset cottage and beach house decor
• Lighthouse enthusiasts and collectors 
• Anyone who loves Nantucket's coastal charm  
• Gifts for couples who got engaged at Sankaty  
• Office or home office with coastal theme  
• New England nautical decor 
• Commemorating Nantucket vacations and family memories  
• Collectors of lighthouse photography  
• Fans of sunrise and golden hour photography

___________________________________________________________

STYLING & DISPLAY IDEAS:

• Choosing Your Frame A simple black frame looks clean and modern. Natural wood feels warm and coastal. White keeps it light and airy. Whatever you pick, stick to one frame style across a gallery wall so it looks intentional. All prints include a 1/2" white border for framing flexibility.
• What Size Goes Where
  • 5x7: desk, shelf, nightstand, or part of a gallery wall.
  • 8x10: standalone in a bathroom, bedroom, or hallway.
  • 11x14: statement piece above a sofa, bed, or dresser. When in doubt, go one size up. Prints almost always look better slightly larger than you expect.
• Building a Gallery Wall Odd numbers work best (3, 5, or 7 prints). Mix sizes for visual interest with a larger print as the anchor. Keep frames consistent. Lay it out on the floor before hanging anything. Renters: Command strips hold framed prints up to 8x10 without damaging walls.
• Where These Prints Live Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, bathrooms, hallways, beach houses, and rental properties. Coastal photography works in more spaces than you'd think — especially when the colors are warm rather than dark and moody.
• Gifting These make great housewarming gifts, holiday presents, and hostess gifts for anyone who loves New England. Ships unframed and ready to wrap.

___________________________________________________________

Questions about sizing or framing? Email me at kaitlyn@saltwaterstudioscohasset.com. I'm happy to help you choose the perfect print for your space. Looking for a different size? Custom orders available.

Ready to bring "Sankaty Sunrise Road" into your home? Choose your size above and add to cart.

___________________________________________________________

RELATED PRODUCTS YOU WILL LOVE:

• Shop all lighthouses 
• Shop all coastal photography wall art
• Complete your coastal photography collection with framed prints